Avon Free Public Library

Join us for an in-person event to celebrate the release of A NOVEL CRIME, by Deborah Levison. Deborah will be in conversation with Marilyn Simon Rothstein.
<img src="https://www.avonctlibrary.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/levison-books-300x157.jpg" srcset="https://www.avonctlibrary.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/levison-books-300x157.jpg 300w, https://www.avonctlibrary.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/levison-books.jpg 571w">
About A NOVEL CRIME:
She wanted to write the perfect novel. Instead, she became the perfect villain.
Struggling romance writer and recent divorcée Marcy Jo Codburn feels like a failure. She’s green with author envy and longing for a book deal, a launch party with cupcakes, and the admiration of her daughter. But her dream of literary success is fading faster than her beige hair dye.
When she witnesses celebrated author Francesca Barber in a compromising position, Marcy sees her chance. Transforming into her bolder, blonder alter ego, she leverages Francesca’s secret to secure the ultimate coauthor. As their collaboration spirals from Marcy’s modest Connecticut home to Francesca’s lavish Hamptons estate, both women discover that in the cutthroat world of publishing, every story has its price.&nbsp;&nbsp;
With looming deadlines and more than one fraud to hide, their twisted partnership careens toward a surprise ending neither could have written.
May Cobb calls it “uproariously funny” and “ingeniously plotted,” Samantha Bailey describes it as a “wickedly hilarious delight” and Gregg Hurwitz says it “packs in the drama and tabloid-worthy conniving.”
Deborah Levison:&nbsp;Debbie’s life has two parts: first in Canada, at the Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto, and second in Connecticut, with three children, two doodles, and one husband.&nbsp;She is an award-winning writer, published in national and international media. Her first book, a true crime about a murder that involved her family, is THE CRATE. Inspired by real-life abuses at elite New England private schools, A NEST OF SNAKES followed. Her third book, A NOVEL CRIME, is about a romance writer desperate for a bestseller.&nbsp;Debbie’s dream of storytelling began one summer night by a camp bonfire as she listened to a ghost story: The Monkey’s Paw. The memory still makes her shiver.&nbsp;Visit her at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.debbielevison.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.debbielevison.com</a>.
Marilyn Simon Rothstein is the author of four novels, WHO LOVES YOU BEST, CRAZY TO LEAVE YOU, HUSBANDS AND OTHER SHARP OBJETS, &nbsp;LIFT AND SEPARATE. She grew up in New York City, earned a degree in journalism from NYU, began her writing career at Seventeen magazine, married a man she met in an elevator and owned an award-winning advertising agency for more than twenty-five years. Marilyn is an engaging speaker who has addressed thousands of avid readers–from Dallas to Atlanta to Miami to Memphis (and of course, Avon!).&nbsp;
Books by both authors will be for sale at this event.
Please register, so we can set the community room up with appropriate seating.

Local Event: A Novel Crime: Deborah Levison in conversation with Marilyn Simon Rothstein (in-person)

Hartford County

Avon

Connecticut

A Novel Crime: Deborah Levison in conversation...

Join us for an in-person event to celebrate the release of A NOVEL CRIME, by Deborah Levison. Deborah will be in conversation...

A Novel Crime: Deborah Levison in conversation with Marilyn Simon Rothstein (in-person)

Meet mystery writers Edwin Hill, Jenna Blum, Joseph Moldover! This dynamic author panel will field questions about murder, mayhem, and all things novel-related.&nbsp;&nbsp;Books by each author will be for sale at this event. Author bios appear first, then the descriptions of their new books.~~~
Edwin Hill is the Edgar and Agatha Award–nominated author of the standalone thrillers What Happened Next (coming in 2026),&nbsp;Who to Believe and The Secrets We Share, and Little Comfort, The Missing Ones, and Watch Her in the Hester Thursby series. He has been featured in Us Weekly magazine, received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and Library Journal, and was recognized as one of Six Crime Writers to Watch in Mystery Scene magazine. Edwin lives in Roslindale, Massachusetts, with his partner, Michael, and his favorite reviewer, their Lab Edith Ann, who likes Edwin’s first drafts enough to eat them. A lot of people helped him create this series, and he is a big believer in paying forward.
Jenna Blum is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of novels THOSE WHO SAVE US, THE STORMCHASERS, and THE LOST FAMILY; novella “The Lucky One” in anthology GRAND CENTRAL; memoir WOODROW ON THE BENCH; audio course “The Author At Work: The Art of Writing Fiction”; and WWII audio drama THE KEY OF LOVE, available on every major podcast streaming platform. Jenna is one of Oprah’s Top Thirty Women Writers, with her work published in over 20 countries, and cofounder/CEO of online author interview platform A Mighty Blaze. Jenna’s first novel, THOSE WHO SAVE US, won the Ribalow Prize, awarded by Hadassah Magazine and adjudged by Elie Wiesel, and was a Borders pick and the #1 bestselling novel in Holland. THE STORMCHASERS was a Boston Globe bestseller, a Target Emerging Authors pick, featured in Elle Magazine, and a bestseller in France and Holland; THE LOST FAMILY, also a bestseller, was an Indiebound pick and garnered starred reviews from all four major trades: Booklist, Publishers’ Weekly, Kirkus, and Library Journal. Jenna’s bestselling memoir WOODROW ON THE BENCH was a Midwestern Booksellers’ pick and is now available in paperback. Jenna’s latest novel, psychological thriller MURDER YOUR DARLINGS, is available from Harper Collins 01/13/26.
Joseph Moldover, a clinical neuropsychologist, is the author of the young adult novels&nbsp;Every Moment After&nbsp;and&nbsp;Just Until. His short fiction has appeared in&nbsp;McSweeney’s Internet Tendency,&nbsp;Pangyrus,&nbsp;Stonecoast Review,&nbsp;MonkeyBicycle,&nbsp;One Teen Story,&nbsp;Typehouse,&nbsp;The MacGuffin, and elsewhere. From 2020–2023 he co-hosted the online program and podcast&nbsp;Authors Love Bookstores&nbsp;for A Mighty Blaze. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and their four children.

Local Event: Edwin, Jenna, and Joseph: Murder Has Never Looked This Good (in-person)

Edwin, Jenna, and Joseph: Murder Has Never...

Meet mystery writers Edwin Hill, Jenna Blum, Joseph Moldover! This dynamic author panel will field questions about murder,...

Edwin, Jenna, and Joseph: Murder Has Never Looked This Good (in-person)

Finding and identifying birds can be difficult, particularly in summer. Join CT Audubon for an introduction to the joys of birding by ear. Learn tricks to help you recognize common bird songs and some of the tools available to help.

Local Event: Birding by Ear (In-Person Event) 

Birding by Ear (In-Person Event) 

Finding and identifying birds can be difficult, particularly in summer. Join CT Audubon for an introduction to the joys of...

It has become fashionable in the last few years to scale the seven highest peaks on each continent or walk across a continent or visit every country in the world. In this vein, our speaker, Dr Richard Benfield took four journeys in 2023 to the four geographic poles: North Pole, South Pole and the other two. Other two? Where are they? In this one- hour presentation we will focus on the four poles and the animals and people who live there: their landscapes, their livelihoods and their flora and fauna. Our presentation will show that even you can go there (though one of the poles is somewhat challenging) and take you into geographical worlds where few venture … and you will also learn for your next trivia contest where the other two poles are located on earth!
Presenter: Dr Richard W. Benfield was formerly Professor of Geography at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut where he taught courses in Human Geography, the history and management of National Parks, Plants, Predators and Parks, Russia, The European Union and many of the courses in the department’s tourism track. Prior to coming to Central he was Senior Program Coordinator in the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Oklahoma where he instructed citizens of the new Russian Federation on privatization and the transition to a market economy. He obtained his doctorate in geography from the University of Oklahoma in 1998. Prior to commencing his teaching career at the University of Oklahoma, he was Vice-President of Marketing at Whistler Ski resort, Canada, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Executive Director of the Banff-Lake Louise Chamber of Commerce and a tourism marketing executive with the Government of Alberta.
In 2013 his book Garden Tourism was published by CABI Press, Abingdon, England.

Local Event: Penguins, Polar Bears, Parks and Peaks: Bio-Geographical Journeys to the Four Pole (In-Person Event)

Penguins, Polar Bears, Parks and Peaks:...

It has become fashionable in the last few years to scale the seven highest peaks on each continent or walk across a continent...

Penguins, Polar Bears, Parks and Peaks: Bio-Geographical Journeys to the Four Pole (In-Person Event)

The scientific community has been exploring the use of meditation as a healing modality. Join Gerry Gorman a long-time meditator as he discusses the extraordinary effect of meditation to reduce stress-related responses, improve concentration, and enhance clarity of thought and mental equilibrium. He will also present a simple, time-tested, ancient, and effective meditation technique. There will be a short meditation sitting as well.
Presenter: Gerry Gorman has spent many years as a professional engineer, engineering manager, and business development executive of various technology companies. He also established his own engineering firm, from which he recently retired. With over 40 years of experience practicing meditation, he has seen firsthand how this simple technique can have a profound impact on one’s life. Gerry offers programs throughout the country, sharing the many benefits of meditation and how it can offer a new, calmer perspective in a stressful world.
As a national speaker, Gerry teaches a practical meditation technique and explores how this simple, effective method can be the key to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. His popular workshops offer important, life-changing tools for inner growth and personal development.

Local Event: Reducing Stress in Everyday Life through Meditation (Virtual Event) 

Reducing Stress in Everyday Life through...

The scientific community has been exploring the use of meditation as a healing modality. Join Gerry Gorman a long-time...

Reducing Stress in Everyday Life through Meditation (Virtual Event) 

Learn about the behavioral and structural adaptations that make hummingbirds unique, what threats they face, and how you can help protect them.

Local Event: Welcoming Hummingbirds (In-Person Event) 

Welcoming Hummingbirds (In-Person Event) 

Learn about the behavioral and structural adaptations that make hummingbirds unique, what threats they face, and how you can...

Meet some of Connecticut’s native turtle species and learn about the troubles they face in the changing environment, as well as what everyday people can do to help them thrive in their own backyards. Presented by Turtle Haven, an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating sick and injured turtles and helping them get back to their homes in the wild.

Local Event: Turtles in Trouble and How You Can Help (In-Person Event) 

Turtles in Trouble and How You Can Help...

Meet some of Connecticut’s native turtle species and learn about the troubles they face in the changing environment, as well as...

Turtles in Trouble and How You Can Help (In-Person Event) 

Meditation has been valued in the East for centuries as beneficial to physical, mental, and spiritual health. Now, Western medicine, through research-based studies is recognizing the efficacy of meditation for improving wellness. Meditation presents proven benefits for spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health; as well as improved brain function and performance. Meditation can help to achieve balance, wellness, and aid in pain management. There is clear and compelling support for the value of meditation for the health of the spirit, upon which the health of the body and mind are based. Join Ankaj Goel, long time meditator for this informative program. There will even be a chance to try this meditation practice.
Presenter: Ankaj Goel is a Director of Quality Assurance in the Healthcare Industry and has many years of experience in problem solving and quality assurance. He has an extensive background in leading teams and working in complex architecture that runs on multiple technologies and platforms. He currently develops test strategies for applications and data products. Ankaj was educated as a mechanical engineer. He has been meditating for over 15 years and is very impressed with the results he has experienced personally. For the past 10 years Ankaj has been conducting meditation workshops where he discusses the benefits of meditation and how to incorporate this practice into one’s daily routine. In his presentations Ankaj explores how meditating regularly can help us physically, mentally and spiritually. He also leads meditation programs at his work as part of a Wellness club where he is teaching meditation as a tool to reduce stress and bring sanity in the current stressful corporate environment. Ankaj also teaches teenagers in the community about how beneficial meditation is by including this practice into their daily lives.

Local Event: Meditation as a Powerful Tool for Resiliency (Virtual Event) 

Meditation as a Powerful Tool for Resiliency...

Meditation has been valued in the East for centuries as beneficial to physical, mental, and spiritual health. Now, Western...

Meditation as a Powerful Tool for Resiliency (Virtual Event) 

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding a moment of tranquility can be challenging. The demands of work, relationships, and daily responsibilities often leave us craving a sense of inner peace and mental rest. This is where meditation, a timeless practice comes into play. Incorporating this powerful technique can be life changing. Join Arlene Samsel who will explain how to meditate and offer the opportunity to practice it during the session.
Presenter: Arlene Samsel is uniquely qualified and experienced in meditation, public speaking, and the performing arts. She has been an elementary school teacher and has also performed publicly as a musician for many years. In addition, Arlene was director of a camp where she taught children how to meditate. She has been meditating for 25 years and has given many meditation workshops and retreats which has enabled her to speak firsthand about the crucial role of meditation in enhancing the daily lives of busy people. Arlene and her husband have raised a family of 3 children and reside in New Brighton, Minnesota.

Local Event: Meditation: Calm in the Chaos (Virtual Event) 

Meditation: Calm in the Chaos (Virtual Event) 

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding a moment of tranquility can be challenging. The demands of work,...

Life in today’s world is stressful. People are anxious about their health, their finances, their relationships, their safety and their work. Doctor’s and medical practitioners are promoting the benefits of meditation to relieve stress and anxiety. By sitting in meditation, we can calm the body and the mind. We can slow our brain waves to states of relaxation. When we are in a state of physical and mental calmness, we have more control over our reactions towards life’s stressors. Through meditation we can cope with the stresses of life. Meditation helps us replace anxiety with joy and peace. Join Arvind Naik for this informative lecture. There will even be a short meditation sitting.
Presenter: Arvind Naik, has an MBA in Global Business Management from NYIT,. He is educated as an Electronics Engineer and works in the Information Technology field as a Data Architect and Director of Engineering. Arvind has been giving lectures and workshops on the topic of meditation, where he discusses how incorporating meditation into our daily routine can be life changing. In his programs, Arvind explores how this practice can help each of us develop physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
He has led meditation programs at various corporations such as Target, Sleep Number &amp; most recently Vialto Partners Inc to introduce meditation as a tool for stress reduction in the workplace. He was also invited by the Columbia Heights Police department to give talks on the many benefits of meditation and how it can help the Officers with their day-to-day stress. In addition he regularly speaks at libraries across the country and local community centers. Arvind has spent many years working with children and teens of various backgrounds to educate them about how meditation can help them in their lives. Arvind lives in Minnesota and is married with two sons.

Local Event: Reducing Anxiety Through Meditation (Virtual Event) 

Reducing Anxiety Through Meditation (Virtual...

Life in today’s world is stressful. People are anxious about their health, their finances, their relationships, their safety...

Reducing Anxiety Through Meditation (Virtual Event) 

Are you feeling burnt out, overrun by emotions, stressed out or off center? Meditation can be a great way to help with these emotions and offer greater clarity and awareness to face the challenges of life and it can help you find more peace within. As a result, there are numerous benefits of meditation which can provide many positive changes in your life. Please join Dave Buck for this inspiring workshop. Included will be a short meditation sitting.
Presenter: Dave Buck and his wife, Nora, have lived in South Florida for over 20 years. He is a recently retired Senior Manager of Product Development Engineering with a Fortune 500 company. Dave has been meditating for over 45 years after spending two months with his teacher in India as a young man. He has found meditation to be an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of the world. Whether we are a student, still in the work-a-day world, or living an active retirement, stresses and strains are a common feature of everyday living. Meditation can help us relax and rise above the stress of life. Our problems do not disappear, but meditation helps to smooth out the rough patches. We begin to see with a new perspective that is positive and life affirming.

Local Event: Changing Your Life in a Positive Way Through Meditation (Virtual Event)

Changing Your Life in a Positive Way Through...

Are you feeling burnt out, overrun by emotions, stressed out or off center? Meditation can be a great way to help with these...

Changing Your Life in a Positive Way Through Meditation (Virtual Event)

Afpl Connecticut

Michael Lemanski

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Farmington

West Hartford

Canton

Simsbury

Greater Hartford

Newington

Jay Kenney

Windsor

Wethersfield

Granby-East Granby

Southington

Bridge Street Live

From “Ventura Highway” to “Woodstock”:&nbsp;The Hits of America and Crosby, Stills, Nash &amp; YoungVIDEO LINK:&nbsp; <a href="https://youtu.be/9GsrZ81xzLc" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">youtu.be/9GsrZ81xzLc</a>
Step into a time machine and rediscover the legendary sounds of the 70s with Wooden Horse, New England’s premier musical experience. As the nation’s only dual tribute show dedicated to the musical catalogs of both America and Crosby, Stills, Nash &amp; Young, Wooden Horse delivers a masterclass in nostalgia that you won't find anywhere else.
Capturing the essence of these iconic acts requires more than just instruments; it requires a vocal chemistry that is rare to find. This powerhouse six-piece ensemble rises to the occasion, faithfully recreating the intricate, sun-soaked harmonies and lush arrangements that defined a generation. From the breezy, acoustic gallop of "Ventura Highway" to the complex, multi-movement masterpiece "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," every note is handled with surgical precision and soulful authenticity.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the "Sister Golden Hair" era or a devotee of the "Teach Your Children" spirit, Wooden Horse offers a seamless journey through some of the greatest chart-topping hits in music history.
Don’t miss your chance to see the only show that brings the spirit of these two legendary bands together for one unforgettable experience.

Local Event: America and Crosby , Stills, Nash, and Young Tribute

Collinsville

America and Crosby , Stills, Nash, and Young...

From “Ventura Highway” to “Woodstock”: The Hits of America and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungVIDEO LINK: ...

Nearby Communities

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Posting Activity

A Novel Crime: Deborah Levison in conversation with Marilyn Simon Rothstein (in-person)

JUN

2

6:30 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Edwin, Jenna, and Joseph: Murder Has Never Looked This Good (in-person)

JUN

6

2:00 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Birding by Ear (In-Person Event)

JUN

9

2:00 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Penguins, Polar Bears, Parks and Peaks: Bio-Geographical Journeys to the Four Pole (In-Person Event)

JUN

10

2:00 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Reducing Stress in Everyday Life through Meditation (Virtual Event)

JUN

11

2:00 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Welcoming Hummingbirds (In-Person Event)

JUN

16

2:00 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Turtles in Trouble and How You Can Help (In-Person Event)

JUN

25

6:30 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Meditation as a Powerful Tool for Resiliency (Virtual Event)

JUL

16

7:00 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Meditation: Calm in the Chaos (Virtual Event)

AUG

13

7:00 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Reducing Anxiety Through Meditation (Virtual Event)

SEP

24

7:00 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

Changing Your Life in a Positive Way Through Meditation (Virtual Event)

OCT

22

7:00 PM

Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT

America and Crosby , Stills, Nash, and Young Tribute