July 2023

Join us Today for the first of our three Family Movie Matinees!
Movies start at 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. 

June 30 Vivo, rated PG, 99 minutes
July 21 Sing 2, rated PG, 110 minutes
Aug 11 Encanto, rated PG, 99 minutes

A Note from the Library Director, Chris Johnson

Summer is our busiest time of year at the library. Our Find Your Voice! summer reading programs for all ages are now in full swing. Visit our website to download our summer event flyers, bingo sheets for children and teens, and to get started on your summer reading journey.

As announced last month, on July 10, we are launching our new Automatic Renewals service (more details are provided below). With the end of most library fines, and an easier ability to renew materials, we are hearing some of our library users expressing that the due date is only a suggestion. Libraries are here to serve a large public via a shared collection. When you borrow an item from the library, there is an understanding that you will endeavor to return those items by their due dates. Doing so enables other library users to have an opportunity to check them out. Please do your part, by returning items on time, even if there is no overdue fine accrued. Your fellow library users, and library staff, thank you for your consideration.

We have a great calendar of events planned for July. I hope that you can join us for our Al Fresco Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Dominion Energy. We have moved the concerts to Thursday evenings on the side lawn. See the full line-up below. 

The Town of Waterford wants your opinion on short term rentals, please use this link to inform the Public Works, Planning & Development Standing Committee of your opinion by completing this informational survey.

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 this summer!

Library Hours
CLOSED Tuesday, July 4: Independence Day

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

Beginning on July 10, Waterford, and our three Groton partner libraries, are introducing a new Automatic Renewals service. Any library materials that are eligible for renewal, will be automatically renewed for you. You will receive an email notification three days before your due date to advise you of the status of your items and to identify which items, if any, have been auto-renewed. Of course, you have no obligation to retain the materials, if you prefer to return them early. We hope that you will enjoy this new convenience.

Summer Pen Pal Program
June 17 through August 18

This summer we are excited to partner with the Public Library of New London for a Leave a Letter, Take a Letter pen pal program! Beginning Saturday, June 17 you can write and leave a letter in the Children’s Room at the library. These letters can be about your plans for the summer, your favorite activities, your family and friends – anything you want to write about! Throughout the summer we will be exchanging letters with the Public Library of New London so you can read and learn about other kids in our neighboring community.
Later in the summer when you write a letter, you will be able to take a letter from a New London friend. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Please only use your first name when signing your letter.

Al Fresco Summer Concert Series
Select Thursdays this summer!
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.

July 6, 6:00 PM, Marc Bernier
July 13, 6:00 PM, The Rivergods
July 20, 6:00 PM, The Four Bridges
July 27, 6:30 PM, The Original Waterford Community Band
August 3, 6:00 PM, FrankenPhil

One Book One Region Kick-Off Event

Wednesday, July 12, 6:00 PM IN PERSON
Join us at the Branford House, Avery Point, UConn Campus for the kick-off event of the 2023 One Book One Region read.  This summer's title is What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City by Mona Hanna-Attisha (2018).  

Here is the inspiring story of how Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, alongside a team of researchers, parents, friends, and community leaders, discovered that the children of Flint, Michigan, were being exposed to lead in their tap water—and then battled her own government and a brutal backlash to expose that truth to the world. 

BenAnna Band Performance
Thursday, July 27, 10:30  - 11:30 AM

Join us for a high energy, inclusive musical performance from the amazing and entertaining BenAnna Band!

Bring a blanket, and join us on the side lawn. We of the move indoors to the lower level meeting room, if needed, due to weather.  All ages & abilities are welcome, no registration required.

The Voice of Conscience: American Writers and 19th-Century Politics
Monday, July 10, 6:30 PM IN PERSON

This talk explores key episodes in US history when authors and activists - from Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry David Thoreau to Ida B. Wells and Martin Luther King - have mobilized the written word to awaken readers' consciences or reshape a collective conscience. Christopher Hager, professor and chair, English Department, Trinity College, is our speaker.

Learn to Tell Your Story through Authenticity, Clarity and Engagement
Wednesday, July 12, 6:30 PM IN PERSON

Do you have a story, one that is screaming to be told?  Does fear stop you? In this introductory workshop you will begin to identify the purpose of your story, craft your audience, learn to prepare your voice and use body language effectively.  Registration is required.
Denise Page, founder of Ubuntu Storytellers, is our presenter.

REGISTER

Ladies of the Light: Women Lighthouse Keepers
Tuesday, July 18, 6:30 PM ONLINE

This presentation explores the lives of some of the women who were called upon to serve as lighthouse keepers throughout the course of United States History. Jo Ann Tufo, historian, is our speaker.

REGISTER

Canvas & Coffee: a paint morning
Saturday, July 22, 10:00 AM IN PERSON

Join us for another Canvas & Coffee paint morning with Pam's Picassos!  Registration is required. If the weather holds, we'll paint outdoors on the side lawn. 

REGISTER

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

Scribl Art Workshop Series for Adults
10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON IN PERSON
Join us for this 4-part Scribl Art Workshop 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 for one or all four!
- Thursday, June 29 - Transformation Collage
- Thursday, July 13 - Dual Emotions
- Wednesday, July 26 - Story Shoes
- Thursday, August 10 - Mandalay Poetry

REGISTER

DROP IN ACTIVITIES

STEM Adventure: Cup Phone
Monday, July 10
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 Cup Phone. You will learn the mechanics of sound transmission by creating a communication device using cups. Recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration is required.

Lego Club
Tuesday, July 18
4:00 -  6:00 PM IN PERSON
Drop in anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 pm to build with some Lego sets! No registration required, recommended for ages 5 and up.

Drop in Craft: Craft Stick Folding Card
Monday, July 24
4:00 -  6:30 PM IN PERSON
Join us in the Children's Room between 4:00 and 6:30 pm to make a craft stick folding card with positive affirmations. Recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration is required.

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 in English or Spanish.. Content is provided by the Public Library Association.

Explore Our Digital Resources!

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!

Connecticut Summer at the Museum - Free Admission for Kids

From July 1 to September 4, Connecticut children age 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult can visit participating museums free of charge. Before you visit, check each participant’s website for specific program details and ticket availability. Visit the program website for more details!

Did you know? The library also offers free and discounted admission to local attractions. Check out our website for a complete list.

Discount Tickets Available!

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.