Bristol Public Library and its branch, F.N. Manross Memorial, will be closed Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27. The Library and its branch will resume normal hours on Tuesday, May 29.
While we’re closed, you may still drop off items in our book drops or use the library catalogs to place holds, check your library card, or renew items. Library databases will also remain accessible with your library card while we’re closed.
Please join us Thursday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m., as we welcome Robert Steele for a book talk and signing of his new novel, The Curse: Big-Time Gambling’s Seduction of a Small New England Town. This free event will take place in meeting room 1 on the lower level of the Main 
Library. No registration is necessary. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
The Curse is a novel set against the explosion of casino gambling that hit Connecticut during the 1990s, when two Indian tribes emerged to build the world’s two biggest casinos in the southeastern corner of the state. The story begins with the Pequot War in 1637, then jumps 350 years as a Connecticut family becomes embroiled in a struggle to block a third casino that threatens the family’s town and ancestral home.
The lure of easy money drives everyone, from the tribe’s chief to a shadowy Miami billionaire, venal politicians, and Providence mobsters, while a small, quintessential New England town must choose between preserving its character or accepting an extraordinary proposal that will change it forever.
As the battle over the casino reaches a climax, the main character discovers startling truths about his family’s past-including centuries-old events that appear to be impacting the present with devastating effect.
WNPR/Connecticut Public Radio’s John Dankosky calls the novel “fascinating” and Connecticut author Martin Shapiro has described it as “compelling and timely…an epic story of history, money and politics that will make you wonder where America is headed.”
Robert Steele is a former Congressman and candidate for governor of Connecticut. He represented eastern Connecticut in Congress prior to the arrival of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, and subsequently lived for 21 years on the edge of the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, giving him a front-row seat to the political maneuvering that led to the casinos and a first-hand view of their impact. He is currently vice chairman of an international retail marketing agency and lives with his wife in Essex, Connecticut.
Greetings!
The Teen Department is hosting a YA Preview Month during May! We are inviting all 5th graders to participate in any YA programs and activities – this will be their new spot for programming once they are 6th graders!
The Teen Department will be offering a variety of programs throughout May. Be sure to check the activities board in the YA department or the webpage to find out what’s happening. Some programs do require registration so please stop at the YA desk to sign up if your child would like to participate.
We hope to see lots of 5th graders all month long so that they can experience the fabulous programs the Teen Department offers!
April 25th at 6:30 PM
Barbara Pond, award winning musician and leader in the Bristol Symphony and the Musical Club of Hartford, will be presenting Tunes & Twirls: The Evolution of Carousel Music. This lively presentation includes a history of carousel music, a working band organ to enjoy, and carousel rides. Light refreshments will be provided.
New England Carousel Museum
95 Riverside Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010
860-585-5411
www.thecarouselmusuem.org
Being smart about money isn’t always easy. Staying smart about money can be even harder. That’s why Bristol Public Library is hosting a variety of free programs to help consumers learn to manage their personal finances during Money Smart Week®!
Money Smart Week is a financial literacy campaign lead by the American Library Association and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Programming is offered to all demographics and income levels and covers all facets of personal finance from establishing a budget to first time home buying to estate planning. The effort was created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002. Money Smart Week partners will be hosting their events April 20 – 27, 2013.
Taking Control of Your Finances in 8 Steps
Monday, April 22 @ 6:30
Kayse Kress, Senior Financial Advisor for Connecticut Wealth Management LLC, will teach you the eight steps to take control of your finances. You will learn about budgeting, spending plans, setting goals, managing debt, and more.
Debt Management & Credit Repair
Tuesday, April 23 @ 6:30
A representative from the Connecticut Department of Banking will discuss ways to manage your debt, repair you credit, avoid common credit mistakes, and how to interpret your credit report.
Avoiding Identity Theft & Financial Scams
Wednesday, April 24 @ 6:30
Identity theft is the fasted growing crime in America. Learn how to protect yourself and your assets from thieves who want to steal your information. Find out how to recognize the tricks of a con artist and the tell-tale warning signs of a scam. A representative from the Connecticut Better Business Bureau will lead this program.
Couponing: Beyond the Basics
Thursday, April 25 @ 6:30
Using coupons? Want to save more? This fun class with Angie Chastain, The Coupon Lady, provides information on meal planning, store loyalty programs, rebates, online incentive programs, and savings on gifts. Additionally, this class will cover saving money without coupons! This program is funded by a generous gift from the Friends of the Bristol Public Library.
All Money Smart Week events are free. Registration is recommended, but not required. To register, click on the event you wish to attend or call 860-584-7787 x2017. If you want to see what other Connecticut libraries are offering for Money Smart Week, visit the Money Smart Week map of events.