April is a promise that May is bound to keep. -- Hal Borland

A Note from the Library Director, Chris Johnson

In April, we celebrate National Library Week. As you may be seeing in the media, libraries across the country, and right here in CT, are facing a dramatic increase in book challenges. At the Waterford Public Library, we support the freedom to read, a right guaranteed by our constitution. While we respect everyone's right to choose what they wish to read, or to deem what is appropriate for their child, we steadfastly hold to the principle that this choice is a personal decision and should not be made for you by others. Suppressing access to information and discouraging critical thinking does not aid in creating an educated and enlightened citizenry. If you support free access to books and information, you can take action by joining the American Library Association's campaign to Unite Against Book Bans. As history has shown, censorship and book burning are often the cornerstones of autocratic societies.

Have your own thoughts on the freedom to read? Share them on our feedback board at the library or send them to me via email at [email protected]. Thank you.

At the new Waterford branch of M&T Bank, Library Director, Chris Johnson, and Library Head of Youth Services, Jenna Bivona received a ceremonial check from Frank Micalizzi,  Bridgeport Regional President and Head of Commercial Banking for Connecticut. This grant will support the library's April 17 presentation, Get Money Smart by Patrina Dixon. This program, geared towards teens, college students, and newly working adults will provide guidance to set them down a path of smart money management and financial independence. In addition to funding this important financial literacy event, M&T is sponsoring the library's planned May activities to celebrate the library's 100th anniversary including lectures, performances and a Library Fair on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We very much appreciate the support of our new Waterford neighbors, M&T Bank! 

Thank you M&T Bank Charitable Foundation!

Library Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Stay Connected with the Library

Get Money Smart with Patrina Dixon

Monday, April 17
6:30 PM  -  8:00 PM IN PERSON
This program is for ages 14 to 25. Registration is recommended.

It's Money Smart Week! In this workshop you will learn essential money management basics such as how to create a spending plan and the best places to save money so that your money can earn more money faster. Who doesn't want that?? Our speaker is Patrina Dixon, Certified Financial Educational Instructor, and founder and CEO of It'$ My Money®.

Register

Murder at Yale: the Annie Le Story
Presented by Lisa Dadio
Wednesday, April 5, 6:00 PM IN PERSON

The most high-profile case she investigated was the murder of Annie Le, a Yale graduate student who disappeared just days before she was to be married. Working closely with other law enforcement professionals, including those with the FBI and the Connecticut State Police, Prof. Dadio and her fellow investigators were quickly able to solve the case, and the suspect was later convicted and sentenced to 44 years in prison. 
Lisa Dadio is a retired police Lieutenant with the New Haven Police Department in Connecticut. She spent approximately 16 years in the detective division, as a detective, Sergeant and then Lieutenant, commanding the Major Crimes Unit.  Registration is suggested.

Register

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, media, 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. If you have any questions about this book drive, please contact Library Director Chris Johnson at 860-444-5869 or via email at [email protected]. We thank you for your support!

Author Talk: Tom Verde
In a Class All Their Own: Unique and Historic Boats of New England
Saturday, April 1, 3:00 - 4:00 PM IN PERSON

Each boat has a story to tell and this book features nearly forty profiles of classic/unique boats, drawn from articles written for the Westerly Sun newspaper during the summers of 2014 and 2015. Explore not only the histories of the individual vessels, but of their classes and designers, as well as their relationships to the environs in which they sailed, raced, cruised and, in some case, still operate as working vessels. Tom's books will be available for sale.  

We welcome back Tom Verde, Tom is a freelance journalist who writes for the New York Times, National Public Radio, AramcoWorld magazine, the New London Day, and the Westerly Sun. He lives in Pawcatuck.

Visit our Virtual Author Talks website to register for upcoming talks or to view recordings of previous events.

Great Decisions Discussion Group
Thursdays, April 6, 20, 27 and May 4
6:30 PM  -  8:00 PM

Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves independently reading the weekly article in the Great Decisions briefing book, then meeting as a group to watch a 20-30 minute master class recorded lecture, followed by a one hour civil discussion about a current critical global issue facing America today. Our discussion facilitator is Mariette Ogg, Retired Associate Professor of English, United States Coast Guard Academy. You are not expected to have any special knowledge of the topic to participate, the only requirement is that you read the assigned article in advance of our discussion.

?There is a $35 materials fee for the briefing book that can be paid by cash or check, made payable to Waterford Public Library, Inc., at the first session. Please register for the series using the link below. In your registration, please indicate if you would like the library to purchase a printed book for you, or you do have the option to purchase either a printed or digital version on your own using this link.

Register