Food is often a central part of holiday festivities. Whether you're an experienced cook, a first-time party host, or making a dish for a potluck dinner, learn some tips and resources for ensuring foods are free from the germs that cause foodborne illness. Also, learn how to protect yourself from winter weather! Take steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy. Presented by the West-Hartford-Bloomfield Health District. For Adults.

Did you know that in Connecticut you can take time off from work to care for personal or family health needs without risking your paycheck? Join the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority for an informational session to learn more about the CT Paid Leave program, including eligibility, covered reasons for leave and how to apply for benefits. Staff will provide an overview of CT Paid Leave and will also be available to answer individual questions and assist with filing an online claim application. For Adults.

Our Bloomfield Public Library storytime will be joined by special guest Nicole Villanueva, an early childhood specialist from 211 Child Care. She will guide caregivers on how to use letters in fun ways to get children excited about learning to read. We'll share stories, songs, rhymes and more! Best for ages 5 and under.

Caregiving is a multifaceted experience that requires compassion, understanding, and purposeful support. Caring for yourself is one of the most important—and one of the most often forgotten—things you can do as a caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit, too. We will explore a variety of approaches to championing, encouraging, and bolstering our caregivers. For Adults.

Missing information, inaccurate stories, and stereotypes perpetuate myths about Columbus and Thanksgiving. When we can't describe an accurate First Nations perspective, it's often because we have grown up in a system that has made hard truths invisible. In this presentation, Claudia Fox Tree will explore this colonial system, examine how language perpetuates invisibility, and consider how to dismantle oppression to bring accurate counter-narratives to life. For Adults.

Walker Between Worlds is a journey into the world of Native American stories. The oral history, natural observations, and culture of the First Americans are shared by Leland Faulkner, a world traveler and performing artist who is a tribal member of the Bad River Band of Chippewa. This program is best for grades 1-5, but will have appeal to anyone who loves storytelling.