Welcome back to Behind the Stacks! March marks one full year of the library having this column in the West Haven Voice! We are so thankful for the opportunity to have this article as a way to connect with our community and spread the word about all the wonderful things our library is doing.
This year’s snowy winter weather certainly threw many of us for a loop, but for seasoned Westies, we are all too familiar with the audibles we have to call regarding inclement weather. As the old adage goes, “If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes.”
To that end, we are on our third (and hopefully final) attempt to host our Monday Night Book Club Kickoff at Ora Mason! This event was originally scheduled in January, moved to February due to snow, and then February’s “rain” date also got snowed out! Let’s hope March will bring some luck to the Irish and the evening of March 23 has clear skies (and roads). Join us that Monday at 6 p.m.–no reading required! Just bring yourself, share your favorite books, and enjoy some cookies while we chat and plan. We will do quick introductions, talk about our reading interests, review some book options, and vote on our first read! If you love books, want to read more, or just enjoy a cozy group chat with snacks, feel free to stop by!
On Tuesday, March 24 step into the supernatural with our latest program presented by author and paranormal expert Charles Rosenay–True Ghost Stories of CT: The Shaman & The Showman. Learn about the haunted history of Connecticut’s most paranormal happenings and watch a display of real ghost hunting equipment! Registration is required.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we have teamed up with Takisha Carter, a Wellness Specialist, plant medicine educator, and founder of Native Nubian Wellness. Her work focuses on helping people support their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing through practical, natural lifestyle strategies. Join us at the Main Library on Saturday, March 21 for This Might Be Perimenopause: Real Talk on the Hormone Changes Women Experience–an interactive conversation to help women recognize the early signs of perimenopause and menopause, understand what’s happening in the body, and connect the dots between common symptoms and the hormone transition. A follow up session, Supporting Your Body Through the Hormone Transition: Natural Strategies for Sleep, Stress & Energy, will be hosted the following Saturday. This session will focus on practical, natural ways to support the body during perimenopause and menopause, including lifestyle, nervous system care, and everyday wellness approaches to improve sleep, mood, and overall balance. Finally, on April 4th, there will be a screening of the documentary film The M Factor 2: Before the Pause-Perimenopause followed by an educational discussion.
When we hosted our first-ever blood drive back in January, we were extremely encouraged by the amazing turnout and support from our community. Because of that, we will be partnering with the Red Cross to host another Blood Drive on Wednesday, April 8. Stop by the Main Library anytime between 10am and 3pm to donate blood. Refreshments will be available for donors, and the Red Cross will also be giving out Red Cross x Life is Good T-shirts to donors. Walk-ins are welcome throughout the day so stop by at your convenience or sign up for a specific time to donate. Please contact the library at (203) 937-4233 or the Red Cross directly at 1-800-733-2767 to register for an appointment.
The Friends of the West Haven Library are seeking donations for their upcoming book sale. Please bring gently used books and DVDs to the Main Library by April 11. The Friends cannot accept encyclopedias, textbooks, or magazines. Your donations make it possible for us to raise funds for the library, as well as get unwanted books into the hands of readers who would love them! Feel free to reach out with any questions. And spread the word.
Finally, we’d like to wish our Book Club groups at the Main Library a very Happy Anniversary! March marks two years since we launched our 3 book clubs; and since then, they have grown in numbers as well as in closeness. Members look forward to their monthly meet ups even if the book isn’t their cup of tea–which doesn’t happen often, but hey, they can’t all be winners. The camaraderie and community that has flourished in each unique club is certainly something to celebrate! If interested in joining, don’t hesitate to stop by or call us for more information.