February program highlights at Waterbury Public Library
January 22, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout Jan. 24: This post was updated with several youth program listings.
The Waterbury Public Library hosts a variety of regular and special programs and events each month. Here are a few highlights for February programs.
Be sure to check the complete listings for adults and children at WaterburyPublicLibrary.com.
Feb. 3-4: Winterfest at the library
The library hosts several Waterbury Winterfest activities on Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 3-4.
On Saturday, Evan Hoffman will lead a Dungeons & Dragons session from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dungeons & Dragons is a game of collaborative storytelling using dice and imagination. This opportunity will have two adventure options: infiltrating a dragon’s icy lair to steal its treasure, or exploring a winter wonderland while solving problems. Evan promises this will be a great way to try D&D out. It will be family-friendly, but not suitable for short attention spans. Recommended for ages 13+. No experience necessary. Visit the library's online D&D site here.
On Sunday, youngsters are invited to a sledding party, 9:30-11 a.m. on the big hill. Volunteers from The Children’s Room are helping organize with crafts and games inside, hot cocoa, snacks. Bring your sled, saucer, etc., or borrow one from the library’s supply.
Check out the entire Winterfest schedule at waterburywinterfest.com.
Feb. 5: Gadget Lab
What is Gadget Lab? It’s a drop-in at the Waterbury Public Library on Monday, Feb. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. where you can have a one-on-one session with Technology Librarian Kyle Creason to learn how to work with whatever device you might be having issues with. Whether it’s a tablet, laptop, or another digital device, this informal help session will get you the help you need, answer you questions, hands-on. Kyle can work with Microsoft, Google and Apple tools, apps and many programs. No appointment necessary. First come, first served. Drop in on Feb. 5 between 1 and 3.
Feb. 6 & 13: Qi Gong make-up sessions
Happy New Year! At least according to the Chinese Calendar, spring, or the start of the new year, officially begins Feb. 4. To honor all things spring, renewal, growth, expansion, the library’s Winter Qi Gong melds into Welcome Spring Qi Gong.
The winter session was to wrap-up on Tuesday, Jan. 23. However, class is canceled for that day and the remainder of January. There now are two make-up classes scheduled in February -- Feb. 6 and 13, celebrating Lichun, Chinese spring. It is the official halfway point between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. Days are longer and brighter, and temperatures are warming.
Practice will be outside in the parking lot, so dress appropriately. Class begins at 11 a.m. for about 35-40 minutes depending on weather conditions. Interested? Email Judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com to register.
Feb. 13: Collecting individual pandemic stories
The Vermont Historical Society will hold an interview day at the Waterbury Public Library on Feb. 13 as part of its ongoing oral history project, “Collecting COVID-19: A Vermont Story.”
The project launched in 2022 as a way to capture, preserve, and bring to the public the stories of Vermonters during the public health crisis, particularly those who worked on the front lines and shaped its response.
Interviews will be transcribed and incorporated into a publicly accessible database hosted by the Vermont Historical Society and they will serve as a resource for researchers. Vermont Historical Society also will draw on these oral histories for a book and podcast about the pandemic in Vermont.
As part of this initiative, members of the society will visit Waterbury Public Library for a day of interviews from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The main question researchers are asking Vermonters is, “What was the experience of COVID-19 like for you?”
Individuals willing to share their stories are encouraged to sign up by calling the library at 802-244-7036 or emailing rachel@waterburypubliclibrary.com. Direct any inquiries about the project to the historical society’s Director of Collections and Access Amanda Gustin at amanda.gustin@vermonthistory.org.
“Collecting COVID-19: A Vermont Story” is supported by a Institute of Museum and Library Services. Learn more about the project here.
Feb. 14: Tween STEAM Club
New in February at the library for ages 10-13 is the Tween STEAM Club that promises fun tinkering with STEM and Art projects. Tinkering, building, creating from circuits to painting. This group will meet monthly on the second Wednesday of the month, 4-5 p.m. Registration is required at this link.
Feb. 19: Tween Cooking Club
New at the library for ages 10-13 is the Tween Cooking Club. It will meet monthly on the third Monday of the month, 4-5 p.m. Kids will work in teams to create after-school treats. Registration is required at this link.