Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Vouden

October 23, 6:00-7:00 pm
FREE

The Gunn Library Thursday Evening Book Club is thrilled to announce this month’s featured title: The Safekeep, the critically acclaimed debut novel by Yael van der Wouden. Set in the lingering silence of postwar Netherlands, this unsettling and gorgeously written story promises to stir powerful conversation about memory, desire, and the shadows we live with long after the bombs stop falling.

It’s 1961 in the rural Dutch province of Overijssel. Isabel lives alone in her late mother’s country house, surrounded by quiet routines and a carefully preserved sense of order. But when her estranged brother drops off his new girlfriend Eva for an extended visit, everything begins to shift. Eva is bold, intrusive, and uninhibited—everything Isabel is not.

As household items begin to mysteriously disappear, Isabel’s discomfort grows into obsession. What begins as suspicion slowly deepens into infatuation, leading Isabel to unearth long-buried truths about her past—and the war she thought was over.

The Safekeep is a taut, intimate psychological novel about secrets, survival, and the volatile boundaries of love and loyalty.

Whether you’re a seasoned book club regular or a first-time visitor, we welcome you to join this meaningful discussion.

Registration is required.

Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/gml-thursday-book-club-the-safekeep-by-yael-van-der-vouden/

10:30-11:30 AM

Free

The Gunn Memorial Library Welcomes Jeanine Chayka for Meditation & Sound Healing Sessions

To support community well-being and holistic self-care, The Gunn Memorial Library is pleased to welcome back Jeanine Chayka, a skilled practitioner of meditation and sound healing, who will lead transformative sessions designed to relax the body, calm the mind, and restore balance to the nervous system.

Jeanine’s immersive meditations incorporate the soothing sounds of crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, drums, and other vibrational instruments, guiding participants into deep states of relaxation, healing, and renewal. These sessions aim to activate the body’s natural relaxation response, release physical tension, and foster emotional clarity.

With a deeply compassionate approach, Jeanine believes that self-care is the foundation of true healing and that every individual is deserving of peace and inner balance. Her work helps participants cultivate mindfulness, positivity, and spiritual nourishment in a safe and welcoming environment.

Experience the calming power of sound and reconnect with your inner stillness.

Jeanine Chayka is the founder of Inspired Vibrations and a certified practitioner in Sound and Vibrational Therapies. She also holds certifications in Reiki I & II and is a skilled meditation guide. Since 2020, Jeanine has led sound meditations, guided group sessions, and private retreats for individuals and organizations alike. Her work is grounded in creating customized, deeply restorative experiences that support healing, balance, and inner transformation for every participant.

Registration is required

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/the-art-of-sound-meditation/

6:00-7:30
Free

Three town libraries—Roxbury, Bridgewater, and Washington—collaborate to present a joint Zoom event, inviting local entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners to a forward-thinking program on the Platform to demystify the growing fields of generative AI and automation. Mary McPheat, Founder and CEO of Grounded Logic, offers a practical session that explores how emerging technologies can be applied to real-world business scenarios—no technical background required.
“AI & Automation in Action: Three Use Cases to Transform Your Business” will walk attendees through:

. A use case showcasing generative AI alone

. A scenario using automation alone

. A combined use case demonstrating the powerful combination of both technologies

. Participants will gain insights into practical tactics, discover accessible entry points for implementation, and learn about the latest developments as these tools continue to evolve.

About the Presenter:
Mary McPheat is recognized for her strategic insight into enhancing operational workflows and her ability to harness technology to improve organizational performance. As Founder and CEO of Grounded Logic, a firm focused on operational excellence and integrating generative AI and tech-enabled solutions, she elevates team dynamics and business delivery standards. Alongside her role as the leader of Grounded Logic, Mary imparts her knowledge through teaching and guiding students to navigate and apply AI in modern business contexts.

Registration is required: https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/putting-ai-automation-to-work-in-your-business-use-cases-tactics-and-whats-next/

ONLINE EVENT (ZOOM)

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/putting-ai-automation-to-work-in-your-business-use-cases-tactics-and-whats-next/

Beginner Sourdough Bread Baking Class with Isabelle Laufer
11:00-12:00 PM
Free

Gunn Memorial Library is delighted to welcome Isabelle Laufer for a special Beginner Sourdough Bread Baking Class, an introduction to the art and science of sourdough baking.
The program includes a one-hour presentation, recipe cards, and sourdough care cards to support participants as they begin baking at home.
This beginner-friendly class covers everything aspiring home bakers need to get started with sourdough, including:
How to care for and maintain a sourdough starter

The science behind fermentation and proofing

Dough shaping techniques

Essential baking methods to achieve a delicious, crusty loaf
Participants will receive a starter sample to make their own!
Join us for this fun and flavorful event, perfect for both beginners and curious cooks.

About Isabelle Laufer:
A nurse by trade and a homegrown cook and baker by heart, Isabelle Laufer blends her love for teaching with a passion for all things homemade and steeped in tradition. When she’s not shaping loaves or sharing sourdough secrets, you’ll find her surrounded by animals, crafting something cozy, or nurturing community through the simple magic of real food.

** There is limited seating, please reserve your spot early!
To register: www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/wild-rise-sourdough/

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/wild-rise-sourdough/

Peaceful Palettes: Mindful Drawing | November 29, 10:00-11:30 am
Free

Are you feeling stressed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays? Visit the Makerspace to relax and decompress as you practice the basics of mindful drawing. Choose from several self-guided prompts and work at your own pace while listening to relaxing music. Stay for the whole time or just a bit- it’s up to you!

Ages 18+
Registration Required.

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/peaceful-palettes-mindful-drawing/

Creative Family Fun: Photo Crafts | November 22, 10:00-11:00 am
Free

Celebrate Family Stories Month at the Makerspace with photo crafts! Print copies of favorite family photos on the Makerspace’s mini printers and make a collage, build a picture frame, or create silly Thanksgiving place holders featuring your pictures.

Ages 5+ with a caregiver.
Registration Required.

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/creative-family-fun-photo-crafts/

Crafting History: Greeting Cards | November 18, 2:00-3:30 pm
Free

The Gunn Museum and Makerspace present a series of craft workshops inspired by artifacts from the Museum’s collections. Discover intriguing items from Washington’s past and make a project using traditional craft practices in our creative community space!

This month’s workshop focuses on the history of paper and paper making! Following an interactive demonstration of the paper-making process, you’ll make your own note cards using paper crafted just for this workshop.

Ages 18+
Registration Required.

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/crafting-history-greeting-cards/

3D Printed Fidget Toys: A 3D Printing Workshop for Grades 4-5 | November 15, 10:00-11:30 am
Free

Discover November’s Maker Machine of the Month in this workshop! Participants will learn how to create their own files for 3D printing as they transform a 2D image file into an articulated fidget toy. Items will be printed after the workshop and may be picked up from the library at a later date.

Grades 4-5
Registration Required.

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/3d-printed-fidget-toys-grades-4-5/

Teen Craft Night | November 4, 5:30-7:00 pm
Free

Introducing a new Open Hours session just for tweens and teens! Visit the Makerspace on the first Tuesday of the month to hang out with friends and make something cool. Create buttons, make jewelry, knit, crochet, draw, paint, build with Legos, construct something with cardboard, or design a file to print on the 3D printer! Each month will also feature a special project with one of the high-tech maker machines. This month, we’re designing articulated fidget toys to print on the 3D printer!

Grades 6-12
Registration Required.

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/teen-craft-night-2/

Kids Crafternoon | November 4, 12:00-2:00 pm
Free

It’s a special Makerspace Open Hours session just for kids and families! Watch the 3D printer in action, build with Legos, play with robots, try one of our Monthly Makes kits, or bring your imaginative ideas to life using any of the supplies from the craft wall and cardboard collection! Each month, a special craft will also feature the Maker Machine of the Month. This month, we’re decorating photo frames made on the 3D printer!

Ages 5+ with an adult.
Registration Encouraged.

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/kids-crafternoon-in-the-makerspace-5/