Benedict Arnold: The Burning of New London Tuesday, July 7th from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. On the nation’s 250th birthday, author Eric D. Lehman will share a historical look back at the infamous Benedict Arnold presented in his recent book, Homegrown Terror: Benedict Arnold and the Burning of New London. He will discuss the life of this complicated Connecticut native, including the September 6, 1781, attack of his home state, when he led 1,600 British soldiers and loyalists to capture Fort Griswold and burn down the town of New London. This fascinating story also sheds light on the ethics of the dawning nation and the way colonial America responded to betrayal and terror. Register here. 

250th Anniversary of American Beer Wednesday, July 8th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. To mark America's 250th Anniversary, illustrator, author and Advanced Cicerone Em Sauter will give an illustrated presentation discussing the role of beer and brewing in American history. Starting from the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock (because they were out of beer!) to the modern craft brewery movement and the beers we love today, beer has been woven through the fabric of American history. Beer samples will be served. Ages 21+. Register here.

Adult Fiction Book Club Thursday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join us as we read and discuss The IT Girl by Ruth Ware in person. We meet every second Thursday of the month. We have a limited number of copies of this month's book available for check out at the main branch circulation desk. Hope to see you there!

Saturday Matinee with Joe Meyers: The American President Saturday, July 11th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join Film Critic Joe Meyers and watch The American President and a talk afterwards. U.S. President Andrew Shepherd, an unabashedly liberal Democrat, is just gearing up for re-election when he meets an attractive and sharp environmental lobbyist named Sydney Wade and the pair fall in love. But complications ensue for the widowed Chief Executive, who finds his courtship drawing the ire of the press, the public and a rival senator. Register here. 

Trumbull Historical Society Presents: Revolutionary Connecticut Through the Eyes of Ordinary People Monday, July 13th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. What did the American Revolution mean to the people of Connecticut? This new presentation will draw from the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s rich collection of artifacts and documents to tell the revolutionary story through the eyes of ordinary people. It explores the roots of revolutionary sentiment in Connecticut, and how people, both Patriot and Loyalist, experienced the traumatic circumstances of war while trying to meet the needs of everyday life. Register here.

Trivia Night: 90s/2000s Tuesday, July 14th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come enjoy some seriously fun pop culture trivia taking you down memory lane to the 90s and 2000s. From Pearl Jam to Friends and everything in between, this program will be "all that and a bag of chips." Come test your knowledge of a simpler time right as social media was beginning to burst onto the scene. Register here.

Homes of the Founding Fathers with The Bow Tie Historian Wednesday, July 15th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Most Americans recognize the famous homes of the Founding Fathers, such as Mount Vernon and Monticello. Join the Bow Tie Historian, Jason Scappaticci, to look beyond these well-known sites to discover some of the lesser-known homes that reveal new insights into the lives of America’s founders. Register here.

Toddler Time (Walkers-Age 3) Tuesday, July 7th from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Come and join us for some music and movement at the library! We will sing, dance, and read together. This is a drop-in program. No registration required. 

Mr. Lobster (Kids & Families) Tuesday, July 7th from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Everybody's in the Band! Join Mr. Lobster for a fun, interactive music experience. Drink imaginary milkshakes, act like a growing plant, and dance like an elevator! Registration is required. Please register each attendee.

Baby Time (Birth-walking) Wednesday, July 8th from 11 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Ages birth to walking. Listen to a story, sing songs, and perform fingerplays. Registration is not required.

Preschool Time (Ages 3-5) Thursday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Join Miss Katie for circle time, stories, and complete a simple craft. Registration is not required.

Kids Cursive: Learn To Write Like John D. Rockefeller (Gr. 2-4) Wednesday, July 15th from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The writing on the Declaration of Independence looks like a secret code! Let’s learn that cursive code and write like a titan of industry. During this hands-on 90-minute program with calligrapher, Debby Reelitz, students will get the opportunity to learn and practice cursive and design a special signature inspired by famous historical figures from American history. Registration is required. Please register each youth attendee.

HMGS: The American War for Independence (Gr. 5-9) Tuesday, July 7th from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. In this tabletop game re-enactment of the Battle of Ridgefield, we will learn about part of Connecticut's contributions in the War for Independence. The game features hundreds of hand painted miniature soldiers, and is hosted by the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, Next Gen Inc. Registration is required. For grades 5-9.

Re-Loved Designs: Mini Beaded Flower Arrangements (Gr. 6-12) Create your own tiny bouquet of charm in this fun and creative workshop! We will design delicate mini floral stems using beads, wire, and colorful materials, then arrange them inside a tiny decorative vessel to create an adorable handmade floral display. Each participant will leave with a unique miniature arrangement that’s perfect for room décor, gifting, or displaying year-round. All materials provided. This program is for participants in grades 6-12 only. Please only register youth participants. 

Creator's Corner Drop In Wednesday, July 8th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Drop in and use our 3D printer to create! Ages 8 and up.

Building Blocks: Lego/Snap Circuit Drop In Monday, July 13th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Drop in for a fun time playing with Legos and our Snap Circuits. Let our Master Builder help you create masterpieces or let your imagination take you as far as you can go! Ages 7 and up.