Showing posts with label Derby Public Library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Derby Public Library. Show all posts

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Derby Public Library slates YA Wednesdays in September



DERBY - On Sept. 9 and 23, from 5-6:30 p.m., Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to YA Wednesdays, Teen Game Time, as Nintendo Wii and tabletop games are available. 


Light refreshments will be provided. 

For more information stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org .





Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Derby Public Library offers Busy Bee Bags for kids


✨🐝 Bzzz… can you hear that? It’s the sound of FUN on the way! ✨🐝

Our free Busy Bee Bags are bursting with interactive surprises: from hands-on crafts to DIY activities to concept worksheets that will keep little minds buzzing with excitement! 

Designed especially for our Pre-K through 1st Grade busy bees, each bag comes with everything your child needs to create, explore, and learn right at home. 🎨✂️🎒

🍯 Easy-peasy pickup!

Buzz on over to the Children’s Circulation Desk anytime during library hours on the scheduled pickup day to collect your Busy Bee Bag!

We’ll keep it safe behind the desk for the rest of the week. But don’t wait too long - pick up your bag within 7 days of the scheduled pickup day before it flies away!

🐝 Keep the buzz going!

Be sure to register each child separately to receive their own bag of supplies. Register your child(ren) for each date separately to receive a bag for both days. Every pickup day brings a brand new Busy Bee Bag full of fresh surprises!

🌟 Don’t wait - These goodies "fly" off the shelf! While supplies last.
Recommended for ages 3-8, but all are welcome!
Registration required. While supplies last.
Please register each child separately so we know how many bags to make!
https://derbypubliclibrary.libcal.com/calendars?cid=21324...

Derby Public Library to close Monday for Labor Day holiday


 

Sunday, August 30, 2026

'Turnback Tuesday' features farm couple in East Derby



This week's “Turnback Tuesday” photo is of Oliver B. Sherwood and his wife, Charlotte (Fowler) Sherwood.
Oliver was born in Greenfield Hill, Fairfield County, and moved to Derby with his father in 1817. Charlotte was born in Milford where the two met. They married September 3, 1836 and had 4 children together. Oliver was a farmer aka “seed grower” and distributed his produce all the way up to New York.
The photograph was apparently taken by one of Oliver’s relatives, Elizabeth Sherwood, in front of their home located on Derby Hill.
It was taken sometime during the late 1880’s or early 1990’s before Charlotte’s death in 1892. Sentinel Hill Road and Sodom Lane were both listed as cross streets, so the house was located somewhere in that area. Oliver and Charlotte are buried in Oak Cliff Cemetery on Hawthorne Ave.

[First published on this date in 2016.]


Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Derby Public Library to host reception for Hotchkiss Hose


On Sept. 9 we welcome the fire department to Derby Public Library for a reception for Hotchkiss Hose.

Travel back through time with photographs and items from members of Hotchkiss Hose, a snapshot of their history ON DISPLAY at DPL throughout September and October.

Throughout the day:
- Crew members will be in their gear
- Patrons are invited to touch 2 vintage trucks and the current truck used to respond to EVERY DAY emergencies.
- View Historic Displays
- Enjoy Refreshments

Reception starts at 3:30 and goes until 5:30

VISIT THE EVENT PAGE FOR MORE INFO: https://derbypubliclibrary.libcal.com/.../event/17190547

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

‘Turnback Tuesday’ features Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1


Turnback Tuesday is remembering the oldest fire company in Derby, Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1.
The company was formed June 7, 1837. Records indicate that the first engine was a hand pump machine manned by 12 men.

This image is of the first motorized fire apparatus. It was built by John J. Booth in 1914. John was a local blacksmith and carriage maker with a shop at 13-17 Housatonic Ave. in Derby.
This image and many others will be on display for the months of September and October at the Derby Public Library.
The items displayed will be from the collection of the Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1 and their members.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Derby Public Library to show movie 'Top Gun' Tuesday


DERBY - Join Derby Public Library at 1 p.m. Tuesday as we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary this year.

Let's take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by many and their stories. May their courage inspire us to continue building a nation that embodies liberty and justice for all.

Film: Top Gun
Free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided.
Call 203-736-1482 for more information.


Tuesday, August 18, 2026

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Valley Cultural Heritage Quilt


Turnback Tuesday is highlighting a couple of squares from the Valley Cultural Heritage Quilt - a quilt that was pieced and quilted by the Southford Falls Quilters Inc.
The materials used in this quilt were collected from Valley residents. These pieces of material or fabric tell a story of the lives of valley families.
The first block represents the residents of Valley Towns in the ladder half of the 1900s. It features handiwork including tatting, embroidery and applique thus honoring the creativity and skills of these women.
The second block again honors the second half of the 1900s but not only has swatches of fabric it includes rickrack, trims, and buttons which were very popular during this time period.
The Quilt is on display at the Derby Public Library until the end of August in honor of America’s 250th celebration.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

'Turnback Tuesday' features Shelton Basket Company



Turnback Tuesday is highlighting a local manufacturer. Shelton Basket Company was founded in 1911 by Abraham Lavietes.

The company was an historic manufacturer of woven wood and oak-splint, laundry hampers, delivery and insulated picnic baskets. This Gathering Basket is clearly marked with the Shelton Basket name or logo on the handle. The company moved out of Connecticut in 1960.

The Shelton Historical Society has these wonderful baskets as part of their historic collection. This basket was used by Harry Berman to collect tomatoes from his garden.


Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.


Tuesday, August 4, 2026

'Turnback Tuesday' features Howard Johnson's in Derby


Turnback Tuesday visits a very iconic restaurant: Howard Johnson’s. Howard Deering Johnson started his business as a single ice cream stand in Quincy, MA in 1925. 

By 1935, he pioneered modern restaurant franchising and expanded rapidly along highways. In the '70s, there were over 1,000 locations nationwide. The restaurant had its iconic orange roof and weather vane on every building. Basically, you could not miss it from the road.

Howard Johnson’s in Derby opened at 5 Main St. in 1968 and continued to do business until 1980. The building is still there today. 
This plate is from one of their restaurants and is on display at Derby Public Library, along with other items in celebration of America's 250th.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.


Kids to enjoy Scoops and Swirls creativity at Derby Public Library


 

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Kids to create art Wednesday at Derby Public Library program


After listening to a book by Lois Ehlert, make a multi-color garden using only three different colored markers.
Presented by the Regional Water Authority, this hands-on program combines storytelling and creativity for a fun-filled experience!
Recommended for school aged children and older (geared for ages 7+).
Registration required to reserve supplies.
Please register each child separately so we know how many friends to expect!
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The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Friday, July 31, 2026

Derby Public Library offers job search help, tech support in August


 

Derby Public Library to host youth activities, teen advisory board


DERBY - On Wednesdays, Aug. 5 and 12, from 1-2:30 p.m., Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to YA Wednesdays, Teen Game Time as Nintendo Wii & tabletop games are available. 

These are “Plant a Seed, Read!” Teen Summer Club events! Attendees earn credit towards prizes. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Teen Advisory Board

On Aug. 26, from 3:30-4:30 p.m., Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to Teen Advisory Board meeting where attendees are encouraged to voice their ideas for improving and expanding young adult library services and teen programming. 

Focus will include participant input that contributes to the library fulfilling its mission of quality-of-life enhancements in: knowledge; entertainment; and citizenship. 

For more information stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.




Thursday, July 30, 2026

Derby Public Library invites children to 'Taste the Book'


Join us for a delicious storytime inspired by Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sís, a book about summer days, the joy of learning, and the sweet comfort of ice cream. 

Children can build their own sundae and choose their favorite toppings before digging in.
Come hungry and get ready to "taste the book"! 🍨
Inform us of any allergies and/or dietary restrictions upon registering.
All ages are welcome! 😊
Registration required to reserve supplies, but all are welcome while supplies last!
Please register each child separately so we know how many friends to expect!
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https://derbypubliclibrary.libcal.com/calendars?cid=21324...


The Library is 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.