A Note from the Library Director, Chris Johnson
In November, our thoughts turn to giving thanks. We are grateful for our Veterans and the service they have provided to our country. We are reminded of the importance of our right to vote and encourage all to do so on Election Day. We are appreciative of our Town of Waterford for supporting our library. We are most especially thankful to you: our library users. Each day, we are pleased to welcome an average of 250 visitors through our doors. We endeavor to provide each of you with personal attention and service -- whether you are seeking help picking your next great read or DVD, stopping in to use our public computers, printer and copier, need reference assistance, or are attending one of our many fun and educational programs for all ages.

November is also the time of our Annual Fund mailing. Your generous donations each year help to support all of the library's programming, our online resources, and over 2/3 of our budget for materials including books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, e-books, newspapers, magazines and museum passes. Watch your mail for our Annual Fund appeal or pick-up an envelope in the library. If you prefer, you may donate online. On behalf of our staff and Board of Trustees, we thank you very much for your support!

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and I hope to see you at the library!

Featured Programs!

Tellabration!
Tuesday, November 8
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Calling all families! Looking for something to do when the schools are closed? We are excited to welcome back Tellabration!, the annual storytelling event.

Join us for a fun-filled storytelling extravaganza presented by the Connecticut Storytelling Center featuring Jeanne Bent and Peg Donovan.

Jeanne Bent and Peg Donovan love to present Stories and Songs to young audiences. It's storytime like you've never seen before! With books, puppets, and felt board in hand, Ms. Peg will lead your children on a merry journey into the magical world of language.

Jeanne, who grew up in New England, has collected stories in all the books she has read as a Children’s Librarian.

Recommended for ages 3 and up, no registration required.

Talk About Town: Friends of Harkness
Thursday, November 10     
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.   

Our Talk About Town Community Conversation series continues with a new focus on Waterford's Hidden Gems. In November, we welcome Anne Fitzgerald Clark, Board Secretary, and Lou Clark, member-at-large of the Friends of Harkness.   

The Friends of Harkness Memorial State Park, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization formed in 1992 to help preserve and  restore Eolia, the former estate of Edward and Mary Harkness. The Harkness property was bequeathed to the people of the State of Connecticut in 1950. Half of the former estate became a State Park in 1952. The other half became Camp Harkness, a State facility dedicated to provision of recreational opportunities to all CT citizens with disabilities.    

Join us to learn more about the history and current programs offered by this hidden gem in Waterford. Registration is suggested. Click here to register. 

ONLINE Mohegan Tribe History: 1600’s–1700’s
Thursday, November 17
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Outreach and Tradition Specialist David Eichelberg from the Mohegan Tribe will discuss the history of the tribe during the 1600 and 1700s, and will touch on the life of Samson Occom.

Please click here to register for this Zoom event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

This program is hosted by Stonington Free Library and co-sponsored by the Public Library of New London, Bill Memorial, Mystic & Noank, Waterford Public, Groton Public, Ledyard Public, and Otis Libraries. 

Open Game Play with One Up Games
Friday, November25
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Youth, ages 11 and up, are invited to a video game event with Virtual Reality consoles as well as other video game consoles including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Instead of shopping, bring your crew for some friendly competition and relaxation!

Registration is recommended. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space permits.

Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body
Monday, November 7
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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.  

This event is presented by Kristopher Sortwell, Eastern CT Regional Director, Alzheimer's Association.

ONLINE Researching your Mayflower Ancestors
Tuesday, November 8
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Designed to introduce a general audience to Mayflower research, this program covers both the process of documenting a Mayflower line and the resources that can provide more details about that ancestor’s life. 

Please click here to register for this Zoom event. 

Our presenter is Bryna O'Sullivan of Charter Oak Genealogy.  

Family Story Time!                              
Mondays: November 7, 14, 21, 28
10:30 to 11:15 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.

Drop In STEM Adventure: Popsicle Stick Catapult
Monday, November 7
4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Stop by the Children's Department anytime between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm for a fun STEM activity.

In this science activity you will try your hand at catapult technology.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

No registration is required.

Drop In Build Club
Tuesday, November 15
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

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Teen Drop-In Craft
Thursday, November 17
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Stop in to the Teen Section of the library to make a leaf print card!

No registration required. Ages 12-18.

Drop in any time between 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Drop In Origami: Pumpkin and Turkey!
Monday, November 21
4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

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You will learn how to make an Origami Pumpkin and a Turkey.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

No registration is required.

Holiday Cards for Veterans
Tuesdays:  November 22 & November 29
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Stop by the Children's Room anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 pm to make a holiday card that will be distributed to a local veteran's organization.

All ages are welcome to get in the holiday spirit of caring and showing how thankful we are to all who have served. No registration required.