Burnham Library

Staying Safe Online - Part Two
2025-04-29 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Staying Safe Online – Part Two with Mike Ingber
Presented by the Burnham Library, the Hilltop Senior Center, and Community Caring in Bridgewater
Tuesday, April 29 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm

In Part Two of this series, Mike Ingber will focus on how to keep your computer protected, how to stay safe while browsing the internet, how to recognize dangerous emails and signs that you may have been infected, advice for shopping safely, privacy suggestions, and more.

Refreshments will be served.
Registration required. Please RSVP below or email jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

Bridgewater Community Book Club: The Glimmer Girls with author Jennifer Coburn
2025-04-30 17:30 - 19:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Author Jennifer Coburn, The Girls of the Glimmer Factory
Wednesday, April 30 at 5:30 pm Location: Burnham Library
The Bridgewater Community Book Club will host author Jennifer Coburn. A light reception will follow the discussion.
Sign-up sheets are posted at the Bridgewater Congregational Church’s Friendship Hall and the Burnham Library.

CANCELLED The Connecticut 169 Club: Your Passport & Guide to Exploring Connecticut with Author Marty Podskoch
2025-05-01 18:00 - 19:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
This program is now cancelled.
The Connecticut 169 Club: Your Passport and Guide to Exploring Connecticut
Join us as we welcome author and historian Marty Podskoch for a book talk and signing. His book, The Connecticut 169 Club: Your Passport and Guide to Exploring Connecticut, encourages travelers to visit all the towns and villages of our beautiful and unique state.
Marty will discuss his collaboration with individuals from each town in writing the book, who offered highlights of their town’s history, interesting places to visit, and local attractions. He also incorporates a fun contest with audience participation to see if they know the location of pictures of interesting places in towns.
Podskoch created this book as a guide and a passport. It has a space for travelers to journal about their experiences and a place to get the book stamped or signed by a resident or business …. or LOCAL LIBRARY! Travelers will get to know the locals, perhaps learn about a good place to eat or an interesting local attraction and learn a lot about Connecticut and its residents in the process.
People who visit all 169 towns will receive the “Leatherman Award” patch at a luncheon or dinner held at a different town each year. The award is named after the vagabond who lived in caves and traveled a route regularly (approx. 34 days) from the Connecticut River to the Hudson River during the late 1800s.
Books will be available for purchase at the event.
Registration is required. RSVP Below or email jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

Adult and Teen Take & Make: Strawberry Pop-Up Card
2025-05-06 10:00 - 17:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Stop by the library service desk to pick up a strawberry pop-up card kit! Kits will be available throughout the month while supplies last starting Tuesday, May 6th, and are limited to one per family.

Cozy Cups & Crafts: Beaded Moon Suncatchers!
2025-05-06 18:00 - 19:30 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Call in the sunshine by crafting your own DIY beaded wire moon suncatcher to bring a touch of sparkle to your home! Join us for a cozy evening of crafting and light refreshments!
Ages 12+. Registration is required. RSVP below.

Virtual Author Series: How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin
2025-05-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Program
How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin
Wednesday, May 7, 2:00 pm via digital live stream
REGISTER & SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE
Let’s face it: Everyone has anxiety. Furthermore, our incessant quest to rid ourselves of this ubiquitous human emotion worsens it. What if, instead of fighting our anxiety, we could turn it into a strength? In this enlightening online webinar, you will learn how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting, connected to others, and resilient. Author of Thriving with Anxiety, Dr. Rosmarin’s constructive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach will not make you less anxious. Instead, it will empower you to use anxiety to thrive.
About the Author: David H. Rosmarin, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and Founder of Center for Anxiety. Through his work as a clinical psychologist, scientist, educator, author, and keynote speaker, David has helped thousands of individuals and organizations to thrive by embracing the emotion of anxiety. His clinical work and research have been featured in Good Morning America, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, and TED. David is available for organization speaking and consultation via his website www.dhrosmarin.com

Two Town Tabletop Club
2025-05-10 13:00 - 17:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Are you ready to dive into a world of adventure, strategy, and fun? Whether you’re a seasoned tabletop game aficionado or just curious to see what all the excitement is about, our monthly meet-up has something for everyone! Why Join Us?

Explore New Games: From favorites to the latest hits, discover a wide variety of games that will challenge your mind and spark your imagination.
Meet Like-Minded Enthusiasts: Connect with fellow game lovers, share tips and strategies.
All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether you’re a beginner or a master, our meet-up is the perfect place to learn new games or showcase your expertise.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Grab your friends, roll the dice, and join us for an unforgettable gaming experience. 🧩
Questions? Contact jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

Drop-in thru the back door.

Virtual Author Series: On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang
2025-05-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Program
On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang
Wednesday, May 14, 7:00 pm via digital live stream
REGISTER & SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE
Grab your popcorn, grab your friend, and join us for a propulsive online conversation with author Liann Zhang as she chats with us about her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead.
Julie Chan has nothing. Her twin sister has everything. Except a pulse.
Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier with nothing to lose, finds herself thrust into the glamorous yet perilous world of her late twin sister, Chloe VanHuusen, a popular influencer. Separated at a young age, the identical twins were polar opposites and rarely spoke, except for one viral video that Chloe initiated (Finding My Long-Lost Twin And Buying Her A House #EMOTIONAL). When Julie discovers Chloe’s lifeless body under mysterious circumstances, she seizes the chance to live the life she’s always envied.
Julie Chan is Dead is the brilliant, dark, and diabolical debut thriller we’ve all been waiting for. Register now for a wildly fun conversation!
About the Author: Liann Zhang is a second-generation Chinese Canadian who splits her time between Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario. After a short stint as a skincare content creator, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in psychology and criminology. Julie Chan Is Dead is her first novel.

Virtual Author Series: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us with Author Rachelle Bergstein
2025-05-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Program
How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us with Author Rachelle Bergstein
Wednesday, May 21, 2:00 pm via digital live stream
REGISTER & SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE
You’re invited to an online intimate conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. This book takes an expansive look at Judy Blume’s life, work, and cultural impact, focusing on her most iconic—and controversial—young adult novels, from Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret to Blubber.
Everyone knows Judy Blume.
Her books have garnered her fans of all ages for decades and sold tens of millions of copies. But why were people so drawn to them? And why are we still talking about them now in the 21st century?
In The Genius of Judy, her remarkable story is revealed as never before, beginning with her as a mother of two searching for purpose outside of her home in 1960s suburban New Jersey. The books she wrote starred regular children with genuine thoughts and problems. But behind those deceptively simple tales, Blume explored the pillars of the growing women’s rights movement, in which girls and women were entitled to careers, bodily autonomy, fulfilling relationships, and even sexual pleasure. Blume wasn’t trying to be a revolutionary—she just wanted to tell honest stories—but in doing so, she created a cohesive, culture-altering vision of modern adolescence.
Blume’s bravery provoked backlash, making her the country’s most-banned author in the mid-1980s. Thankfully, her works withstood those culture wars and it’s no coincidence that Blume has resurfaced as a cultural touchstone now. Young girls are still cat-called, sex education curricula are getting dismissed as pornography, and entire shelves of libraries are being banned. As we face these challenges, it’s only natural we look to Blume, the grand dame of so-called dirty books. This is the story of how a housewife became a groundbreaking artist, and how generations of empowered fans are her legacy, today more than ever.
Register now for a conversation you don’t want to miss!
About the Author: Rachelle Bergstein is a lifestyle writer, author, and editor, focused on style, pop culture, and families. Her work has appeared in the New York Post, The New York Times, NPR, and more. She is the author of three books: Women from the Ankle Down, Brilliance and Fire, and The Genius of Judy. She lives with her husband and son in Brooklyn. Find out more at RachelleBergstein.com.

Burnham's Satellite Library
2025-05-27 12:30 - 13:30, 2025-06-24 12:30 - 13:30, 2025-07-22 12:30 - 13:30, 2025-08-26 12:30 - 13:30 | Hilltop Center, United States
Join Katie at the Hilltop Center on the 4th Tuesday of Each Month!
Whether you’re looking to discover new books, need help with tech, or just want to chat, Katie has you covered. Swing by to grab a new library card, register for upcoming programs, or simply enjoy some good conversation. She’s here to assist with it all!

Book Discussion: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
2025-05-28 17:00 - 19:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Book Discussion
We will meet on Wednesday, May 28, at 5:00 pm to discuss Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Copies of each selection will be available at the library, or you can request a curbside pick-up. For more information, email jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

Courage to Thrive: Discovering Your True Self
2025-05-29 18:00 - 19:30 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Courage to Thrive: Discovering Your True Self
Registration appreciated. RSVP below.
With local author, Rev. Bob Flanagan
Thursday, May 29 at 6:00 pm

Join us for a special evening with local author Rev. Robert D. Flanagan, Episcopal priest and author of Courage to Thrive: Discovering Your True Self. In this engaging talk, Bob, will discuss the inspiration behind his book and share insights on self-discovery, purpose, and identity through the lens of faith and personal experience. Drawing from scripture, relationships, and creative expression, Flanagan offers a thoughtful exploration of how we understand who we are as individuals and as children of God. Refreshments will be served. Registration is required via the Events Calendar at burnhamlibrary.org

Virtual Author Series: Extinctopedia–A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About it with Smithsonian Scientists
2025-06-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Program
Extinctopedia–A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About it with Smithsonian Scientists
Wednesday, June 4 at 2:00 pm via digital live stream
REGISTER & SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE

Extinctopedia tells a complex story, not just of those who are extinct but also of those in greatest peril, with explanations of what threatens their survival. It is also a story of hope—hopes for animals that have been rediscovered, hope in the form of newly-discovered animals, and hope that we might hear the warning call and act to preserve the amazing biodiversity of our fragile planet for future generations to come.
You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet. In this talk, you will discover:

Animals that are no longer with us
Endangered animals at risk of extinction
Organizations that aim to protect animal life
Strategies for preserving biodiversity

Extinctopedia provides a fascinating catalog of life on earth and encourages the reader to find ways of preserving the incredible diversity of species, so we may all thrive and life itself can endure on this amazing and beautiful planet.
About the Presenters:
Brian Gratwicke is a conservation biologist and leads the amphibian conservation programs at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Brian’s focus is building capacity to conserve amphibians in Appalachia and Panama, developing outreach and educational programs and exhibits to build public support for amphibian conservation, and research to develop tools to reintroduce amphibians back into the wild. At SCBI, Brian collaborates with Panamanian conservation biologists and zoo partners to build an ex-situ amphibian facility in Panama. The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project based at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Gamboa maintains and grows captive assurance populations of species most heavily affected by the deadly amphibian chytrid fungus. One major research focus is developing applied solutions for the amphibian chytrid fungus, including research into the area of beneficial skin bacteria and identifying genetic traits associated with resistance to the disease. He also conducts research into emerging diseases and the effects of climate change on Appalachian salamanders.
Gratwicke grew up in Zimbabwe and began his conservation work researching the impacts to freshwater fish in Africa. In 2000, he was awarded a Rhodes scholarship that took him to Oxford, where he studied marine fish communities in the British Virgin Islands for his doctorate. After completing his doctorate, Gratwicke moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a program administrator and then assistant director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Save the Tiger Fund.
Dr. Gina Della Togna is a researcher and conservationist, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance and a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Dr. Della Togna earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, with a specialization in Molecular and Cell Biology, from the University of Maryland, USA. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the reproductive biology of amphibians and the development of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for endangered species facing challenges in reproduction. As the co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group ARTs and Biobanking working group since 2017 and co-author of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP), Dr. Della Togna plays a vital role in advancing conservation efforts for amphibian species worldwide. Additionally, she is part of the IUCN SSC ASG Atelopus Task Force and member of the Atelopus Survival Initiative, co-chairing the Ex Situ Working Group. Dr. Della Togna serves on the Advisory Board of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, further showcasing her commitment to species preservation. Her dedication to amphibian conservation extends to her involvement in global, regional, and local initiatives, where she fosters collaborations and spearheads innovative projects to safeguard amphibian populations. Her expertise and passion have made her a leading figure in the field of conservation biology, inspiring positive change for the future of amphibians and their ecosystems.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Burnham Library.

Virtual Author Series: Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell
2025-06-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Program
Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell
Wednesday, June 10 at 2:00 pm via digital live stream
REGISTER & SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE

You’re invited to an exclusive preview event with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title Don’t Let Him In (Out June 24, 2025!). Along with an introduction to her newest bone-chilling, psychological thriller, Jewell will chat about her life as a writer and her critically-acclaimed body of work.
In Don’t Let Him In, three women are connected by one man in this kaleidoscopic thriller.
Nick Radcliffe is a man of substance and good taste. He has a smile that could melt the coldest heart and a knack for putting others at ease. He’s just what Nina Swann needed in her life after her husband’s unexpected death. But to Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too slick, too polished, too good to be true. Without telling her mother, Ash begins digging into Nick’s past. What she finds is more than unsettling…
Things don’t make sense and patience is wearing thin…
Martha is a florist living in a neighboring town with her infant daughter and her devoted husband Alistair. But lately, Alistair has been traveling more and more frequently for work, disappearing for days at a time. When Martha questions him about his frequent absences, he always has a legitimate explanation. But Martha can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right, despite her husband calling her mad and insisting they know everything there is to know about one another.
Nina, Martha, and Ash are on a collision course with a shocking truth that is far darker than anyone could have imagined. And all three are about to wish they had heeded the same warning: Don’t let him in. But the past won’t stay buried forever.
Register now for the thrill of a lifetime!
About the Author: Lisa Jewell is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including None of This Is True, The Family Upstairs, and Then She Was Gone, as well as Invisible Girl and Watching You. Her novels have sold over ten million copies internationally, and her work has also been translated into twenty-nine languages. Connect with her on X @LisaJewellUK, on Instagram @LisaJewellUK, and on Facebook @LisaJewellOfficial.

Town Event: Bridgewater Community Garden Planning Meeting
2025-06-10 17:30 - 18:30 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
We are a small group of residents who would like to organize a community garden similar to those of neighboring towns. We are in the early planning stages and are considering Hilltop land as the location.

Before we go any further in our work, it would be helpful for us to assess the of level interest in Bridgewater and hear from interested residents how their needs might be incorporated into our planning.

If you are interested, please come to the June 10th meeting or respond to below.

Would you love to grow your own food but worry about having to share with critters?
Is your property too shady for a garden?
Might it be fun to grow a few flowers and vegetables and enjoy the fellowship of other gardeners?

Please reply HERE and share your thoughts and comments. For questions, please email jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

The History of the Yellow Cat Tea House
2025-06-12 17:00 - 18:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
The History of the Yellow Cat Tea House
A partnership with the Burnham Library and the Bridgewater Historic Society
Thursday, June 12 from 5:00 – 6:00 at the Burnham Library & followed by a wine & cheese reception at the Peck House
Join us for a fascinating program exploring the history of the “Yellow Cat Tea House,” a hidden gem within Lovers Leap State Park. Active from 1925 to 1930, this mysterious structure—believed to have been a restaurant or tea house—once welcomed visitors with tea sandwiches and desserts. Now, its remnants, including a granite staircase, an old chimney, and a castle-like turret, lie nestled among the ruins of the Hurd estate.
Registration is required. Please RSVP below or email jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

Burnham Beer Garden
2025-06-20 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-07-25 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-08-22 17:30 - 19:30 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Join us under the tent at the annual Burnham Beer Garden! Enjoy local brews, wine, craft cocktails, and snacks, all while grooving to live music by Jim Moker. Perfect for the entire family, with fun surprises and a chance to meet new friends. Don’t miss out!
Proceeds benefit the Burnham Library. There will also be non-alcoholic options on the house. Venmo, cash, and cards are accepted.
In case of rain, we hang out in the SBYLC Community Room.
Questions? email jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

The Great Burnham Puzzle Competition
2025-07-17 17:30 - 20:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
The Great Burnham Puzzle Competition
Register HERE
Please read the rules below before registering. Limited to 6 teams.
Ever wanted to try your hand at the speed jigsaw puzzle competition? Grab some friends or family and join us for the Great Burnham Puzzle Competition! This is a timed event. The competition begins promptly at 6:00 pm, the first team to complete their puzzle wins. Teams will receive one 500-piece puzzle and the first place team will receive a trophy and bragging rights.
Doors open at 5:30 pm, and all participants must arrive by 5:45 or forfeit their place in the competition.
We will have a half-time break, and snacks will be available. Registration is required. Puzzles donated by Ravensburger Puzzles.
The Rules:
Each team can have up to four (4) members, ages 12 and up. All teams receive the identical 500-piece puzzle. If you are registering as a team, please register once. If you are registering with fewer than four people, you may have participants added to your team. Solo players are welcome! If you cannot attend, please email Jean at jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org, so that teams on the waitlist can be contacted. This event is intended for adults and/or families. There must be a minimum of one adult per team.
Competition Format:

Each team receives the same 500-piece puzzle.
No one gets to see the puzzle until the timer begins. The puzzle boxes will be placed in the middle of the table, covered.
Teams try to put the puzzle together the fastest.
The competition will last two hours. If there is no declared winner by the end of the time limit, the winner is chosen by their remaining number of loose pieces.
There are no devices or outside assistance permitted while working on a puzzle.
A moderator will handle the timer and completion times and observe and ensure that competitors abide by the rules.
Individuals and teams are not allowed to distract or approach team tables when the competition is in progress.
The name of the game is FUN!

Virtual Author Series: On the Strangeness and Wonder of our Brains with Pria Anand
2025-07-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Program
On the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains with Pria Anand
Wednesday, June 31 at 2:00 pm via digital live stream
REGISTER & SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE

You’re invited to a fascinating conversation with neurologist and author Pria Anand to chat about her new book The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains (forthcoming June 10, 2025).
The Mind Electric speaks to the stories we tell ourselves about our brains, and the stories that our brains tell to us.
A girl believes she has been struck blind for stealing a kiss. A mother watches helplessly as each of her children is replaced by a changeling. A woman is haunted each month by the same four chords of a single song. In neurology, illness is inextricably linked with narrative, the clues to unraveling these mysteries hidden in both the details of a patient’s story and the tells of their body.
Stories are etched into the very structure of our brains, coded so deeply that the impulse for storytelling survives and even surges after the most devastating injuries. But our brains are also porous—the stories they concoct are shaped by cultural narratives about bodies and illness that permeate the minds of doctors and patients alike. In the history of medicine, some stories are heard, while others—the narratives of women, of Black and brown people, of displaced people, of disempowered people—are too often dismissed.
In The Mind Electric, neurologist Pria Anand reveals—through case study, history, fable, and memoir—all that the medical establishment has overlooked: the complexity and wonder of brains in health and in extremis, and the vast gray area between sanity and insanity, doctor and patient, and illness and wellness, each separated from the next by the thin veneer of a different story.
Moving from the Boston hospital where she treats her patients, to her childhood years in India, to Isla Providencia in the Caribbean and to the Republic of Guinea in West Africa, she demonstrates again and again the compelling paradox at the heart of neurology: that even the most peculiar symptoms can show us something universal about ourselves as humans. Register now to join this intriguing virtual conversation!
About the Author: Pria Anand is a neurologist at the Boston Medical Center and an Assistant Professor at the Boston University School of Medicine. She is a graduate of Yale University and Stanford Medical School, and she trained in neurology, neuro-infectious diseases, and neuroimmunology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Back-to-School Parent & Caregiver Social
2025-08-26 09:00 - 10:30 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
School is back in session! Drop in after Drop off for refreshments and a chance to relax with fellow parents.
In partnership with the Burnham School PTO

Book Discussion: The Soul of America
2025-08-27 17:00 - 19:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
All are invited to join us in an open discussion. Copies of each selection will be available at the library, or you can request a curbside pick-up.
For more information, contact jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org
