New Starting Date!
World Affairs Lecture Series
Wednesday, May 17, and Thursdays, May 25 & June 1, 6:30 PM IN PERSON
May 17 - The U.S. and China: Are the United States and China on the brink of another Cold War? From trade disputes and spy balloons to TikTok and Taiwan, the world's two preeminent powers are once again engaged in a global competition for supremacy. We will discuss the roots of his conflict, where it currently stands, and what to expect in the years to come.
May 25 - Economic warfare: Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States and the European Union have put together the most comprehensive set of sanctions ever imposed upon a large economy. Just over a year later, can we determine whether or not these sanctions are working? What does the history of economic warfare tell us about Russia's long-term prospects?
June 1 - Iran at a Crossroads: In September 2022, Iran's morality police arrested a young woman for a dress code violation, and she died in their custody. This kicked off a massive wave of protests that are still ongoing, posing the greatest threat to the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic since its establishment in 1979. We will discuss the underlying causes of these protests, the implications for the Middle East and what, if anything, the U.S. can do to promote democracy Iran.
To complement our recently completed Great Decisions Discussion series, Dr. Eric Fleury, Assistant Professor of Government and International Relations at Connecticut College will be providing a series of 20 minute, illustrated lectures on the following world affairs topics. There will be an opportunity for questions after the talks. Registration is not required. Photo credit: Connecticut College.
Library Fair
Saturday, May 20, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
In celebration of the library's 100th anniversary, we are holding a Library Fair!
Join us outdoors (or indoors, in case of inclement weather) for the following activities:
Performance by Steve Elci & Friends at 10:30 am
Petting Zoo, 10 am to 12 noon
Face Painting, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Nickelodeon Barbershop Quartet performance 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Free Games -- Touch-A-Truck -- Indoor Crafts
Book Sale for All Ages
Free popcorn & cotton candy while supplies last!
Thank you to our sponsor, M&T Bank!
Join us as we celebrate the library's 100th anniversary! The fair is planned to be outdoors, but all activities will move indoors, both inside the library and at the community center, in case of inclement weather. Free and open to all!
We need your book, dvd, and puzzle donations for our special Library Fair book sale. If you have new or gently used items (please, no textbooks or magazines), bring them to the front desk at the library. For this special book drive, we are suspending our 1 bag or box per day limit. Items donated will be offered for sale at the Fair to help raise funds to support the library's purchase of materials, and for program and services. Please drop off by Monday, May 15!
Be a Centennial Donor! We are holding a special fund drive in honor of the library's 100th anniversary. Our goal is to have 100 donors donate $100 (or more) between now and our incorporation date on May 23. All donors to this special campaign will be included on a commemorative donation poster that will be displayed in the front entrance to the library. You may choose to remain anonymous, if you prefer. Pick up a donation envelope at the library, or download one to donate by check, or donate online via PayPal. Help the library to continue our mission to provide books, programs and services to the Waterford community for the next 100 years! Thank you for your support!
100th Anniversary Events
Thank you to M&T Bank for generously funding our 100th Anniversary Events!
Anything Goes: America during the Jazz Age
Tuesday, May 16, 7:00 PM ONLINE
This virtual presentation is an entertaining overview of the 1920's, showcasing world events, political events, prohibition, organized crime as well as the style, fashion and trends of the Jazz Age. Christopher Daley is an historian and published author.
REGISTER
We've Come a Long Way, Ida May: The Waterford Library at 100
Thursday, May 18, 7:00 PM IN PERSON
Waterford has had a public library since 1923 when an association was incorporated by a small group of interested people to provide library services for the town. Join us as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Waterford Public Library with a talk by Municipal Historian Robert Nye who will present an illustrated talk on the history of our beloved library through the years. Registration is suggested.
REGISTER
Join us after the Fair for a Concert in the Meeting Room!
Between the Great Wars: American Popular Music 1918-1941
Saturday, May 20, 2:00 PM IN PERSON
The end of WWI, the “Roaring ’20s”, flappers, women’s suffrage, a racy new slang, prohibition, the Stock Market crash, the Great Depression and preparation for a second Great War were all part of the American experience between 1918 and 1941. During this period the radio was broadcasting an eclectic mix of different sounds and we were developing an appetite for a variety of musical styles. The popular and folk songs that were mainstream at the time included music from traditions as diverse as Gospel, Country, Blues, Vaudeville, Jazz, Swing and others. Songwriters like Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, the Gershwins, Jimmie Rodgers and others were making their mark on American pop culture.
This is a program of American songs from one of the most interesting and dynamic times in our history. This is a program of American songs from one of the most interesting and dynamic times in our history. We welcome Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle of Catfeather Art & Music.
The Tribal 20's
Tuesday, May 23, 6:00 PM IN PERSON
The 1920’s was a decade of paradox: a revolution in manners and morals that touched everywhere in America, and a conservative reaction evident in the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, the Scopes and Sacco and Vanzetti Trials, and the supremacy of the corporation. Our speaker is Dr. Stephen McGrath, Professor Emeritus of History at CCSU.
SAVE THE DATE!
I am Zelda
Tuesday, June 6, 6 PM IN PERSON
Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is often known as the insane flapper wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby. However, she was more than just the beautiful muse and wife to one of the greatest authors of the 20th century.
This original play, written and performed by Rita Parisi, will pay tribute to an often misunderstood woman; a woman who was also a mother, an accomplished dancer, an exhibited artist and a published writer.
For a complete list of our May programs, please visit our website!
EarthFest CT
Saturday, May 13, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Come visit our table at EarthFest CT 2023 at McCook Point Park in Niantic! We will have Earth themed crafts and activities.
Mondays: May 15, 22
10:30 - 11:00 AM IN PERSON
Get ready to read and get your wiggles out! Join Ms. Jenna at the library for some fun stories, songs, and dancing. Recommended for ages birth to five years old with a caregiver. In the lower level Meeting Room. No registration is required
GRAB & GO CRAFTS
Chick
May 6 - May 19
Lady Bug
May 20 - June 2
Stop by the Children's Room to pick up supplies to make a Grab & Go Craft at home! Check our Facebook page (@waterfordpubliclibrary) for a step-by-step video tutorial on how to make your craft.
Available while supplies last!
Discount Tickets Available!
Visit the Connecticut Science Center!
Discount coupons for 20% off General Admission for up to 4 people are available at the library desk. There is a limit of one coupon per family per day.
We've partnered with Connecticut's own WNBA Team, the Sun!
Use the code WPL23 as the promo code on Ticketmaster to receive 20% off any tickets for a 2023 CT Sun home game at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Sun's first home game of the season is Saturday, May 14, vs. the Los Angeles Sparks.
Stay Connected with the Library
