New programs, schedules at the library starting in September
August 31, 2025 | By Judi ByronSeptember at the Waterbury Public Library is a good time to get or update library cards. Below are highlights from the adult programs planned for September and for multiple programs for kids of all ages.
Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
As a reminder, the library is closed Monday, Sept. 1, for the Labor Day holiday.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. New to the area? Or perhaps your card expired, or you haven’t gotten around to signing up for a card. Stop into the Waterbury library and discover or rediscover new books, e-books, online courses, language learning, movies and more.
For Waterbury and Duxbury residents, there is no charge for an adult library card. Residents of other communities are charged a $25 annual non-resident fee. Bolton residents can bring their library card receipt to the Bolton Town Clerk’s office to be reimbursed. Patrons should bring proof of their town of residence when signing up for a card.
Be sure to check the library’s website, waterburypubliclibrary.com, for more details and complete schedules of programs for all ages.
After School at the Library
School has begun the Waterbury Public Library is offering several programs after school.
Weekly on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 9, youngsters in grades 3 and 4 can attend Switch in the SAL from 3 to 4 p.m., where they will have a chance to play games including Mario Cart, Minecraft, Super Smash Brothers, and Ultimate Chicken Horse. Eight slots are available and registration is required.
Starting on Sept. 10, a new monthly Steam Club for third- and fourth-graders will meet from 3 to 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. Participants will get to explore concepts in chemistry from invisible ink to crystals. This group has 10 slots and registration is required.
Also once a month on Wednesdays, the Lego Challenge group for students in grades 1-4 will meet from 3 to 4 p.m. This begins Sept. 17 and will continue on the third Wednesday of the month with a different Lego challenge each time. This group has 10 spots and registration is required.
Register for these programs on the library website where each is listed with an online signup form. Note that the library has a new policy regarding young patrons, requiring those younger than fifth grade to be supervised by someone age 16 or older unless they are attending a library program. Find that policy here.
Queer Reads will take up ‘Snapdragon’ by Kat Leyh.
For teens
Teens are invited to the library after school with several programs just for them on Wednesdays.
Teen Hang Out: This is just after school downtime from 4 to 6 p.m. in the SAL Room. Talk, read, play games, study, etc. with friends.
Queer Reads: This LGBTQ+-friendly book group for teens meets on the first Wednesday of the month. Get a copy at the front desk of the first book, the graphic novel “Snapdragon” by Kat Leyh, that will be discussed on Sept. 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the SAL Room. Read more about the books on the library website. For ages 12-18.
Teen Makerspace: This group will meet on the third Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the SAL room. This program will give attendees a chance to explore a variety of art media.
Story times for little ones
Two weekly programs are set up for the library’s youngest patrons – babies through 5-year-olds. Both meet at 10:30 a.m. and are drop-in.
Little Mouse Storytime brings early literacy activities to develop language, socialization skills, and love of reading. For ages 2-5 on Mondays.
Busy Bees is geared to babies and toddlers with soft foam blocks and mats, sensory bins, toys, and unstructured playtime on Thursdays.
Adult programs
Sept. 13: Silent Reading at Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea
Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea hosts the next Silent Reading Party. Photo by Gordon Miller
Monthly Silent Reading Parties are a joint project of the library and Bridgeside Books. This month, the reading party takes place at Vermont Artisan Coffee and Tea, located at 11 Cabin Lane along Vermont Route 100 in Waterbury Center, on Saturday, Sept.13. The party meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. outdoors, weather permitting.
Silent Reading Parties are a chill way to hang out with friends and others, but in a quiet way. Bring a book, a chair or blanket for sitting, and enjoy the company of the group as everyone reads. At the end, there’s an chance for readers to discuss what they’re reading, but it’s not required.
Sept. 16: Six-week Qi Gong series begins
Strengthen the body, quiet the mind with the 8 Brocades of Silk beginning in September. The 8 Brocades, also referred to as Ba Duan Jin, is one of the most popular Qi Gong practices dating back nearly 1,000 years. Qi Gong combines mindful movement with meditation and breath to strengthen the body, quiet the mind, and balance the emotions. The 8 Brocades is known as the Eight Brocades of Silk because of the silken quality of movements practiced during this form. Ancient texts reveal that the Eight Brocades was also a form of Qi Gong designed to eliminate fatigue. Register with an email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com for this six-week series beginning Tuesday, Sept. 16. and running on consecutive Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., through Oct. 21. The group will meet in the library garden, weather permitting, or indoors at the library.
Sept. 11: No Pressure Book Group
Meetings of the No Pressure Book Group resume with the onset of autumn. The group meets on the second Thursday of the month via Zoom. It lives up to its name with everyone sharing what they are reading and offering recommendations. No assignments, no pressure -- just a chance to talk books with like-minded individuals. All are welcome, newcomers and seasoned bibliophiles alike. The group’s new meeting time will be 7:30 p.m. with upcoming dates of Sept. 11, Oct. 9 and Nov. 13. Find the Zoom link on the library website listing for the No Pressure Book Group.
Sept. 16: Register to vote at the library
Waterbury Public Library is a community partner for National Voter Registration Day which takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Computer stations will be designated for individuals to register to vote or to confirm or update their voter registration information online.
Sept. 16: Grateful Gatherings continues
The group, Grateful Gatherings, is designed to be a time for conversation with purpose. It continues its monthly meetings throughout the fall. Hosted by Mary Wentworth, these meetings foster connection and meaning, and learning ways to live gratefully. Participants will receive materials from Grateful Living to help make new connections with the community. This group meets on the third Tuesday of the month. The September meeting is Sept. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com for more information and to register.
Sept. 30: Genealogy Quest meets monthly
Another program starting up for the fall season and running until spring, is the Waterbury Genealogy Quest. It meets on the last Tuesday of the month and is open to all, whether you know your family’s history or not. They meet in person at the library. The next meeting is Sept. 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Robert at RLSeymour@comcast.net.
Friday low-impact exercises
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program run by the Central Vermont Council on Aging continues its classes through October. These low impact exercises for those with muscle and or joint pain can help strengthen muscles and keep joint flexible. Increased energy comes from movement, as does increased well-being and even better sleep! The group meets weekly on Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the library with instructor Pauline Nolte. For more information and to register contact Anne Greshin at 802-241-4840 or email agreshin@cvcoa.org.
Judi Byron is the library’s adult programming coordinator, judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.