Our October e-newsletter is a bit delayed this month, so we're sending this mini version to let you know what's happening the next few days! We expect to send the complete newsletter on Tuesday. Thank you for your patience.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration!
Saturday, September 30, 2:30 to 4:30 PM In Person

Bring the whole family to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.  Join us for food, dancing, crafts and fun!

Featuring dance performances by groups from Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and Argentina and a fashion walk of all the performers dressed in their folkloric typical costumes.

Co-sponsored by Mujeres Entre Cultura (" Women Between Cultures"), Esperanza Latina and the Waterford Public Library with support from Waterford RISE!

Other Upcoming Events!

Fire Safety Storytime
Monday, October 2, 10:30 to 11:00 AM
In Person

Join Ms. Kathy for a special fire safety storytime! We will hear a story, sing some songs, and learn about how we can be safe in an emergency. Recommended for ages birth to five, no registration required.

Drop-In Drop in Craft: Fall Leaf Chalk Art
Monday, October 2, 4:00 - 6:30 PM In Person

Join us in the Children's Room anytime between 4:00 and 6:30 pm to create a fun and beautiful fall leaf artwork using chalk and leaf templates.

Recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration required.

Goths, Gargoyles & God: the building of Western Europe's Cathedrals, 1000-1500
Tuesday, October 3, 6:00-7:00 PM In Person

In 1000 A.D., European churches were small, thick-walled, dark and dreary. Less than 200 years later, they were breathtaking architectural wonders, rising more than 200 feet and lit by stained glass windows the size of tennis courts. In an illustrated tour from the first Gothic Cathedral in St Denis Paris to the glorious cathedrals of Durham, Chartres and Rouen, Dr. Benfield will explain what happened to make this frenzy of church building possible and so spectacular.

Dr. Richard Benfield has been travelling the world for over 50 years, during which he has visited over 125 countries (including North Korea!). For many of those years he was Professor of Geography at CCSU and it is his research and personal travels (to Gardens, churches and searching for Snow Leopards) that he showcases here.

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

3 Part Anti-Racism Series
Saturdays: October 7, November 4 & December 2
9:30 to 11:00 AM IN PERSON

October 7 - Session 1 - History of Race

An introduction to basic vocabulary, historical precedents, and current conditions of race in our country. The presentation demonstrates how race was created, maintained, and manipulated throughout U.S. history. Past/present connections show how legacies of injustice shape systems and society in the 21st century. The program concludes with an opportunity for questions and discussion.

November 4 - Session 2 - Allyship in Focus

An overview of the insidious ways racism manifests in our lives today and the opportunities allyship provides to counter that inequity. Facilitators show participants how liberal and progressive ideologies, especially those held by white people, maintain and contribute to racist systems. The program concludes with opportunity for open discussion.

December 2 - Session 3 - Allyship in Action

Empowers participants to enact anti-racist strategies and allyship in their own lives. Through scenarios, scripts, and an emphasis on language and color consciousness, facilitators provide a range of actions applicable for workplaces, schools, and interpersonal relationships.

This series is facilitated by Aqua Drakes and Katie Burton. This program is funded by our partners at Waterford RISE with support from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and Ledge Light Health District.

Registration is required as space is limited. Participants should plan to attend all three sessions.

Register For The Series