For a complete calendar of programs offered by the Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St., and to register for those listed below, visit www.cheshirelibrary.org. Open Art Studio – Fridays, from 1 to 3 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program, an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided, and there is a sink in the room for basic cleanup. Please do not bring turpentine. Art Journaling with Megan Jeffery – Today, Sept. 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in The Loft, upper level. Learn how you can get started in documenting your life with art journaling in this engaging workshop led by illustrator and avid journaler Megan Jeffery, who will show examples from the wide variety of art journals she has created over the years, like “fauxbonichi,” glue books, junk journals, and more. Participants will create their own journaling cards using a variety of supplies, with plenty of samples and ideas shared to get your creative juices flowing! This mini-workshop will offer a taste of Megan’s upcoming seven-week class at Artsplace, “So Many Journals,” which will start on Sept. 22. Visit www.arts placecheshirect.org for more information. Adult Loft Knitters – Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in The Loft, upper level. Socialize, learn, and share techniques with other knitters and experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles. Crocheters welcome. Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club – “The Lost Apothecary” (online) – Thursday, Sept. 15, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Note time change: 1 p.m. start instead of 2 p.m. Join monthly book discussions for fresh perspectives, new authors and a friendly atmosphere. The club meets virtually via Zoom for the present. “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner is an enthralling work of mystery, murder, trust, and betrayal. Set in an atmospheric London and filled with fascinating historical detail, this skilled, captivating debut novel celebrates the strength of women across the centuries. Penner’s immersive story flows skillfully from past to present, revealing the heartaches and lost dreams of three captivating main characters in a page-turningly tense drama that surprises right up until the final paragraph. Thanks to the Friends of the Cheshire Library, multiple copies of the e-book will be available to download to a smartphone, Kindle, iPad or computer via Overdrive/Libby through Sept. 15. An up-to-date Cheshire Library card is required. Host for Murder by the Book is Barbara Ritchie, who can be reached at baritchie30@gmail.com. Please register online. Here’s what the group will be reading next:  Oct. 20: “The Man Who Died Twice” by Richard Osman Nov: 17: “Death of the Green-Eyed Monster” by M.C. Beaton Murder by the Book will be skipping December and start up again in January. Author Talk: “The Humane Gardener” – Thursday, Sept. 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join author Nancy Lawson as our special guest speaker in an online presentation. Her book, “The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife,” explains the importance of coexisting with the local wildlife. Lawson lays out a blueprint for accomplishing what others have labeled impossible: how to incorporate native plants into the landscape for the benefit of both humans and wildlife. Sponsored by the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway and made possible by a grant through the Claire C. Bennitt Watershed Fund. Lawson is a habitat consultant, and a national speaker on garden ecology. She founded Humane Gardener to pioneer creative planting strategies and other animal-friendly landscaping methods. Lawson’s presentations, from national wildlife refuges to local wildflower preserves, have earned her accolades and have inspired even the most seasoned horticulturists and wildlife experts to look at their landscapes in a new way. Certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and master naturalist, she partners with conservation and animal advocacy organizations in central Maryland. Her book and garden have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media outlets. Many Stories Book Club: “Detransition, Baby” – Thursday, Sept. 15, from 7 to 8 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. This monthly book club explores diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives through the power of stories. “Detransition, Baby” is a novel by Torrey Peters in which a trans woman, her detransitioned ex, and his cisgender lover build an unconventional family together in the wake of heartbreak and an unplanned pregnancy. Registration is required. Art League Book Club: “Nefertiti” – Friday, Sept. 16, from 11 to 12:30 p.m. in The Loft, upper level. Do you love to read? And love art? Let’s discuss! This month the Art League Book Club will discuss “Nefertiti” by Michelle Moran, and explore the art of ancient Egypt. This meeting will be hosted by Cheshire Art League member Carol Constantino. Thanks to the Friends of the Cheshire Library, multiple copies of the e-book will be available to download  to a smartphone, Kindle, iPad or computer via Overdrive/Libby through Sept. 15. An up-to-date Cheshire Library card is required. Ancient Tunnel Mystery Explained – Monday, Sept. 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Mary Baldwin Room. Learn why and how a 3000-year-old tunnel in Jerusalem, dug by two opposing teams, met inside solid rock. Hint: they used rope or string, paint, and copper. Movie Matinee: “Murder on the Orient Express” – Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the Mary Baldwin Room. Based on the 1934 novel by Agatha Christie. A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. An avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks, and the world’s greatest detective — Hercule Poirot — arrives to interrogate all passengers and search for clues before the killer can strike again. Kenneth Branagh directed and stars with Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer. Rated PG-13. (2017, 1 hr., 54 min.). No registration is required. Caregiver Support Group (in-person and online) – Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 12 to 1 p.m. in The Loft, upper level, or via Zoom. A support group for caregivers to share tips, strategies, challenges, and successes. Caregivers of all types are welcome, including spouses and adult children caring for relatives, caregivers to children, and professional caregivers. Books Over Coffee: “The Overstory” – Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. Meet new people, try new brews, and have great discussions. Bring your lunch and a favorite mug! This month’s book is “The Overstory” by Richard Powers, a Pulitzer Prize-winning work of environmental fiction. Sisters in Crime–CT Panel: Creating Authentic Characters – Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m., in the Mary Baldwin Room. An exciting panel of accomplished crime fiction authors will share the process of creating characters in their novels. Fictional characters need to be authentic enough to inspire varied emotions in the reader such as empathy, love, hate, and fear. The true test of authenticity is when the characters exist after the reader finishes the last page of the novel or story. Sisters in Crime has 4,500 members in 60-plus regional chapters worldwide and offers networking, advice and support to mystery authors. Members are authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians bound by their affection for the mystery genre and their support of women who write mysteries. This program is presented by the Connecticut Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Panelists will include: Roberta Isleib (who writes as Lucy Burdette): New Jersey-born Lucy Burdette, a.k.a. Roberta Isleib, is the author of 21 mysteries, including “A Dish to Die For,” the latest in the Key West series featuring food critic Hayley Snow (Crooked Lane Books.) “The Key Lime Crime,” tenth in her Key West food critic mystery series, won the Florida Book Award’s bronze medal for popular fiction. Lucy’s first thriller, “Unsafe Haven,” was published by Severn House last year. Her books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. She’s a past president of Sisters in Crime, and currently serving as president of the Friends of the Key West Library. Reed Farrel Coleman: Called a hard-boiled poet by NPR ‘s Maureen Corrigan, Reed Farrel Coleman is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 novels, including six in Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone series. He is a four-time recipient of the Shamus Award for Best PI Novel of the year. He is a four-time Edgar Award nominee in three different categories. He has also received the Audie, Scribe, Macavity, Barry, and Anthony Awards. He lives on Long Island with his wife. David Rich: David Rich is the author of three novels: “The Mirrored Palace,” a historical novel about Richard Francis Burton on the Hajj, “Caravan of Thieves” and “Middle Man,” which are action thrillers. David spent most of his career in Hollywood. He wrote the feature film “Renegades,” starring Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Philips, and worked on scripts for stars ranging from Marlon Brando to Don “The Dragon” Wilson, from Macolm McDowell to Betty Buckley. For television, David wrote episodes of “MacGyver,” “StarGate-SG1” and “Legend.” David has written three plays: “The Interview,” “The Rescue,” and “W.A.R. (Women’s Armed Resistance)”. He also teaches fiction and screenwriting in a graduate program in Connecticut. Lynn Sheft, Panel Moderator: Lynn Sheft is an American author of suspense novels and short stories. Her short story, “A Tryst with Fate” was published in Seascape: The Best New England Crime Stories. “The Deadly Game” is her debut novel. A native of New Jersey, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and established herself as a professional copywriter and creative director in South Florida. During her career, she won ADDY and CLIO awards for her campaigns for regional and national consumer accounts. In addition, she wrote articles for magazines, provided editing services and was an adjunct instructor teaching ESL classes. When she relocated to Connecticut, she turned to writing fiction full time.

For a complete calendar of programs offered by the Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St., and to register for those listed below, visit www.cheshirelibrary.org.

Open Art Studio – Fridays, from 1 to 3 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program, an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided, and there is a sink in the room for basic cleanup. Please do not bring turpentine.

Art Journaling with Megan Jeffery – Today, Sept. 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in The Loft, upper level. Learn how you can get started in documenting your life with art journaling in this engaging workshop led by illustrator and avid journaler Megan Jeffery, who will show examples from the wide variety of art journals she has created over the years, like “fauxbonichi,” glue books, junk journals, and more. Participants will create their own journaling cards using a variety of supplies, with plenty of samples and ideas shared to get your creative juices flowing! This mini-workshop will offer a taste of Megan’s upcoming seven-week class at Artsplace, “So Many Journals,” which will start on Sept. 22. Visit www.arts placecheshirect.org for more information.

Adult Loft Knitters – Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in The Loft, upper level. Socialize, learn, and share techniques with other knitters and experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles. Crocheters welcome.

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club – “The Lost Apothecary” (online) – Thursday, Sept. 15, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Note time change: 1 p.m. start instead of 2 p.m. Join monthly book discussions for fresh perspectives, new authors and a friendly atmosphere. The club meets virtually via Zoom for the present. “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner is an enthralling work of mystery, murder, trust, and betrayal. Set in an atmospheric London and filled with fascinating historical detail, this skilled, captivating debut novel celebrates the strength of women across the centuries. Penner’s immersive story flows skillfully from past to present, revealing the heartaches and lost dreams of three captivating main characters in a page-turningly tense drama that surprises right up until the final paragraph. Thanks to the Friends of the Cheshire Library, multiple copies of the e-book will be available to download to a smartphone, Kindle, iPad or computer via Overdrive/Libby through Sept. 15. An up-to-date Cheshire Library card is required. Host for Murder by the Book is Barbara Ritchie, who can be reached at baritchie30@gmail.com. Please register online.

Here’s what the group will be reading next: 

Oct. 20: “The Man Who Died Twice” by Richard Osman

Nov: 17: “Death of the Green-Eyed Monster” by M.C. Beaton

Murder by the Book will be skipping December and start up again in January.

Author Talk: “The Humane Gardener” – Thursday, Sept. 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join author Nancy Lawson as our special guest speaker in an online presentation. Her book, “The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife,” explains the importance of coexisting with the local wildlife. Lawson lays out a blueprint for accomplishing what others have labeled impossible: how to incorporate native plants into the landscape for the benefit of both humans and wildlife. Sponsored by the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway and made possible by a grant through the Claire C. Bennitt Watershed Fund. Lawson is a habitat consultant, and a national speaker on garden ecology. She founded Humane Gardener to pioneer creative planting strategies and other animal-friendly landscaping methods. Lawson’s presentations, from national wildlife refuges to local wildflower preserves, have earned her accolades and have inspired even the most seasoned horticulturists and wildlife experts to look at their landscapes in a new way. Certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and master naturalist, she partners with conservation and animal advocacy organizations in central Maryland. Her book and garden have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media outlets.

Many Stories Book Club: “Detransition, Baby” – Thursday, Sept. 15, from 7 to 8 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. This monthly book club explores diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives through the power of stories. “Detransition, Baby” is a novel by Torrey Peters in which a trans woman, her detransitioned ex, and his cisgender lover build an unconventional family together in the wake of heartbreak and an unplanned pregnancy. Registration is required.

Art League Book Club: “Nefertiti” – Friday, Sept. 16, from 11 to 12:30 p.m. in The Loft, upper level. Do you love to read? And love art? Let’s discuss! This month the Art League Book Club will discuss “Nefertiti” by Michelle Moran, and explore the art of ancient Egypt. This meeting will be hosted by Cheshire Art League member Carol Constantino. Thanks to the Friends of the Cheshire Library, multiple copies of the e-book will be available to download  to a smartphone, Kindle, iPad or computer via Overdrive/Libby through Sept. 15. An up-to-date Cheshire Library card is required.

Ancient Tunnel Mystery Explained – Monday, Sept. 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Mary Baldwin Room. Learn why and how a 3000-year-old tunnel in Jerusalem, dug by two opposing teams, met inside solid rock. Hint: they used rope or string, paint, and copper.

Movie Matinee: “Murder on the Orient Express” – Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the Mary Baldwin Room. Based on the 1934 novel by Agatha Christie. A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. An avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks, and the world’s greatest detective — Hercule Poirot — arrives to interrogate all passengers and search for clues before the killer can strike again. Kenneth Branagh directed and stars with Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer. Rated PG-13. (2017, 1 hr., 54 min.). No registration is required.

Caregiver Support Group (in-person and online) – Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 12 to 1 p.m. in The Loft, upper level, or via Zoom. A support group for caregivers to share tips, strategies, challenges, and successes. Caregivers of all types are welcome, including spouses and adult children caring for relatives, caregivers to children, and professional caregivers.

Books Over Coffee: “The Overstory” – Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. Meet new people, try new brews, and have great discussions. Bring your lunch and a favorite mug! This month’s book is “The Overstory” by Richard Powers, a Pulitzer Prize-winning work of environmental fiction.

Sisters in Crime–CT Panel: Creating Authentic Characters – Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m., in the Mary Baldwin Room. An exciting panel of accomplished crime fiction authors will share the process of creating characters in their novels. Fictional characters need to be authentic enough to inspire varied emotions in the reader such as empathy, love, hate, and fear. The true test of authenticity is when the characters exist after the reader finishes the last page of the novel or story. Sisters in Crime has 4,500 members in 60-plus regional chapters worldwide and offers networking, advice and support to mystery authors. Members are authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians bound by their affection for the mystery genre and their support of women who write mysteries. This program is presented by the Connecticut Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Panelists will include:

Roberta Isleib (who writes as Lucy Burdette): New Jersey-born Lucy Burdette, a.k.a. Roberta Isleib, is the author of 21 mysteries, including “A Dish to Die For,” the latest in the Key West series featuring food critic Hayley Snow (Crooked Lane Books.) “The Key Lime Crime,” tenth in her Key West food critic mystery series, won the Florida Book Award’s bronze medal for popular fiction. Lucy’s first thriller, “Unsafe Haven,” was published by Severn House last year. Her books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. She’s a past president of Sisters in Crime, and currently serving as president of the Friends of the Key West Library.

Reed Farrel Coleman: Called a hard-boiled poet by NPR ‘s Maureen Corrigan, Reed Farrel Coleman is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 novels, including six in Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone series. He is a four-time recipient of the Shamus Award for Best PI Novel of the year. He is a four-time Edgar Award nominee in three different categories. He has also received the Audie, Scribe, Macavity, Barry, and Anthony Awards. He lives on Long Island with his wife.

David Rich: David Rich is the author of three novels: “The Mirrored Palace,” a historical novel about Richard Francis Burton on the Hajj, “Caravan of Thieves” and “Middle Man,” which are action thrillers. David spent most of his career in Hollywood. He wrote the feature film “Renegades,” starring Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Philips, and worked on scripts for stars ranging from Marlon Brando to Don “The Dragon” Wilson, from Macolm McDowell to Betty Buckley. For television, David wrote episodes of “MacGyver,” “StarGate-SG1” and “Legend.” David has written three plays: “The Interview,” “The Rescue,” and “W.A.R. (Women’s Armed Resistance)”. He also teaches fiction and screenwriting in a graduate program in Connecticut.

Lynn Sheft, Panel Moderator: Lynn Sheft is an American author of suspense novels and short stories. Her short story, “A Tryst with Fate” was published in Seascape: The Best New England Crime Stories. “The Deadly Game” is her debut novel. A native of New Jersey, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and established herself as a professional copywriter and creative director in South Florida. During her career, she won ADDY and CLIO awards for her campaigns for regional and national consumer accounts. In addition, she wrote articles for magazines, provided editing services and was an adjunct instructor teaching ESL classes. When she relocated to Connecticut, she turned to writing fiction full time.

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