The Simsbury Free Library (SFL) announces its February Drop In Book Club and documentary and foreign language film titles, as well as its third installment of its new “Simsbury Free Library on Simsbury” program. While the events are free and open to the public, donations to the SFL are encouraged and appreciated and new members are always welcome. RSVPs are requested via email (simsburyfreelibrary@gmail.com) or phone (860-408-1336).
Simsbury Free Library on Simsbury
The SFL’s newest program is a series called “Simsbury Free Library on Simsbury” where the SFL will bring in speakers to talk about topics of special historical interest to Simsbury residents.
The third program in the “Simsbury Free Library on Simsbury” series will be on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Jay Willerup, Friends of Heublein Tower co-president, will discuss Heublein Tower's fascinating history. Come learn about the Tower's famous guests, the Heublein family, the Hartford Times era and how it became a State Park.
Other topics being considered for the series include Simsbury Cemetery, McLean Game Refuge, Gifford Pinchot and possibly the lost village of Pilfershire.
Drop In Book Club
The SFL’s Drop In Book Club takes place the second Tuesday of each month at 11:15 a.m. On February 12, 2013, the club will discuss “The Cove” by Ron Rash. About the book: Deep in the rugged Appalachians of North Carolina lies the cove, a dark, forbidding place where spirits and fetches wander, and even the light fears to travel. Or so the townsfolk of Mars Hill believe – just as they know that Laurel Shelton, the lonely young woman who lives within its shadows, is a witch. Then it happens–a stranger appears, carrying nothing but a silver flute and a note explaining that his name is Walter and he is mute–and Laurel experiences true companionship and happiness for the first time. But Walter harbors a secret that could destroy everything. In a time of uncertainty, when fear and danger reign, Laurel and Walter will discover that love alone may not be enough to protect them.
Future Drop In Book Club dates and titles are:
- March 12: “Brooklyn” by Colm Toibin
- April 9: “Magician of the Modern” by Eugene Gaddis
- May 14: “Art of Fielding” by Chad Bardbach
- June 11: “Rules of Civility” by Amor Towles
Documentaries and Foreign Language Films
The SFL presents a different documentary or foreign language film on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. On February 26, 2013, the SFL will show “Exit Through the Gift Shop.” Nominated in 2011 for an Oscar for Best Documentary, the film is the story of how an eccentric French shop keeper and amateur film maker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner with spectacular results (from Amazon.com).
Upcoming documentary and foreign language film dates and titles are:
- March 26: “In Darkness”
- April 23: “This Way of Life”
- May 28: “Precious Life”
About the Simsbury Free Library
The Simsbury Free Library (the Simsbury Genealogical and Historical Research Library) opened on the second floor of the Hopmeadow District School in 1874. In 1890, the Library’s collection was moved to its present location at 749 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Today the Simsbury Free Library (SFL) seeks to promote interest in genealogy and history by providing access to research material and expertise, artifacts, and educational and cultural programs. It seeks to help patrons connect with the past and to learn from and be inspired by those who have gone before them. The SFL provides a relaxed setting in which people can pursue family research history at their own pace. For everyone from seasoned genealogy veterans to beginners, the SFL has the staff and resources necessary to help visitors develop the skills required to create family trees, search local histories, look up census records, explore vital records, etc.
The Simsbury Free Library – the Gracious Yellow Lady – is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. as well as by appointment. For more information, visit www.simsburyfreelibrary.org or call (860) 408-1336.
