A Note from the Library Director, Chris Johnson
May 23, 2023 marks one hundred years since a small group of dedicated and forward thinking Waterford residents established the Waterford Public Library! Please join us to celebrate this momentous occasion at one of our special lectures, performances, and at our library fair on Saturday, May 20. Details on each of these events is provided below. Pick up a 100th anniversary events brochure at the library, or download one from our website.
Over the last century, the library, and the town has grown and evolved, but the cornerstones of community, pride in place, and support for intellectual freedom and lifelong learning has remained unchanged. The library is thankful to our founders and to all of you who use and value the library today. We are proud to provide Waterford with resources to support readers and listeners of all ages, a place to learn and create, free access to technology, a friendly greeting from library staff, and a comfortable and welcoming space to sit, read or meet.
When did you get your first Waterford Public Library card? Do you have a special memory of the library? Please share your memories on our feedback board at the library or send them to me via email at cjohnson@waterfordct.org. Thank you and I hope to see you at the library!
Teen Craft Night
Thursday, May 4
5:30 PM - 7:00 Pm In Person
It's Star Wars Day! At this Teen Craft Night participants will be creating the cutest guy in the universe: Grogu! Registration required for teens 12-18 years old. All materials will be provided. May the Fourth be with you!
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.
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.
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.
Other Adult Events
Visit our Virtual Author Talks website for complete details and to register for upcoming talks or to view recordings of previous events.
The Benefits of Lifetime Running with Amby Burfoot
Tuesday, May 2, 6:00 PM IN PERSON
Boston Marathon winner and former Runner's World editor-in-chief Amby Burfoot shares practical advice and wisdom on how to run with greater joy and health for an entire lifetime. Amby is also the author of many books with his most recent being Run Forever. Amby is joined by Gail Kislevitz, an award-winning journalist and the author of six books on running and sports. She was a columnist for Runner’s World for fifteen years and her freelance work has appeared in Shape, Marathon and Beyond, and New York Runner. Registration is suggested.
Introduction to Square Foot Gardening
Saturday, May 6, 10:00 AM IN PERSON
Join us for Square Foot Gardening with Dan Williams of Preston. Dan is a Certified Instructor with the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. Registration is suggested.
Book Discussion: Breathless: the scientific race to defeat a deadly virus by David Quammen
Monday, May 15, 6:30 PM IN PERSON
This month we offer a science book discussion. Multiple copies of this title are available for check out in the library. Marc Zimmer, professor of chemistry, Connecticut College, will lead this discussion.
World Affairs Lecture Series
Thursdays, May 11, 25 & June 1, 6:30 PM IN PERSON
May 11 - 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.
Mondays: May 8, 15, 22
(No Storytime on May 1st)
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
Take Home STEM Kit
Registration will begin on Monday, May 1
Take home one of the Explorers of the Deep kits from the UConn 4-H New London County extension. The Cartesian Diver kit will explore the movement of the ocean. All of the supplies are included in the kit except for a two liter plastic bottle, scissors, and water. Explore the deep from your own home!
Recommended for ages 6 and older. Registration is required and begins May 1.
Please only register one kit per family so as many families as possible can participate. This program is funded by the New England Chapter of the Association of Rural & Small Libraries.
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.
4-H Explorers of the Deep
Thursday, May 25, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Registration begins on Monday, May 1)
Dive into the history of the Mashantucket Pequots with this hands on Fishing Net Macrame project from the UConn New London 4-H Extension. All supplies are included.
Recommended for ages 6 and older, registration is required. This program is funded by the New England Chapter of the Association of Rural & Small Libraries.
Art in Waterford
Saturday, May 27, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Visit our table at the annual Art in Waterford event at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center! We will offer art themed crafts and activities for children.
New Read Along Collection
Ms. Jenna is excited to introduce a brand new addition to the children’s collection! Our easy to use Read Along collection includes print books that have an audiobook component inside. We have books for all levels of readers: picture books up through chapter books. Readers just have to press play and they can listen and read along with their favorite stories – no CD player or batteries required!
Drop In Activities
STEM Adventure: Straw Rockets
Monday, May 8
4:00 - 6:30 PM IN PERSON
Join us in the Children's Room anytime between 4:00 and 6:30 pm to make straw rockets. You will have fun making the craft and learning about the interplay of physics and aerodynamics. Recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration is required.
Creation Station
Tuesday, May 9
4:00 - 6:00 PM IN PERSON
Stop by the Children's Room anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 pm for a fun craft and to get your creativity flowing! For this special session we will be creating a piece to celebrate the library's 100th birthday! Recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration required.
Drop in Craft: Paper Umbrella
Monday, May 22
4:00 - 6:30 PM IN PERSON
Join us in the Children's Room anytime between 4:00 and 6:30 pm to make a Paper Umbrella to stay dry from the May showers. Recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration is required.
Build Club
Tuesday, May 30
4:00 - 6:00 PM IN PERSON
Build with a variety of STEM sets that we have! Try some challenges and prompts from the library or just let your imagination take over. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
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!
Teen Drop In Craft
Thursday, May 18
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM IN PERSON
Stop in to the Teen Section of the library to learn how to make paper roses! No registration required. Ages 12-18. Drop in any time between 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Have you tried Libby yet? Join OverDrive experts for a one-hour Getting Started with Libby webinar. Learn the basics, find out what makes Libby different, ask questions and access additional learning resources after the webinar ends. Great for new users and those making the switch from OverDrive. Register for one of these free monthly sessions!
For 2023, the library will feature an activity-packed monthly calendar to support early literacy skills based on the Every Child Ready to Read® practices of reading, writing, singing, talking, playing -- and now counting! This resource contains twelve months of learning activities, book lists, nursery rhymes, and more. On one side is a calendar with a fun skills-building activity for each day and the other contains supplementary content like nursery rhymes, early literacy tips, song lyrics, or suggested reading material. Available in both English and Spanish on our website and in print at the library! Click here to access this resource. Content is provided by the Public Library Association.
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.
Multiple copies of these titles are available for check out in the library. For more information on the book, click on the covers below.
Mystery
Wednesday May 3
6:30 PM IN PERSON
Still Life by Louise Penny (2006)
Speculative Fiction
Monday, May 8
7:00 PM ONLINE
The Martian by Andy Weir (2014)
Write Night
Wednesday, May 24
6:30 PM ONLINE
A writing group that meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
Friday Afternoon
Monday, May 26
1:00 PM IN PERSON
Agatha Christie’s masterpiece, And Then, There Were None
Art Wall
Pat Kelbaugh - "Fifty Years an Artist"
A timeline collection of pieces from, Pat Kelbaugh’s maritime watercolors, acrylic landscapes, storyboard collection, the "Other Women" collection and most current mixed media pieces .
To read the full Staff Picks reviews, visit our website!
Laura's Picks:
A house with good bones by T. Kingfisher (2023)
Once upon a tome : the misadventures of a rare bookseller, wherin the theory of the profession is partially explained, with a variety of insufficient examples... by Oliver Darkshire (2023)
John’s Picks:
Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan (1966)
Who Made Who by AC/DC (1986)
The Whale (2022)
Lauren’s Picks:
The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill by Rowenna Miller (2023)
Jenna’s Picture Books Picks:
When Mino Took the Bus by Simona Ciraolo (2022)
You Are a Story by Bob Raczka (2023)
We Need Your Donations!
- The Library accepts one bag or box of your gently used book, magazine and media donations at our front desk. Please no textbooks or encyclopedias..
- For our book sale, and our circulating collection, we are collecting jigsaw puzzles. Our only request is that you please do not donate puzzles that you know are missing pieces.
- Support the Library's Annual Fund! Did you know that a large portion of our library's materials, programming and services budgets are funded directly by your donations? Gifts in any amount are appreciated. If paying by check, please make payable to Waterford Public Library, Inc. or donate online.
We thank you for your support!
