Catalog
Below are some of our exciting upcoming programs.
Check out our full event calendar for a list of all our programs.
Winter Crafts with Miss Connie
Mondays in February at 11:00 AM
Join us for a craft and story! Registration required. Best for ages 2-5! Please dress for painting!
Family Yoga, Mindfulness and Music
Thursdays in February at 11:00 AM
Come and enjoy yoga and mindfulness together as a community! During this class, children and families will have fun learning various yoga poses and sequences. We will use music and rhythm throughout the class to accompany the postures. Mindfulness-based teachings and breathing techniques will be introduced. At the end of class, we will focus on relaxation and self-regulation techniques while listening to live music.
This class will meet on the library lawn, weather permitting.
Best for ages 4-8! Registration required.
Learn more about Lianne's Healing Creations at http://www.lianneshealingcreations.com/
This program is generously sponsored by Groton Utilities. Thank you!
Mystic & Noank Library Best Book Club
Monday, February 24 @ 5:30pm
The 100 Books Club is for all of us who have not (yet) read all of those titles on The NY Times list of the 100 best books of the 21st century. The club will give us a chance to not only read all (or most!) of them, but to kibbutz about their worthiness to be on such a list.
We will meet in the Ames Room the third Monday of every month at 5:30 PM. All are welcome to join!
February 24th: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Contact Chris Bradley at cbradley@mysticnoanklibrary.org for details.
Featured Writer Storytime! Dr. Suess Books!
Wednesday, February 26 @ 11:30am
Join us for a storytime with books from Dr. Suess
Stories, Music (nursery rhymes) and Dancing!
Fridays @ 10:30 AM
The Mystic & Noank Library makes every effort to ensure our programs and services can be enjoyed by all members of the public. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the program organizer for an accommodations request form. Please make arrangements at least 2 weeks in advance.
Chess Club for Kids!
Wednesdays at 4:30 PM
Welcome to Mystic Noank Library’s Chess Club! The club welcomes children grade 3 and up! We will be meeting on Wednesdays after school from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Children should know how the chess pieces move before their first visit. We teach chess strategy, chess sportsmanship, and organize games.
Sportsman-like conduct is always a goal. Members must be respectful of each other's play, and at the end of each game, win or lose, members must be cordial with one another.
Instructor:
Michael Grater, library associate and chess enthusiast, leads our Chess Club. He grew up playing chess and continues to play for fun. Chess is a great game that builds concentration, patience, planning, sportsmanship, and problem-solving skills in children, teens and adults.
Writers' Group
Mondays @ 4:00 PM
We welcome local writers for free-write sessions at 4 p.m., Mondays, in the Ames Room. The sessions are open to anyone who feels like writing.
Loosely based on the notion of stream-of-consciousness writing described by Natalie Goldberg in "Writing Down the Bones," the sessions are broken into three parts of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 5 minutes. A writer selects a topic from subjects previously placed in a box. For the first 5 minutes, write whatever comes to mind. Don't stop to correct, just record whatever pops into your head, even if it's something like, "I have no idea what to write..." Each person shares what they've written, free of commentary or criticism.
Then, for 10 minutes, writers write what comes to mind, perhaps an idea or a subject someone had just read aloud or something you wrote in the first 5 minutes will lead to a focus. The group shares again. Writers write for another 5 minutes and then share.
You'll be surprised at the places you'll go with the topics in these sessions. They give you an opportunity to express yourself, they're therapeutic, and they often lead to a lot to talk about after putting your pens down.
Experience Calm With Guided Meditation Sessions
Tuesdays @ 3:00 PM on Zoom
Enjoy being guided in a 30 minute body centered meditation practice to help increase your skills in focusing, rest, self-compassion and gratitude. Self-acceptance, deep relaxation, tranquility, peace and lightness are how participants feel after a session.
Pamala Lewis has been studying Eastern and Western approaches to meditation and enjoys the benefits of a dedicated daily sitting practice for more than 25 years. She co-leads the New London Community of Mindfulness, guides 2 weekly Zoom groups, and offers individual coaching sessions in Somatic Mindfulness Meditation. Pamala also offers Somatic Mindfulness Meditation along with Back Yoga outdoors through the summer months.
This class is for beginners, those who might be struggling with mindfulness meditation and those who may enjoy a friendly, relaxed and body-centered approach to practice.
NLPS Magnet School Informational Session
Wednesday, February 26 @ 6:00pm
Looking for an innovative and educational experience for your children? Explore the academic choices offered at New London's three dynamic elementary schools, Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School, Winthrop STEM Magnet School and C.B. Jennings International Magnet School, each offering specialized curriculum tailored to students' interests. Designed for all Connecticut families with children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade, this special session will provide information on how core academic subjects are seamlessly integrated into Arts, STEM and International curriculum, the unique hands-on learning environment and the community partners that enrich the learning environment. Keynote speaker, Janet Farquhar, Director of Magnet Pathways, will also share insights on the lottery process, tours of facilities, application deadlines and how to reserve a spot to begin your family's magnet school journey. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to learn how free high-quality educational programs can prepare your child for future success.
Sip & Paint Fundraiser
Thursday, February 27 @ 5:30pm
Join us for a special fundraising paint party for adults on Thursday, February 27th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.
Beverages and light food will be provided
Julie Garvin Riggs from the FloGris museum will bring all the supplies.
Everyone leaves with a beautiful winter-scape.
Your Gift Makes Everything Our Library Does Possible!
Cost is $50 ppl; limit 40 people
Fabulous Local Foodies: Jen Rothman
Monday, March 3 @ 6:30pm
Jen Rothman, Executive Director of Yellow Farmhouse Education Center.
Jen Rothman has more than 25 years experience as an educator, director and vice president of some of the country's premier museums and gardens; New York Botanical Gardens, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, and Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. Jen moved to Mystic in 2016 and founded the Yellow Farmhouse Education Center in 2017. Her vision is to empower our community with the information and experiences they need to build a better food future. In 2024, Yellow Farmhouse welcomed over 1,000 high school students and culinary teachers to Stone Acres Farm to learn about regenerative agriculture, food waste and the value of local agriculture, and to cook and share a meal together. Jen lives in Mystic with her husband and three children. Her favorite thing to cook is caramel apple crumble.
Outdoor Columnist Steve Fagin
Tuesday, March 4 @ 6:00pm
Outdoor writer Steve Fagin will speak at the Mystic & Noank Library March 4 about his book, AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Connecticut & Rhode Island. The 350-page volume, published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, volume, is the fourth edition of a popular guide, revised and expanded with new hikes that range from easy strolls to strenuous scrambles. It includes maps and color photographs for each of the 60 outings, as well as essays describing interesting historic and natural features.
Steve writes the award-winning Great Outdoors column that appears weekly in The Day newspaper in New London, and is author of the book Treasures of Southeastern Connecticut.
He also serves as book editor of Appalachia, the nation’s longest-running journal of mountaineering and conservation. His articles have been published in The New York Times, Runner’s World magazine, The World Book Encyclopedia, and other publications.
In addition to hiking trails in Connecticut and Rhode Island, Steve has climbed all 67 mountains in New England that are taller than 4,000 feet; has climbed in the Himalayas, Andes and Alps; has run the Boston Marathon 11 times; and kayaked most of the major rivers and lakes in the Northeast. His presentation at the Mystic & Noank Library, 40 Library Street, Mystic, will begin at 6 p.m. Copies of the guidebook, which Steve will sign, will be available for sale. Steve lives in Ledyard with his wife, author Lisa Brownell.
Retirement Planning 101 hosted by Marc Lowe CFP
Wednesday, March 5 @ 11:00am
Mr. Marc Lowe will host an investment seminar at the library. Join us for a presentation on managing your financial plan for retirement and avoid the 3 reasons people run out of money in retirement.
Improv for Introverts, Extroverts, and Everyone-in-Between
Saturday, March 8 @ 11:30am
Learn principles of and practice improvisational storytelling in a supported, encouraging way. Improv teaches so much: listening, taking risks, being present, connecting with others, tapping into deeper creativity, storytelling, and more! Join this workshop to play improv games, have fun, and learn new skills to impact your personal and professional lives. The workshop is intended for teens and adults, and no previous improv experience is required. There will be new activities introduced since the last workshop, so this workshop won't be redundant for past participants.
Instructor: Sarah Page completed her improv training with Bay Area Theatre Sports (BATS Improv) in San Francisco. She enjoys playing improv games with people of all ages as an ongoing practice and a means of helping others to be spontaneous, connect with others, tap into their imaginations and get over fear of failure.
Mystic Calligraphers
Wednesday, March 12 @ 4:45pm
Join the Mystic Calligraphers in the Ames Room!
Intermediate Level Spanish Book Group
Thursday, March 13 @ 4:00pm
Do you speak some Spanish and want to improve your abilities in a non-stressful environment? Come join the Spanish Book club - intermediate level! At our first meeting we will decide what we will be reading - a book appropriate to level of the members of the group and talk about goals/ground rules. The aim of this group is to have FUN while improving everyone’s Spanish abilities in reading, listening and speaking. Come and learn in a relaxed atmosphere, the best way to improve your Spanish.
For more information or if you can’t make that meeting but still wish to participate.
Fabulous Local Foodies: Jorge Baldivienzo
Monday, March 17 @ 6:30pm
He is the creative chef and owner of MASA, a ground breaking new Latin deli located in the Velvet Mill in Stonington. He developed his culinary skills at the #1 ranked restaurant, Central in Lima, Peru and was the sous chef at the James Beard nominated local Port of Call. He cooks with all fresh, natural and organic ingredients to present a menu
which fuses international influences with an emphasis on Latin American cuisine. He is excited to share his journey and knowledge on March 17.
Irish Song Workshop with Aoife Clancy
Thursday, March 20 @ 4:00pm
Aoife Clancy grew up in Co Tipperary, Ireland. Her father, Bobby Clancy was a member of the group The Clancy Brothers. From an early age Aoife’s father taught her the guitar and encouraged her to sing. As a teenager, she performed in local folk clubs and small family gatherings and learned the craft of entertaining from observing her father perform. In 1998 Aoife was invited to the US to do a two-week tour for St Patrick’s day and ended up living
in Boston for the next 25 years! She subsequently was asked to join the acclaimed group Cherish the Ladies out of NY city and toured over 200 dates a year. While touring with Cherish, the group were nominated for a Grammy for their Celtic Album with the Boston Pops. Aoife continues to perform as a soloist and has several CD’s under her belt. Aoife loves to keep the songs alive by teaching workshops on the songs she grew up with.
Irish Song Workshop
Aoife’s class is comprised of songs from traditional Irish origin. She will teach songs that were passed down to her from her father Bobby. Students will receive song sheets as well as the background and origin of the songs. They will also learn a vocal technique to certain unaccompanied songs that will help with ornamentation and the pacing of a song. Aoife will accompany herself on the guitar and an Irish drum, called a Bodhràn.
Celtic Sound Healing with Yoga
Thursday, March 20 @ 5:15pm
Celtic Sound Healing incorporates traditional gaelic melodies, vibrational sound and spoken word to induce a deep sense of peace and well being while reducing the stress of daily life.
(Please Bring your own Yoga Mat and blanket)
Best Book Club
Monday, March 24 @ 5:30 PM
We are working our way through the list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st century.
All are welcome to join. Contact Chris Bradley for details.
On March 24th we'll be reading, Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe
Friends Indoor Yard Sale
March 28 & 29
The Friends Indoor Yard Sale offers many treasures including household goods, vintage items, pottery, glassware, and art as well as DVDs and music CDs. There will be something for all ages! All monies raised are used by the Friends to support the Library.
Harvard Lane Clarinets
Thursday, March 27 @ 7:00pm
Harvard Lane Clarinets (HLC) is a clarinet choir that was “Built by Covid”! In 2020, when live music just stopped altogether, this group of clarinet musicians basically refused to let the Covid 19 pandemic shut them down as musicians. The founder, Jackie Pick, immediately just started to invite other area clarinet musicians to come and play together in a Covid safe way – under the canopies in her back yard sitting a safe 12 feet apart. Yes, we entertained our neighbors and all the resident wildlife! The birds especially loved the Mozart and Beethoven! The group derives its name from their primary rehearsal location as Jackie lives on Harvard Lane!
Since that initial pandemic shut down, the HLC was able to continue playing in other outdoor locations, such as Harkness Park, and of course has now moved rehearsals indoors. They have enjoyed many compliments from neighbors and park goers, who have all loved hearing live music! And now, they are playing at other venues such as for events of the friends of Harkness Park, various libraries, some senior living facilities, and have been featured at some area concerts, such as the popular Summer Sounds concert series at Mystic River Park. The HLC play a variety of music including classical, pop, rock, novelty, holiday, and more. Harvard Lane Clarinets is truly looking forward to bringing its musical gifts to the Mystic & Noank Library on Thursday, March 27, 2025. We hope you will enjoy hearing this fun group of musicians!
Friends of Mystic & Noank Library: Art Sale!
March 31- April 5
The Friends of the MNL Art Sale will run the full month of April. The sale will feature paintings, photographs and more. If you are interested in an art item, bring the tag to the circulation desk to pay for it and take it home! New items will replace those that sell so it will be an ever changing sale. Support the library and enjoy a new piece of art!
Fourth Annual Reading on Tap
Tuesday, April 1 @ 5:30pm
Join us for our fourth annual Reading on Tap at Milestone! Enjoy an evening filled with engaging readings from local notables. The library invites you to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Milestone while listening to a variety of readings.
-Snacks will be provided by Milestone Restaurant, and the cash bar will be open.
-Readers will take the stage from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
-Tickets are $25 per person, with all proceeds supporting the Mystic & Noank Library.
-Tickets are available to purchase here!
It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
Secure your spot today for an evening of readings, good company, and great conversation—all in support of our local library. Your Gift Makes Everything Our Library Does Possible!
Library Giving Day!
April 1st
Library Giving Day 2024 - Show Your Support for the Mystic & Noank Library on the National Library Giving Day, this year on April 1st, 2024! Learn more about Library Giving Day here.
