Adult Programs

My Freedom is a Privilege that Nothing Else can Equal: New Research into the Life of Venture Smith
Wednesday, February 8
6:15 p.m. Refreshments
7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Program IN PERSON

A talk on the life of Venture Smith and the exhibit about his life which opened at the Stonington Historical Society this past year. Our speaker is Elizabeth Wood, Director of the Stonington Historical Society.  She will discuss the research, archaeology, and the coming together of the exhibit itself and why the story is important locally as well as nationally.  

Elizabeth Wood, Director of the Stonington Historical Society.  Elizabeth Wood is a lifelong student of history and is a graduate of Connecticut College. This event is co-sponsored with the New London County chapter of the American Association of University Women.

Why We Should Know About Ann Petry: A Panel Discussion
Saturday, February 11
3:00 to 4:00 p.m. IN PERSON

The first African-American woman to sell over one million copies of a book, Old Saybrook's Ann Petry was a major literary figure. This panel will discuss her work and life and will make a case for raising her profile in CT. 

Moderated by Stephane Browder, RISE Member. Panelists include Lonnie Braxton, Historian; Jose B. Gonzalez, Professor of English at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and Kate Rushin, Professor of English at Connecticut College. Refreshments and child care provided. Our bookseller partner, Books A Million, will be on-site to sell some of Ann Petry's titles for adults and children.

Registration is recommended to save your seat. Organized by Waterford RISE (Residents for Inclusion and Social Equity). Special thanks to our co-sponsors the Community Foundation of Eastern CT and Ledge Light Health District.

Children's Programs

Drop In Creation Station
Tuesday, February 7
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

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 during Black History Month we will be making colorful collages based on artist Alma Thomas, a teacher turned artist who was the first Black woman to have her artwork permanently displayed in the White House. Recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration required

Suggested Reads:
For Adults - 
Black bottom saints by Alice Randall
Four hundred souls edited by Ibram X. Kendi & Keisha N. Blain
The Black Church: this is our story, this is our song by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
The dead are arising: the life of Malcolm X by Les Payne
Deacon King Kong: a novel by James McBride
Invisible man, got the whole world watching: a young black man's education by Mychal Denzel Smith
The vanishing half: a novel by Brit Bennett

For Teens -
Black enough: stories of being young and black in America: short stories
For every one: poetry by Jason Reynolds
March: a graphic novel trilogy by John Lewis
On the come up: a novel by Angie Thomas
One of good ones: a novel by Maika & Maritza Moulite
The Talk: Conversations About Race, Love & Truth

For Elementary School Children - 
Harriet Tubman: conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry
I am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer
Lillian's right to vote: a celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter
The other side by Jacqueline Woodson
The Undefeated: a poem by Kwame Alexander
The Watsons go to Birmingham -- 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

For Preschoolers -
All because you matter by Tami Charles
Mae among the stars by Roda Ahmed
Martin's big words by Doreen Rappaport
Of thee I sing: a letter to my daughters by Barack Obama
Parker looks up by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o