Ledyard Public Library

April 2024

Bill Library

718 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, CT 06339

860-464-9912

                            

Hours: Mon. – Wed. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Thurs. Closed

 Fri. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sun. 1 p.m. 5 p.m.

Gales Ferry Library  

18 Hurlbutt Road

Gales Ferry, CT 06335

860-464-6943

 

 Hours: Mon. – Tues. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

    Wed. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fri. & Sun. Closed 

ledyardlibrary.org

Ledyard Public Library has been selected to receive the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) Round 2 grant! This second grant in the amount of $20,000 will improve library services for those with disabilities. This funding will focus on improving the circulation/information desk at the Bill Library. Join us to provide your input on what a newly designed ADA compliant desk should include.


Community Conversation Wednesday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Bill Library and zoom

If you are interested in attending virtually rather than in-person, please click here for the ZOOM link. Please help spread the word!


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 fundraising event is on

Wednesday, April 3

We encourage patrons and library lovers to make a gift in support of your library. Click here to fill out a donation form that can either be dropped off at either location or mailed. We appreciate your support!

The theme for National Library Week 2024, “Ready, Set, Library!,” promotes the idea that libraries give us a green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most.

No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, or raising a family—your library provides an inclusive and supportive community where everyone belongs.

Get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with your library this National Library Week. Libraries are there for you, all the way to the finish line!

Welcoming Library

Now – May 23

Bill Library and Gales Ferry Library



We will once again be housing the Welcoming Library in our Children's Departments at Bill and Gales Ferry Library! It is a positive pop-up conversation about immigration, and the acclaimed collection of picture books features New Arrival and New American families reflecting these themes. Readers and listeners of ALL AGES will have a chance to "meet" these families on the page while exploring the commonalities shared by all cultures. Further exploration is available using the I'm Your Neighbor discussion questions, which makes this collection great for classroom use or reading one-on-one. Be sure to visit the library to view this wonderful collection of books.

Over the last year, there have been many changes beyond our control that have impacted our newspaper subscriptions. In light of this, we are examining our subscriptions and public interest in them. If you have a few minutes, please consider taking our survey. Your input is valuable to us as we find solutions.

Click Here for Newspaper Survey

Thank you to the following donors for their generous contributions


Avery Family Fund


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!


Children

Click here to see more information about each program. Click on the R to register.

Storytellers Wanted!

Do you have a story to tell? We are hosting a Storytelling event at the Gales Ferry Library and we are looking for storytellers!

If you are interested in presenting at this event, email Alyssa Drake at adrake@ledyardlibrary.org by the end of the day on May 1st.

Baby Storytime

Mondays, April 1, 15, 22, 29

9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Gales Ferry Library


Giggles and Wiggles: Toddler Storytime

Wednesdays, April 3, 17, 24

10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Bill Library


Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, April 4, 18, 25

10:30 a.m.

Gales Ferry Community Center


Lego Club R

Tuesday, April 16

4:00 p.m.

Gales Ferry Library

Chess for Kids R

Monday, April 1

4:00 p.m.

Bill Library


Sensory Storytime R

Monday, April 6

6:00 p.m.

Bill Library


Dig In! Spring Spectacular R

Wednesday, April 10

10:00 a.m.

Bill Library


Drumming About You! R

Saturday, April 13

10:30 a.m.

Bill Library


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.

Teen

Click here to see more information about each program. Click on the R to register.

Storytellers Wanted!

Do you have a story to tell? We are hosting a Storytelling event at the Gales Ferry Library and we are looking for storytellers!

If you are interested in presenting at this event, email Alyssa Drake at adrake@ledyardlibrary.org by the end of the day on May 1st.

Sewing Basics for Teens R

Saturday, April 27

1:00 p.m.

Bill Library

Adult

Click here to see more information about each program. Click on the R to register.

Storytellers Wanted!

Do you have a story to tell? We are hosting a Storytelling event at the Gales Ferry Library and we are looking for storytellers!

If you are interested in presenting at this event, email Alyssa Drake at adrake@ledyardlibrary.org by the end of the day on May 1st.

Silent Book Club

Monday, April 1

6:00 p.m.

Gales Ferry Library


Cookbook Club

Tuesday, April 2

12:30 p.m.

Gales Ferry Community Center


Chess Club

Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25

12:00 p.m.

Gales Ferry Library


Magic the Gathering Club

Saturdays, April 13, 27

2:30 a.m.

Gales Ferry Library


Senior Book Discussion

Wednesday, April 24

10:30 a.m.

Ledyard Senior Center


Drop-In Genealogy Club

Wednesday, April 24

1:30 p.m.

Online (Zoom)

Autism and Work R

Monday, April 15

5:30 p.m.

Bill Library


Adult Board Game and Book Club R

Saturday, April 20

10:00 a.m.

Bill Library


Narcan Training

Tuesday, April 23

6:00 p.m.

Gales Ferry Library

Did You Know?

Seeking Craft Supplies at Gales Ferry


Do you have craft supplies sitting in your house, collecting dust? We would greatly appreciate donations of any craft supplies to Gales Ferry Library! All accepted supplies will be used in programs for our community. It is as easy as stopping by with your craft supplies to the Gales Ferry Library whenever we are open. Only accepting items in good condition.


Thank you!

Staff Recommendations

Beth

Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See


Erica

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone


Laura

The First Ladies by Marie Benedict


Click on the above selections to place a hold online,

or call us and we can place the hold for you.

2024 Newbery Medal

Award Winner


The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

2024 Caldecott Medal

Award Winner


Big by Vashti Harrison

Seed Library News

Now that gardening season is finally upon us, just a reminder to stop by the Ledyard Seed Library, at Ledyard Bill Library (Main Location) and Ledyard Gales Ferry Library (Sampler Location), for a wide variety of free gardening seeds. Of course, in addition to gardening seeds, we have an extensive collection of gardening and landscaping books, as well as garden themed DVDs, magazines and Great Courses for check out. Have gardening questions? Looking for some new garden techniques to try? Need some fun ideas for gardening with children? Want to learn more about drying and saving seeds? How about trying to attract more pollinators to your yard or garden. You will find answers to these questions and much more in our library collection at both locations. Pictured you’ll see just a few of our many offerings. Stop by either location during regular library hours to make your selections! Any questions, please contact Laura at lnorcia@ledyardlibrary.org

Come Grow With Us!

Friends of the Ledyard Library

Next meeting: Thursday, April 11 at 7:15 p.m. at Bill Library. All are welcome to attend. We will be holding elections for a Secretary, Vice President, and Member at Large. We hold four meetings a year and have a two fundraisers a year. Please reach out with your questions.

Special library days:

April 3 is Library Giving Day. Please consider donating books to the Friends of the Library for our book sales. We need items in good, better, or like new condition to resell.

April 9 is National Library Workers Day. Please stop in to either library to write a brief thank you to the Library Technicians, Administrative Assistant, and Associates. Also consider donating a treat or drink for the staff!

April 16 is National Librarian Day. Please thank our Director and Assistant Librarians.

Ongoing book sales: Remember to visit the sales at both library buildings - in the meeting room at Bill Library, and the Book Cellar at Gales Ferry Library, open during normal library hours. All sales go toward support of the library.


Sarah Desormier, President

860 464-9538

FOLLPresident@gmail.com

Janice W. Bell

Historical Research Room

The archive is open Mondays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or by appointment.


Our new website is live! Visit us at ledyardhistory.org. We are working on a ‘Shop’ page where you can purchase our local history books and maps, update your membership, or make a donation. In the meantime, purchases may be made anytime at both library buildings.



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

Community Information

RSVP Veterans' Coffeehouse

Ledyard Congregational Church

722 Colonel Ledyard Highway

1st and 3rd Wednesday

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.


Meet and socialize with other veterans. Receive information about veterans' benefits and services. For more information contact:

Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services

860-425-6617

gking@tvcca.org

Blood Drive

St. Luke Lutheran Church

Church Hall

1830 Route 12, Gales Ferry

Friday, April 12

12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Ledyard to schedule an appointment.


Spring into action: Come give blood for a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice.

For a complete list of Library programs, visit the

Library Events page at ledyardlibrary.org

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