August 2019
Summer Film Series: Focus on Immigration – “Brooklyn”
Brooklyn - An Irish immigrant arrives in 1950’s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a romance with an Italian-American plumber. When her past catches up with her, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within. Rated PG-13, 1h 59m. Click here for trailer After the film, a discussion will be led by Bob Kagan, Professor of Communication at Central Connecticut State University and the University of Hartford. "Focus On Immigration" Film Series Summer 2019 Tuesday, August…
Find out more »Kristan & Marilyn: An evening of contemporary writers: Marilyn Simon Rothstein interviews Kristan Higgins
Kristan Higgins returns! She's visiting Avon to promote her new release, Life and Other Inconveniences.
Find out more »A Celebration of Cassatt
A Celebration of Cassatt Gabrielle Gaulin, Hill-Stead Education Specialist, will talk about the renowned artist Mary Cassatt, the lasting importance of her work, her relationship with Farmington’s Pope Family, and the museum’s collection of Cassatt’s paintings. Born in America in 1844, Cassatt lived most of her adult life in France where she became one of the leading artists in the Impressionist movement. Art historian Walter Pach said of Cassatt “Of all the American artists who can be associated with Impressionism,…
Find out more »Back to School: Road to a Good Report Card
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Back to School: Road to a Good Report Card This is a 60 minute presentation that focuses on getting students (at any grade level) back into the transition of school. Listen as Pasquale Cirone PhD, from the Huntington Learning Center, speak and you can learn 12 tips that will help your child get off to a great start of the school year. This program is ideal for parents of children and teens in Grades K-8.
Find out more »Woodstock: A 50th Anniversary Celebration
Woodstock turns 50! Join us for a 50th anniversary celebration of the Woodstock Music Festival presented by musician, author, photographer and radio host Craig Harris. Enjoy rare recordings, archival video, live music, and great stories! This program is for teens and adults. No registration required. Find your fringe, layer on your love beads, and have fun! "The Woodstock Music and Art Festival will surely go down in history as a mass event of great and positive significance in the life…
Find out more »Summer Film Series: Focus on Immigration – “Dirty Pretty Things”
Dirty Pretty Things - Okwe is an illegal Nigerian immigrant struggling to survive in London's underground. He works as a hotel receptionist in the night time and since he has a medical degree, he also practices medicine on the side. When he is offered a lot of money to perform illegal surgeries, he faces a moral dilemma. Rated R, 1h 37m. Click here for trailer After the film, a discussion will be led by Bob Kagan, Professor of Communication at…
Find out more »September 2019
“The Dames” Movie Matinee Series: Tea With The Dames
Tea With The Dames Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Joan Plowright, and Eileen Atkins, four of the leading ladies of British stage, screen, and television, meet at a country estate to reminisce about their careers, marriages, and and families. Join these four all-time greats - up close and unfiltered! (2018 ; 1 hr. and 24 min. ; NR) Free of charge and open to all. No need to register. Snacks will be provided.
Find out more »North Korea Book Discussion Series: Nothing to Envy
Avon Free Public Library International Book Discussion Series: North Korea Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019 7:00 PM Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019 7:00 PM Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019 7:00 PM The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson This is a book discussion led by librarian Cyndi Larsen featuring fictional and non-fictional books about North Korea. Copies will be available behind the reference desk. No registration. Please contact Cyndi Larsen…
Find out more »Free Practice ACT, PSAT, or SAT!
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Today’s test time: Thurs. September 5th, 4-7 PM The Avon Free Public Library is partnering with C2Education, located in Avon, to offer free practice tests for the ACT, PSAT, and the SAT for area high school students. How will you score? Find out by taking a full-length practice test (minus the essay); you will have 3 hours to complete whichever exam you choose, ACT. PSAT, or SAT. You will get a personalized score with your strengths and weaknesses. Students will…
Find out more »“The Dames” Movie Matinee Series: Ladies in Lavender
Ladies in Lavender Judi Dench and Maggie Smith star as two sisters whose quiet lives change dramatically when they discover a badly injured man washed ashore near their coastal home in pre-war England (2005 ; 1 hr. and 44 min.; Rated PG-13 The movie will be shown in the Community Room. Free and open to all. No need to register. Snacks provided.
Find out more »Poles in their homeland and Connecticut: History and Culture
Presented by Renata Vickrey, University Archivist and Outreach Librarian at CCSU. A lecture on the history and culture of Poles who emigrated from Poland to the US, from mid-19th century until the present. In addition to the reasons why this population immigrated, we will discuss the building of community, family traditions and customs, especially by the Poles who live in CT! Food from Little Poland (New Britain) will be served.
Find out more »Trauma Informed Communities
Justine Ginsberg, R.N., will teach us about the following: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) How trauma affects the brain Trauma Informed Communities – what does this mean? What are the components of trauma informed communities and how can we all play a role A BSN and a Registered Nurse with experience in both Intensive Care and Pediatrics in Australia, Justine has extensive experience working as a health educator in Australia and Europe and in health program development, successfully developing and implementing educational programs internationally and for the…
Find out more »The story of immigration as told through maps
Dr. Francis Coan, Tunxis Community College, will present the story of American Immigration as told through maps.
Find out more »“The Dames” Movie Matinee Series: Calendar Girls
Calendar Girls Helen Mirren, Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, and Linda Bassett star as members of a refined women's club who raise money by selling a risqué calendar. (2003 ; 1 hr.and 48 min. ; Rated PG-13) Shown in the Community Room. Free of charge and open to all. No need to register. Snacks provided.
Find out more »Homework: a Parent’s Survival Guide
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Homework: a Parent's Survival Guide This is a 60 minute presentation for today's busy parent of children and teens in Grades K-12. Listen to Pasquale Cirone PhD, from the Huntington Learning Center, talk about strategies to empower parents help their struggling child do better in school. During the program, parents are shown ways to structure their children's time and environment to improve homework performance.
Find out more »Fall “Outstanding” Film Series with Bob Kagan – The Namesake
After emigrating to America from India, young couple raises a family and establishes roots. Then -- while wrestling with issues of love, loss, and assimilation -- their homeland beckons. Will loyalty to cultural heritage win out? Based on a New York Times best-selling novel of the same name. Directed by Mira Nair, partially subtitled. Rated PG-13, 2 hours. After the film, a discussion will be led by Bob Kagan, Professor of Communication at Central Connecticut State University and the University…
Find out more »A night of surprises with author Lisa Unger
Special author event! Lisa Unger is known for her surprise twists, and we’re celebrating the release of her new book, THE STRANGER INSIDE, with surprise giveaways for the audience, desserts with a surprise inside, and more. Books will be for sale at this event. Lisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of seventeen novels, including THE STRANGER INSIDE (coming Sep. 17). With millions of readers worldwide and novels published in twenty-six languages, Lisa Unger is widely regarded as a master…
Find out more »Avon Churches Book Launch: 200 Years in the Making at Two Historic Meetinghouses
Book launch for Avon Church anniversaries!
Find out more »October 2019
North Korea Book Discussion Series: Escape from Camp 14
Avon Free Public Library International Book Discussion Series: North Korea Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019 7:00 PM Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019 7:00 PM Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019 7:00 PM The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson This is a book discussion led by librarian Cyndi Larsen featuring fictional and non-fictional books about North Korea. Copies will be available behind the reference desk. No registration. Please contact Cyndi Larsen…
Find out more »Medicare & Beyond
Wednesday, 10/2/19, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. or Wednesday, 11/6/19, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (The same content will be presented at each session) Program held at the Avon Free Public Library Are you turning 65 or just confused about Medicare? Medicare can be a confusing topic. This FREE seminar by the father-daughter team of Lou Pelletier and Jessica Pelletier from American Senior Benefits will educate you on the options and programs available. Learn what Medicare options best meet your…
Find out more »Sea Turtles of Costa Rica with Gary Melnysyn
Sea Turtles of Costa Rica with Gary Melnysyn Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 2 PM Gary is a self-taught photographer, artist and an avid outdoor enthusiast. He is a certified Master Naturalist, Master Wildlife Conservationist and National Park Service Ranger. Gary spent a month on a sea turtle conservation project in Ostional, Costa Rica, where he observed, collected data and helped preserve adult turtles. This presentation will focus on sea turtle migration and nesting habits, as well as the environmental…
Find out more »Beyond the Bicep: The Real Story of Rosie the Riveter
Her image has adorned everything from lunchboxes to lampshades, but what is the real story of Rosie the Riveter? Together we’ll trace her journey from propaganda poster to feminist icon while uncovering the history of the real life Rosies who not only inspired that infamous bicep, but whose work in wartime industries helped secure an Allied victory during World War II. Lecture led by Amanda Goodheart Parks, Ph.D., Historian.
Find out more »VNA Flu Vaccine Clinic
Flu Vaccine Clinic, provided by the Farmington Valley VNA Please bring your medical insurance card! Vaccines include: - High Dose for adults over 65 years - Quadrivalent for ages 5 years & older Call the Farmington Valley VNA: 860-651-3539 to make an appointment & to verify insurance "Walk-Ins Welcome"
Find out more »Free Practice ACT, PSAT, or SAT!
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Today’s test time: Tues. October 8th, 4-7 PM The Avon Free Public Library is partnering with C2Education, located in Avon, to offer free practice tests for the ACT, PSAT, and the SAT for area high school students. How will you score? Find out by taking a full-length practice test (minus the essay); you will have 3 hours to complete whichever exam you choose, ACT. PSAT, or SAT. You will get a personalized score with your strengths and weaknesses. Students will…
Find out more »When a child comes out: Providing Culturally Competent Support To Families
This workshop will focus on best practices for supporting families when their child comes out. Emerging research suggests that the single most significant factor in predicting outcomes for youth is the response of their families when the child comes out (Ryan, 2008). The results of a multi-year, mixed methods study conducted by Caitlin Ryan and her team for the Family Acceptance Project™, at the Cesar E. Chavez Institute, at San Francisco State University, clearly indicate the profound impact that family…
Find out more »Fall “Outstanding” Film Series with Bob Kagan – The Band’s Visit
Confusion abounds when an eight member Egyptian band journey to Israel to play at an Arab Cultural Center and takes a bus to the wrong town. They find themselves stranded in the desert somewhere between nowhere and not much else. Engrossing and at times comedic, this Israeli film spins a warm tale of human emotions. Basis for the currently popular Broadway play of the same name. Directed by Eran Kolirin, shown with subtitles. Rated PG-13, 1 hour 27 min. After each…
Find out more »Opioids: Where we are now?
Find out where we are within the opioid epidemic: What are the current patterns of use? How are doctors hanfling pain management? How has fentanyl changed the landscape? How are pharmaceutical companies responding? Where are hope, and help, being found? Dr. Charles McKay is the Associate Medical Director of the Connecticut Poison Control Center. He is the immediate past president of the American College of Medical Toxicology and a board member of the Medical Toxicology Foundation. The Foundation's goal is…
Find out more »Where the Crawdads Sing: Literature Discussion with Aimee Pozorski
It's the book everyone's reading: Where the Crawdads Sing. A literature discussion with Aimee Pozorski, CCSU.
Find out more »Italy through the Seasons with Lisa Phillips
This relaxed, informational and interactive travel talk is perfect for those who enjoy experiential vacations! This program will take you to Italy from north to south, including Sicily, and will introduce you to rich and meaningful seasonal experiences that are full of depth and discovery. Lisa Phillips is a travel designer and owner of Bella Europa Travel. For more information, contact Cyndi Larsen clarsen@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 ext 225. Free and open to the public. No registration.
Find out more »Taverns, Temperance, Teetotalers, and Tommy Guns: The Long History of Prohibition
Learn about the ubiquity of alcohol consumption in early America, the rise and influence of the temperance movement during the nineteenth century, and the progressive roots of Prohibition. Prohibition was one facet of old-stock American, rural, Protestant rule in the 1920's that brought about severe restrictions on immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and the rise of organized crime. By the election of Franklin Roosevelt in 1932, the nation acknowledged prohibition to have…
Find out more »PTSD/TBI and communities
Learn about these two important mental health challenges and see why there is often a misdiagnosis of one or both of these disorders, especially since they share many of the same symptoms. Justine Ginsberg, R.N., cover: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): it’s not just for veterans PTSD can happen to anyone who is exposed to abnormally high levels of stress or life threatening/changing events. Car accidents, sexual assault, domestic abuse, natural disasters and high risk environments can all trigger PTSD…
Find out more »Fall “Outstanding” Film Series with Bob Kagan – “Wild”
In this riveting dramatization, Reese Witherspoon portrays the author of a New York Times #1 best-selling memoir. Suffering from loss, addiction and personal tragedy -- and with no hiking experience -- she sets out on an 1100 mile hike along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Willing herself over mountains, through snow, and conquering self-doubt and pain, she discovers the strength of the human spirit. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee. Rated R, 1 hour 55 min. After each film, a discussion will…
Find out more »November 2019
Transgender 101: What’s it all about?
You’re probably hearing the word “transgender” more and more, but do you really know what it’s all about? Here’s your chance to learn what it means to be transgender, in a safe and comfortable space. Jill Celentano is a 58 year-old transgender woman who transitioned four years ago. She will share her personal journey, victories and hardships, and will be happy to answer questions. Her discussion will cover: The coming out process Transition, acceptance Right and wrong questions to ask…
Find out more »Essential Oils 101 with Susan Cote
Join certified aromatherapist Susan Cote for an afternoon all about essential oils. Learn what they are, how they are made, how to apply them, and how to choose the right one for you. The program will conclude with an opportunity to make your own lavender sachet to bring home for yourself or for gift giving! This program is for adults and teens. No need to register.
Find out more »“The James” Movie Series: Rear Window
This week's "James" is... JAMES STEWART! James Stewart stars with Grace Kelly in Rear Window, one of Alfred Hitchcock's most stylish thrillers. (1954 ; 1 hr. and 52 min. ; Rated PG-13) Free, open to all, no need to register. Snacks will be provided.
Find out more »North Korea Book Discussion Series: The Orphan Master’s Son
Avon Free Public Library International Book Discussion Series: North Korea Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019 7:00 PM Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019 7:00 PM Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019 7:00 PM The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson This is a book discussion led by librarian Cyndi Larsen featuring fictional and non-fictional books about North Korea. Copies will be available behind the reference desk. No registration. Please contact Cyndi Larsen…
Find out more »Free Practice ACT, PSAT, or SAT!
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Today’s test time: Thurs. November 14th, 4-7 PM The Avon Free Public Library is partnering with C2Education, located in Avon, to offer free practice tests for the ACT, PSAT, and the SAT for area high school students. How will you score? Find out by taking a full-length practice test (minus the essay); you will have 3 hours to complete whichever exam you choose, ACT. PSAT, or SAT. You will get a personalized score with your strengths and weaknesses. Students will…
Find out more »Fall “Outstanding” Film Series with Bob Kagan – “Man on Wire”
Final Film of the Fall Series! Step back in time to 1974 and walk the high wire with Philippe Petit. As a young man in France, Petit learned to walk tightropes. What better way to prove himself than to string a wire between the towers of the World Trade Center in New York? This documentary follows Petit and his team on a clandestine operation as they get their equipment to the top of the tower and span the 150-foot gap…
Find out more »December 2019
Luscious Liqueurs
Liqueurs are fun and flavorful, strong and sweet, and are usually served after a meal. This program will inspire you with fun ideas for holiday entertaining using a variety of delicious alcoholic spirits. You’ll also learn about the history of the Hartford Flavor Company and how they create their unique, artisanal, flavors using ingredients such as fresh cucumbers, lavender, rose petals, cranberries, birch bark, spices and herbs. The program also includes an opportunity to sample the liqueurs! Please note: The…
Find out more »Holidays with Lisa Wingate: Special Skpe Program
Join us as we SKYPE with author Lisa Wingate! More details soon.
Find out more »Free Practice ACT, PSAT, or SAT!
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Today’s test time: Thurs. December 12th, 4-7 PM The Avon Free Public Library is partnering with C2Education, located in Avon, to offer free practice tests for the ACT, PSAT, and the SAT for area high school students. How will you score? Find out by taking a full-length practice test (minus the essay); you will have 3 hours to complete whichever exam you choose, ACT. PSAT, or SAT. You will get a personalized score with your strengths and weaknesses. Students will…
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