Library in August welcomes birds of prey, The Federalist Papers, familiar favorites
July 30, 2026 | By Judi ByronAugust is a month of transitions on the Waterbury Public Library’s program schedule.
Some regular programs have taken a short summer hiatus, and they start up again this time of year. Several special events and groups have also popped up on the schedule including a visit from birds of prey on Aug. 15 and a new discussion series on The Federalist Papers. Those wanting to dive into the popular watercolor class have their chance this month. And another Silent Reading Party visits Waterbury Center.
As always, be sure to visit WaterburyPublicLibrary.com for the latest details on all regular and special programs and events for adults, children and teens.
Here are highlights from the adult and youth programming slates for August.
Youth programs
Summer fun at the library continues into August with summer reading activities for children.
The Summer Reading Program ends Aug. 15, but there is still time to Unearth a Story with your Waterbury Public Library card. Pick up a Bingo sheet for youth (ages 4-11) or a special bookmark for teens. Bring them back by Aug. 15 for a sweet treat and free book. There’s a grand prize for teens, too. For more information, email shelby@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Other events you may want to mark on your calendar not to miss:
Aug. 4: Kids of all ages can “Unearth a Story” and make dinosaur suncatchers with tissue paper. 10:45 a.m. to noon. Email shelby@waterburypubliclibrary.com to sign up.
Aug. 6: UVM Master Gardener Rachel Babin visits for an all-ages and abilities program. She will talk about harvesting, read some garden books, and everyone can pick and eat some fresh veggies. Meet at 1:30 p.m. in the library garden.
Aug. 12: More dinosaur fun with a T-Rex Afternoon Tea Party from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Drop in for dinosaurs, games and refreshments.
Aug. 15: Did you know that birds are dinosaurs? Well, 65 million years of evolution says so. On Saturday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m. in the Steele Community Room next to the library, a special program will wrap up the summer reading program. A representative from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science will visit with multiple live birds of prey. All ages are welcome. Come learn about our dinosaur ancestry.
Adult programs
Aug. 1: Mahjong introduction session
Mahjong is a captivating, four-player tile-based game that originated in China in the 19th century. Players draw and discard tiles—featuring suits like bamboo, characters, and dots—with the goal of being the first to complete a winning hand made of specific sets (such as three-of-a-kind) and
a pair. If you’ve wondered what the buzz is about Mahjong, come to the Waterbury Public Library on Saturdays beginning Aug. 1 for a new training with teacher Pauline Nolte. Drop-in play will take place on Saturdays through Nov. 21. Nolte will teach the basics of both Chinese and American Mahjong. All skill levels are welcome. Register with an email to Nolte at niteowlpauline@aol.com or call the library at 802-244-7036. Play takes place on the second floor of the library, consecutive Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Aug. 1: Role-playing with Nations and Cannons
Nations and Cannons, led by DM Evan Karl Hoffman has another run on Saturday, Aug. 1. Step into the shoes of patriot militiamen and ordinary citizens working to push the British out of their foothold in Boston. Join the fight for liberty in this Revolutionary 5E D&D campaign setting. No experience with role-playing games necessary. From 1-5 p.m.
Aug. 7: Exercise series begins
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program led by Pauline Nolte and sponsored by the Central Vermont Council on Aging is back for a fall session. Classes take place in the Steele Community Room on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. beginning Aug. 7. The series will run until Nov. 20. This low-impact, evidence-based program is great for anyone looking for an easy-on-the-joints workout experience. Want to keep your muscles strong and joints flexible? Increase your energy and improve your well-being? Sleep better and decrease arthritis pain? The one-hour class can help! It’s free for older adults. Pre-register online at cc/cvcoawellnessor register on-site. For more information, call 802-479-0531 or email volunteer@cvcoa.org.
Aug. 15: Writers’ Wertfrei reconvenes
Writers’ Wertfrei is back for the next season, meeting on the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. The group welcomes all writers. Whether you write for a living or keep a journal, you are a writer! “Wertfrei” comes from the German word “wertfreiheit,” meaning non-judgmental or value-free. These gatherings are a chance for writers to share their work and receive comments and suggestions in a supportive, caring environment. Bring whatever you are currently working on or come just to listen. The next meeting is Aug.15. Email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com for more information.
Aug. 18: New Watercolor session begins
The Waterbury Public Library’s watercolor class meets in the Steele Community Room at the municipal building. Photo by Claire Pomer
Watercolor with Pauline Nolte starts a new fall series mid-August. If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at watercolor but didn’t know where to begin, this class is for you. Nolte provides instruction and demonstration at the beginning of each class and provides an opportunity for independent work as well. Whether you are brand-new to painting, have had experience but may be a bit rusty, or even paint on a regular basis, the class welcomes all levels. Nolte is an inclusive teacher and provides a warm, inviting space to socialize and create. Classes are free, and supplies are provided for beginners. Meets on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Steele Community Room. This next series begins Aug. 18 and runs through Nov. 17. Register with and email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com
Aug. 18: How about a Bravery Boost?
The next Bravery Boost with Boring and Byron takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Do you procrastinate? Did you know that procrastination is deeply rooted in the fear response? The brain seeks to avoid stressors and seek relief, which rewards and ultimately reinforces the avoidance behavior. This could be part of our next discussion, or perhaps we talk about how sleep (especially REM sleep) rewires and updates the brain. This and more ways to build courage at Bravery Boost sessions, meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. For more information, email Ken Boring at ken_boring@yahoo.com or Judi Byron at judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Aug. 19: The Federalist Papers Book Club
Written in 1787-1788 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, this foundational series of essays made the case for ratifying the then-proposed U.S. Constitution. They outline a totally new form of government conceived by our nation’s founders, based on ideals, reason, and the rule of law.
This new Federalist Papers Book Club, led by host and Waterbury Select Board member Evan Hoffman, is an upcoming series beginning in August at the library, which will look at key decisions made at the nation's founding and how they’ve played out through history to the present day. The group will meet on the second floor of the library on the first and third Wednesdays (with an occasional fifth Wednesday) beginning Aug. 19 and running into November.
Some questions this group will set out to examine include:
Has the American experiment worked out like the Federalists thought it would?
What did the founders predict correctly? What did no one see coming?
Are we convinced by their arguments?
Would we vote to adopt the Constitution if we were there at the time?
Would we make the same choices if we were building from scratch today?
The Federalist Papers essays are in the public domain and widely available online. Check https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text, or LibriVox for the audio version. The library can order copies through InterLibrary Loan. If you prefer a personal copy, you can order one from Bridgeside Books.
Each meeting will have a new discussion topic. For a full list of the topics and assigned reading, visit waterburypubliclibrary.com/fpbc or waterburyvt250.org/fpbc
About the authors: James Madison was a Virginia plantation owner and considered the “father of the Constitution.” He later became Secretary of State and the fourth U.S. president. Alexander Hamilton was a New York military officer, lawyer, and banker. He later became Secretary of the Treasury and a modern Broadway sensation. John Jay was a New York lawyer and diplomat, and president of the Continental Congress. He later became the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and governor of New York. All three were delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
About the Host: Evan Karl Hoffman is a history enthusiast and member of the Waterbury Select Board. He is passionate about civics education and increasing democratic participation. This program is inspired through the ongoing Vermont and Waterbury 250 commemorations of the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.
To register, email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Aug. 20: Blood on the Clocktower
The popular gaming group for Blood on the Clocktower will be meeting on the third Thursday in August instead of the fourth. Clocktower is a fun social deduction game for 5-20 players. The Good team tries to find and execute the Demon before the Evil team takes over. Storyteller Katharine Boden manages the game, and dead players continue to participate as ghosts, keeping everyone involved until the very end. Aug. 20, 6-8 p.m.
Aug. 25: Dig back into Genealogy Quest
After a break, Waterbury Genealogy Quest starts up for the season, meeting on the last Tuesday of the month. The group explores family lineage and shares members’ research and findings. Interested? Contact group leader Robert Seymour with an email to RLSeymour4@comcast.net. Meeting time is 6:30-8 p.m. on Aug. 25.
This month’s Silent Reading Party will be at Cold Hollow Cider Miller on VT Rt. 100.
Aug. 30: Silent Reading at the Café at Cold Hollow
August’s Silent Reading Party takes place at the Café at Cold Hollow Cider Mill on Vermont Route 100 in Waterbury Center. What is a Silent Reading Party? It’s simple: There’s no assigned reading, no standard book club setup. Readers gather in various community spaces -- sometimes outdoors, sometimes indoors -- to read in quiet camaraderie. All readers are welcome to read whatever you like in whatever format. At the end of the meeting time, attendees can share a bit about their book. The next gathering is Sunday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m.
Judi Byron is the Waterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator. Contact her at 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.