Update to Library Hours

Both buildings are open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays this summer.

Bill Library is closed on Sundays until autumn.

Both buildings are closed on Tuesday, July 4 for Independence Day.

Ledyard Public Library is receiving a $20,000 grant from the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities to improve library services for residents with disabilities

We want to hear from you! Join us at our Community Conversations to explore how library services can better support Ledyard and Gales Ferry residents with disabilities.

Libraries Transforming Communities - Community Conversations

Monday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. – Bill Library and Zoom (hybrid)

Tuesday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. – Gales Ferry Library (in-person only)

Contact Jennifer Smith, Library Director, with any questions at 860-464-9917 or jsmith@ledyardlibrary.org

Thank you to the following donors for their generous contributions

John and Elaine Porter

David Lees in memory of Thomas Lees

You are supporting library excellence for the residents of Ledyard and Gales Ferry and are helping us carry out our mission. We are very grateful!

Share your summer adventures with us! Visit the library to take advantage of the weekly programs and special events for all ages that allow you to find your voice. Participate in our summer programs for a chance to win great prizes!

Children's Summer Adventure Program

Find Your Voice: Read! Make! Explore!

June 17 – August 19

Ages birth – 18

There is still time to sign up and log adventures in our Summer Adventure Program! Anything that participants Read, Make, or Explore can be logged. When participants log adventures, they pick which prize they would like to enter to win. Prizes this year include, but are not limited to, karaoke machines, remote control cars, flybar robot pogo balls, and a jumbo Pokemon Pikachu Building Set.

Books and Blankets Storytime

Wednesday, July 5 and July 19

4:00 p.m.

Bill Library – Outside

All Ages

Drop in and join Mrs. Burt for an outdoor storytime! Bring a blanket and be ready for stories, songs, and lots of fun. Then, when storytime is over, pop over to check out the Ledyard Farmer’s Market. Weather permitting.

Rockin' Tots

Friday, July 7

10:30 a.m.

Bill Library

Babies – 5

Drop in and join Mrs. Quada to explore movement, rhythm, and music at the library.

Dancing with Hoops

Saturday, July 8

10:00 a.m.

Bill Library

All Ages

Join Judi Jones, aka ENERGIZER, for a musically fueled, interactive Hoop Dancing (hula hooping) program. Dancing with Hoops blends creative movement, dance, exercise, and play, all for the FUN of it! Hula hoops will be provided for use. All ages are welcome to participate. Following, Judi will delight you with a high-energy hula hoop performance. Registration is required. Raindate: July 22 at 10:00 a.m. This program is made possible with help from the Friends of Ledyard Public Library.

Open Art Studio

Wednesday, July 12

10:00 a.m.

Bill Library

Ages 5 and up

We've got the supplies – you've got the creativity! This open studio time is for those who love to create with what is at hand. There will be paint, brushes, easels, collage materials, markers, extra craft kits, and more! Mrs. Burt will be there to help as needed, but the best part about this program is being creative and having fun! This program is made possible with help from the Friends of Ledyard Library.

Donkey Storytime with Olivia and Clarissa

Friday, July 14

10:30 a.m.

Bill Library

All ages

Drop in and join us for a special storytime to meet Olivia and Clarissa, the ambassador donkeys from Heritage Hill Farm. Mrs. Burt will absolutely be reading The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, and there will be songs and other fun as well!

Hot Wheels Launcher Workshop

Friday, July 28

3:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Ages 5 – 11

Using cardboard, rubber bands, and tape, we are challenging participants to make their own car launcher! A fun activity that also provides a hands-on opportunity to practice problem-solving and use engineering skills. Every participant will go home with two Hot Wheels cars. 

Engineering Workshop with SWE-NESS

Saturday, July 29

10:00 a.m.

Gales Ferry Community Center

Ages 6 – 12

A member of The Society of Women Engineers, New England Shoreline Section (SWE-NESS) will lead participants in building a “helping hand” grabbing device. Participants will learn about levers and fulcrums and then put that knowledge to use in building the device. We are excited to be working with SWE-NESS! These women are pioneers, advocates, and mentors who support the professional journey and are impacting the future of engineering and technology. Look for more workshops with them in the fall!

Teen Summer Adventure Program

Find Your Voice: Read! Make! Explore!

June 17 – August 19

Ledyard Public Library is proud to run a Summer Adventure Program where we encourage teens to log their adventures during the summer! Anything that participants Read, Make, or Explore can be logged. When participants log adventures, they pick which prize they would like to enter to win. Prizes this year include, but are not limited to, karaoke machines, vinyl record players, Star Projector Galaxy Lights, and Amazon gift cards. 

Whatcha Mean, What’s a Zine?

Monday, July 10

3:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Ages 12 – 18

A zine is a handmade magazine or mini-comic about anything you can imagine: favorite bands, personal stories, subcultures, or collections. Pizza will be provided as well! Join us to learn more about zines and then make your own! This program is made possible with help from the Ledyard Public Library Commission.

Decorative Knot Tying

Monday, July 17

2:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Ages 13 and up

Create your very own Sailor’s Knot Bracelet! These fashionable bracelets are tied using a thick string and are reminiscent of the lines on a boat, making them the perfect summer accessory. This hands-on event will have patrons tying their own bracelets to take home. The Library will provide all necessary supplies, and patrons will be able to select from a wide range of colors that best suits their personality and style.

Paint Van Gogh’s Starry Night Moon

Saturday, July 22

2:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Ages 12 – 18

A guided art lesson, participants will leave with their very own Vincent Van Gogh-inspired painting. This program is made possible with help from the Ledyard Public Library commission.

Telling a Story with Flowers Workshop

Monday, July 31

5:30 p.m.

Bill Library

Teens and Adults

This flower workshop was developed to complement the 2023 library summer theme, “Find Your Voice.” Using the language of flowers, participants will build a bouquet that tells a story or sends a message to someone. Flowers will be labeled with their meaning. Using a notecard, participants can outline their story as they choose flowers according to their meaning. If time allows, they can share the meaning or story of their arrangement. Pam Gray of Winter Bee Garden in Ledyard will lead this workshop. This program is made possible with help from the Friends of Ledyard Library.

Teen Book Club: All CT Reads Event

Wednesday, August 9

4:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Ages 12 – 18

A program of the CT State Library, All CT Reads is a year-long initiative to promote lifelong reading, learning, and connection. We are happy to participate in this initiative during our summer programming. Participants will read and discuss Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed. Register today and then pick up your book at Bill Library’s circulation desk.

Adult Summer Reading Program

Find Your Voice

June 17 – August 27

We invite adults to take part in Summer Reading at Ledyard Public Library! The theme this year is "Find Your Voice." Reading is one of the best ways we have to develop who we are, find things that give us passion, and help us express ourselves. Stop by either library to pick up your Bingo Card to guide you along challenges that, when completed, earn tickets to be entered into our prize drawings! Come on in and see what awaits when you join us this summer for Summer Reading!

Crafternoon: Paper Wreath

Monday, July 10

Drop in 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Gales Ferry Library

Create a beautiful little paper wreath that is sure to bring a smile to your face. All materials provided.

Presidential Hopefuls Book Discussion

Tuesday, July 11

7:00 p.m.

Bill Library and Zoom

Join the Ledyard Library for a discussion about those who tried, and failed, to become president. We will examine their careers and electoral losses and ask ourselves what could have been different. Our discussions will cover figures such as Henry Clay, Victoria Woodhull, and William Jennings Bryan.

In July, we will discuss Victoria Woodhull. Books are available for pickup at both the Bill and Gales Ferry locations.

One Book, One Region Kickoff

Wednesday, July 12

6:00 p.m.

Branford House, UConn Avery Point

Join us at beautiful Avery Point as we gather for the announcement of the 2023 OBOR read. We are fortunate to have such a nice place to celebrate this book and learn about all the good and positivity it brought at a crucial time. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome.

Decorative Knot Tying

Monday, July 17

2:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Ages 13 and up

Create your very own Sailor’s Knot Bracelet! These fashionable bracelets are tied using a thick string and are reminiscent of the lines on a boat, making them the perfect summer accessory. This hands-on event will have patrons tying their own bracelets to take home. The Library will provide all necessary supplies, and patrons will be able to select from a wide range of colors that best suits their personality and style.

Tech Days

Tuesday, July 18

By appointment between 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Bill Library

Thursday, July 20

By appointment between 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Gales Ferry Library

Do you need help with a computer, tablet, e-reader, or some software? Are you unsure of how to utilize the library's digital resources? Assistant Librarian Matt Novosad will be able to assist you with your technological questions and concerns.

If you are unable to attend one of these appointment blocks, please give the library a call and special arrangements can be made. Appointments are in 30-minute blocks.

After registration, the library will contact you to confirm your appointment and the details of your issue. Please bring any relevant devices and passwords for your email or other accounts with you.

Take and Make: Native Craft

Wednesday, July 19

Anytime between 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Gales Ferry Library

Stop by to pick up this old fashion craft kit that has a rustic look, will bring a little wonder to your home, and is so relaxing to make! All materials provided.

Genealogy Club

Wednesday, July 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.

Feel free to bring any research you have already conducted or questions you have to share with the group. We welcome both beginner and experienced genealogists!

Adult Board Game and Book Club

Saturday, July 29

2:00 p.m.

Bill Library

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

This month, we will be playing Plunder: A Pirate's Life

We encourage patrons to read any nautical-themed book to discuss with the club. The choices are nearly limitless! However, this is not a requirement to play. Beginners are always welcome!

The Friends of the Ledyard Library generously funds the purchase of several local museum passes! Have some inexpensive and educational fun with our collection of free and discounted passes to area attractions and cultural centers. The passes can be checked out for two days. Click here for more information.

It’s time to explore! From July 1 to September 4, Connecticut children ages 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut adult resident can visit participating museums free of charge through the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program. Before you visit, check each participant’s website for specific program details and ticket availability.

This month, we are highlighting the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.

Beth

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Erin

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

Jackie

The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Jen

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

Laura

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult

Matt

Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian

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

How is your garden doing? Sparse or delayed crops seem to be the norm for most, though some have gardens that are “on track.” With this unusual weather, mixed success is not surprising. The Ledyard Seed Library (Bill Library) and the Seed Library Sampler (Gales Ferry Library) both still have lots of seeds to choose from if you’d like to try again.

What does July gardening typically entail?

• weeding and watering
• filling in empty areas
• tying or training vining and climbing plants
• assessing flower gardens for colorful additions
• keeping pests away with pollinator-friendly methods
• keeping pollinators happy with wildflowers
• stretching your season with succession planting
• planning for late-season crops

If you are having success with seeds from the Seed Library, we are collecting photos to share throughout the season from seedlings to produce! Please send photos to Laura at lnorcia@ledyardlibrary.org.

Friends Meeting

Thursday, July 20

Executive meeting – 6:00 p.m.

General meeting – 7:00 p.m.

Gales Ferry Library

We still need a vice president for our board. The commitment is approximately four hours or less per month based on your schedule. You'll be part of a team that significantly impacts our library and community. Please consider joining us for a two-year term. 

July 30: Paperback Book Day. We will have a Buy One-Get One Free sale of paperbacks from July 24 - 29 at both library locations.

Our Annual Book Sale at Bill Library will be held Friday, August 18 through Sunday, August 27. The last day to donate items for the annual Bill Book Sale is Saturday, July 29. This allows us time to sort everything.

Calling all crafters! Now is the time to start that project to donate to our fall fundraiser in November. All gift-quality crafts are appreciated. Stay tuned as we will also ask for donations of themed baskets for the Snowflake Festival.

Remember to visit the ongoing book sales at both library locations – in the meeting room at Bill Library and the Book Cellar at Gales Ferry Library, each of which is open during normal library hours. All sales go toward supporting the library.

Sarah Desormier, President

860 464-9538, friends@ledyardlibrary.org

Janice W. Bell Historical Research Room –

Ledyard Historical Society at the Bill Library

The archive is open Mondays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.(except holidays) and by appointment on other days

The Society has partnered with the Ledyard Historic District Commission at the Nathan Lester House to support a special exhibit of the film set for Fog of War, a spy thriller during WWII. Our artifacts are intermingled with local family furnishings and movie props, showing the Lester House as it has never been seen before. Tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and by appointment.

We recently received donated materials from the Ledyard Visiting Nurses as well as the loan of Lamb family materials to digitize. Many thanks to Christian Allyn, Ann Donahue, Claire Murphy, and David Anderson for all the time and talents they devote to the Bell Room and its website.

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