Renovation to Children's Area in Library Has Increased Use and Traffic

Evere since the Cora J. Belden Library renovated its children's department a few weeks ago, Children's Librarian Cathy Potter says she has seen an increase in people using the department. 

"I am seeing people I haven't seen before so that is a great thing," Potter said. 

This summer will see an increase in young readers as well Potter said. 

"We will have many more programs this summer for the kids," Potter said. "From June 20 until the end of August we will have programs for pre-schoolers, elementary children and teens. 

"A lot of people have been commenting that they like the layout of the children's department. They like the fact that they can see the children pretty much all the way through the department. It's also pretty neat to see the kids come down and not go right to the computers. That's what they used to do. Now they come down and look around to see what is new and then they eventually wander over to the computers and we look at that as a positive. We see them using their creativity and imagination first instead of going right to the computer."

The calendar of events is available at the library website. You can filter it by all activities, adult or children. 

The State Board of Education has also included libraries, including the Rocky Hill Library, in its summer reading program.

"The kids have free choice for summer reading but we can help them with any needs they have," Potter said. "They will get their summer reading list and we will have the books available for them. The sixth and seventh graders have one book they have to read and eighth graders have two books they have to read. Other than that it is free choice.

"The kids seem excited about the fact they can win prizes for the amount of time they spend reading. For the younger kids it is by the amount of books they read and for the older kids it is how many minutes they read. At the end of the summer we will raffle off an e-reader." 

Upcoming programs:

iTunes Class at the Cora J. Belden Library

Do you want to learn how to use iTunes for your Mac or PC?  The Cora J. Belden Library is offering an instructional class.  Tuesday June 18th from 7-8:00p.m.  Learn how to import cds, transfer MP3 files onto your audio or mobile device and make purchases from the iTunes store.  Space is limited.  Signup at the reference desk or by phone at (860) 258-7623. 

Groundbreaking Reads Adult Summer Reading Program

Tuesday, June 25 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Fluorescent Minerals

A presentation heavy on stunning daylight and UV photography, it takes the viewer through the main fluorescent minerals, the causes of fluorescence, the types of UV light and UV lamps that reproduce it. Many of the classic Connecticut and Franklin area minerals are shown along with other famous and not so well- known fluorescent minerals and localities. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Enroll online @www.rockyhilllibrary.info, by phone (860) 258-7623 or in person.