Waterbury Public Library: Holiday schedule; ringing in the new year
December 21, 2025 | By Judi ByronFor the holidays over the next two weeks, the Waterbury Public Library has several scheduled updates to share:
The library will close early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and it will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, Christmas day.
Likewise, it will close early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, for New Year’s Eve. The library will be closed for New Year’s Day, on Jan. 1.
Below are highlights of upcoming adult programs at the library in January. As always, find full lists of programs for all ages online at waterburypubliclibrary.com.
A wintry sky over snowy Gregg Hill. Photo by Gordon Miller
Dec. 30 - Feb. 3: Welcome Winter Qi Gong
The next qi gong series will focus on the winter elements in traditional Chinese medicine: water, the kidneys, and the energy of yin, which represents stillness, reflection and conservation. Participants will learn movements that target and strengthen the kidneys, lower back and waist, as well as standing meditation that warms the system and focuses on yin energy. This practice will be done in the cold at the library’s garden, so attendees are advised to dress appropriately. Sessions will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, from Dec. 30 to Feb. 3, which is the start of spring on the Chinese calendar. To register, email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Saturday Mahjong
What is the allure of mahjong? From its beginnings in ancient China to its modern iterations, this tile-matching game is wildly popular. Teacher Pauline Nolte returns for Saturday sessions at the library, teaching both the Chinese and American versions of the game, which is often compared to gin rummy. The group will meet on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Steele Community Room. Pauline will be teaching how to build sets of matching tiles and the strategies involved. Contact judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com to sign up.
Jan. 6-April 28: Winter Watercolor series
Watercolor paintings by library class participants hang in the library. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
Spend a winter morning with brush in hand, socializing with friends, and learning new watercolor techniques. Teacher, artist and published author Pauline Nolte is back with another series in watercolor painting. Maybe you are retired and have some time on your hands, or are new to town and want to meet some people; or maybe you simply are new to watercolor. No matter the reason or ability, all are welcome to this Winter Watercolor series. Nolte says she remembers when she discovered her creative self through the dabbing of paint on paper and she wants to pass that fun and fulfillment on to aspiring artists. No experience necessary.
This free class will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Steele Community Room from Tuesday, Jan. 6, through April 28. (No class on Town Meeting Day, March 3.) Register with an email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Jan. 9: Arthritis Foundation exercise series
The Arthritis Foundation exercise program starts up on Jan. 9, meeting on Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., through April 28. Led by instructor Pauline Nolte, this low-impact and evidence-based program is geared for anyone looking for an easy-on-the-joints workout. Join this free one-hour class to help keep joints flexible and muscles strong, increase energy, improve well-being and sleep, and decrease arthritic pain, to name but a few benefits. Classes are sponsored by the Central Vermont Council on Aging and are free for those age 60 and over. For more information, call 802-479-0531 or email volunteer@cvcoa.org. Register online here.
Jan. 13-14: Social Security presentations
Many people have questions about Social Security, deciding when they retire, when to begin collecting benefits, etc. For many Social Security is the foundation of retirement income. Before retiring, it’s important to understand options, impacts decisions will have on personal finances in retirement, and more. Nick Hart from Edward Jones will hold two presentations at the Waterbury Public Library to discuss Social Security and answer questions. Hart has been with Edward Jones for three years and is skilled in sharing financial-planning information to meet clients’ plans and goals. He will offer the same material at two presentation times: a daytime session, 10:30 a.m. to noon, on Jan. 13, and an evening session on Jan. 14, 6:30-8 p.m.
Register by email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com and specify which date. Light refreshments will be served.
Regular programs resume in January
Some library programs took a break over the holidays and will resume in January. These include the No Pressure Book Group, Writers’ Wertfrei and Silent Reading Parties.
Jan. 8: The No Pressure Book Group resumes meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Participants read what they want and share, getting ideas from each other. Visit the group’s spot on the library website for the Zoom link.
Jan. 17: Writers Wertfrei resumes its meetings on the third Saturday of the month, inviting writers to share their work, receive feedback and get new ideas. Participants with any type of writing project are encouraged to attend. “Wertfrei” comes from the German word “Wertfreiheit,” meaning non-judgmental or value-free. The group meets 10 a.m. to noon at the library; it also has a Zoom option.
Jan. 22: Silent Reading Party at The Tropic. The popular Silent Reading Parties organized with Bridgeside Books meet at a different location and time each month. Readers gather with a book of their choice and spend time silently reading. At the end, participants may share a bit about your book. January’s Silent Reading Party will be at The Tropic brewery, 40 Foundry St., at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 22.
Judi Byron is the Waterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator. Contact. 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.