What’s happening…
During extreme heat events, the library functions as a cooling center during our regular open hours. Please feel free to come in, relax, and enjoy a cool beverage.
Meet Our Library Mascot!
He or she lives in our backyard amidst the brush, and trundles out daily to munch some greenery and peek at us while we work.
The “BML Florists” are selling their lovely floral arrangements. [$5-$10] Stop by to pick up a vase of colorful summer flowers for your table – or to brighten someone’s day! If you contact the library, Jenny will make you one with flowers currently blooming in our gardens.
Plant Sale Continues! We still have some lovely plants. These include: irises, sedum, strawberries, golden rain trees, & perennials. Prices range from $1 – $6.
A
dult Summer Reading
Reverse Book Club
Tuesday, August 5th, 6:00-8:00pm
Join us at 6pm to discuss any books you’ve read for Summer Reading.
Light refreshments will be available.
BML is Excited to Host the Higganum Farmers Market!
Wednesdays 4:30, June 4th – Sept 17th
The library continues to partner with the Farmers Market, on a weekly basis. So while you’re enjoying perusing the wonderful local products, stop by the Library & Friends’ tables. They will provide activities & crafts, as well as many free materials to take home. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone!
Drop-in Crafts – Wednesdays 1:30 – 3:30
Patrons asked for an adult daytime craft program. We’re pleased to provide projects in our bright comfortable library!
Wednesday, August 6th 1:30-3:30pm
Drop in and sketch some zentagle dandelion puffs with paint markers. Make them picture size or make cards with them.
Wednesday, August 20th 1:30-3:30pm
Easy Vase Painting
Using markers and water create an easy bright vase of flowers.
Puzzle Club – 1st & 3rd Mondays 11 – 1
No need to go out at night. Come in, relax, socialize, & create!
Culinary Club: Keeping Cool – Summer Recipes!
Wednesday, August 13th, 6:30
Come and join this fun themed potluck. Share your recipes and talk about your favorite foods. This month attendees will bring a cool summer dish! If you need help finding one, stop in to the library any time. Please register here.
Saturday, Aug. 16, 10-1pm
Join us on August 16 from 10-1pm at
Chatfield Hollow in Killingworth. We will
choose the trail once we are there. Register here.
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 6pm
Come to Brainerd Library for an end-of-summer movie night! We’ll provide the popcorn and drinks.
Monday, Aug. 25, 1pm
Starting in August 2025, the Haddam Senior Center will host a mystery book club. It will meet on the last Monday of the month at 1pm at the Senior Center.
Brainerd Library will help provide the books.
Birding Backpack Available to Borrow!
The Community Foundation of Middlesex County presented BML with a birding backpack.
It includes: binoculars, birdsong, bird ID & bug guides, bug collector kit, information & ideas for exploring nature, and outdoor scavenger hunt cards. This backpack is available for patrons to check out and take along on a nature & birding adventure. Ask at the circulation desk to borrow!
The Book Nook, our onsite bookstore, is located in the back corner with some enjoyable and interesting titles for perusal and purchase. Maybe pick up some surprises for family and friends! Best prices in CT!
Sign up for our E-Newsletters! Don’t miss anything! Events, Programs, & Activities, New Resources, Friends’ News, New Materials & Services, and Local News & Important Information.
For a more interactive experience, visit our Social Media sites.
Genealogy Club members are welcome to meet and share materials. There are no formal workshops or instruction at this time.
Here is a link to Ancestry.com to begin your family searches.
Booklist Reader is here!
Booklist Reader is a magazine that features diverse readers’ advisory recommendations for readers & listeners of all ages. It’s filled with high-interest, top 10 themed lists showcasing books you can read & check out now. Booklist Reader’s pages also provide read-alikes, trend alerts, & new releases, plus content from their partners; LibraryReads & PBS Books. Copies of Booklist Reader at the check out area. Don’t forget to pick up your copy!
BML magazines include: The Atlantic, Better Homes & Gardens, Birds & Blooms, Booklist, CT Magazine, Consumer Reports, Family Handyman, Family Tree, People, Prevention, National Geographic, Taste of Home, & Yankee to check out.
Brainerd Book Club
Meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm
This group is not staff-run but hosted by the library. They meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm at a member’s home until the renovations are completed. Email Marijean for the location at conradmarijean@gmail.com. The book choices are rather eclectic as they try to select from diverse genres. Discussion is always friendly and expansive. All are welcome to join. BML orders books in advance which can be checked out as needed. Click here for more info…
Click on the image to access Workforce Solutions through ResearchIT CT!
Whether you’re looking to find a new job in your field or career in a different industry, Job & Career Accelerator™ has the powerful tools and expert guidance to help you through the process. Job & Career Accelerator™ puts everything you need to land a job in one place. For more Job Related Resources [Search Sites, Webinars, Resume help] visit our Job Search page!
BML offers a pass to the:
Ask at the Children’s Desk, where all museum passes are held.
BML’s Game Collection!
Brainerd Library has a fine collection of board games for all ages and Nintendo Switch games for checkout! Call or check the catalog to see what’s available. When it’s too wet or cold to play outside, stop in and grab one of these games!
Non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.
BML holds 2 passes to the Hill-Stead Museum!
The passes may be checked out and provide 50% off general admission for 2 adults & 2 children. List of Museum Passes
Hill-Stead was the first architectural project of Theodate Pope Riddle (1867–1946), one of the first licensed female architects in the U.S. The Colonial Revival mansion is one of the few remaining representations of early-20th-century country estates with 152 acres. Hill-Stead gives a personal view of renowned masterpieces, and decorative arts. Paintings include: Monet, Degas, Whistler, Manet & Cassatt.
Visit our games & puzzles page! There are daily puzzles, online games like Wordle, Tetris, Mahjong Solitaire, jigsaws [even create your own] and more fun distractions to try.
Phone & Tablet app for Downloadable eBooks, audiobooks & magazines. Libby can also send library books to your Kindle.
Materials may be borrowed for 14 days.
Materials may be renewed for 14 days if there are no holds on the items.
10 loans at one time
“Resume lab” and live, online job coaches help job seekers: target suitable jobs, prepare and practice for job interviews. The Adult Learning Center provides: career-enhancing skills through test preparation (including GED and the U.S. Citizenship Test) and live, online academic tutors for writing assistance, computer literacy, and software assistance.
Brainerd Library Movie Night
Open Library and Internet Archive
y Overdrive