News & Info

The latest news, information, book lists, and more—from Berlin-Peck Memorial Library!

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Building
The Welcoming Library
November 15, 2024

We’re so excited to bring The Welcoming Library to Berlin through the end of January! The Welcoming Library is a portable collection of acclaimed picture books chosen to spark conversations about immigration, belonging and welcoming.

Author Talks Booklist
November 4, 2024

Titles by authors who have given talks through Author Talks Online.

Books for Native American Heritage Month

Learn about Native American history and hear the voices of Native Americans.

November Newsletter
October 30, 2024

Honoring volunteers and those who serve. Plus, author talks, fun food events, book clubs, and more!

First, Not Last: Portraits Celebrating Individuals Who Broke Political Barriers in 2020

Assemblages by Sarah Schneiderman, on display November 2 through November 30.

November Children’s Department Newsletter
October 25, 2024

We have SO MUCH going on here at the library in the month of November!

Books Set in the 1960s and 70s
October 22, 2024

Novels that capture the spirit of the times, as well as nonfiction that explore the people and events that shaped history.

Teen October/November Newsletter
October 7, 2024

Hello Autumn! Check out our Teen events for October and November.

2024 General Election Voter Information
October 2, 2024

Are you registered to vote? Are you eligible to vote by mail? What are the deadlines? Get answers with this handy FAQ!

New Horror
October 1, 2024

New horror novels to get you ready for the spooky season!

October Children’s Department Newsletter
September 30, 2024

🎃 Our October e-newsletter has dropped, and we have plenty of programs and activities to keep the family busy, including a StoryWalk®at the Berlin Veterans’ Park, dancing with Miss Britt, a Minion Matinee, storytimes, and more! 🍂

October Newsletter

Our first-ever One Book One Berlin—plus TONS of events!

Dark Academia Books
September 27, 2024

Moody, mysterious tales of ambition, intellect, and the shadowy side of academia.

Books for National Friends of Libraries Week

Celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week with books about libraries!

September Newsletter
September 4, 2024

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Earn entries into our raffle—plus some great events!

Teen September Newsletter
August 30, 2024

Our September Teen Newsletter is here! Check it out!

September Children’s Department Newsletter
August 27, 2024

September brings storytimes, STEAM, Library Card Sign-Up Month and more!

Beyond the Grocery Store
August 21, 2024

Learn about food and the food industry, from the history of the humble potato to global agribusiness.

August Newsletter
July 31, 2024

Check out what’s happening at the library!

Children’s Department Closed August 14th!
July 30, 2024

We’re getting NEW picture book shelving! The Children’s Department will be closed on Wednesday, August 14th so we can move books onto our new picture book shelves. We’re really excited and think you’ll love the new shelving! We’ll have a small selection of books in the lobby to check out, however. Thank you for your […]

August Children’s Department Newsletter
July 26, 2024

August brings new Picture Book shelving, Pokemon, a Crafternoon, VR & Virtual Reality, an Ice Cream Party and more!

Welcome to the New Pecking Order!
July 18, 2024

We’re changing the way we organize our adult non-fiction books!

July Newsletter
July 3, 2024

New construction, a new pop-up book sale, and fun upcoming events!

July Children’s Department Newsletter
June 27, 2024

July is filled with summer fun at the library!

June Newsletter
June 4, 2024

See what’s happening this June—summer reading and more!

June Children’s Department Newsletter
May 30, 2024

We’re WILD about reading this summer!

Freida McFadden Read-Alikes
May 23, 2024

If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, try these authors and novels!

2024 Beach Reads
May 22, 2024

Dive into our curated collection of beach reads, perfect for soaking up the sun while losing yourself in captivating stories and lighthearted adventures.

Teen Volunteers Needed!
May 13, 2024

Are you entering grades 7-12? Do you enjoy working with children? Do you need volunteer hours? The Children’s Department is looking for volunteers to assist with our Summer Reading Program!

Artist Carol Welz
May 8, 2024

Experience the beauty of nature through Carol Welz’s paintings!

May Newsletter
April 30, 2024

Explore history and culture, from the American chestnut tree to the invasion of Normandy—plus a workshop on listening skills!

We Go Together: Historical Fiction and Nonfiction Pairings
April 26, 2024

Explore historical events through the lens of both factual accounts and creative storytelling!

Books for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
April 25, 2024

Celebrating the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

2nd Annual Poetry & Art Exhibit Reception and Poetry Reading
April 1, 2024

We’re hosting a multi-generational poetry and art exhibit on the theme of growing!

Children’s Department April Newsletter
March 26, 2024

Spring into April with fun programs for all ages!

April Newsletter

Explore CT libraries, celebrate Poetry Month, and a whole lot more!

Passport to CT Libraries starts April 1!
March 20, 2024

Take a tour of Connecticut’s libraries!

An Evening With Author Megan Dowd Lambert
March 18, 2024

Parents, teachers, and caregivers are invited to join us for an evening with author and educator Megan Dowd Lambert.

Children’s Department March Newsletter
March 1, 2024

Feeling lucky? Check out the Children’s Department March Newsletter!

March Newsletter
February 29, 2024

Welcoming Anne as our new Head of Adult Services—plus gardening programs, a book tasting, Let’s Talk Race, and dog behavior.

Quilting Books
February 20, 2024

From beginner to advanced, fancy to scrap-saving—expand your quilting repertoire.

Novels Based on the Lives of Real Women
February 16, 2024

Read a fictional book based on the life of a real women.! All-Year Reading Challenge • 2024

Books to Celebrate the Lunar New Year
February 6, 2024

Check out these new novels and non-fiction exploring Asian and Asian-American heritage!

Children’s Department February Newsletter
February 2, 2024

There’s a lot to love about February: storytimes, a Special Guy Dance, STEAM, Library Littles Playgroup, and more!

Teen February/March Newsletter

Cupcake Wars, Crafts & Conversation, Art and Poetry Nights, and more are in store for February!

February Newsletter
February 1, 2024

A message from our new director—and some great programs!

Unveiling Our Three-Year Strategic Plan
January 31, 2024

A new three-year strategic plan.

New Library Director at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library
January 30, 2024

Meet our new Library Director!

Books for Black History Month
January 25, 2024

Check out the library’s picks for Black History Month!

Fiction Inspired by Real Life
January 23, 2024

Read a fictional book based on real life events! All-Year Reading Challenge • 2024

Birds on the Cover
January 22, 2024

Read a book with a bird on the cover! All-Year Reading Challenge • 2024

AARP Tax Aide

Free tax prep for low and middle-income taxpayers. Call 860-828-7126 or visit the Library to schedule.

Magical Realism
January 18, 2024

Read a book with magical realism! All-Year Reading Challenge • 2024

Debut Fiction

Read an author’s debut novel or first published book! All-Year Reading Challenge • 2024

Free Winter Getaways 🏖
January 17, 2024

Check out these books that will cure your wanderlust and help you escape through the pages of a book!

January Newsletter
January 3, 2024

How to build a library—plus Courageous Conversations and the Six Word Memoir contest!

Children’s Department January Newsletter
December 27, 2023

It’s going to be a wonderful year! Check out what’s in store at the start of 2024!

New Year, New Me!
December 20, 2023

Be your best self—or even learn a new skill or hobby in the new year!

Booking Around Brrrlin Community Scavenger Hunt
December 12, 2023

A community-wide scavenger hunt with a frosty twist!

2023 Best Books
December 11, 2023

Can’t get enough bestsellers? This list is for you!

Top Checkouts of 2023

Check out what your fellow Berlin-Peck patrons have been reading this year!

Teen December/January Newsletter
December 5, 2023

There’s SNOW much going on the next few months, from the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and Pop Tart Pillow Making to Booking Around Brrrlin and Late Night Exam Study Hours for BHS students!

December Newsletter
December 4, 2023

Our annual gingerbread house contest—plus, looking forward to 2024!

Children’s Department December Newsletter
November 27, 2023

Our December Children’s Department calendar is here! It’s a busy month, and we’re looking forward to everything from storytimes to a Noon Year’s Eve countdown!

UpLit Books
November 8, 2023

Uplifting and inspirational books!

Children’s Department November Newsletter
November 2, 2023

Our November newsletter is here, and we’re having DINO FUN all month long!

November Newsletter
November 1, 2023

Changing seasons, visiting family, and brain health—plus some great events!

Dinovember!
October 24, 2023

Dino-vember is here! Visit us in the Children’s Department for DINO FUN all MONTH LONG! We will have a Dino-mite Scavenger Hunt, Dinosaur Crafts & Michele Urban’s Find Your Dinosaur Roar Program to celebrate!

Let’s Be Friends!
October 15, 2023

National Friends of Libraries Week is October 15-21! 

2023 Community Survey
October 7, 2023

Your input is vital in shaping our programs and services! Take a moment to complete our Community Survey. ♥

Teen October Newsletter
October 4, 2023

Interested in being a part of a Teen Advisory Board? Need recommendations for new Horror books? Check out the Teen October Newsletter!

Children’s Department October Newsletter!
October 3, 2023

The Children’s Department’s October newsletter is here! Open it if you dare!

Horror Books for October
October 2, 2023

Check out a horror book for the spookiest month of the year!

October Newsletter

Let us know how the library can better serve the community—plus a horror story contest and a TON of events!

Murder and Mystery in the Library
September 19, 2023

Getting ready for Halloween? Check out a cozy mystery or supernatural thriller… at the library!

Final Girls Book List

Books featuring final girls who survive the horror!

Books for Suicide Prevention Month
September 13, 2023

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

Storytimes Are Back!
September 7, 2023

Our weekly storytimes resume the week of September 12! Join us for Wiggles & Giggles (ages birth – 23 months), Little Waddlers (ages 2-3), or Mother Goose on the Loose (ages birth-5). Visit our Event Calendar for dates and times.

2023 Adult Summer Reading Most Popular Books
September 1, 2023

A booklist is created by our summer readers! We’ve done the math to see which books were the most popular in the 2023 Adult Summer Reading program.

September Newsletter

A raffle for Library Card Sign-Up Month, new databases, and a chance to provide ideas and feedback on the library!

September 11 Book List
August 31, 2023

Books and resources to help understand the events of September 11, 2001.

Books for Hispanic Heritage Month
August 9, 2023

Celebrating the contributions and rich cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latinx individuals.

Short Stories
August 8, 2023

In the mood for a quick read?

Graphic Novels (For People Who Don’t Read Graphic Novels)
August 7, 2023

Welcome to the world of graphic novels! (Don’t worry—we’ve skipped the superheroes for this list.)

Mysteries and Thrillers 🌵🌊
August 4, 2023

Would you rather be trapped surrounded by too much water (the sea) or not enough (the desert)?

Ten books about tomatoes! 🍅
August 3, 2023

Books for tomato lovers!

August Newsletter
July 31, 2023

Adding a little fun to the last days of summer!

Children’s Department August Calendar
July 28, 2023

It’s the dog days of summer, and our August calendar is here! From meteorite explorations to Family Jammie Storytime, we have something for everyone!

Jasmine Guillory Read-Alikes
July 13, 2023

If you’re a fan of Jasmine Guillory, try these authors and novels!

New Horror 😱
July 12, 2023

Tired of the typical beach reads? Looking for something to keep you on the edge of your seat? Check out our latest arrivals in horror!

Elin Hilderbrand Read-Alikes
July 6, 2023

Is it even Summer without a new Elin Hilderbrand book? While you’re waiting for her newest, here are some similar books and authors!

July Newsletter
July 5, 2023

It’s our busiest time of year!

Dementia and Caregivers
June 29, 2023

Books for those caring for or living with dementia.

Armchair Travel
June 28, 2023

Travel the world through books!

Emily Henry Read-Alikes
June 15, 2023

If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, try these authors and novels!

Colleen Hoover Read-Alikes

If you’re a fan of Colleen Hoover, try these authors and novels!

Summer Reading Is Here! ☀📚
June 12, 2023

Summer reading for all ages—even adults!

June Newsletter
June 3, 2023

A refreshed space, lots of programs, and a Juneteenth celebration!

High School Classics
May 24, 2023

Classic novels usually assigned in high school!

May Newsletter
May 1, 2023

New carpet, news about ebooks—and we’ll see you at the Kensington Garden Club Plant Sale!

Books for Mothers Day
April 26, 2023

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 14! Why not celebrate with a book?

Books for Memorial Day

Books that tell the story of those who served in the United States Armed Forces.

1st Annual Young Poets & Artists Exhibit!
April 19, 2023

This April the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Children’s/Teen Departments will be hosting a poetry and art exhibit on the theme of water! Click to find out how you can participate!

April Showers Bring May Flowers
April 5, 2023

While you’re waiting for those May flowers, check out these fiction books with floral covers!

April Newsletter
March 31, 2023

April showers, new seed library additions, and a new coat of paint!

National Public Health Week
March 29, 2023

National Public Health Week takes place on the first full week of April. This booklist includes excellent books on a wide variety of health topics.

2023 Reader’s Retreat Books
March 27, 2023

The books from March 2023’s Reader’s Retreat.

Children’s Department April Newsletter
March 15, 2023

Our Children’s Department April Newsletter is filled with all things Spring! From Spring Vacation programs to storytimes to slime, check out our schedule of events!

March Newsletter
March 2, 2023

New computers (finally!) and a new statement on diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

Children’s Department March Newsletter
March 1, 2023

Our Children’s Department March Newsletter is here! From a Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt to a Family Jammie Storytime, we’re gearing up for Spring!

Books for Women’s History Month
February 23, 2023

March is Women’s History Month!

Books for Black History Month
February 8, 2023

Check out the library’s picks for Black History Month!

February Newsletter
February 1, 2023

F is for February and finances. Plus, our second annual First Line Literary Contest is here!

Anti-Valentines Day Books
January 31, 2023

Books to make you happy you’re single, help you get over a breakup, and more!

Books on U.S. Presidents
January 27, 2023

Looking to read about the U.S. Presidents? Here’s are some quick links to the Library’s collection!

Books to Celebrate the Lunar New Year
January 17, 2023

Check out these new novels and non-fiction exploring Asian and Asian-American heritage!

Books for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 13, 2023

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by learning more about the man and his mission!

Fall in Love with Reading Again 
January 9, 2023

The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library is starting a new, year-long initiative to help adults fall in love with reading.

January Newsletter
January 7, 2023

Looking to explore new skills in 2023? We’ve got you covered: learn meditation, become a little smarter, try your hand at writing a memoir (in only 6 words!), organize and declutter, and communicate more effectively with your healthcare provider among many other programs.

Children’s Department January Newsletter
January 3, 2023

Happy New Year! Start the year off right by accepting a snowman-themed winter reading challenge, attending a playgroup, or playing some board games!

New Year, New Me
December 28, 2022

Books to help you make the best out of 2023!

Children’s Department Staff Picks 2022
December 6, 2022

Give the gift of a good book this season!

Books to Make You Bright
December 5, 2022

Get a little smarter this winter!

2022 Best Books

Can’t get enough bestsellers? This list is for you!

2022 Staff Favorites

Check out what Berlin-Peck staff read and loved in 2022!

Children’s Department December Newsletter
December 2, 2022

Wanna build a snowman? Check out all the *cool* events happening this month!

Teen December & January Newsletter

Everything going on for teens at the library in December and January!

December Newsletter
December 1, 2022

Hands down, the best thing about the library this year is you, our patrons.

The Art of Cozy
November 29, 2022

Winter is in the air… it’s time to break out the warm socks and hot drinks!

2022 Winter Holiday Books
November 28, 2022

New books for the winter holidays!

Books for Native American Heritage Month
November 10, 2022

Learn about Native American history and hear the voices of Native Americans.

Books on Ukraine and Russia
November 2, 2022

Learn about Ukrainian history, culture, and current events.

November Newsletter
November 1, 2022

Get in the holiday spirit with streaming Hallmark movies and a bow making class, plus Kensington Garden Club’s annual Veterans Memorial Tree.

Children’s Department November Newsletter
October 27, 2022

The Children’s Department’s November Newsletter has arrived, and it’s dino-mite!

Be A Makerspace Mentor!
October 19, 2022

Do you like working with children? Do you love video gaming, crafting, building, robotics, coding, and/or making in general? Then consider applying to be a Makerspace Mentor!

Children’s Department October Newsletter
October 4, 2022

Our Children’s Department newsletter for October is scary good!

October Newsletter
October 3, 2022

This month we are offering several programs focused on nature—plus a 5-week, in person program focused on helping you find purpose, feed your brain, and challenge your mind daily.

The Book You’ve Recommended Most
September 29, 2022

Check out what your fellow Berlin-Peck readers recommend!

Magic and Witches

What’s more Halloween than magic and witches?

What’s Your Poison?

The choice of classic whodunits, Victorian serial killers, assassins, and even employers. This Halloween, read up on the scary world of poisons and other toxic substances.

Read Around the World

This October, the Library’s display case will feature books written by authors from—and set in—countries all over the world.

Brain Health Series
September 27, 2022

Take care of your brain to live a happy, healthy, fulfilling life!

The Sandman
August 31, 2022

In honor of Netflix’s new adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman, we’ve put together a quick guide to this classic 90s graphic novel.

September Newsletter

September is National Library Card Sign-Up month!

Back to School!
August 24, 2022

Set yourself up for a great school year with the library! The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library has everything your student needs to stay engaged with learning and have a great school year whether they are entering preschool or starting their last year of middle school. Click for our Back-to-School Newsletter.

Campus Novels
August 4, 2022

Embrace the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of college with these novels about the college experience.

Dive Into Drinks

Discover the world’s most popular drinks: tea, coffee, milk, beer, wine, and cocktails!

August Newsletter
August 3, 2022

Summer is in full swing! We don’t yet have a hammock—but we do have an outdoor projector for a movie night under the stars, life-size Jenga, puzzles, board games, and yard games! Plus, the Friends book sale has additional hours this month.

Children’s Department August Newsletter
July 26, 2022

Click to view the Children’s Department August newsletter!  

Books for Happiness
July 20, 2022

Looking for happiness? Try looking in a book!

Rock & Roll Books
July 19, 2022

Have a rock & roll summer with a rock memoir, history, or novel!

July Newsletter
July 1, 2022

Summer days are full of possibilities!

Books for World Chocolate Day
June 28, 2022

Learn about the chocolate industry, make some tasty chocolate treats, or read a chocolate-themed novel!

Independence Day 2022

Our newest books on America, early American history, and the American Revolution.

Booking Around Berlin: Superhero Summer!
June 27, 2022

The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Children’s Department is excited to announce that the Booking Around Berlin Community Scavenger Hunt has retuned! It runs through July 31, 2022, and people of all ages are welcome to participate!

Staff Top Tens
June 16, 2022

Our top ten favorite books by genre!

Teen Summer Events
June 7, 2022

Check out what’s happening this summer! The Teen Scratch Ticket Challenge, Games Unplugged, Books & Bites, Jamilah Henna Creations, and more!              

Children’s Department Summer Events!

Our full summer calendar of events is here! Read & Bead, the Super Ducky Club, and so much more!

June Newsletter
June 6, 2022

Events for Juneteenth, voting and elections, wildlife, two author talks, a mini concert—and more!

2022 Beach Reads
May 25, 2022

Warm weather is here already—and so are this year’s beach reads!

Books for LGBTQIA Pride Month
May 20, 2022

June is LGBTQIA Pride Month! We’ve gathered together some great fiction, non-fiction, memoir and biography.

Books for Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States, as well as African American freedom, education, and achievement.

Children’s Department May Newsletter
May 4, 2022

Click on the link to view our May Newsletter! It’s egg-ceptional!

May Newsletter
May 3, 2022

A thanks to our Friends, Amazon Smile supporters, and the Berlin Lions Club—plus, check out our new library app, and some awesome events in May!

Check out our new app!
May 2, 2022

Library Connection Mobile (LCI Mobile), is now LIVE for both iOS and Android. The app allows you to search the library catalog, access your account, see upcoming events, borrow museum and zoo passes, connect to databases, and more.

Teen April Newsletter
April 7, 2022

Click on the link to view the April Teen Newsletter!

Children’s Department April Newsletter
April 4, 2022

Click to view the April Children’s Department Newsletter!

New Cookbooks
March 28, 2022

Find your new favorite recipe!

Books for World Autism Awareness Day
March 24, 2022

Learn about the lives of people with autism, as well as self-help and treatment advice, and the science behind autism.

Books for Earth Day
March 22, 2022

Maverick climate scientists, forest wisdom, and plastic squid—this Earth day, discover more about the Earth we live on!

New Poetry for National Poetry Month

Celebrate poetry month this April!

March Children’s Department Newsletter
March 3, 2022

Our March Children’s Department Newsletter is here! We’re thinking colorful Spring thoughts here in the Children’s Department this month! We’re so excited about all the wonderful things that Spring brings, including a rainbow-themed drop-in, a weather-themed scavenger hunt, a special St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt, and of course, lots of brand new books.

March Newsletter
March 1, 2022

An update on ebooks—plus, we’re resuming some indoor programming!

Books About Ireland
February 24, 2022

This St. Patrick Day, read about Ireland and Irish Americans.

Books for Women’s History Month

Learn about the women have made to history, science, culture, and contemporary society.

Courageous Conversations Reads: Social Safety Nets
February 18, 2022

Additional optional reading for March 2022’s Courageous Conversations discussion.

Courageous Conversations Reads: Health Care
February 5, 2022

Additional reading for February 2022’s Courageous Conversations on Health Care.

Teen Services February Newsletter
February 1, 2022

Our Teen Services February newsletter is here! What’s new? Switch, PS4, Xbox, and Wii games are now available to check out from the Children’s Department! Just grab the case of the game off the shelf and ask for the disc or cartridge at the Front Desk when you check out. Video games check out for one week, limit 3 per library card.

February Newsletter

Winter holidays and events—plus tax season information and our new Lucky Day collection!

Children’s Department February Newsletter
January 31, 2022

February is filled with LOVE! Help us celebrate Valentine’s Day and Library Lovers’ Month with drop-in and Grab & Go activities. Participate in Take Your Child to the Library Week between January 31 and February 5 and earn a goodie bag. And if you love video games, the Children’s Department is now circulating Switch, PS4, Xbox, and Wii games! There’s a lot to love at the library.

New Romance for Valentine’s Day
January 27, 2022

Get ready for Valentine’s Day with 2022’s best new romance!

Books About Asian Heritage to Celebrate the Lunar New Year

Check out these novels and memoirs exploring Asian and Asian-American heritage!

Take Your Child to the Library Week
January 25, 2022

Celebrate with us! Bring your child to the library and check out children’s materials between Monday, January 31, and Saturday, February 5 for a special goodie bag! One bag per child, while supplies last. 

Winter 2022 Book Tasting
January 22, 2022

Highlighting the most anticipated books of 2022!

In the News! Courageous Converstaions
January 21, 2022

The Library’s new Courageous Conversations program is in the news!

Taxes
January 13, 2022

Information on Connecticut and Federal taxes, tax forms, and AARP Tax Aide.

January Newsletter
January 1, 2022

Top checkouts of 2021, courageous conversations, AARP Tax Aide, and more!

New Year, New Me
December 22, 2021

Books to help with your 2022 New Year’s resolutions!

Top Checkouts of 2021
December 21, 2021

As we celebrate the end of 2021 and the beginning of the new year, let’s take a look back at the year’s most popular books!

Children’s December Newsletter
December 15, 2021

It’s the time of year for mittens, hot chocolate, twinkly lights, and SNOW!

December Newsletter
December 1, 2021

Winter updates; fine-ally free (no more fines!); and a quick Tax Aide update.

In-Laws in Town?
November 23, 2021

Useful advice for navigating the holidays and communicating with family.

Books to Make You Bright

Get a little “brighter” this winter!

2021 Staff Favorites
November 21, 2021

Check out what Berlin-Peck staff read and loved in 2021!

Fine-ally Free!
November 17, 2021

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library is doing away with overdue fines!

November is DiNovember!
November 10, 2021

November is Dinovember! Join us all month long for a ROARING good time @ the library.

New Holiday Books!
November 9, 2021

Curl up with a good book for the winter holidays.

Mental Health Books
November 4, 2021

Explore mental health tools and techniques, learn about psychology, and process your own personal experiences.

Books About Adoption

November is National Adoption Month.

Books for Veteran’s Day
November 3, 2021

Veteran memoirs, real stories, and other non-fiction about the armed services.

November Newsletter
November 1, 2021

We’re splitting the newsletter into adult, teen, and children’s! Plus, great books for Thanksgiving.

Books for Thanksgiving
October 29, 2021

Berlin-Peck has hundreds of cookbooks as well as books on pie, cookies, cake, and baking! We’ve gathered together some great books to help you get in the spirit of the holiday.

Veterans Tree

The Kensington Garden Club will display their annual Veterans Memorial Tree to honor those who have served. To add the name of a local Veteran or a family member of a local resident, fill out this quick form!

20 Books About Thankfulness
October 26, 2021

Slow down and express gratitude for the good things in life ♥

Horror Books for Halloween

Thrills and chills!

October Newsletter
October 1, 2021

October means changing leaves—and book releases! Plus our Vaccine Clinic on October 21, upcoming Director’s hours, and our new subscription to BBC Literary Adaptations.

Storytimes in Sage Park
September 30, 2021

Join us for storytimes in Sage Park! Little Owls and Mother Goose on the Loose storytimes (birth – preschool) include stories, music, fingerplays, and fun! Registration is required.

COVID-19 News & Support
September 28, 2021

Information about COVID-19, vaccines, and booster shots.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
September 15, 2021

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dyslexia Awareness Month
September 14, 2021

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month.

2021 Adult Summer Reading Most Popular Books
September 3, 2021

A booklist is created by our summer readers! We’ve done the math to see which books were the most popular in the 2021 Adult Summer Reading program.

September Newsletter
September 1, 2021

Summer Reading comes to a close, COVID-19 updates, and upcoming author talks!

September 11 Book List
August 26, 2021

Books and resources to help understand the events of September 11, 2001.

Books on Afghanistan and the Taliban
August 21, 2021

Read about the complex issues surrounding Afghanistan and the Taliban.

Back to School Books for Parents
August 10, 2021

August is coming to an end, and you know what that means!

Women Looking Away in Period Costume

Historical fiction with one little thing in common.

Check out an iPad!
August 4, 2021

Check out an iPad (for in-library use) at the Children’s Reference Desk! Our iPads have pre-loaded apps and games for kids, and don’t connect to the internet. Adults can check one out (with a valid photo ID) for use in the Children’s Department. iPads are disinfected after each use. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.

August Newsletter
August 2, 2021

Lawn games, summer reading, new Spanish and Polish collections, and more!

Books and Films to Get You in the Olympic Spirit
July 20, 2021

Get in the Olympic spirit with non-fiction, memoirs, novels, and movies.

July Newsletter
July 1, 2021

A welcome from the library’s new director, Kim McNally—plus a community scavenger hunt, yard games, and more.

Books for Independence Day

Discover America’s history!

Audiobooks Narrated by Screen Actors
June 23, 2021

Audiobooks narrated by famous actors (and famous authors!)

Summer Reading 2021
June 17, 2021

Reading programs for adults, teens, and kids starting June 22.

Summer Grilling and Picnic Cookbooks
June 15, 2021

Celebrate National Grilling Month and National Picnic Month!

Books for Father’s Day
June 14, 2021

Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 20!

2021 Beach Reads
June 11, 2021

Enjoy the warm weather (or the cool air conditioning!) with a novel!

Audiobooks
June 1, 2021

Read a book with your ears!

June Newsletter

Saturdays are back! Plus, the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit, masks in the library, and a short summer reading update.

Books for LGBTQIA Pride Month

June is LGBTQIA Pride Month! We’ve gathered together some great fiction, non-fiction, memoir and biography.

Books for Memorial Day
May 24, 2021

Celebrate Memorial Day with a book that tell the story of those who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Our Animal Friends
May 20, 2021

Learn all about our animal friends the with these new books.

New NOLO Legal Guides
May 19, 2021

Looking to sell your house, repair your credit, settle an estate, or go to small claims court? If you need legal advice, check out a NOLO guide!

Get Crafty With Your Old Books
May 12, 2021

Love books? Love crafts? Show off your love of the written word with these fun book crafts!

May Newsletter
May 4, 2021

Updates on the Seed Library, RBdigital, the Friends book sale, and new bookdrop hours.

Books for Mother’s Day
April 30, 2021

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 9!

Adult Summer Reading
April 23, 2021

Adult Summer Reading at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library

Books for Earth Day
April 20, 2021

Earth Day is coming up April 22! We’ve gathered together some books to help you get in touch with nature.

What to Read for Talk Like Shakespeare Day
April 19, 2021

If thou wouldst like to read more about the Bard and his works, get thee to a library and borrow these books!

Books for National Gardening Day
April 12, 2021

Roll up your sleeves—April 14 is National Gardening Day! We’ve gathered our best new books on gardening for your enjoyment.

Celebrate National Library Week with a book!
April 5, 2021

National Library Week is April 4-10 this year! Celebrate with a book about libraries or librarians.

April Newsletter
April 1, 2021

A fond farewell from Library Director Helen Malinka.

Poetry for World Poetry Day
March 16, 2021

World Poetry Day is Sunday, March 21! Celebrate with a book of poetry.

Bored? Check Out A Board Game!
March 15, 2021

We currently own nearly 80 different games for all ages (including preschoolers, elementary school students, tweens, teens, and games for families). They are located in the Children’s Department. 

NEW! Teen Take Out Boxes
March 8, 2021

Love the idea of a book subscription box but don’t want to spend the cash? Teen Take Out Boxes to the rescue! Each monthly box will include a YA library book in your choice of genre, a snack, a craft, and bookmarks, buttons, stickers, and other goodies. You keep the goodies and return the book!

Books for Women’s History Month

From the civil rights movement to women’s basketball, astronomy, and Britney Spears—celebrate Women’s History Month with a book about women!

Friends Book Sale Re-Opening
March 3, 2021

Starting March 2021, the Friends of the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Booksale will be open Wednesdays 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Check Out Our New Teen Section!
March 2, 2021

Our Teen section has moved!

Get the Wall Street Journal—with your library card!

Your Berlin-Peck library card now gives you access to The Wall Street Journal online.

March Newsletter
March 1, 2021

Updates on the Friends book sale, our new FamilySearch affiliation, library cards for Berlin businesses, board games, teen take out boxes, and the new teen section!

Must-Read Personal Finance Books
February 24, 2021

Get your personal finances in order with these books on retirement, saving, and building wealth!

Read About Pandemics in History

Interested in learning more about vaccines and pandemics? Check out these books compiled for our recent program on COVID-19.

Book Tasting Menu
February 6, 2021

Check out these tasty books we enjoyed in this winter’s online Book Tasting event!

February Newsletter
February 4, 2021

Check out the news about our passport office, homework help, assistance for veterans, tax forms, the seed library—plus events coming up in February.

Celebrating Black History Month: Children’s Picks
February 3, 2021

Check out these inspiring titles in honor of Black History Month.

Books for Black History Month
January 29, 2021

Check out the library’s picks for Black History Month!

Playaway Launchpads for Kids
January 22, 2021

New Playaway Launchpads are here! These popular learning tablets feature high quality, ad-free learning apps, and games that are both fun and educational for kids in preschool through fifth
grade.

Books for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 12, 2021

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by learning more about the man and his mission!

Slide into the New Year with these Children’s Books about Arctic Animals!
January 11, 2021

Penguins: Flight School by Lita Judge Little Penguin has the soul of an eagle, but he wasn’t built to soar. With irrepressible spirit, Penguin follows his dreams to flip, flap, fly! Even if he needs a little help with the technical parts, this penguin is ready to live on the wind. Library Catalog One Day […]

Bridgerton Read-Alikes

If you’ve watched and loved Bridgerton on Netflix and are now anxiously awaiting reading the books, check out these read-alikes while you wait!

New in Arts, Crafts, and Literature

Check out the new arts, crafts, and literature books we’ve added since July!

Science is Fun! New Science Books

Check out the new science books we’ve added since July!

January Newsletter
January 1, 2021

Happy New Year! 2020 was very hard, so let’s start fresh. We’d like to support your goals towards health, happiness, and comfort in 2021.

Food! New Cooking and Gardening Books
December 31, 2020

Check out the new cooking and gardening books we’ve added since July!

New History Books

From America’s most dangerous amusement park to the last years of World War II, check out the new history books we’ve added since July!

America Today! New Social and Political Books

What’s going on in America today? Check out the new social and political books we’ve added since July!

New Books for Living Your Best Life

Check out all the new books we’ve added since July, to help handle stress and anxiety, build good habits, get inspired, and make the world a better place!

New Romance
December 29, 2020

Check out all the new romances we’ve added since July!

Top Checkouts of 2020

As we celebrate the end of 2020 and the beginning of the new year, let’s take a look back at the year’s most popular books!

2020 Staff Favorites

Check out what Berlin-Peck staff read and loved in 2020!

RBdigital ebooks and audiobooks are moving to OverDrive!
December 14, 2020

You will still be able to browse, borrow, and enjoy all the same great ebooks and audiobooks you loved in the RBdigital app—now available through OverDrive and the Libby app.

Celebrate Music!
December 11, 2020

Get movin’ and groovin’ with these children’s books about rhythm and music, and inspire learning and conversation around music, instruments and musicians!

December Newsletter
December 1, 2020

Get creative this winter with our 11th Annual Gingerbread House Contest! Plus some great library resources to help you learn, create, and have fun.

New Cozy Mysteries

Check out all the new cozy mysteries we’ve added since July!

New Biography & Memoirs

Check out all the new biographies and memoirs we’ve added since July!

New Realistic Fiction

Check out the new realistic fiction we’ve added since July!

New Historical Fiction

Check out all of the great historical fiction we’ve added since July!

New Speculative Fiction

Check out all the new speculative fiction we’ve added since July—including science fiction, fantasy, horror, paranormal, magical realism, and more!

19 Books to Get You in the Christmas Spirit
November 24, 2020

Need something to inspire the Christmas spirit this year? Grab your fuzzy Santa socks, snuggle up on the couch, and enjoy one of the library’s new Christmas books!

Cookbooks for National Cookie Day
November 23, 2020

December 4 is National Cookie Day… and wow, do we have some cookie cookbooks for you!

Silly Children’s Books To Satisfy Your Appetite
November 19, 2020

Looking for a silly book to read? Check out these fun picture books about food!

Memoirs & More: Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 16, 2020

Celebrated on November 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Learn more about this day of remembrance with GLAAD.

November Bookpage
November 10, 2020

Discover your next great read!

November Newsletter
November 1, 2020

“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” ~Jeff Miller

World Kindness Day
October 28, 2020

Celebrated on November 13, World Kindness Day is meant to highlight good deeds and the power kindness. Want to hear stories about kindness or understand kindness a little better? We’ve gathered together a great collection of books on kindness for you to enjoy!

Cookbooks for Thanksgiving

Berlin-Peck has hundreds of cookbooks as well as books on pie, cookies, cake, and baking! We’ve gathered together some great cookbooks (and a few cozy mysteries) to help you get in the spirit of the holiday—plus some tips to have a safe Thanksgiving!

Scary Movies for Halloween
October 26, 2020

Get into the Halloween spirit with a scary (or not-so-scary) movie! This list has kid-friendly favorites like Hocus Pocus—dark and moody choices like The Shining and Interview with the Vampire—fun horror flicks like Beetlejuice or Scary Movie—and don’t forget classics like The Addams Family!

Say hello to Edgar Allan Poempkin!
October 19, 2020

Edgar Allan Poempkin—that’s Edgar Allan Poe plus Pumpkin—is the library’s first-ever entry into the Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Photos will be posted on Facebook, and you can vote for the People’s Choice winner.

Voting will be October 27-30: https://www.facebook.com/TownBerlinCT

Halloween Reads

Grab your flashlight, crawl under the covers, and check out one of these scary reads!

Elect to Read: Books on Voting, Elections, and Democracy
October 12, 2020

As we prepare for Election Day on November 3, why not learn more about the right to vote? Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide to this year’s election!

Welcome Back to Browsing!
October 7, 2020

With some minor exceptions, the library has returned to normal service. Masks are required for all unvaccinated individuals, required for all individuals in the Children’s Department, and strongly suggested for everyone.

World Mental Health Day Reads
October 6, 2020

World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.

October BookPage
October 1, 2020

Discover your next great read!

October Newsletter

With the Governor’s announcement of Phase 3 reopening on October 8, we will be making a few changes here at the Library.

Our Favorite Podcasts
September 28, 2020

If you’ve never heard of them before, podcasts are episodic audio recordings, much like radio programs or audiobooks. In celebration of International Podcast Day, we’ve gathered together a list of our favorite podcasts for your enjoyment!

Spooky Reads for Kids
September 23, 2020

Tis the season for all things spooky, and we’ve got you covered with our lists of spooky books for kids! We have lists of only slightly scary books for little ones as well as some lists of more spine-tingling titles for older readers. And if spooky is not your thing, we’ve got lists of Fall […]

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg
September 21, 2020

This Friday, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87. Although she is no longer with us, she has left a lasting legacy in her inspiring work—and her words. Want to learn more about Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Check out the books in this list.

Books to Get You in the Mood for Fall

Tuesday is the first day of fall! As the days grow shorter, curl up with a warm blanket and a good book—maybe even a warm cup of tea.

New(ish) Books You Might Have Missed
September 14, 2020

These books were new in February and March—but due to COVID-19, not many people had a chance to see them in our New Fiction section.

Books to Read This Labor Day
September 7, 2020

Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. In honor of Labor Day, we’ve gathered together some interesting reads!

September Newsletter
September 1, 2020

Depending on your viewpoint, August either flew by or was slow as molasses. However you felt, it’s a fact that September is upon us.

What to Read for National Wildlife Day
August 31, 2020

In celebration of ​National Wildlife Day, we’ve gathered together some great books on wildlife and conservation. Other great ways to observe National Wildlife Day include taking a hike, donating to conservation groups, and picking up trash!

Books for Women’s Equality Day
August 24, 2020

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, giving women the right to vote. In honor of this important holiday, we’ve gathered together some great books on the women who fought for the right to vote, as well as modern issues faced by women today.

Books That Transport You to Other Places
August 17, 2020

Travel the world without leaving your couch… or putting on a face mask! Whether you’re in the mood for a spy thriller set in 1960s Cuba, a modern-day English romance, or a real-life foodie tour—these books will take you all around the globe.

Books About Books—for Book Lovers Day!
August 10, 2020

This Book Lovers Day, celebrate by reading a book… about books!

August Newsletter
August 3, 2020

Starting August 10, the library will be returning to normal weekday hours for lobby and curbside pickup service—plus an early senior hour on Wednesdays and Fridays!

Summer 2020 Beach Reads

Whether you’re sunning yourself—with plenty of distance!—at the beach, hanging out by the pool, relaxing in your back yard… or enjoying in the air conditioning inside… nothing’s better than a book! Here are some of the best beach reads to enjoy this summer.

Normal Weekday Hours Resume on August 10
August 1, 2020

Starting August 10, the library will resume normal weekday hours for limited lobby services, browsing by appointment, and curbside pickup: 10am–8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am–5pm Friday, plus a senior hour Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am–10am. The library will still be closed on Saturdays for the time being.

Spring Books You Might Have Missed
July 20, 2020

These books that came out in spring, while the library building was closed. Now that we’re open for curbside pickup, they’re all yours!

Teen Book Bundles
July 10, 2020

Don’t know what to read next, or looking for a new author or series to try? Request a Book Bundle for Teens today!

July Newsletter
July 1, 2020

Further service enhancements!

(More!) Overlooked Books
June 30, 2020

Do you ever feel overlooked? Well, some of our books definitely do! These haven’t been checked out in a while, but we still think they’re worth reading. Won’t you give them a chance?

Lobby Will Open July 6 for Limited Services
June 29, 2020

The library’s lobby will be opening for limited service starting July 6, including 20-minute express computer, printing, copier, restrooms, and public computers (by reservation, 1 hour per day). Curbside Pickup is still available—and encouraged!

Book Bundles!
June 23, 2020

We know that many families are missing being able to browse our shelves for children’s books, so the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library has introduced Book Bundles! Simply fill out a form and the Children’s Department staff will choose 3-5 books (depending on the category) for your child.

Overlooked Books

Do you ever feel overlooked? Well, some of our books definitely do! These haven’t been checked out in a while, but we still think they’re worth reading. Won’t you give them a chance?

A letter from Library Director Helen Malinka
June 18, 2020

By now, you have noticed that the Library did not re-open on June 17th in Phase 2. Learn more about the factors that need to be addressed before the library building can reopen to the public.

New Graphic Novels on Hoopla!
June 16, 2020

What do black magic folk horror, a space trucker, futuristic crime, giant prehistoric sharks, a memoir about a nurse and her Alzheimer’s patient, and a couple trying in vitro have in common? You’ll find them all in these hot new graphic novels, available on hoopla!

Romance Recs You’ll Love
June 8, 2020

Life is hard. Sometimes you just need to read about people falling in love.

June Newsletter
June 1, 2020

Library opens for curbside pickup.

Mystery audiobooks and standout authors ?

Need more mystery in your life? Check out a mystery audiobook from hoopla! We’ve looked through thousands of titles to bring you some great “whodunits,” from hidden gems to genre-defining classics—plus a list of standout mystery authors.

Eye-Opening Books and Podcasts
May 27, 2020

Knowing where and how injustice exists is the first step to being aware of the problems faced by those around us and finding ways to effect change. Here are some eye-opening books and podcasts to help you on a journey towards social justice.

Pets Caught Reading Photo Contest!
May 26, 2020

Send us a photo of your pet(s) (or stuffed animals) reading a book, magazine, ebook, etc. for a chance to win an as-yet-to-be-determined but very cool prize when the library reopens!

Great action/adventure audio on hoopla!

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just need a good treasure hunt or globe-trotting journey.

The best sci-fi audio on hoopla!
May 17, 2020

Our resident fan of sci-fi and horror, Mike, has sifted through over six thousand audiobooks on hoopla to bring you the best in Science Fiction.

Quaranzine #3
May 14, 2020

Quaranzine is a collection of creative works that share and document how our community is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone is invited to submit their work, from age zero to eleventy-one!

Spring Books Online!
May 11, 2020

We’re all hunkered down at home, but that doesn’t mean missing out on new books! We’ve put together a list of great reads released March through May, available for immediate download on hoopla or OverDrive.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these great reads!
May 5, 2020

Mexican and Mexican-American authors, available now on hoopla!

May the 4th Be With You
May 4, 2020

Happy Star Wars Day! Check out these awesome ebooks, available for immediate download on hoopla—free with your library card!

May Newsletter
May 1, 2020

This month: what’s going on with the bookdrop? Plus lots of online programs!

Quaranzine #2
April 30, 2020

A collection of creative works that show how our community is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Submit your own work.

Online Storytimes!
April 24, 2020

Miss Jennifer, Miss Annie, and Miss Cara miss you all so much, so we thought that since you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you! We’ll be posting Online Storytimes on our Facebook Page every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning.

Ten eBooks to Read This Arbor Day

Trees—they clean our air, protect our drinking water, create healthy communities, and feed the human soul. Get in touch with our leafy friends with a book, available now on hoopla!

Quaranzine #1
April 20, 2020

A collection of creative works that show how our community is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quaranzine: Sharing Our Stories
April 14, 2020

A collection of creative works that share and document how our community is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Welcome to the new website!
April 6, 2020

We’ve redesigned the entire site, refreshing the look and feel, making it easier to navigate, and adding a blog to showcase library news and special information.

Things to do at home

Stay safe, stay at home… stay sane! We’ve gathered together tons of free resources to keep you happy and healthy at home. Read, watch, listen, exercise, relax, craft, learn!

Face Masks
April 5, 2020

Recently, there have been a lot of tutorials and articles about homemade face masks. Here’s what you need to know.

April Newsletter
April 1, 2020

This month: The library remains closed for now, but we’re here for you online!

March Newsletter
March 1, 2020

This month: Barbara wins the statewide award for Library Volunteer of the Year, and our new monthly caregiver support group.

Changes to OverDrive ebook holds
February 29, 2020

OverDrive’s new hold redelivery feature gives you more flexibility and control over your holds.

February Newsletter
February 1, 2020

This month: Kindness month, art exhibits, and a new social worker.

January Newsletter
January 1, 2020

This month: Top checkouts of 2019, passports, and census!

December Newsletter
December 1, 2019

This month: Baubles & Bling, music in the library, and pop-up libraries!

Best Books of 2019
November 10, 2019

A list of lists! Check out every online year-end book list available.

November Newsletter
November 1, 2019

This month: Baubles & Bling, community liaison, and a LED light box tracer.