Update to Library Hours

Closed on Sunday, April 9 for Easter

Congratulations, Erin Quada!

Erin has been promoted from Library Assistant to Library Technician II - Youth Services. She will take on this new dual role working both behind the scenes, cataloging our new acquisitions, and in the spotlight, assisting our youth services department with programming.

Look for Mrs. Quada at our Rockin' Tots and drop in Lego Club programs this summer!

Libraries strengthen communities and transform lives every day. In addition to well-loved books, your library offers innovative programs that promote lifelong learning, connect patrons to technology, and advance knowledge. Show your love for Ledyard Public Library during Library Giving Day! This one-day fundraising event is on

Tuesday, April 4

We encourage patrons and library lovers to make a gift in support of your library. Stop in or call us to learn how to give.

National Library Week (April 23 - 29, 2023) is a time to celebrate our nation's libraries, recognize library workers' contributions, and promote library use and support. The theme for National Library Week 2023 is "There's More to the Story," illustrating the fact that in addition to the books in library collections (available in a variety of formats), libraries offer countless resources. Library programming brings our Ledyard community together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, STEM events, crafting classes, lectures, and so much more. And library infrastructure advances communities by providing free internet and technology access, promotion of literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.

El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates annually on April 30. It emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This nationally recognized initiative was founded in 1997 by author and poet Pat Mora.

Giggles and Wiggles Storytime

Wednesdays – April 5, 19, 26

10:30 a.m.

Bill Library

Ages Infant – 3

Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing. Registration is not required. However, space is limited to the first 20 families.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays – April 6, 20, 27

10:30 a.m.

Gales Ferry Community Room

Ages 3 – 5

A fun and energetic storytime! Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime to actively engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate. Registration is not required. However, space is limited to the first 15 families.

STEM Explorers of the Deep

Monday, April 5: Fishing Net Macramé

Monday, April 19: Oil Spill Challenge

4:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Ages 5 – 12

Fishing Net Macramé: Take this kit home to learn about and make a fishing net that the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe used when they were fishing.

Oil Spill Challenge: Take this kit home to learn about water pollution and how to keep our waters clean.

We have once again partnered with New London County 4-H to provide STEM kits to children ages 5 – 12. Some of the activities will be done as a group at the Bill Library, but others will be take-home kits for you to work on at your leisure. If you can’t make it to the in-person program, you can always register to do the activity at home. Each activity has its own how-to video and other resources. Register for each week individually.

Sustainability: What Is It and How Can We Help?

Saturday, April 7

4:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Grade 3 and up

In honor of Earth month, educators from the Submarine Force Library and Museum will teach students about sustainability. 

Dig In Spring Spectacular and Planting Workshop with Allyson Angelini

Wednesday, April 12

10:00 a.m.

Bill Library

Grades Pre K - 6

Join Farmer Allyson from Full Heart Farm to learn how to plant your own seedling for spring and watch it grow! After the planting workshop, Mrs. Burt will tell an interactive Jack and the Beanstalk story, and then there will be multiple crafts available to create. Master Gardener Veronika Burlingham will also be there to teach everyone about worm composting. This is our Spring Celebration, and you don't want to miss out on this fun and popular event! Special thanks to the Teen Advisory Board for their help with the program.

This program is possible because of the Eastern Connecticut Community Gardens Association. Thank you for your generous support!

Spring Storytime with Peter Rabbit

Saturday, April 15

10:00 a.m.

Bill Library

All Ages

Join us for a special storytime to celebrate spring! Peter Rabbit will join us for storytime, and then children can get their pictures taken with Peter. A craft will also be available after storytime. This program is for all ages, and registration is not required. Just drop in for a fun way to celebrate spring!

What We Know About Early Literacy

Early literacy (reading and writing) does not mean early reading instruction or teaching babies to read; it is the natural development of skills through the enjoyment of books, the importance of positive interactions between babies and parents, and the critical role of literacy-rich experiences.

Literacy development begins at birth and is closely linked to a baby’s earliest experiences with books and stories. Babies learn language through social literacy experiences--parents interacting with them using books. These experiences also serve to associate books with parental affection, attention, and approval.

Read to Succeed!

A study of 3-to-5-year-olds who were read to at least three times per week found the children:

• Two times more likely to recognize all letters
• Two times more likely to have word-sight recognition
• Two times more likely to understand words in context

Visit the Ledyard Library to pick up a literacy calendar and learn more about our ongoing programs that are focused around early literacy.

Teen Advisory Board

Monday, April 3

2:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Grades 7 – 12

We are looking for new members! At this meeting, we will discuss the Dig In! Spring Spectacular and Planting Workshop Event. If you are interested in contributing to your library and community, please email Mrs. Burt at sburt@leydardlibrary.org.

Sweets and Treats: A Cooking Class for Teens

Monday, April 10

2:00 p.m.

Ledyard Congregational Church

Grades 6 – 12

Professional chef and cooking consultant Alex Rose will guide and teach participants the basics of cooking and creating in the kitchen. Join us to ring in spring by learning how to make homemade pudding, and then we will make dirt cups and chocolate birds nests. 

Teen Photography Contest

Submissions Open: April 10

Submissions Close: May 5

Voting Opens: May 8

Winners Announced: May 22

Grades 7 – 12

Our annual photography contest for teens is back for the third year in a row! Teens are invited to submit photos via email starting Monday, April 10 in three categories. Participants can submit one photo per category. Categories include animals/pets, landscape/nature/scenery, and books (favorite read, favorite place to read, etc.). Photo submissions will close Friday, May 5. Community voting will begin on May 8 via Google Form. The highest vote-getters from each category will receive an Amazon gift card. Winners will be announced on May 22. Submissions can be sent to Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyardlibrary.org.

Scribl Art Workshops

Monday, April 17: Transformation Collage

5:30 p.m.

Bill Library

Teen and Adult Program

Transformation collage: inspiring transformation of unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns into a positive alternative path

PeaceLove began when cousins Matt Kaplan and Jeff Sparr wanted to change the way they saw people approaching mental health. They wanted to create a space that encouraged creativity, self-expression, and storytelling. With the goal of making expressive arts programming as accessible as possible in a changing world, PeaceLove created Scribl. This is an in-person experience that uses simple creative activities to help participants let go, reflect, and connect. This program is for teens and adults, but children as young as 10 can participate if they have an adult present and participating in the workshop. Registration is required, as is wearing a mask because of the affiliation with L&M Hospital.

Meet Fiber Artist Hayley Perry

Saturday, April 1

10:30 a.m.

Gales Ferry Community Center

Hayley Perry has her bachelor's degree in fine arts and received her graduate degree in painting. She comes from a line of rug hookers, and it was a little later in life that she started “painting” with wool. She loves the graphics and textures and truly enjoys inspiring others toward creativity! Come hear about her creative journey and see what you can take away for your own. We are fortunate to have her in our corner of the woods as she has her studio and shop in Warren, Rhode Island. Hayley will be here to share some of her works and discuss the creative process that is possible for us all.

Ledyard Cookbook Club

Tuesday, April 4

12:30 p.m.

Gales Ferry Community Center

This month, we honor the traditions of Ukraine with old-fashioned and modern recipes. Come join us--we always have a great time! This group typically meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Gales Ferry Community Center. Contact Andrea with any questions: 860-464-6943 or aholbrook@ledyardlibrary.org. Copies of the cookbooks are available at the Gales Ferry Library.

Lakes and Landscapes: The Importance of Our Watersheds

Tuesday, April 4

6:00 p.m.

Bill Library and Zoom

Discover how landscapes impact water quality and lake health. The impacts of land-use decisions at the municipal and watershed level can have negative consequences on lake health, including impacts to aquatic life and recreational use by residents. What can you do to protect and improve the water quality of the precious lakes and other bodies of water in your community?

Dan Mullins, Executive Director of the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District, will be presenting this informative talk on the importance of our watersheds and waterways. This presentation is a "Libraries Love Lakes" event.

American Presidents Book Discussion

Tuesday, April 11

7:00 p.m.

Bill Library and Zoom

Join the Ledyard Library for our FINAL Presidents Book Discussion where we will discuss Zachary Taylor and his year and a half in the Oval Office. Books are available for discussion at both the Bill Library and Gales Ferry Library. Our discussions include a historical perspective on the American Presidents as we learn about their trials and achievements in the Presidential Office.

This discussion group will continue in May by shifting its focus to another topic.

Adult Board Game and Book Club

Saturday, April 22

2:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Come to the Bill Library on the fourth Saturday of every month to try out different board games and talk about a related book.

On April 22nd, we will be playing The Grizzled, a beautifully illustrated cooperative card game set during the First World War. 

We encourage patrons to read any First World War-related book to discuss with the club such as the new novel In Memoriam by Alice Winn or nonfiction such as Holger H. Herwig's The Marne, 1914. These and many more books are available for checkout at the library. However, this is not a requirement to play.

Beginners are welcome!

Community Conversations: ChatGPT and AI

Tuesday, April 25

6:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Have you been hearing about "ChatGPT" and Artificial Intelligence in the news or from your child's school? Come to the Bill Library to participate in this discussion group, which will explore the implications of what ChatGPT actually is, what its uses and misuses are, and how to talk to your kids about cheating in school.

This event is not a lecture but rather a community-focused and directed discussion group. Whether you are a parent, educator, or just curious about the hullabaloo, we will provide a space to engage in a thoughtful discussion about this new technology.

Senior Center Book Club

Wednesday, April 26

10:30 a.m.

Ledyard Senior Center

12 Van Tassel Drive, Gales Ferry

Join us as we discuss The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. This is a remarkable book that explores love, race, home, and the power of women. Books are usually handed out at the previous session or can be picked up at the Gales Ferry Library. We’d love to have you! 

This group typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Contact Andrea at 860-464-6943 or aholbrook@ledyardlibrary.org if you have questions.

Genealogy Club

Wednesday, April 26

1:30 p.m.

Bill Library and Zoom

Are you interested in delving into your family history but don’t know where to begin? Join the Ledyard Library’s Genealogy Club! Each month, we will have a reading selection that utilizes and discusses pertinent methodologies for genealogists.

In April, patrons are encouraged to pick up a copy of the book Hard Times by Studs Terkel from the library to read. This classic Oral History offers readers an interesting methodology to apply to their own genealogical work. Reading this book is not necessary to participate in the club.

Please bring your own research, notes, and questions to talk about with the group.

Ledyard Bill Library has a soundproof space available.

Do you need a quiet space to work or study at the library? There is a soundproof phone booth-sized room at the Bill Library that can be reserved for telehealth appointments, online job interviews, or quiet study.

Call us today at 860-464-9912 to reserve a date and time to use this quiet space.

Funding for this project was made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library.

On May 1, the OverDrive app will be discontinued. If you have not done so already, we encourage you to make the switch to Libby, our newer reading app. Libby has the same goal of connecting you to the Ledyard Library and to your favorite books, audiobooks, and magazines.

Thanks to feedback from librarians and readers, Libby is more accessible for everyone. If you've enjoyed using the OverDrive app, we really hope you'll love Libby.

Ledyard Library is here to help you make the switch. Give us a call or ask the next time you come in. Our librarians are ready and happy to assist you!

Erica

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo (sequel to The Ninth House)

Jen

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Matt

Index, a History of the: A Bookish Adventure from Medieval Manuscripts to the Digital Age by Dennis Duncan

Stephanie

Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

Click on the above book titles to place a hold online or give us a call and we can place the hold for you.

The 2023 Seed Library is in full swing at the Bill Library with the sampler location at the Gales Ferry Library. New additions are seeds native to our area, ecoregion 59, donated by the local Wild Ones Mountain Laurel Chapter. Both buildings have reference information for these species to aid in your selection. Many thanks to Lydia Pan and Wild Ones for their generosity!

In addition, we have seeds from UConn Extension Master Gardeners (donated by Ocean State Job Lot) and from Doug Chung of the Ledyard Rotary Club. We appreciate Doug and Larry Erhart for facilitating this donation and the UConn Master Gardeners Program for providing seeds.

Our boxes are fully stocked, so stop by either building for free seeds, catalogs, brochures, and educational information, as well as gardening books to check out. Any questions can be sent to Laura at lnorcia@ledyardlibrary.org.

Friends Meeting

Thursday, April 13

7:00 p.m.

Gales Ferry Library

Calling all crafters! Now is the time to start a project to donate to our fall fundraiser in November. All gift-quality crafts are appreciated.

Our next meeting will be on April 13 at the Gales Ferry Library at 7:00 p.m. We will hold elections for the board. Openings include treasurer, vice president, and three members at large. A member at large is a voting member but has no other specific duties. Click here to submit a nomination. You may nominate yourself or someone you think would enjoy volunteering a few hours a month.

Remember to visit the ongoing book sales at both library buildings (in the meeting room at the Bill Library and the Book Cellar at the Gales Ferry Library) during normal library hours. All sales go toward support of the library.

We are currently accepting donated items at both Bill and Gales Ferry. We welcome fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, puzzles, and games in saleable good or like-new condition. At the Bill Library, donations can be brought to the circulation desk as our previous donation area has been updated for another use.

Sarah Desormier, President

860 464-9538, friends@ledyardlibrary.org