Burnham Library

Winter Chess Club
2026-03-10 15:15 - 15:45 (America/New_York) | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Burnham Library Presents: Winter Chess Club
Grades 1-5
Every other Tuesday (1/13, 1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/10, 3/24)
Jeremy Lingenfelser will introduce kids to the game of chess or help players who know the game, learn new strategies. Open to all abilities!
Available in 2 sessions. 3:15pm-3:45pm OR 4:00-4:30pm.
Registration required. Please register with Mrs. Lianne at lambruso@burnhamlibrary.org. When emailing, specify which session time you would like.

French Conversation Fridays
2026-03-06 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-27 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-20 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-02-13 13:30 - 14:30 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
French Conversation Fridays
Join us for a relaxed meet-and-greet as we launch French Conversation Fridays! Whether you’re fluent or rusty, practice your French, meet fellow language learners, and enjoy a welcoming, low-pressure space to speak, listen, and learn together. Moderate to fluent speakers are welcome—à bientôt!
Questions? Contact jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

PK Little Crafts
2026-03-06 10:30 - 11:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Burnham Library Presents: PK Little Crafts
1st Fridays of the month (1/9*, 2/6, 3/6) *1/9 due to New Year holiday*.
10:30am
Crafts specifically for our toddlers and preschoolers! Simple, seasonal crafts to help practice fine motor, scissor and prewriting skills!
Registration required. Email Mrs. Lianne at lambruso@burnhamlibrary.org

An Evening with Author & Playwright Tom Dulack
2026-03-05 18:00 - 19:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
An Evening with Author & Playwright Tom Dulack
Registration required. RSVP below.
Join award-winning author and playwright Tom Dulack for an evening of conversation and readings from his memoir, Miserere. Set against the backdrop of post–World War II Europe, the memoir explores war, memory, and the complex influence of a priest who shaped Dulack’s intellectual and artistic development. Limited copies are available for loan at the library or for purchase from The Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington Depot and on Amazon.
While reading the memoir in advance is not required, it is encouraged to enhance discussion and understanding.
Miserere is a deeply reflective memoir that explores one of the most decisive intellectual and cultural influences of Dulack’s early development as a writer and playwright. Set in post–World War II Europe, the book examines the devastating effects of war through the story of a soldier-priest, while drawing parallels to writers who bore witness to wartime tragedy, including Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Mann, Ezra Pound, and T. S. Eliot.
About the Author: Tom Dulack is a novelist and award-winning playwright known for his compelling storytelling across both fiction and theater. His novels include The Stigmata of Dr. Constantine, In Love with Shakespeare, and The Misanthropes.
As a playwright, Dulack’s works have earned national and international acclaim. Incommunicado won the Kennedy Center Award for New American Plays, while Friends Like These received the Kaufman and Hart Prize for New American Comedy. His play Breaking Legs enjoyed a long New York run, an extensive national tour, and has been performed worldwide in multiple languages, remaining a staple of regional theater for more than 20 years. Other notable plays include Diminished Capacity and Solomon’s Child, produced both on and off Broadway.
In addition to his work in theater, Dulack has written libretti and directed two operas and served as writer and director for more than forty Young People’s Concerts for the New York Philharmonic from 2005 to 2016. His work has also been presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Cleveland Orchestra.
Dulack is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Connecticut, where he taught drama, Shakespeare, and creative writing. Born and raised in the Midwest, he now lives in rural Connecticut with his wife, Belgian art historian Véronique Sintobin.
This event is free and open to the public.

Burnham School Visit
2026-03-05 11:00 - 15:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Burnham School Visit for grades K, 1, 3, &5

Burnham Bunch Storytime
2026-03-05 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-02-19 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-02-12 10:30 - 11:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Burnham Library Presents: Burnham Bunch Storytime
Thursdays 1/22-3/26
10:30am
Drop in.
Perfect for the 5 and under crowd! Sing songs, read books and have some bubble fun!

Canceled - Burnham School Visit
2026-03-03 14:00 - 15:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Burnham School visit for grades 2 & 4.

Building Closed - Snow
2026-03-03 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States

Storytime Canceled
2026-02-26 10:30 - 11:30 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States

Delayed Opening 1:00 - 5:00
2026-02-26 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States

Book Discussion: Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto by Elizabeth R. Hyman
2026-02-25 17:00 - 19:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Join us as we discuss Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto by Elizabeth R. Hyman
Copies available at the library circulation desk.
Questions? Contact jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

Virtual Author Talk: Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch
2026-02-24 14:00 - 16:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration
REGISTER & SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE
via Digital Livestream or on Demand
Tom D. Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, paints a robust picture of a unique American establishment and its lasting legacies in his book Smithson’s Gamble.
Follow the fascinating growth and development of the world’s largest museum and research complex during its first 60 years. Told in rich detail, Smithson’s Gamble reveals how, as it defined a role rooted in curiosity and exploration, the Smithsonian helped to shape the nation’s developing identity.
The Smithsonian evolved from a small, narrowly focused organization into an institution leading the way in fields from astrophysics to zoology. Smithsonian researchers, and the hundreds of citizen scientists who they recruited, created a collection that documented the natural and human history of a continent. The American conservation movement and a national weather service are rooted at the Smithsonian. Smithson’s Gamble is filled with fascinating characters, twists and turns, and moments of triumph and tragedy, complete with political machinations, a bit of backstabbing, accusations of murder, and the occasional scandal.
Register now to take part in the conversation and learn about the trials, errors, and incredible legacy of the Smithsonian’s foundation.
About the Author: Tom Crouch joined the Smithsonian in 1974 and has served both the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History in a variety of curatorial and administrative posts.
Dr. Crouch has won several major writing awards, including a 1989 Christopher Award, a literary prize recognizing “significant artistic achievement in support of the highest values of the human spirit,” for The Bishop’s Boys: A Life of Wilbur and Orville Wright. His book, Wings: A History of Aviation From Kites to the Space Age, won the AIAA Gardner-Lasser Literature Prize for 2005.
In the fall of 2000, President Clinton appointed Dr. Crouch to the Chairmanship of the First Flight Centennial Federal Advisory Board, an organization created to advise the Centennial of Flight Commission on activities planned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of powered flight.

Burnham's Satellite Library
2026-02-24 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!

Tiny Art Show and Silent Auction - REGISTRATION & DROP OFF 2/24-3/24
2026-02-24 00:00 - 23:59 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Tiny Art Show and Silent Auction – Registration & Canvas pick-up begins
Display your artistic talents and support the library at our Tiny Art Show & Silent Auction fundraiser! Pick up a 4″ x 4″ canvas at the library and create a mini masterpiece at home. A limited number of canvases will be available for pickup starting Tuesday, February 24.
Return your finished work of art by Tuesday, March 24, to be included in our Tiny Art Show and Silent Auction fundraiser. Submissions should be family-friendly. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate!
Visit the Tiny Art Show page for Submission Requirements and Important Dates.

Jazz Goes to the Movies with Gomez & Sadlon
2026-02-20 18:00 - 19:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Jazz Goes to the Movies with Gomez & Sadlon
Registration is required. Please email jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org or call 860.354.6937
Some of our greatest American jazz standards have originated as songs from classic movies and have become a memorable part of our popular culture. Thom Gomez, guitarist, and Rick Sadlon, saxophonist and flutist, known as Gomez & Sadlon, will perform musical selections and present a historical perspective of several well-known American Songbook jazz standards that were either adapted for some of our most iconic movie scenes or that were composed specifically for movies by some of the most celebrated songwriters and composers of their time. The Gomez & Sadlon jazz duo will be performing selections such as: Blue Skies, As
Time Goes By, Pink Panther, The Shadow of Your Smile, Misty, and many more historically significant jazz-style songs from the movies.
Please join us for this unique, entertaining, and educational free program.

Culturally Curious: Frenemies: The Art World's Greatest Rivalries
2026-02-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Program
Culturally Curious: Frenemies: The Art World’s Greatest Rivalries
Zoom Presentation
Registration required HERE and you will be sent the Zoom link
Roxbury, Bridgewater, and Washington come together to bring you a compelling new cultural program presented by Jane Oneail, founder of Culturally Curious.
Behind every masterpiece is a story — and sometimes, a rival. Frenemies: The Art World’s Greatest Rivalries delves into the fascinating world of artistic competition, spotlighting the legendary rivalries that fueled innovation, ambition, and some of the most iconic works in art history.
From the tense showdown between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo during the Renaissance, to the creative clash between landscape masters Constable and Turner, to the explosive modernist rivalry of Matisse and Picasso — this program explores how personal ambition, public acclaim, and the pursuit of greatness pushed these artists to new heights.
Through expert analysis, historical accounts, and stunning visuals, presenter Jane O’Neail invites participants to peek behind the scenes of extraordinary inspiration and creativity and discover the competitive edge behind the artists’ genius.
About the presenter:
Jane Oneail is the founder of Culturally Curious, a company that curates and presents art appreciation programs. Jane holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state’s most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator. Jane has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University.

Kids Klub- Mini Architects
2026-02-19 15:15 - 16:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Burnham Library presents: Kids Klub (Grades 2/3) – Mini Architects
3rd Thursdays (1/15, 2/19, 3/19)
3:15pm-4:00pm
Using multiple materials and a new prompt each month build different structures. We have Magnatiles, wooden blocks and planks, LEGOs and much more to build with!
Registration required. Email Mrs. Lianne at lambruso@burnhamlibrary.org to register.

Young Explorers- Animal Explorers
2026-02-18 15:15 - 16:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Burnham Library Presents: Young Explorers (k/1) Animal Explorers
3rd Wednesdays (1/21, 218, 3/18)
3:15pm-4:00pm
Participate in games and activities all with an animal theme!
Registration required. To register, email Mrs. Lianne at lambruso@burnhamlibrary.org.

Cozy Cups & Crafts: Dessert Candle Decorating
2026-02-17 18:00 - 19:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Join us to enjoy a creative evening of candle-decorating fun! Create your own dessert-style candles and more while enjoying real cupcakes and light refreshments!
This program is for ages 12+. Registration is required to attend. Please RSVP below for each person attending.

Mythical Makers
2026-02-17 15:15 - 16:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Burnham Library Presents: Mythical Makers
Grades 1-5
3rd Tuesdays (1/20, 2/17, 3/17)
3:15pm-4:00pm
Join Miss Katie to read stories and make a creative craft on the featured mythical creature!
Registration required. To register, please email Mrs. Lianne at lambruso@burnhamlibrary.org.

Table Top Gaming Club
2026-02-14 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.

Makers, Bakers, Moveres and Shakers: Vintage Portraits from Bridgewater's Past
2026-02-14 11:00 - 13:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
Makers, Bakers, Movers and Shakers: Vintage Portraits from Bridgewater’s Past
During Library Hours, February 2 – March 28
Reception on Saturday, February 14, from 11:00 – 1:00 pm

Bridgewater: A Century Ago
2026-02-12 17:30 - 18:30 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY AT CAPACITY!
Sponsored by the Bridgewater Historical Society and Bridgewater Land Trust
Look for a second presentation at the Hilltop Center coming in May! email julie@bridgewaterlandtrust.org
A wine and cheese reception to follow.
Join us on a visual journey through Bridgewater: A Century Ago. It’s hard to imagine that just 100 years ago, Bridgewater was a town of narrow dirt roads, few automobiles, and mail delivered by horse and wood-shod sled. Tobacco farming was at its peak, dairy farms dotted the landscape, and the mighty Housatonic River flowed through town. At the heart of the village, a library built of Mine Hill granite rose as a community landmark, followed a few years later by the Burnham School in 1929—both gifts of Clipper Ship Captain William D. Burnham.

Virtual Author Talk: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart
2026-02-12 14:00 - 15:00 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
REGISTER & SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE
via Digital Livestream or on Demand
Feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart’s book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, tells the stories of Negro Mammies of slavery; the Voodoo Queens and Blues Women of Reconstruction; and the Granny Midwives and textile weavers of the Jim Crow era. These women, in secrecy and subterfuge, courageously and devotedly continued their practices and worship for centuries and passed down their traditions.
Conjure informs our lives in ways remarkable and ordinary—from traditional medicines that informed the creation of Vicks VapoRub and the rise of Aunt Jemima’s Pancake Mix, to the original magic of Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023), and the true origins of the all-American classic blue jean.
From the moment enslaved Africans first arrived on these shores, conjure was heavily regulated and even outlawed. Now, Stewart uncovers new contours of American history, sourcing letters from the enslaved, dispatches from the lore of Oshun and other African mystics. The Conjuring of America is a love letter to the real magic Black women used, their herbs, food, textiles, song, and dance, used to sow rebellion, freedom, and hope.
Join us to take part in the magic and celebrate the legacy of America’s founding Black women. Register for free today!
About the Author: Lindsey Stewart is a Black feminist philosopher and an Associate Professor of philosophy at the University of Memphis. She is the author of The Politics of Black Joy. Her work has been featured in Blavity, Signs, Hypatia, and the British Journal for the History of Philosophy, and she holds a 2021 Michael Beaney Prize. She lives in Memphis, Tennessee.

STORYTIME CANCELLED
2026-02-12 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
