Derby Neck Library to host dinner, film about Billie Jean King

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 1. 

This month’s presentation is Battle of the Sexes, a movie about tennis player Billie Jean King and her historic 1973 match against Bobby Riggs. 

Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at  intermission.
For details call the library, 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Derby Neck Library to host dinner and movie

DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host “Dinner and a Movie” at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 for those ages 18 and older. 

This month’s film, shown on blu-ray and a large screen, is Trains, Planes and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy - a comic romp with a proven duo of actors. 

Free movie refreshments are served, including pizza dinner at intermission. 
For details call 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Derby Neck Library to host Dinner and a Movie

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., hosts Dinner and a Movie, for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 2.

This month’s feature film is “Baby Driver,” starring Kevin Spacey. It will be shown in blu-ray on a large screen. 

Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission. 

For details call 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Derby Neck Library slates October activities

Dinner and a Movie

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5.

This month’s feature film, Wonder Woman, will be shown in blu-ray on a large screen.  

Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission.  

Women's Forum

The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 16. 

This month’s readings are two stories by James Herriot focusing on cats and dogs.  Copies of the stories are available at the library.  

Feel free to bring a light lunch; we serve coffee and tea.  

Tech Talks

At 10:30 a.m. Oct. 18 the Library presents Tech Talks, a monthly program that discusses what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life.  

Meet the Author

The Library presents Meet the Author, featuring Beth Caruso, author of “One of Windsor: The Untold Story of America’s First Witch Hanging” at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19.  

This exciting novel, based on detailed historical research, describes the events leading to this seminal event in the American colonies.  

The author will have books for sale and signing.  

History of Beer 

At 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 the Library presents Will Siss on A History of Beer in Connecticut.  

Meet the author of a fascinating historical study and celebrate Octoberfest enjoying a beer tasting with samples from local breweries, including Derby.  Attendees must be ages 21 and older only, and registration is required. 

Evening Book Club

The Library hosts the Evening Book Club, meeting at our fireplace seating area at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30.  

This month’s novel  is Kaye Gibbons’s “A Virtuous Woman.”  

Copies of the novel are available at the library. Join us for an informative and stimulating talk. 

For details on any program call 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Derby Neck Library to present 'Fargo' Sept. 7

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 7.  
This month’s feature film is “Fargo,” shown on blu-ray and a large screen. 
Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission. For details call 203-734-1492.

The library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

August community meals slated in Ansonia

Derby Neck Library to host storyteller, women's forum, movies, more

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., offers a variety of fun programs in July.

Dinner and a Movie 
The Library will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. July 6.

This month’s feature is “The French Connection” starring Gene Hackman—shown on blu-ray and a large screen.  
Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission.  

Make a 3-D puzzle

At 2 p.m. July 12, the Library will host a Teen 3-D Puzzle Making event.  
Teens and tweens will be given free puzzles to assemble, alone or in teams. All puzzles may be taken home. A prize will be awarded to the first one to complete a puzzle.  Registration is recommended.

Women's Forum

The Library will host Women’s Forum, a discussion group that focuses on short stories and Valley history, at 12:30 p.m. July 17.
This month we view “Derby Neck Library: 120 Years of Service to the Community,” a powerpoint presentation by Pat Sweeney.  
Attendees may wish to bring a light lunch; we serve free coffee and tea. 

'Tales of New England'

Monica Peterson, actress and storyteller, will perform “Tales of New England” at 6:30 p.m. July 18.
Her performance includes a heroine of the American Revolution, a story of a ghost ship, and the legend of the Charter Oak. This free event is suitable for the entire family.

Tech Talks

At 10:30 a.m. July 19 the Library will host Tech Talks. This is a monthly free program which highlights what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life. 

Teen Adventurers

The Library will begin a book club for teens at 2 p.m. July 19.  
Called the Teen Adventurers, the group will meet to discuss “The Ruins of Gorlan,” a book in the Ranger’s Apprentice series written by John Flanagan.  
Copies of the books are available for borrowing at the library.  

Teen movie event 

At 3 p.m. July 26, the Library will host a teen and tween movie event, featuring a thrilling horror picture. Attendees take part in an I-Spy challenge to win prizes. 
Registration is required. Seating is limited. Free movie refreshments will be served.

Evening Book Club 

At 6:30 p.m. July 31, the Library will host the Evening Book Club, a discussion group devoted to short novels and sometimes memoirs.It will be an informative and stimulating event, focusing  on “Tobacco Road” by Erskine Caldwell.  

Copies of the book are available at the library.  

For information or to register, call 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Pat Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

See 'La La Land' at Derby Neck Library in May

DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. May 4.
This month’s feature film is “La La Land” shown in blu-ray on a large screen. 
Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission. 
For details call the library, 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Pat Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Watch a movie, talk tech at Derby Neck Library

Update from Pat Sweeney: Please cancel notices for Evening Book Club April 24 at 6:30 p.m. and also for Maple Sugaring April 25 at 6:30 p.m. Thank you!


DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., has scheduled a variety of activities for April.

Dinner and Movie
The Library will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. April 6.  
Enjoy a new feature film on blu-ray and a large screen. Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission.  
For the title of this month’s selection call 203-734-1492.

Women's Forum

On  April 17 at 12:30 p.m., the Library hosts Women’s Forum, a discussion group that pursues history and literature. This month’s topic features two short stories by Russian author Irina Denezhkina—copies are available at the library. Feel free to bring a light lunch.  We serve free coffee and tea.  

Tech Talks

At 6 p.m. April 17 and again at 10:30 a.m. April 19, the Library hosts Tech Talks, a monthly program that focuses on what is new in technology and how it best suits your individual needs.  

Evening Book Club

The Library hosts the Evening Book Club, moderated by reference librarian Pat Sweeney, Ph.D. at 6:30 p.m. April 24. 
This month’s selection is “Reflections in a Golden Eye” by Carson McCullers.  
Copies of the book are available at the library. This group focuses on novellas and memoirs by award-winning authors. 

Maple sugaring presentation

On April 25 at 6:30 p.m., the Library presents poet, essayist, and naturalist David Leff who explores the mysteries and mystique of “Maple Sugaring in New England.”  
Learn this ancient craft and its benefits to your health. Leff’s numerous books on Connecticut’s beauties and natural history will be available for purchase and signing. 


This is a press release from Pat Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library. 

Tickets still available for 'Kindness for Kellys' event in Seymour

SEYMOUR - Elizabeth Anderson, owner of Lizzie's Corner Consignment and event organizer, said today tickets are still available for the March 25 "Dinner and a Movie" fundraiser at the Strand Theater. 

The fundraiser, Kindness for the Kellys, will feature a pasta bar dinner, silent auction, and showing of The Sound of Music.

Anderson said the "call center" in her living room is open. 
Call her today to make reservations at 203-415-4387. All credit cards welcome. 

Please click here to read about the fundraiser to support the Kelly family of Seymour.

And click here to reach a GoFundMe page for the family. 

Meet local author, learn about beekeeping, watch movie at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. March 2.  
This month’s feature film shown on blu-ray and a large screen is “Arrival,” starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.  
Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission.  

Beekeeping talk 

At 2 p.m. March 11 the Library presents a Beekeeping Talk by the Bee Lady, Catherine Wolko. All the facts you need to know about the history of honeybees in the U.S. and how to go about beekeeping yourself.  
Free raffles, and free magazines to all attending. 

Meet the Author

On March 14 at 6:30 p.m. the Library hosts Steve Reilly in a Meet the Author program.  

A Seymour resident and high school baseball coach, Reilly will discuss his new non-fiction book, “The Lord of the Infield Flies,” which highlights his coaching career beginning at age 20. This is a free program.  

For details on any program call the library, 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Derby Neck Library to host Dinner and Movie

DERBY- The Derby Neck Library will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2. 

This month’s feature film is “The Accountant,” an action-packed thriller, starring Ben Affleck. 
It is shown on blu-ray and a large screen. 
Movie refreshments will be served, including a free pizza dinner at intermission. 

For details call 203-734-1492.
The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.



This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.  

Derby Neck Library to present concert, movie, talk about WWII era

DERBY- The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. has scheduled several free programs for the community.

At 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30 a free musical program performed by The Frank Porto Band is on tap.  
Enjoy a nostalgic look back at great Big Band Tunes, as well as the best of Broadway and favorites made popular by Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, the Everly Brothers, and more.   
A powerful performing group for the entire family to enjoy! Registration is recommended but not required.  

Dinner and showing of 'Citizen Kane'
The Library hosts Dinner and a Movie, for ages 18 and older, at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1.  
Enjoy “Citizen Kane” the Orson Welles classic on blu-ray and a large screen.  
Free movie refreshments will be served, including a free pizza dinner at intermission.  

'On the Homefront' presentation
The Library presents “On the Homefront” in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6.
This powerpoint presentation has been researched by reference librarian Patricia Sweeney and focuses on local events in the Valley, including details from the letters of Frances Osborne Kellogg. 
Come take a look back at fashions, the movies, our war industries, and more about Connecticut life from 1941-1945.  

For details on any program call 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

See a movie, talk tech at Derby Neck Library in October

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will present a variety of fun activities in October.

On Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m. the Library hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older.  
This month’s feature film is “Young Frankenstein” starring Gene Wilder. Free movie refreshments are served, including a pizza dinner at intermission. 

On Oct. 17 at 6 p.m., and again Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m. the Library presents Tech Talks—a monthly program that explains what is new in technology and how to best fit it into your daily life.  
For this month’s topic call the Library.

On Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m., the Library hosts Women’s Forum, a discussion group that focuses on literature, history, and the arts.  
This month’s topic consists of two short stories—“Handsome Brown’s Day Off” by Erskine Caldwell, and “The Overspill” by Fred Chappell.  
Copies are available at the Library.  Bring a light lunch if you wish. We serve free coffee and tea. 

On Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. the Library presents Tonya H. Rondinone, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Housatonic Community College, with a lecture, Understanding the Adolescent Mind. This is a free program open to all.  

On Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. the Library hosts the Evening Book Club, which meets at our cozy fireplace.  
This month’s selection is “Miss Lulu Bett” by Zona Gale. Copies of the book are available at the library.  
This group always enjoys an interesting and stimulation discussion.  

For information call 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

August community dinner in Ansonia to feature movie

Take in a movie, play video games, talk tech at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host a variety of fun activities in August.

Video game tourney

The Library will host a Teen Video Game tournament at 3 p.m. Aug 3.  
Bring a friend or two and come compete for a prize, playing on our Wii U. Free refreshments will be served. 

Dinner and Movie

At 5:30 p.m. Aug. 4 the Library will host Dinner and a Movie, for ages 18 and older.  
This month’s feature film in “Goldfinger” featuring Sean Connery as James Bond, shown on blu-ray and a large screen.  
A free pizza dinner will be served at intermission and movie snacks are also provided. 

Henna Tattoos

The Library presents a Henna Tattoo Program at 2 p.m. Aug. 7. 
Learn the origins and traditions of henna from a presenter from Jamilah Henna Creations. This is a free program open to tweens, teens, and adults. 
Since seating is limited, registration is required.  All attendees get a free, professionally applied tattoo.  

Movie Night

At 5 p.m. Aug. 11 the Library hosts “I-Spy Movie Night” for teens and tweens.  Enjoy a feature film on blu-ray and a large screen and collect clues in an I-Spy game to win a prize.  
Free movie snacks and a pizza dinner will be served.  

Women's Forum

The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a monthly discussion group that focuses on literature, the arts, and history at 12:30 p.m. Aug 15.  
This month we discuss two short stories by author M.F.K. Fisher, from her book “Sister Age.”  
Copies of the stories are available at the library.  Bring a light lunch if you wish; we serve free coffee and tea. 

Tech Talks

On Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. and again Aug. 17 at 10:30 a.m., the Library presents Tech Talks, a monthly program that describes what is new in technology and how to best use it in your own life.  
Your questions are also welcomed.

Tabletop Gamers 
At 6 p.m. Aug. 25 the Library begins a new monthly program -Tabletop Gamers.  All teens and adults are invited to join in traditional games of skill, such as Go, Chess, Quiddler, Dungeons and Dragons and more.  Practice your skills or even learn a new game.  

This is a free event and your suggestions on games to be played are welcomed.

Evening Book Club

The Library hosts the Evening Book Club, a literary discussion group, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29.  This month’s selection is “Black Water” by Joyce Carol Oates.  
Join us for an informative and stimulating evening.  
We focus on novellas and sometimes memoirs by award-winning authors.  
For details on all programs call 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Learn local history, catch a movie, work on a puzzle at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne will host a variety of educational and fun activities in July.

Dinner and a Movie

At 5:30 p.m. July 7, the Library hosts Dinner and a Movie, for ages 18 and older.  

This month’s feature film is the comedy “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” shown in blu-ray on a large screen.  

Free refreshments are served throughout, including a pizza dinner at intermission.  

Registration is suggested, but not required.

Osborndale Farm history

At 2 p.m. July 11, the Library hosts a power-point presentation by local history researcher Patricia Sweeney on “The History of Frances Osborne Kellogg’s Osborndale Farm.”  

This event will feature history of the farm from its beginnings, as well as Mrs. Kellogg’s interest in gardening, and her career as an environmentalist.  

Seminar on SATs 

At 6 p.m. July 14 the Library presents a free seminar describing the new SAT format which has not yet been made public knowledge.  

Ellis Ratner will teach both students and parents about this vital topic.  

Registration requested.

Women's Forum

At 12:30 p.m. July 18 the Library hosts the monthly event, Women’s Forum.  

This discussion group focuses on local history, poetry, and short stories.  

This month we discuss two short stories about unusual marriages - “The Biography of Blade” by Zona Gale and “The Whistle” by Eudora Welty; copies are available at the library. You may wish to bring a light lunch; we serve free coffee and tea.  

Tech Talks

At 6 p.m. July 18 and again at 10:30 a.m. July 20, the Library presents Tech Talks, a monthly program that explains what is new in technology and how to best use it for your own needs.  

This month’s topic is “Cutting the Cord,” which describes how to eliminate traditional telephone and cable television bills, as well as focusing on services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.  

Puzzle fun

At 2 p.m. July 19, the Library hosts a teen and tween event—“Teen 3-D Puzzles.”  

Come try your luck at this new form of puzzle making and bring a friend or two.  
You may wish to work as a team or individually. Prizes will be awarded and all completed puzzles are yours to keep.  Registration is recommended.

Evening Book Club 

At 6:30 p.m. July 25 the Library hosts the Evening Book Club. This discussion group focuses on shorter fiction, memoirs, and sometimes non-fiction.  
All books selected are by award-winning authors.  

This month’s book is “Daisy Miller” by Henry James; copies are available at the library.  

Come join us for an informative and stimulating conversation.  

'Tabletop Gamers'

At 6 p.m. July 28 the Library begins a new club open to all teens and tweens—“Tabletop Gamers.” 

We meet each month to enjoy chess, checkers, board games, cards, dice, and more. Join us for the start-up of our newest venture.  

For details on any programs or to register call 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Derby Neck Library slates history talks, performance, movies, more

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., has scheduled a variety of activities for June.

Dinner and Movie

Dinner and a Movie, for ages 18 and older, will be presented at 5:30 p.m. June 2. This month’s feature is “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” a comedy starring George Clooney, set in the 1930s.  
The movie is shown in blu-ray on a large screen. Free movie refreshments will be served, as well as a free pizza dinner at intermission.  

Valley Shakespeare Festival

At 2 p.m. June 4, the Library will host the Valley Shakespeare Festival performing “Pericles: Prince of Tyre,” the story of a prince whose life is threatened after he solves the puzzle of a murderous king.  
This is a free performance which features professional actors in the starring roles.  

History presentation

The Library hosts David Leff, naturalist, historian, and author discussing “On the Paths of Genius: Finding Olmsted in Connecticut” at 6:30 p.m. June 7. This presentation follows the career of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in designing such parks as Seaside and Beardsley in Bridgeport, among others.  

This is a free program and registration is requested but not required.  

Tech Talks

On June 13 at 6 p.m. and again on June 15 at 10:30 a.m., the Library presents Tech Talks, a monthly event that focuses on what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life.   
You may also wish to bring your own questions.  For this month’s topic, call the library.

History of Osborndale Farm

The Library will present on powerpoint, “The History of Osborndale Farm and Frances Osborne Kellogg’s Environmental Career” at 6:30 p.m. June 14. 
This program has been researched by local historian and reference librarian, Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D. and covers the farm from its earliest days, including the gardens.
Kellogg’s extensive work in conservation will also be discussed.  

Women's Forum

At 12:30 p.m. June 20 the Library will host “Women’s Forum,” a discussion group that focuses on short stories, history, and other arts.  
This month’s topic is “The History of Osborndale Farm and Frances Osborne Kellogg’s Environmental Career,” researched by local historian and reference librarian, Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D.  Attendees may wish to bring a light lunch; we serve free coffee and tea. 

Movie night

The Library will present “I Spy Teen Movie Night” for both teens and tweens at 5 p.m. June 23. Free refreshments will be served, and attendees can search for answers to clues given before the movie begins.  
The person who gets the most answers correct will win a prize. Bring a friend for a fun evening. Registration is required.

Evening Book Club

On June 27 at 6:30 p.m., the Library will host the Evening Book Club, a literary discussion group that focuses on novellas and memoirs by award-winning authors.  This month’s book is Eudora Welty’s  “One Writer’s Beginnings,” a memoir.  
Copies of the book are available at the library.   
An informative and stimulating conversation takes place at each session.  

Teen Video Game

The Library hosts a Teen Video Game Tournament at 3 p.m. June 30. All teens are invited to bring their friends and compete on the Wii U.  
Check on library flyers and on www.derbynecklibrary.org for which games we will be playing. Registration is strongly recommended but not required.  

To register for any programs or for information call 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.