Why buy happiness when the library shares it for free?!
-  Quote of unknown origin

At our January Library Board of Trustees meeting, we honored Bernard J. Pisacich. Bernie has decided to retire, after providing over 20 years of volunteer service to the library and our community. Bernie served as the Treasurer for the Library since joining the board in July of 2002. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service and enjoy your retirement, Bernie!

A Note from the Library Director, Chris Johnson

February is Library Lovers Month! 
During the month of February, we will have a flipchart and markers available and invite you to tell us why you love the Waterford Public Library!

February is also Black History Month. The library is offering a number of interesting programs to celebrate, scroll down to learn more. We also have book displays and curated e-resource collections to further explore this important topic.

As pointed out to me by an astute reader, in my column last month, I incorrectly stated that the library was incorporated in May of 2023, of course, I meant 1923! To continue with some more of the library's early history, in September 1930, the Gilead Community Club gave the library $250 "to be known as the Gilead Fund, the principal to be kept intact but the yearly interest to be used as the Library Association sees fit."

Perhaps spurred by this gift, the library committee began to think in larger terms of the need for an endowment fund. At this time the library had accumulated $2,000. In October 1930, Mrs. Darrow, library president, wrote to Edward S. Harkness concerning the matter. She evidently presented the case well, as Mr. Harkness sent word that if the library would raise another $2,000 by July 1, 1931, he would contribute $12,000! The income from the $16,000 fund plus an annual town appropriation and state grant of $100 each, together with gifts of friends would provide the money necessary to run the library. The $2,000 was raised on time and in July 1931, the library received a check for $12,000 from Mr. Harkness, and the library's endowment fund had been established.

As you know, we currently receive the majority of our funding from the Town of Waterford, for which we are very grateful. However, our library's endowment is still used to support the majority of materials purchases as well as to fund all of our programs and other special projects such as the new mezzanine carpeting. There are now a number of new areas for visitors to sit, read, study and collaborate on our refreshed mezzanine level.

February is another busy month here at the library, I hope to see you at this Saturday's Take Your Child to the Library programs, or at the February 11 Ann Petry Panel Discussion, offered in partnership with Waterford RISE.

Stay warm and I'll see you at the library!

Donate online, or pick-up an envelope next time you visit the library. Thank you for your support!

Library Hours

Monday, February 20: Presidents' Day, Library Closed

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Introducing Hanna Osborne!

Our new  Library Technician I, Hanna Osborne, joined us in November. We asked Hanna to share a little about herself:

-Favorite reading genre? Fantasy

-Currently reading? Naomi Novik's The Golden Enclaves

-Favorite childhood author? Mary Pope Osborne

-What inspired you to work in libraries?  I've always loved reading, so working in a library was a childhood dream of mine. 

-Favorite thing to do in CT in winter? Go sledding!

You'll find Hanna at the Circulation Desk, stop in and say "hi!" next time you visit.

Featured Programs!

Take Your Child to the Library Day
Saturday, February 4
10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a fun filled Take Your Child to the Library Day! We will have family friendly activities and crafts throughout the day as well as special performances in the library meeting room. 

-Move and groove with local musician Steve Elci from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

-Enjoy an interactive show with Cricket and therapy dog Nubble from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.

No registration required. All ages are welcome! 

Winter Reading Bingo for the Whole Family!
Monday, January 9 through Tuesday, February 28

Read Those Winter Blues Away! Play Winter Bingo for the Whole Family!  February is a perfect time to light a fire, enjoy some hot chocolate and stay indoors.  

-Bingo cards are available for adults (18 years and older) and three different Bingo cards for children (birth to 5 years, 6-11 years and 12-18 years). Stop in to pick one up, or download and print at home.
-Each square contains a different read or activity. 
-Complete a Bingo, bring it to the library, get it stamped.
-Each Bingo row or column earns one entry ticket for the Grand Prize!  
-Drawings will be held Tuesday, February 28, so get your cards in by 5 p.m.!

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

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

The Founding Mothers
Wednesday, February 15
6:30 to 8:00 p.m. ONLINE

Join us for a lecture on the founding mothers Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, & Dolley Madison presented by Valerie Gugala, first-person historical presenter and lecturer. 

Valerie has been studying the Lincoln Family for more than 50 years. Her interest in the Lincolns led to an interest in the Presidents, First Ladies, and their families. Valerie has a background in theatre, having been co-producer for the Bartlett Park District Theatre Program in Illinois for over 10 years, and has worked with The Mystery Shop, a traveling mystery theatre company, since 2001. She resides in Illinois. 

Please register for this Zoom Event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Program co-hosted with the Groton Public, Mystic & Noank, and the Otis (Norwich) Libraries.

The Golden Age of Television: What Made the 1950s So Special for American TV
Tuesday, February 21
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ONLINE

This presentation will look at the forces that made the 1950s the “golden age” such an intriguing chapter in TV history and why it was so short-lived. Our presenter is Brian Rose, professor emeritus at Fordham University, where he taught for 38 years in the Department of Communication and Media Studies. His zoom lectures on film and television history have been presented at the Smithsonian, the 92nd St Y., and at JCCs and libraries throughout the country.

Please register for this Zoom Event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Program co-hosted with the Groton Public and Mystic & Noank Libraries

Great British Baking Tour
Tuesday, February 28
7:00 to 8:00 p.m. ONLINE

Join UK travel/relocation consultant, and former UK resident, Claire Evans for a delightful culinary tour of the UK inspired by “The Great British Baking Show” television series. Learn about making a proper cup of tea, regional specialties, their origins, and the particular parts of the UK they hail from. She’ll translate the trickiest parts of British recipes for Americans so you can try them in your own kitchen. Pick up useful travel tips as well, just in case you’d like to create your own tour! 

Please register for this Zoom Event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Program co-hosted with the Groton Public Library.

Children's Programs

Stop by the Children's Room from February 4- February 17 and pick up supplies to make a Heart Friend at home! Check our Facebook page (@waterfordpubliclibrary) for a step-by-step video tutorial on how to make your craft.

Family Storytime!
Mondays: February 6, 13, 27
10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Get ready to read and get your wiggles out! Join Ms. Jenna at the library for some fun stories, songs, and dancing. Recommended for ages birth to five years old with a caregiver.

In the lower level Meeting Room. No registration is required.

Board Game Bonanza
Saturday, February 11
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Stop by the library meeting room anytime between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to play one of our many board games! We have all of the classics and some new ones to try with friends and family. No registration required, recommended for ages 4 and older.

Drop in Craft: Raining Hearts
Monday, February 13
4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Join us in the Children's Room anytime between 4:00 and 6:30 pm for a fun Valentine's craft! You will learn how to make a 'Raining Hearts Craft' with a cloud setting and raining hearts, which will pair up perfectly with the book "The Day It Rained Hearts" by Felicia Bond. Recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration is required.

Cartooning Workshop
Tuesday, February 21
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Join us for an interactive Cartooning Workshop with local author, illustrator, and teacher Jason Deeble. Learn the art of drawing and some cartooning tips and tricks from a professional and have fun while doing it!

Registration is required. Recommended for ages 8 and older. This program is presented with the support of CT Humanities.

Drop in STEM Adventure: Toothpick Structures
Monday, February 27
4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Stop by the Children's Room anytime between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm for a fun STEM activity. You will try your hand at building different 2 and 3-dimensional geometrical shapes with toothpicks and marshmallows.Recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration is required.

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

Stop by the Children's Room from February 18 - March 3 and pick up supplies to make a Doggie Bag craft at home! Check our Facebook page (@waterfordpubliclibrary) for a step-by-step video tutorial on how to make your craft.

Drop In Build Club
Tuesday, February 28
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Stop by the Children's Room anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 pm to build with some various STEM sets that we have! Try some challenges and prompts from the library or just let your imagination take over. Recommended for ages 4 and older, no registration required.

Teen Programs

Teen Craft Night
Thursday, February 2
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
At this Teen Craft Night you will create a piece of artwork using a styrofoam printmaking technique! Teens will draw a subject of their choosing and then learn how to use styrofoam to create prints of their own work. 

Registration required for teen, ages 12-18.  All materials will be provided.
 

Teen Drop In Craft
Thursday, February 9
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Do you have the feels or is love just the worst?
If you are into Valentine's Day, or even if Anti-Valentine's Day is more your vibe, stop by the Teen Section to make a heart ornament for yourself or someone else.

Puzzle Competition
Saturday, February 25
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Calling all puzzle enthusiasts! Join us in the library meeting room for the ultimate puzzle throw down. Get together a team of two to four members and register to participate and compete for the grand prize. Each team will be working on the same puzzle and the team that completes it first wins. Registration for your team is required. Space is limited. Recommended for ages 12 and older.  

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. Content is provided by the Public Library Association.

Great Decisions Discussion Group Returns in March
Join us on Thursday evenings, beginning on March 9, at 6:30 p.m. for a weekly civil discussion of 8 pressing global issues. No special topic knowledge or expertise is expected. The only requirement is that you read that week's topic article in the Great Decisions Briefing Book prior to the session. This year's topics, as selected by the Foreign Policy Association are:

-Energy Geopolitics

-War Crimes

-China and the U.S.

-Economic Warfare

-Politics in Latin America

-Global Famine

-Iran at a Crossroads

-Climate Migration

At our weekly meeting, we will watch a 20-30 minute pre-recorded lecture on the topic and then engage in a one hour facilitated discussion. Our discussion leader will be Mariette Ogg, Retired Associate Professor of English, U.S. Coast Guard Academy. There is a $35 materials fee for the briefing book payable at the first session (or you can opt to purchase your own copy online).

Please use this link to register for the series.