Adult Programs

JANUARY

Making Change: How to Make Ends Meet in Inflationary Times
Thursday, January 9 at 6 PM

Are you finding it more challenging to keep up with inflation and rising prices? Are your dollars not stretching far enough? Join us for this workshop provided by the UConn Extension Financial Education Program and the Connecticut Saves Campaign and learn how to move closer to making your financial goals a reality.

Click here to register

The Picturesque Gardens of Stourhead
Thursday, January 16 at 1 PM

Rhea Higgins will give a talk on the landscape gardens and estate of Stourhead in Wiltshire, England. Stourhead was one of the first “picturesque” gardens inspired to resemble the paintings of French artist Claude Lorrain. Come learn how estate owner Henry Hoare made this possible.

Rhea Higgins has taught Art History at Wesleyan University in their Graduate Liberal Studies Program since 1987 and presently in Weslyean’s Wasch Seminar Programs. She holds degrees from Smith College and Harvard University and has specialized in ninteenth-century European painting with an emphasis on English and French artists.

This program is in community partnership with the Middletown Garden Club.

Click here to register

Polymer Clay Succulent Garden
Thursday, January 23 at 6 PM

In this fun and fast paced workshop, each participant will create their very own polymer clay permanent succulent garden. Each participant will learn how to create 3 different realistic faux plants, and “plant” them in a flower pot. The creations will be so realistic that you may be tempted to water them!

No artistic talent needed. Award winning polymer clay artist Debbie Jaffe will guide you through the whole process all while making you laugh. 

Limit 15 participants; registration required.
Click here to register

FEBRUARY

Protecting Your Financial Information
Monday, February 24 at 6 PM

We live in a fast-paced, technological world. Scammers are all around us, whose only goal is to steal your financial information to commit fraud. Your best defense is awareness. Learn important tips to help you understand the methods of identity theft; take action steps to reduce your risk; recognize signs that you may be a victim; choose your options in recovering from identity theft, including data security breaches; and exercise your consumer rights to shield your credit report from unauthorized use.

This program will be led by Kathleen Titsworth, Banking Outreach Coordinator of the Connecticut Department of Banking.

Click here to register

Watercolor Painting on Book Pages
Thursday, February 27 at 6 PM

Join Jean Rill-Alberto and create a beautiful piece of art with watercolors and books! Paint floral and geometric designs using watercolor paints, watercolor pencils, black pens, and gouache. Trace with floral stencils and templates onto old book pages to create your artwork and turn it into a framed piece or an art card for someone special.

Limit 10 participants; registration required.
Click here to register

MONTHLY MEETUPS

Durham Public Library Book Club
Meets at the library once a month on Mondays at 6:30 pm.
Click here for a list of upcoming discussions.

Drop-In Mah Jong
Meets every Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, join us to play Mahjong on Tuesday afternoons! If you have a set, please bring it. Drop in; no registration required.

French Conversation Group
Meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, via Zoom. Expand your speaking skills by practicing the language in a welcoming atmosphere. Open to all levels of speakers. Email Lauren at lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for registration information.

Spanish Conversation Group
Meets biweekly on Fridays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, via Zoom. Expand your speaking skills by practicing the language in a welcoming atmosphere. Open to all levels of speakers. Email Lauren at lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for registration information.

Cookbook Club
Meets monthly on the 3rd or 4th Friday of the month at noon. This is a combination of a book club and a potluck lunch. Each month, we will choose a cookbook which each of the participants will select a recipe and prepare it for the group to taste and discuss. Click here for a list of upcoming dates. Registration required.

Our special programs and events are sponsored by PALS: The Friends of the Durham Public Library.