October library program highlights include Halloween, of course
September 27, 2025 | By Judi ByronOctober is one of the longest months of the year and the Waterbury Public Library is packing the calendar with free programs for all ages.
Here are highlights mostly from the adult programs for the month that include a quilting workshop, a documentary film screening and discussion about natural burials, a silent reading party at the Waterbury Dam to take in autumn, and several movement/exercise/wellness opportunities. Some regular programs continue, such as the popular Tuesday watercolor time and Saturday Mahjong.
And by the end of the month, it’s all hands on deck for several fun Halloween programs from a morning costumed musical parade and party for tots to an evening presentation on spooky films from one of Vermont’s top film experts.
Be sure to check WaterburyPublicLibrary.com for the full schedule of all of the events and programs at the library every month.
Finally, one schedule note: The library will be closed for Indigenous People’s Day on Monday, Oct. 13. Enjoy the holiday!
Tuesdays: Watercolorists working independently
Watercolor paintings from local painters in the library’s watercolor class on exhibit at the library. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
The Waterbury’s watercolor class continues to meet in the Steele Community Room on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is a free, drop-in class for those who have taken Pauline Nolte’s class previously and need no instruction. Painters are responsible for bringing their own supplies and even newspaper or a tablecloth to cover their work space. This is a self-led class with no instructor and no registration needed for seasoned painters who want to continue meeting, painting and keeping up the watercolor vibe. The class is expected to resume for new and beginning students in early 2026.
Saturday Mahjong meetup
Players of Mahjong continue to meet weekly on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. upstairs on the second floor of the library. This is not a teaching group, but for those new to the game, others will be there to assist. Both the Chinese and the American versions are played. To join, email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Oct. 3: Quilting workshop
An Kawandi-inspired quilt by workshop leader Sarah Page. Courtesy photo
“Kawandi” describes a style of quilt made by the Siddi people of India and Pakistan. The Siddi are descended from Bantu people of East Africa who were enslaved by Muslim and Portuguese merchants. The word “kawandi” means quilt, so saying “kawandi quilt” is redundant. Kawandi are traditionally completely handmade, using recycled fabric scraps that are loosely woven. They are worked from the outside of the quilt toward the center, adding pieces with edges turned under, and quilting them down as the pieces are added.
On Friday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m., local quilt artist Sarah Page leads an entry-level workshop for up to 10 adult participants. The only skill needed is being able to thread a needle – or being able to wheedle a neighbor to thread one for you. It will meet for two hours with the possibility of coming back for two more hours on Oct. 17, also 1-3 p.m., if the group would like more time together. All materials will be supplied, and the workshop is free. To sign up and for more information, contact judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Fridays: Weekly exercise program
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program continues its series on Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Steele Community Room, through October. The connection between exercise and increased energy is well supported, along with improved well-being and better sleep habits. For more information and to register, contact Anne Greshin at 802-241-4840 or email agreshin@cvcoa.org.
October’s Silent Reading Party returns to the Waterbury Dam at Little River State Park where the August party was held. This time, there’s foliage. Photo by Gordon Miller
Oct. 5: Silent Reading Party
The Silent Reading Party for October returns to the Waterbury Dam at Little River State Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m. The group will meet at the dam, at the end of Little River Road, but before the park entrance.
Hosted by the library and Bridgeside Books, silent reading parties are a simple way for readers to get together. Come check out the fall foliage with a book. Bring a chair, some water, (maybe a sweater), and thankfully there’s no need for bug spray. Groups typically read for about 50 minutes to an hour and spend a few optional minutes at the end sharing about their books. No need to register – just show up.
Oct. 9: Film viewing - ‘From Earth to Earth: The Lost Art of Dying in America’
The library and Vermont Forest Cemetery present a chance to watch the award-winning documentary film, “From Earth to Earth: The Lost Art of Dying in America,” on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the library.
Courtesy photo
This short documentary describes natural burial and its ecological and personal benefits through stories from the people who worked to make it legal in Vermont, and from people who have experienced first-hand how being involved in the burial process is a final act of love that can help soften the grief of the loss of a loved one and come to terms with one’s own mortality. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A session led by Jim Hogle, president, and Michelle Hogle Acciavatti, founder, of Vermont Forest Cemetery. Light refreshments will be served.
Founded in October 2023, Vermont Forest Cemetery is the first and still only cemetery in Vermont devoted entirely to natural burial. Located on 56 acres of mixed hardwood forest in the Green Mountains above Roxbury, the cemetery encourages families and friends to participate directly in the burial process if they wish and seeks to honor and preserve the stories of the people who are buried there. It contains space to create art, engage in learning and research about natural burial and the forest, conservation and restoration. The public is welcome to visit to walk its trails to observe birds and animals who live there, learn about the plants and geology, meditate, or just have contemplative time. The cemetery provides guided tours in spring, summer and fall and is open to the public from dawn to dusk every day. More online at cemetery.eco.
Oct. 18: Writers Wertfrei returns
Writers’ Wertfrei is back after a summer hiatus, beginning on the third Saturday oif the month, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the library. “Wertfrei” comes from the German word, “wertfreiheit,” meaning non-judgmental or value-free. These gatherings are an opportunity for writers to share their work, receive comments and suggestions in a supportive, caring environment. The group is for all writers -- whether you have just picked up a pen in retirement, or whether you write as part of your job. Writers in all genres are invited to bring what you are currently working on, or come just to listen. Register ahead of time with an email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Oct. 18: Breath Rewired workshop
Courtesy photo
Becky Widschwenter of Mindful Movement is back at the library for a fall offering of breathwork. “Breath Rewired: A Pathway to Your Center” promises to be an interactive workshop of breathwork, reflective journaling, and easy yoga poses. Explore breathing mechanics and patterns for enhanced wellness and self-discovery. Learn simple, practical tips that will reduce stress levels, strengthen your core, and help you live calm, clear, and connected.
This workshop is for anyone who’s curious about the role the breath plays in anxious breathing patterns, lifting heavy items, back pain or a weak core, discomfort or poor posture while sitting, and jaw, neck, and upper back tension. Participants will gain a new perspective on how breath can be one’s ultimate ally in achieving well-being.
The session will be held in the Steele Community Room on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a journal, yoga mat, water bottle, and to wear comfortable clothes. Register in advance with an email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Oct. 21: Grateful Gatherings
Grateful Gatherings meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hosted by Mary Wentworth, each month explores an aspect of gratefulness. What is something you’re grateful for that enhances your everyday life? Now, imagine a world without it. How would your life be different if what you cherish were no longer part of your life? We cannot experience the fullness of the grateful life without taking purposeful action on behalf of what we value. For more information and to register for October’s diecussion, email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Oct. 30: Get ready for Halloween!
The library has three Halloween-themed programs set for Thursday, Oct. 30.
For the kids: Halloween Hoot with Ms. Andrea of Musical Munchkins from 4-5 p.m. at the library. Wear costumes and be ready to celebrate with songs, stories, music, dance, puppets, and a library parade!
Blood on the Clocktower: This monthly gaming group usually meets on the third Tuesday of the monthly but just in time for Halloween, it moves to Oct. 30 for Bad Moon Rising. If you have played before and are looking to up the ante, come join in from 6 to 8 p.m. and see if you can survive the night!
Calling all cinephiles: Join Rick Winston, cinephile extraordinaire, for his talk, “Haunted Cinema: Films about Ghosts and the Supernatural,” at 6:30 p.m. in the Steele Community Room. The depiction of the paranormal can be portrayed for straight chills (“The Other” and “The Haunting”), romantic drama (“The Ghost and Mrs. Muir”), and lively comedy (“Blithe Spirit”). Rick will sample a wide variety of films, from Hollywood (“The Uninvited” and “A Ghost Story”) and other countries, including Japan (“Kwaidan”), Spain (“The Orphanage”), and Mexico (“The Devil’s Backbone”). Rick was co-owner of Montpelier’s Savoy Theater for 29 years and programming director for the Green Mountain Film Festival for 14 years. He has taught film history at Burlington College, Community College of Vermont, Goddard College, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and has made presentations throughout Vermont on film history.
Judi Byron is the Waterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator. Contact her at 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.