A message from the Director, Jen Smith:

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that I will be leaving my role as Library Director of the Ledyard Public Library. Thank you for allowing me to be your Director for nearly three years. It has been a rewarding experience and I will always cherish the relationships I've formed here. We have achieved great things as a team and I am proud of all our accomplishments, especially the overall increases in library usage and securing grant funding to make both library buildings more welcoming and accessible to everyone. While it is never easy to say goodbye, I am confident that the Ledyard Library will continue to succeed in future years.

Until a new Director is hired, please know all Library staff members are ready to assist you with your library needs.

Pictured from left to right - Stacey Burt (Assistant Librarian I - Youth Services), Jen Smith (Library Director), Matt Novosad (Assistant Librarian II - Adult Services), and Lyndsey Robinson (Assistant Librarian I - Adult Services)

Friends of the Ledyard Library Speed Puzzling Fundraiser

Ledyard Bill Library

Saturday, March 15, 2:45 p.m.

Join the Friends for their first Speed Puzzling Fundraiser! See how fast your team of four can finish a 500-piece puzzle in this fun, family-friendly contest!

$40 per team (1-4 people);

$35 if at least one team member is a member of the Friends of the Ledyard Library

Payment is accepted in cash or check at Bill and Gales Ferry Library. The payment deadline is 2/28/25.

Check-in begins at 2:15 p.m., and the contest will start promptly at 2:45 p.m. You'll have no more than 2 hours for your attempt.

Registration Required (Click here to register)

Transparent Language Online offers a fun, effective, and engaging experience for learners of all levels who want to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language.

With comprehensive courses, supplemental vocabulary, and grammar resources, it stands out as a complete language-learning solution. Featuring over 130 languages, including English for speakers of more than 30 languages, there’s something for everyone.

In addition, Transparent Language Online offer courses in American Sign Language and KidSpeak, a specialized program designed for young language learners.

Best of all, with mobile apps available for iOS and Android, learners can enjoy the flexibility to study at home, in the library, or on the go. Kidspeak is only available on Desktop computers or laptops.

Programs

Programs

Kill-a-Watt Reader Available at Bill Library

Check out the Kill-A-Watt reader from Bill Library and measure the energy consumption of appliances throughout your home. The Kill-a-Watt reader can tell you the electrical consumption of small to medium electrical devices and help discover the hidden charges when electrical devices are turned off. This kit includes a booklet that provides tips to reduce your energy consumption and costs.

Beth

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

Erica

Daydream by Hannah Grace

Jen

The Band in our Basement by Kelly J. Baptist

Laura

The Titanic Sisters by Patricia Falvey

Mr. Bates vs The Post Office

Lorraine

The Twelve Days of Murder: a novel by Andreina Cordani

Stacey

Duckie and Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends by Ame Dyckman

Stephanie

The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

Spider Woman's Daughter by Anne Hillerman

Friends Executive meeting

Thursday, April 10, 2025

6:00 p.m. at Bill Library

Friends General meeting

Thursday, April 10, 2025

7:15 p.m. at Bill Library

During our April meeting we will be holding our annual elections. You are welcome to volunteer for or to nominate someone for any position on the board, and are encouraged to. A nomination form will be posted on the website, or you can email publicityFOLL@gmail.com to nominate yourself or a friend. All are welcome at both meetings.

If there is still space, teams may sign up for the Speed Puzzle contest on March 15 at Bill Library. See Facebook or in-library signage for details.

Special library day: March: 21 World Poetry Day

Please nominate one or more of our highly skilled Library staff in anticipation for National Library Workers Day in April. You can find the link here: https://ala-apa.org/nlwd/

Upcoming: April: 6-12 National Library Week theme: Drawn to the Library

           8 National Library Workers Day

           16 National Librarian Day

The Friends will have a poster at each library during that week, patrons are encouraged to write a thank you note or draw a picture for staff. All ages are welcome to participate.

Consider a few donations for the Children's Librarian's use: 

**Dum Dum lollipops are used year round for the popular scavenger hunt. 

**Rechargeable Bubble Blaster Please consider donating a Bubble Blaster 5000+ Bubbles Per Min, Bubble Machine with LED Lights, Rechargeable Battery (36 Holes, Automatic Bubble Blaster, B-36), $23, or a similar rechargeable blaster, as batteries tend to run out quickly and without notice.

**Any extra craft items you have for upcoming open art studios for teens. 

Best wishes to Director Jen Smith in her new job. We wish you well!

Remember to visit the ongoing book sales at both library buildings - in the meeting room at Bill Library, and the Book Cellar at Gales Ferry Library, each of which are open during normal library hours. All sales go towards support of the library.

Sarah Desormier, President

FOLLpresident@gmail.com

Janice W. Bell Historical Research Room – Ledyard Historical Society

Open archive on Mondays 9:00 – 5:00 and by appointment

(Closed on major holidays)

As always, email us with your questions about Ledyard and Gales Ferry history or local families. Donations or loans for digitizing are always welcome. Appointments to visit the archive or to make a donation may be made by emailing Andrea Buka at research@ledyardhistory.org.