A Note from the Library Director, Chris Johnson
July for the library, and the Town, means the start of a new fiscal year. Personally it also means writing many year-end reports! For the library, our 2023 fiscal year will be quite a special one as we will be celebrating our 100th anniversary on May 22, 2023.  Our Trustees and Staff are grateful for our community's continuous 100 years of support for the Waterford Public Library! Stay tuned for more details on a special celebration planned for next May.

The library is also lucky that a dedicated group of 12 Waterford residents have volunteered to serve on our Board of Trustees. This month, we are featuring Vice President Constance "Connie" Giordano, retired principal of the Great Neck School.

A strong supporter of literacy for all ages, Connie recommends that you read Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan. Learn more about Connie on our Trustees Spotlight page.

For this year's summer reading theme - Read Beyond the Beaten Path, we are focusing on the great outdoors. As you will see in this issue of our e-news, July is filled with fun and educational library events for all ages.

A special thank you to our local businesses: Filomena's, The Shack, Q Nails & Spa and Gordon's Yellow Front Wines & Liquors for their support of ths year's summer reading programs.

I wish you all a safe and relaxing holiday week-end.. As always, I would love to hear your feedback on our programs & services. Please stop in next time you are at the library, or send me an email at [email protected].

Summer Hours!

Summer Saturday  Hours: July 2 - September 3, the library is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, July 4
The library will be closed for Independence Day.

Featured Programs!

Thursday, July 7, 9PM - Alka Joshi, The Henna Artist. Also available for immediate download as an e-book or e-audiobook on hoopla!

Thursday, July 14, 12PM - David Allen, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress Free Productivity

Wednesday, August 3, 2PM - Dr. Marcia Chatelain, Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America

Visit our Virtual Author Talk Website to learn more and to register!

Saturday, July 16
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Movimiento Cultural Afro-Continental Inc., is a grassroots community organization based in New Haven, CT. Their mission is to preserve and educate people across Connecticut about Puerto Rico's rich African-based folklore, music, dance, and other art forms.

Since their inception in 2015, they have been elevating the Bomba music genre, which is the oldest Puerto Rican heritage rooted in resistance and healing dating back to the day of slavery. MCAC cultural artists and leaders have engaged in this tradition for decades.

This event is supported with an American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grant for Libraries, an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Adult Programming Highlights

Tuesday, July 5
Adult Summer Reading Begins! 
Read Beyond the Beaten Path

The Adult Summer Reading Program begins today! Pick up our summer events calendar with reading log and begin your journey. 

Read 3 or more books by August 20 to enter our drawing to win a tote bag full of fun gifts!  Reading 5 books earns you a chance at a second prize basket!

Thank you to Filomena's for the generous gift certificate donations for our gift baskets!

Friday, July 8, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Al Fresco Summer Concert Series: The Original Waterford Community Band Brass Ensemble and Quartet

Enjoy The Original Waterford Community Band's Brass Ensemble and Trombone Quartet each playing a few songs. Bring a chair or blanket and join us on the library's side lawn. In the event of rain, the concert will be cancelled.

ONLINE Monday, July 11, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Granite Industry in Waterford

We welcome back author and local teacher Wil Reed for an encore performance of his talk on The Granite Industry of Waterford.  The local quarry industry has all but disappeared, but the fascinating history of the granite industry that once thrived in Waterford will be presented in a talk and slide presentation.  Books are available for sale through the Waterford Historical Society.  For those who were unable to make it in person, we're hosting Wil again using Zoom. 

This event will be presented using Zoom.  Please click here to register. 

Co-sponsored by the Waterford Public Library & Waterford Historical Society!

Wednesday, July 13, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m

Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body

For centuries, we've known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.  

Register for this in person event here.

Our presenter is Kristopher Sortwell, Eastern CT Regional Director, Alzheimer's Association.

Thursday, July 14, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Southeastern CT: Kayaking Heaven

Join us for a talk on all things kayaking in southeastern Connecticut.  Steve Fagin, who writes the Great Outdoors column for The Day and Dr. Dan Bendor, paddling companions, will be here in person.  Steve will talk about places to paddle and Dan will speak on safety, health and nutritional issues. 

Register to save your seat for this in person event.

Friday, July 15, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Al Fresco Summer Concert Series: Dogbite Band

We welcome the Dogbite Band.  Dogbite has been on the New London area music scene for over 10 years, playing clubs, coffee houses, restaurants, cafés and even weddings in and out of the area. A blend of acoustic and electric, obscure and not-so-obsure covers and originals, Dogbite has developed a loyal fan base in the area.

Our style? Rockabilly blues country western fake jazz folk music standards original material!

Bring a chair or blanket and join us on the library's side lawn. In the event of rain, this event will be cancelled.

Monday, July 18, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Dark Skies: Adverse Consequences of Light Pollution

The International Dark-Sky Association's (IDA) purpose is to protect the night from light pollution.  IDA brings the issue of light pollution to diverse communities worldwide with the goal of creating access to information about the destructive impact of over-lighting and the benefits of responsible lighting.  The International Dark-Sky Association is the recognized authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide. 

Our presenter is Leo Smith, Northeast Regional Director, International Dark-Sky Association. 

Wednesday, July 20, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m

Camp Cooking: Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

Join Food Explorers to get your creative camping caps on and discover a delicious meal you can make for your family out in the woods. Make your own vegetarian burrito bowl using minimal equipment and learn how to pack it with flavor and nutrition! This recipe is nut free but may contain dairy. 

This is an adult program. Registration is required.

Friday, July 22, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Al Fresco Summer Concert Series: Act III

ACT III is a local band playing an eclectic mix of jazz and R & B.  Carol Pollack, vocalist/guitar player and Al Dimmock, lead guitarist, formed the band in 2014 and have played a variety of venues around the region.  You can expect to hear classics from Irving Berlin and Fats Waller, and more contemporary artists like Tom Waits, Norah Jones and Madeliene Peyroux. 

Bring a chair or blanket and join us on the library's side lawn. In the event of rain, this event will be cancelled.

Friday, July 29, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Al Fresco Summer Concert Series: The Original Waterford Community Band

We welcome back The Original Waterford Community Band!  Enjoy!

Bring a chair or blanket and join us on the library's side lawn. In the event of rain, the concert will be cancelled.

ur 2022 Summer Reading Program for listeners, ages 0-5, and readers ages 6-11 continues through August 20! Download the READsquared app, or use this link to register and log your minutes.

For ages 0-5, listen or read 500 minutes or more - just 10 minutes each day; for ages 6-11, read 1,000 minutes or more during the summer - just 15 minutes each day - to complete the program and be entered into a raffle for fun prizes. Teens, ages 12-18 are invited to read 1,400 minutes during the summer - just 20 minutes each day - to complete the program and be entered into a raffle for fun prizes.

Visit our website  to download a summer reading bingo sheet - completing 1 row or 1 column will earn you one free book, complete the entire card for a second free book and another entry into the raffle. Tweens and teens should use this link.

Wednesday, July 6
4:30 - 7:30 PM, Conference Room
Tabletop Gaming Event

Tweens & Teens, ages 12-18 are invited to participate in a table top gaming event. Student gamers will have the opportunity to play a strategy-based, miniatures game on a three dimensional board complete with painted figures, terrain, and features reminiscent of some of the famous conflicts in history.

Players will learn about the Battle of Freeman’s Farm, and play out part of the engagement that led to American victory and independence from Great Britain.

Space is limited, so please register to attend this event.

Saturday, June 18 - July 8
Camp Scene Grab and Go Craft
Pick up supplies to make a camp scene craft at home.  Check our Facebook page (@waterfordpubliclibrary) for a step-by-step video tutorial on how to make your craft.

Thursday, July 7  
8:30 PM  -  10:00 PM
FAMILY OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT: A Bug's Life

A misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe. (Rated G, 1 hr. 35 min.; 1998; adventure/family/comedy)

No registration is required. Sound will be transmitted to the FM radio in your car, or feel free to bring a portable boom box and sit outside using your own chairs or blanket.

The film start time will be determined by darkness, but will be approximately 8:30 p.m.  Restrooms will be available inside the library.  There is no rain date.

Saturday, Jul 9 - August 5

Grab & Go Craft – Ice Cream Cone:  Drop in anytime during the next two weeks to pick up supplies to make an ice cream cone craft at home.  Check our Facebook page (@waterfordpubliclibrary) for a step-by-step video tutorial on how to make your craft.

Monday July 11, 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Reading the Map (Outdoors)

When out on the trail you can’t always depend on your phone! Learn how to read trail signs, use a paper map and compass. Presented by naturalists from Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC). Participants will have a chance to design a map of our location, navigate their way around using a compass, and discuss hiking preparedness.

In the event of rain, this program will be moved inside the library.

Recommended for 10-18 year olds.  Please use this link to register.

Tuesday July 12, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
New Kid Book Discussion

Join Mrs. Marshall to discuss the graphic novel New Kid by Jerry Craft.
Seventh grader Jordan Banks is the New Kid when his parents enroll him in a private school known for its academics far from his current neighborhood of Washington Heights, N.Y. Can Jordan make new friends at school while keeping true to himself and his old friends?

All participants will receive a free copy of New Kid. For ages 8 -13. Please register.

Thursday, July 14, 8:30 PM
Outdoor Family Movie Night: Brother Bear

The story of a boy who became a man by becoming a bear. (Rated G, 1 hr. 25 min.; 2003; adventure/family/comedy).  No registration is required. Sound will be transmitted to the FM radio in your car, or feel free to bring a portable boom box and sit outside using your own chairs or blanket.

The film start time will be determined by darkness, but will be approximately 8:30 p.m.  Restrooms will be available inside the library.  There is no rain date.

Monday, July 18, 12:00 to 2:00 pm
Sundaes on Mondays!

Children ages 5-11 with a caregiver are invited to make and enjoy an ice cream sundae with Police K-9 Hodges and his handler Officer Eric Fredricks.

Registration is required for ages 5-11 with an adult.

Tweens and Teens, ages 12-18 are invited to join us on Monday, August 15. Use this link to register for the August event.

Tuesday, July 19 - Squid Dissection

Mystic Aquarium educators will lead participants in the dissection of squid to better understand the structural and behavioral adaptations of these amazing ocean creatures.

2:00-2:45 p.m. - Registration required for 9-12 year olds with an adult

3:00-4:00 p.m. - Registration required for 13-18 year olds

Thursday, July 21, 10:30 to 12:30 pm
Read to Police K-9 Hodges

Practice your reading with K-9 Officer Hodges from the Waterford Police Department!  Community Engagement Officer and Service Dog Handler, Eric Fredricks, will also accompany the visit and be available for any questions about Officer Hodges.

Recommended for ages 5 and up with a caregiver. No registration is required.

Thursday, July 21, 8:30 PM
Outdoor Family Movie Night: Camp Rock!

At a music camp for gifted teens, a popular teen idol overhears a girl singing and sets out to find who the talented voice belongs to. What he doesn't know is that the girl is actually a camp kitchen worker with a fear of being heard. (Rated TV-G, 1 hr. 34 min.; 2008; comedy/family/drama)

No registration is required. Sound will be transmitted to the FM radio in your car, or feel free to bring a portable boom box and sit outside using your own chairs or blanket.

The film start time will be determined by darkness, but will be approximately 8:30 p.m.  Restrooms will be available inside the library.  There is no rain date.

Monday, July 25 - BenAnna Band Performance
6:00-6:45 p.m.

Kids will go bananas for this high-energy musical duo that will have kids and adults singing, dancing, and playing along on live instruments!  Bring your dancing shoes and big smiles to make this musical performance to remember.  All ages welcome to this interactive performance with a caregiver.

Both members, Ben and Anna, work in the fields of Early Childhood Education and Music Therapy, so their music as the BenAnna Band reflects their experience and passion for learning, fun, and growth, adding a hearty dash of good old-fashioned silliness while being auditory and sensory aware of their audience's needs!  We can't wait to make music together! 

Please bring your own chairs or blanket. In the event of rain, this outdoor performance will be moved inside to our lower level meeting room. No registration is required.

Thursday, July 28, 8:30 PM
Outdoor Family Movie Night: Moana

In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the Demigod Maui reaches Moana's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out the Demigod to set things right. (Rated PG, 1 hr. 47 min.; 2016; adventure/family/comedy)

No registration is required. Sound will be transmitted to the FM radio in your car, or feel free to bring a portable boom box and sit outside using your own chairs or blanket.

The film start time will be determined by darkness, but will be approximately 8:30 p.m.  Restrooms will be available inside the library.  There is no rain date.

SAVE THE DATE!

Monday, August 1 (rain date: August 2)
8:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Waterford Beach

Join us for an Evening of Stargazing.  Dr. Michael Weinstein, Senior Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy, Connecticut College, will provide a brief introduction to the night sky and we'll also have members of the Thames Amateur Astronomical Society (TAAS) who will be providing viewing telescopes for the evening.   Please bring binoculars, if you have them, and a flashlight.  Registration is required.  Waivers of liability will be distributed for signature at the event.

Wednesday, August 3

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Meet popular CT children's author Janae Marks, hear her speak about her books A Soft Place to Land & Nutmeg title nominee, From the Desk of Zoe Washington and get a book signed!

Our bookseller partner, Bank Square Books will be on-site to sell Janae's books. 

This event is supported with generous funding from an American Rescue Plan Humanities Grant for Libraries! Our grant will also enable us to distribute a limited number of free booksARP Grant Logo - program of ALA & NEH to program attendees.

American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

For 2022, 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 new calendar resource. Content is provided by the Public Library Association.

Camp Sparkler is almost here! If you’re a CT family with a child 1.5 through age 5 years, you can take part in 8 weeks of FREE virtual camp, #CampSparkler, through the Sparkler app. With weekly themes, your child can be an astronaut, a storyteller, or a zoologist — and win badges and prizes! Spark learning all summer, starting July 4!

Stretch your dollar by using your library card

What do exercise workouts and road trips have in common? They’re both better with a great music playlist! But streaming music subscriptions can hit your wallet—especially if you opt for ad-free access. Stretch your dollar by switching to hoopla, a free streaming service from the library—without ads or waitlists. Hoopla has chart toppers, new releases, and playlist suggestions for everything from road trips to weddings. Click here to browse what’s available.

If you’re going to be off-grid or prefer not to drain your battery, check out our music CDs. Try before you buy—it’s free when you use your library card!