There are two seasonal diversions that can ease the bite of any winter. 
One is the January thaw. The other is the seed catalogues. -  Hal Borland

A Year-End Note from the Library Director, Chris Johnson

As yet another year comes to an end, it time once again to reflect on all of the great programs and activities that occurred at the library this past year. It is also a time to make plans for the new year. The library can help you to achieve your resolutions for 2023 – whether it is to read more, or to diversify your reading with new genres, revisiting the classics, or to widen your lens with a focus on BIPOC authors, we have the resources and staff to assist you. As noted below, our Winter Reading Challenge is a great and fun way to kick-start your 2023 reading journey – readers of all ages are invited to pick up a bingo sheet on, or after, January 9 to participate.

The library’s physical and digital resources can also support your goals to lose weight, exercise more, practice mindfulness, get your finances in order, clear the clutter or learn a new skill. Kanopy features free streaming of The Great Courses or check out the audiobook versions on CD. You can now also borrow a portable CD player if you don’t have one at home or in your car.

Also in 2023, the Waterford Public Library will be celebrating its 100th year of continuous service to the Waterford community! In May of 2023, an association was incorporated by a small group of interested people to provide library services for the town. Among those who were active in getting things started were: Miss Nettie Edwards, principal of Jordan School; Mr. V. B. Moody, supervisor of schools; and Mrs. Ellery Allyn. Judge Charles A. Gallup drew up the articles of incorporation and they were signed by a group of 9 residents.

The library’s first home was in the First Baptist Church in Jordan Village (photo credit: Google Maps). However, a fire in the church’s basement required that the books be hastily moved across the way to Judy Gallup’s woodshed. In March of 1924, Mrs. William Saunders offered the free use of a carriage house on her property. Read more about the library’s history on our website.

Throughout the year, the library will be celebrating this important anniversary with programs and book displays. Save the date for Saturday, May 20, for a planned outdoor Library Fair!

It is because of the support of all of you that we are able to reach this important milestone. We look forward to continuing to provide you with a wide selection of books, audiobooks, music CDs, and DVDs to please all ages and tastes. We also offer special items like museum passes, Wi-Fi hotspots, and puzzles.

Also in 2023, I, along with our Staff and volunteer Board of Trustees, will be working on a revised strategic plan for the library to help guide us moving forward. We want your input in this process and will be reaching out with surveys and an invitation to join one of our focus groups. As always, I welcome your feedback, please feel free to stop in to chat or send me an email.

Best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy new year!

Library Hours

Sunday, January 1: New Year's Day, Library Closed
Monday, January 2: New Year's Day Observed, Library Closed
Monday, January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Library Closed

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

The library now has two portable CD players available for check-out. Just hit play to listen to our hundreds of audio books and music CDs!

Featured Programs!

Winter Reading Bingo for the Whole Family!
Monday, January 9 through Tuesday, February 28

Read Those Winter Blues Away! Play Winter Bingo for the Whole Family!  January and February is a perfect time to light a fire, enjoy some hot chocolate and stay indoors.  
 
· Bingo cards will be available for adults (18 years and older) and three different Bingo cards for children (birth to 5 years, 6-11 years and 12-18 years). 
· Beginning Monday, January 9th you can pick up your Bingo card. 
· Each square contains a different read or activity. 
· Complete a Bingo, bring it to the library, get it stamped.
· Each Bingo row or column earns one entry ticket for the Grand Prize!  
· Drawings will be held Tues, February 28, so get your cards in by 5 p.m.! 

Adult Programs

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

Botanical Beauty Class
Saturday, January 14
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Ready to ditch your store-bought beauty products? In this one-hour class, we will explore the many applications plants have for glowing, vibrant, healthy skin! You will learn about a handful of skin loving plants and discover how to use plant medicine both internally and externally for ultimate radiance. We will then go over a variety of botanical beauty recipes and make an herbal beauty product together!  Each participant will leave with a jar. Nora Toomey is a clinical herbalist and the owner of True Bloom Apothecary. Registration is required as space is limited.

A Passeggiata (Stroll) Through Italy: Past, Present, and Future
Thursday, January 19, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.  ONLINE

This lively, humorous, and engaging presentation will “walk” participants through the richness and diversity of Italy by weaving historical and modern events and facts about the country to illustrate its geography, language, cuisine, culture, politics, and economics.  Learn to appreciate Italy’s complex past and present culture, and take a peek into its future. Planning a trip to Italy? This program will provide a better understanding of how to travel successfully among Italians to fully enjoy your experience.

Please register for this Zoom event.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Our presenter is Mariann Millard, a licensed Washington, DC guide and certified tour director who specializes in Italy.

Click Here to view the Discover More at Your Waterford Public Library - January 2023