Get outside with summer library programs
June 27, 2026 | By Judi Byron The month of July brings outdoor festivities with the Waterbury Public Library taking part in the Waterbury Arts Fest and hosting another outdoor Silent Reading Party with Bridgeside Books.
Summertime at the library. File photo
A reminder that the library will be closed Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
Summer reading is a thing and you can “Unearth a Story” with a Waterbury Public Library card. Details are online here, or just stop in and pick up a summer reading brochure at the front desk.
Adult Summer Reading Bingo has begun with two new cards —regular mode and a hard mode option. Or you can do both! Bingo cards are due back by Aug. 15 to be entered into a prize raffle.
As always, please refer to the library’s website WaterburyPublicLibrary.com for complete listings of programs and events. Below are highlights from the July calendar and one upcoming late June date.
June 29: Solar Power S’mores
The library’s newest staffer, Youth Librarian Shelby Gagne, has hit the ground running with Summer Reading for the kids. On Monday, June 29, join Shelby to make Solar Power S’mores. Yes, the sun can really do that! It involves a pizza box and s’mores fixins’. Register with shelby@waterburypubliclibrary.com for the program, or just drop in on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
July 2: Patriotic Slime
Get your slime on with Patriotic Slime and Graham Cracker Flags on Thursday, July 2, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country. This happens from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sign up with an email to Shelby Gagne at shelby@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
July 11: The library at Arts Fest
The library will have a table at the Arts Fest on July 11 and CD spinners will be an activity for the kids. Stop by and say hi and meet the library’s new Youth Librarian Shelby Gagne with Outreach Coordinator Anathe Parkes. Anathe will have stickers to give away that she personally designed. Check out the table for Summer Reading Bingo Cards, Summer Reading sign-ups and library card sign-ups. Bookmarks from the Watercolor Class will also be available for the taking. The library staff at the booth will also have a selection of books to share with the community for your home libraries.
July 14: Silent Reading Party at the Waterbury Dam
The Silent Reading Parties are setting up at various outdoor venues while the weather cooperates. If you missed the beautiful evening at the Trapp Family Lodge recently, another outing is planned for July at the Waterbury Dam. Meet on Little River Road at the dam on Tuesday, July 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bring a book, a chair, some water, and settle in for a silent hour of reading amongst fellow bibliophiles. This is worth the trip just for the view of the Worcester Range. No need to register, just show up and enjoy the down time.
July 17: You be the Historian
On Friday, July 17, at 1 p.m. Library visitors get to be the historians. Join the Vermont Historical Society to explore artifacts and records related to a Vermont farm family, the Wheelers, who lived in Calais in the 1880s. Participants will act as researchers, curators, and archaeologists to discover details about this family. All ages are invited and all participating youth will receive a free family pass to continue their exploration at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier. Contact Shelby@waterburypubliclibrary.com for further details and to sign up.
July 18: Patriot Games
The year is 1776. The spark of revolution has ignited in the 13 colonies, and the British army is on its way to smother it. Without your help, the patriots will surely fall to the British Empire. Join the fight for liberty in this Revolutionary campaign setting with Dungeon Master Evan Hoffman as he leads Nations & Cannons, a 5E D&D game. Step into the shoes of patriot militiamen and ordinary citizens working to push the British out of their foothold in Boston. No experience with role-playing games necessary. Saturday, July 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the library.
July 21: Science of Courage, Part II
Coming on the heels of Ken Boring’s June presentation of the Science of Courage, Bravery Boost with Boring and Byron, continues the discussion. What does it mean to be brave? It could mean making that phone call or talking to someone you don’t know at a party. Courage is a neurological process and not a personality trait. So, if you do that brave thing again and again, the brain keeps making those circuits stronger. If you missed Ken’s presentation in June, have no fear, the library is continuing the process of discovering courage at the monthly gatherings. Meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., on the third Tuesday of the month through the summer, the next meeting is July 21.
July 23: Blood on the Clocktower
Blood on the Clocktower meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, 6-8 p.m. Join fellow murderers and townfolk and figure out who’s who. A game of social deduction and a bit of mayhem passes the evening with much delight. For more information and to sign up, contact judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com. Next meeting is Thursday, July 23.
July 23: Dinosaur Dig
For the younger crowd on July 23, there’s an opportunity to unleash your inner paleontologist. Find a dinosaur egg hidden in the children’s garden and then use a brush and chisel to excavate the dinosaur. There are limited spots for the Dinosaur Dig happening from 10:30 a.m. to noon. To sign up, send an email to shelby@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
July 31: Playtime
On Friday, July 31, at 10:30 a.m., little ones and their caretakers are invited to visit to explore, create and discover through hands-on sensory fun. This engaging playtime is filled with textures, colors, and activities designed to encourage creativity, learning, and social interaction. No registration necessary. Just drop in.
Judi Byron is the Adult Program Coordinator for the Waterbury Public Library. Contact: 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.