Simsbury Free Library Announces February and March Programs

In February and March, the Simsbury Free Library (SFL) will continue its popular Drop In Book Club and Genealogy programs.

February Drop In Book Club – Objects of Her Affection by Sonya Cobb

February 14, 2017 at 11:15 a.m.

From Amazon: Sophie Porter is the last person in the world you'd expect to be stealing Renaissance masterpieces―and that's exactly why she's so good at it. Slipping objects out of her husband's office at the Philadelphia Museum of Art satisfies something deep inside, during a time in her life when satisfactions are few and far between.

Selling the treasures also happens to keep their house out of foreclosure ― a house that means everything to Sophie. But the FBI is sniffing around, and Sophie is close to destroying the very life she's working so hard to build. She knows she should give up her thieving ways. But she may no longer be in control. The Objects of Her Affection is a riveting story about the realities of motherhood, the perils of secrecy, and the art of appraising the real treasures in our lives.

“’Similarly thrilling’ to Gone Girl...Smart social commentary meets taut heist when mom Sophie dips her toe into the black market art world, just so her family can have a nice home.” ― Better Homes & Gardens

March Drop In Book Club – Dearest of Geniuses: A Life of Theodate Pope Riddle by Sandra L. Katz

March 14, 2017 at 11:15 a.m.

Theodate Pope Riddle was one of America's first successful female architects. She was the only child of a Cleveland millionaire whose hobby was collecting Impressionist paintings. Her first architectural project, a mansion she designed to house her father's magnificent collection, is now the Hill-Stead Museum, in Farmington, Connecticut. Theodate was an educator, who founded the prestigious Avon Old Farms School. She created its spectacular medieval campus and developed its progressive curriculum. She was a Spiritualist, who held a major position in the Society for Psychical Research. An early feminist, Theodate did not care what others thought or said, and she rebelled against society's norms and restrictions. While an unmarried woman, she took in a two-year-old boy, and after his death from polio, she raised two more orphans. She fought the men who tried to take over her school. She spoke and did as she pleased. In May 1915, despite the danger of traveling to England, she sailed on the Lusitania, and when the ship was hit by a German torpedo, she refused to join the panicked crowd trying to get into lifeboats. Instead, she jumped into the icy Irish Sea and miraculously survived. Theo’s husband, John Riddle, called her his “Dearest of Geniuses,” because, despite failures, tragedies, and conflicts, Theo always forged ahead. She was an extraordinary, gifted woman, who fulfilled her ambition to make the world a more beautiful and better place.

New members in search of great book discussions and even better company are always welcome at the SFL’s Drop In Book Club. Readers are welcome any time they are interested in the SFL’s monthly book. Past book discussions have included The Boys in the Boat, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, and One Thousand White Women. Free. No reservation needed. For more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email simsburyfreelibrary@gmail.com.

Drop In Genealogy

Saturdays, February 11 and 25, March 11 and 25, 2017, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Researching your family tree and don't know where else to look to find missing ancestors? Bring any information you have and let genealogist Marilyn Giese help. Giese has over 40 years of experience. She specializes in researching vital records and land records, as well as immigration and colonial records. She has particular expertise in New England, Canada, Scotland, England, and Ireland. Free to members, $5 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email simsburyfreelibrary@gmail.com.

About the Simsbury Free Library

The Simsbury Free Library (the Simsbury Genealogical and Historical Research Library) opened on the second floor of the Hopmeadow District School in 1874. In 1890, the Library’s collection was moved to its present location at 749 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Today the Simsbury Free Library (SFL) seeks to promote interest in genealogy and history by providing access to research material and expertise, artifacts, and educational and cultural programs. It seeks to help patrons connect with the past and to learn from and be inspired by those who have gone before them. The SFL provides a relaxed setting in which people can pursue family research history at their own pace. For everyone from seasoned genealogy veterans to beginners, the SFL has the staff and resources necessary to help visitors develop the skills required to create family trees, search local histories, look up census records, explore vital records, etc.

The Simsbury Free Library – the Gracious Yellow Lady – is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. as well as by appointment. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.simsburyfreelibrary.org or call (860) 408-1336.