Library News
Coming soon – a new library catalog experience!
Avon Library, along with 30+ other Library Connection members, will be migrating to a new library system this spring. The expected launch date is June 3. The new catalog will be easier to navigate and offer additional features. While we work towards this new system, here are some dates to keep in mind: April: The existing Library Connection Mobile app will no longer be available for download or update. If you have it installed, you can continue to use it. May 12-26: Holds may only be placed for pickup at the owning library. We will not be sending or receiving any more holds from other libraries until after June 3. May 27-June 3: Items cannot be placed on hold. You will not be able to login to your online account. You must have your library card to check out items;
Pride Month Programs, 2026
Join us for these events to celebrate Pride Month. Thursday, June 4, 2026, 4pm-7pm, in-person: Annual Pride Block Party. Join us across the street on the lawn of the West Avon Congregational Church from 4:00-7:00 to celebrate pride month! Visit booths from local organizations, make pride crafts, collect free books, stickers, and swag, and enjoy lawn games. Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 pm, via Zoom: Rainbow Wisdom: 18 LGBTQ+ Life Lessons for Everyone/Virtual Event with Mischa Oak Join us for a moderated conversation with Mischa Oak, to celebrate the release of Rainbow Wisdom: 18 LGBTQ+ Life Lessons for Everyone. These are joyful life lessons from the LGBTQ+ community to help you move through the world with more harmony, authenticity, and possibility. Register here Wednesday, June 10 at 3:00 pm, for TEENS, in person: LGBTQ+ Resistance. Protest Pin/Button Making A large part
America’s 250th
The Avon Library is working in conjunction with Avon’s 250th Coordinating Committee to plan events and programs to celebrate this anniversary. (Avon resident Shane Leighton created Avon’s 250th logo) For a complete list of town-wide events, click here For a reading list, click this link: America’s 250th AFPL Reading Guide Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 pm, Battlefield Connecticut: Three British Incursions During the War of the American Revolution (in-person). Details here Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 pm, A Revolution of Her Own: Deborah Sampson (dramatic event, off-site), held at the Avon Congregational Church. Details here Wednesday, June 10 at 3:00 pm, America 250 Teen: LGBTQ+ Resistance, Teen event. Details here Wednesday, July 1 at 2:00 pm, America 250 Teen: Native Resistance, Teen event. Details here Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00 pm, A Community Reading of The Declaration Of Independence: Meet The Connecticut Signers. Details here Thursday, July 9, at 6:30 pm, Connecticut’s Declaration of Independence, Details here Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 pm, Reading
Celebrate National Library Week 2026!
Join us this April as we celebration National Library Week, with the theme of “Find Your Joy” All events are free to attend, except the Friends Author Luncheon. April is Passport to CT Libraries month! Stop by the Circulation Desk, pick up a passport, and begin the quest to visit as many CT libraries as you can this month. Participate April 1-30 for a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card. Participation is free, ask at the Circulation Desk for more details. Passport to CT Libraries is sponsored by the Connecticut Library Association. 4/18/26: 11:00-2:00 pm, Makerspace Open House at the Library, (in-person), Details and register here 4/21/26: 2:00 pm, Poems with Robert Frost (in-person), Actor Stephen Collins will share readings and excerpts from Robert Frost’s work. Register here 4/22/26: 2:00 pm, A Defiant
Spring Gardening Series 2026
Join us for these gardening programs! May 11, 2026, 7:00 pm: The world of Peonies! The talk will intertwine the rich history of this storied plant along with practical advice on growing great peonies in New England. Details here June 22, 2026: 6:30 pm: a film screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar. Details here ~~~ Completed programs: Thursday – March 5, 2026, Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Tuesday – March 10, 2026, Historical Pottery Demonstration with Steinhagen Pottery Wednesday – March 18, 2026, Spring and Summer Gardening Tips (Virtual) Thursday – March 19, 2026, The Three Sisters Garden Tuesday – March 24, 2026, “Pot Herbs, Sallads and Roots”: Kitchen Gardens in Early America (In-Person)
Avon Then & Now Art Contest
Avon Then & Now is a community art challenge sponsored by the Avon Free Public Library’s Board of Directors and part of Avon’s America 250 celebration of the semi-quincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Residents are tasked with creating their own original art piece based on a topic from the Farmington Valley’s rich history. There are five categories of submission, with prizes! Students in grades K-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-12, and adults are all encouraged to enter. All media types are welcome; paintings, drawings, collages, prints, 3D models, and photographs. Illustrations can take the form of a single image, a poster, a vignette or map. Photography should be no smaller than 8” X 10”. Finished work should be no longer than 18” on one side and ready to hang. For inspiration, entrants are encourage to explore the