A Note from the Library Director, Chris Johnson

It has certainly been hot this summer! Thank you for your patience with our building's limited air conditioning. We are grateful that the Town of Waterford has reserved over $1M in funds to renovate and modernize our library's heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems, and these funds are being matched by a $250K grant from the Connecticut State Library.

The Town is currently accepting proposals for this project. In the interim, we have been provided with two temporary cooling units for our Children's Room. 

On August 14, work is scheduled to begin for the revitalized Town Center project. The first phase of the project will be clearing some of the plantings and the dredging of the duck pond. The work should not affect the library's operations other than the likely use of our side parking for construction vehicle staging and access to the pond. Learn more about the project on First Selectman Rob Brule's Facebook page. 

In March, our library's Board of Trustees approved a new mission and values statement for the library. This is the first step in the design of our new strategic plan. We are pleased to announce that our library has been selected to participate in a collaborative cohort with six other libraries from around the state. We are working with Maureen Sullivan, an experienced library strategic planning consultant, with support from Executive Director Ellen Paul and her organization, the Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC). This pilot initiative by CLC is providing us with a significant cost savings over securing our own consultant plus we will benefit from the feedback and support of our partner libraries.

I invite you to help us create a new vision for our library! In October, we will be conducting in-depth surveys and holding community conversations. To kick-start the process, please take a few minutes to answer this 7 question survey. Printed copies will be available in the library.

Have a library service idea or a suggestion that you wish to share? Please stop in to see me at the library, or send an email to [email protected] . Thank you and I hope to see you at the library!

Library Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

July1 through September 2

Sunday: Closed

Please note: On Saturday, August 12, Rope Ferry Road and Avery Lane will be closed from approximately 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for the annual Unity in Our Community Waterford Parade. The library will be open, but you will not be able to enter or exit the parking lot during the time of the road closures.

The library now has two portable metal detectors that are available for a two-week loan period. Borrow one to find that lost ring in your yard or to treasure hunt at the beach! Ask at the circulation desk for details.

This is the first item in our new Citizen Science Collection that is funded by  a grant from the New England Chapter of the Association of Rural & Small Libraries.

The parade begins at the high school at 10:00 a.m. and proceeds west on Rope Ferry Road to the Jordan Baptist Church. There will be music and events on the Jordan Green until 1:00 p.m. Volunteers from the Waterford Community Food Bank will be collecting non-perishable food and cash donations along the route. Thank you to our local service clubs: the Rotary Club of Waterford, Waterford Lions Club, Waterford Regional Lions Club, and the Regional Kiwanis Club, for distributing free flags to all attendees!

Presented by the CT Humane Society

PaCK: Pets and Caring Kids
Friday, August 4, 3:30 PM - 4:30PM
Pets are a ton of fun, but they can be a lot of work! This engaging program explores what different types of pets need to be happy and healthy and how these needs compare with our own.  Recommended for ages 4 and older, no registration required. 
 
Kind Kids
Tuesday, August 8, 4:00 PM - 5:00PM
Participants will explore the importance of being kind and compassionate towards people and pets during this interactive program. Recommended for ages 6 and older, no registration required.

The Living Voice: Art as an Expression of Life: a workshop

Saturday, August 5, 10:00 AM IN PERSON

We are pleased to have 2022-2025 CT State Troubadour Kala Farnham here to present a creative arts workshop in which she will discuss the creative process through a series of concepts interspersed with a performance of songs tied to each concept in her discussion. Registration is required.

REGISTER

Guest author Jeff Benedict

Thursday, August 10, 6:30 PM IN PERSON

We welcome back bestselling author Jeff Benedict to talk about his newest book LeBron (2023).  LeBron tells the full, riveting saga of how a child adrift found the will to become a titan.

Join us for the last of our Family Movie Matinees!

2:00 PM in the Meeting Room

Find your voice during our singalong movie matinees! Each month will feature a different family friendly movie that includes catchy, original songs. Singing encouraged! Feel free to bring a blanket and snacks. 

Aug 11 Encanto, rated PG, 99 minutes

Al Fresco Summer Concert Series
Join us for the final concert in our series
August 3, 6:00 PM, FrankenPhil

Bring a blanket or chair and join us on the lawn for music this summer. We'll move into the lower level meeting room, in the event of inclement weather.
Thank you to our sponsor!

Adult Grab & Go Craft - Tree of Life

Beginning Saturday, August 5

Pick up your Grab & Go Craft and make a tree of life wall hanging at home! While supplies last.

What is Your Poetic “Voice,” and How Do You Find It?
Monday, August 7, 6:30 PM IN PERSON

Designed for the emerging poet, teen or adult, this program will begin with a discussion about poetic voice led by the women of Artemis Rising, a group of poets who have been meeting for over 20 years. After this portion of the program, participants who wish to do so, will read an example of their work. Open Mic is limited to 15.  If you plan on sharing your poem during Open Mic, please register.  Otherwise registration is not required.  Poems shared should be no more than one page in length. 

REGISTER

Guest author John Cotter
Wednesday, August 9, 6:30 PM IN PERSON

John Cotter was thirty years old when he first began to notice a ringing in his ears. A devastating memoir that sheds urgent, bracingly honest light on both the taboos surrounding disability and the limits of medical science. Losing Music is refreshingly vulnerable and singularly illuminating—a story that will make readers see their own lives anew.

Scribl Art Workshop for Adults - Mandalay Poetry

Thursday, August 10, 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON IN PERSON

Join us for the final Scribl Art Workshop in this series presented by PeaceLove Foundation, a nonprofit group that develops and delivers innovative programs that improve emotional well-being through creativity.  This in-person experience uses simple creative activities and supplies to help groups let go, reflect, and connect.

Registration is required as space is limited.

REGISTER

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

Click here to view more information about Waterford Public Library News - August 2023