May programs at the Waterbury Public Library
April 30, 2026 | By Judi ByronMuch is new in springtime and that includes at the Waterbury Public Library.
Some new things to try in May at the library include composting using tips and a new compost bin from John Malter’s May 9 workshop. Try or brush up on learning Spanish in a special workshop on May 13.
And if you haven’t been yet, Silent Reading Parties, game groups and Writers’ Wertfrei welcome new participants every month.
As always, check out the library’s website for full listings of programs and events for all ages.
May 9: Composting workshop with John Malter
Get a Soil Saver compost bin at a discounted price by attending John Malter's composting workshop on May 9. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
It’s spring and that means composting!
John Malter, local compost guru visits on Saturday, May 9, to talk about how, why and where to compost.
Malter works as the administrator of the Mad River Resource Management Alliance, which serves Waterbury, Fayston, Moretown, Waitsfield and Warren with waste management and recycling programs. His free workshop will be in the Steele Community Room next to the Waterbury Public Library from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Composting reduces waste by turning food scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich material, which improves soil health by rebuilding soil structure, which provides a more balanced ecosystem for growing. Compost promotes plant growth, reduces greenhouse emissions – particularly methane – and it can save money, too.
Those who attend this workshop can also purchase a Soil Saver compost bin for a discounted price of $45. Sign up to attend the workshop by emailing John at malterport@aol.com by Thursday, May 7. Let him know how many compost bins you would like.
May 13: Spanish From Scratch
Have you wanted to learn a new language but you don’t know where to begin? Perhaps you have tried online courses that have left you bored or uninspired.
On Wednesday, May 13, from 6-8 p.m. Carlos Reyes, founder of the New England Language Academy and a licensed Spanish teacher will lead a free workshop titled, “Spanish from Scratch.” The two-hour fun, supportive and interactive session will be designed for beginners and applicable for those wanting to reconnect with the language.
The New England Language Academy is a Vermont language education program dedicated to making language learning accessible, practical and enjoyable for learners of all ages. Multilingualism is a potent tool for connection, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Reyes believes that learning a new language can open doors, build one’s confidence, and be a bridge in strengthening and connecting communities.
Reyes brings his experience in teaching students of all ages and bridging the gap between language-learning and culture to the library for this workshop intensive. Participants will be introduced to basic vocabulary and conversational structures and will leave with the confidence to begin communicating in Spanish in real-life situations.
Originally from Uruguay, Reyes has over 10 years of teaching experience and a dynamic and engaging style to his classes and workshops. For more information on the academy’s programs, cultural workshops, and immersive experiences both locally and abroad, visit online at newnela.com.
Register for Spanish from Scratch with an email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
May 16: Writers’ Wertfrei
The library’s gathering for writers of all genres, from journaling to fiction, is called Writers’ Wertfrei and it meets on the third Saturday of the month.
May’s date is May 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at the library.
All writers are welcome, whether you are published or just experimenting. Come with several pages of material you are either currently working on or have written for feedback and encouragement. Listeners are welcome, too, – no pressure. The term “wertfrei” comes from the German word, “wertfreiheit,” meaning non-judgmental or value-free. These gatherings are meant for writers to share their work, and receive comments and suggestions in a supportive, caring environment. There is also a Zoom option. Find the Zoom link here.
Hope Davey Park's pavilion is May's Silent Reading Party venue. File photo by Gordon Miller
May 19: Silent Reading Party outside at Hope Davey
Waterbury’s Silent Reading Parties are heading outdoors now that the weather is getting nicer. The next party will take place at the Hope Davey Park pavilion on Tuesday, May 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Bring a book, some water or a snack, a chair if you like, and settle in for an hour or so of reading and relaxing in a beautiful setting. No registration is needed. Readers may discuss their books for a short period at the end of the reading time.
Silent Reading Parties are co-organized by the Waterbury Public Library and Bridgeside Books.
Attention game fans
Board Game Night is now taking place on the second Tuesday of the month. May’s date is Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Games are Euro-style with a mix of both skill and chance, with explanation and rule discussion at the beginning of each game. Participants are welcome to bring a favorite or two.
Tabletop Role Playing now meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 1 to 5 p.m. The group will be playing Burning Wheel on May 9 and 23. Run by Evan Hoffman, the group is geared or teens through adults. It uses a Discord channel here.
See more updates for library game groups, including bridge, mahjong and Blood on the Clocktower online at waterburypubliclibrary.com.
May 26: Genealogy reminder
A reminder to genealogy buffs, that the Waterbury Genealogy Quest group will be meeting on May 26 for the last time before taking a break for the summer. For more information, contact Robert Seymour at RLSeymour4@comcast.net.
Judi Byron is the Waterbury Public Library’s adult program coordinator. Contact: 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.