“Summer is a-coming in”, and there’s plenty to do at the Russell Library! No, not just for kids (although there’s plenty for them, too). In fact, there is an entire slate of events for adults this summer. Here’s an overview of programs happening at the library
1. Three Can’t-Miss Musical Events
On Saturday June 27th, get into the rebellion spirit with “What a Glorious Crash They Made: Musick of Connecticut’s Revolution,” by tenor and local historian Richard Franklin Donohue. In celebration of America’s 250th, the program showcases a collection of “New Songs” and Hymns published in Connecticut during the American Revolution which, in the words of John Adams, “cultivated the sensations of Freedom.”
From the left, clockwise: Richard Franklin Donohue, Naugatuck Valley Cabaret Singers, and Nu Haven Kapelye. See them all at the Russell Library!
In July, we welcome the Naugatuck Valley Cabaret Singers as they present “An Evening in Broadway.” The group will be performing a variety of musical numbers from iconic Broadway shows in A Capella arrangements, while also keeping a focus on America’s Semiquincentennial.
Finally, celebrate the Summer Reading Finale with us on Saturday, August 15th with a concert by Nu Haven Kapelye, Connecticut’s largest Klezmer ensemble. Come ready to clap and dance along, as the band takes you on a journey of traditional Klezmer melodies, Yiddish folk songs, and their own original contemporary arrangements.
2. America250: Photo Preservation, Indigenous Storytelling, and a Library of Congress
Speaking of America’s 250th, join us on Saturday, June 13th in the Memory Box as we Preserve History–One Picture at a Time. Bring your photos to be scanned and archived by the library and the Historical Society, and help contribute to a documentary record of our people and places that will be truly historic fifty years from now. Registration is required and slots are limited, so be sure to sign up!
Portland and Middletown used to look?
Later in August, we welcome Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason (Schaghticoke/HoChunk), an award-winning educator, traditional storyteller, and author to discuss her stunning picture book Grandmother Moon and the importance of oral tradition in Indigenous communities. Wunneanatsu joins us thanks to the collaboration between CT Humanities and the national initiative By the People: Conversations Beyond 250.
Meanwhile, be sure to stop by the lobby any time this summer to see an actual portion of a historic card catalog from the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., filled with information about the Library of Congress’ wide-ranging services. You can also find a rotating book display themed to celebrate America’s 250th birthday that will updated through the summer.
3. Summer Reading Challenge
Summer Reading is not just for kids! The Adult Summer Reading Challenge begins on Saturday, June 20th, and there are fabulous prizes to be won. Sign up online or at the library starting 6/20/26, and see what challenges await you this year. Is there a better way to spend summer?
4. Crafts for the Creatively (or Not-So-Creatively) Inclined
Crafternoons are back! A summer favorite at Russell Library. Bring some friends and settle in for self-guided watercolor. There are two sessions: Wednesday, July 15th at 3pm, and Tuesday, August 4th at 3pm.
Looking for something a little more dazzling? DIY Book Bedazzling is your program. You can BYOB (Bring Your Own Book), or choose from one provided. Only one session, on Thursday July 23rd at 6pm.
5. Book Clubs Galore
There’s no better time to join one of our recurring books clubs, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so this summer.
Mystery!, the book club for mystery lovers one and all, meets at Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. This summer, that includes July 30th and August 27th. The group meets outdoors in the beautiful Russell Library courtyard (weather/bees permitting – or in Meeting Room 2 if it does not).
Books and Brews meets every second Wednesday at Forest City Brewing at 180 Johnson St, Middletown, CT. The July title is The Wedding People by Alison Espach, and the August title is The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.
6. Chess, Movies, and Free Popcorn
The library’s Chess Club meets every Saturday at 3PM. Whether you’ve never played or are just looking for new opponents, this is the place to be for chess! It’s a great cross-generational group, and all ages and abilities are welcome.
If you’re looking for something less competitive, Movie Mondays might be the move. Families are welcome, but children are not required! And trust me, if you haven’t had the library’s fresh-popped popcorn, you’re missing out (but for real, why is it so good though??) This summer’s movie schedule:
when it’s made in a cart like this.
7. Stellar Opportunities for Adulting
(Drop-in; No Registration Required)
The American Red Cross will visit the Russell Library on Tuesday, Jun 30th at 10am. Learn about disaster preparedness, and ways to get involved in the Middlesex/Statewide community.
There will also be a Financial Literacy Pop-Up in the library lobby; stop by and chat with a representative from Ellafi Federal Credit Union (formerly Seasons FCU), a Middletown-based institution dedicated to empowering women and allies with banking services and educational resources that support long-term financial independence.
8. Russell Library Games
There’s no way you haven’t heard about the Russell Library Games yet. If you truly haven’t, please let us know which rock you’re living under so we can arrange an outreach there (or just sign up for our newsletter, which is much easier for both of us).
Look for our signs at local business, or hunt for codes in the library each month. Aim for the most points to win all sorts of prizes!
That said, if you’re worried that you’ve missed the boat and it’s too late to start, know that attending any or all of the above summer events can earn you serious points! Any time you attend a library event, let a staff member know and they’ll let you scan an exclusive code worth 25 points per program. You can win a mug, t shirt, or even a hoodie just by meeting certain point-milestones, so there’s no better time to hop on board!
Happy Summer Reading!
The Library Vault 
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