December library programs lean into winter
November 30, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout The Waterbury Public Library hosts a variety of regular and special programs and events each month. Here are a few highlights for December adult programs. Be sure to check the complete listings for adults and children at WaterburyPublicLibrary.com.
Tuesday, Dec. 5: An Evening of Stillness
In the busyness of the holiday season, it is too easy to get caught up in what can be stressful holiday preparations. As an alternative, River Buffum and Judi Byron will host “An Evening of Stillness” on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Buffum leads a guided meditation designed to calm the nervous system and re-energize you. Byron will accompany the meditation with soothing harp music. Consider it a gift to yourself to experience a short time of peace and serenity in our overcharged world. No need to register, just show up a few minutes early to get settled.
Thursday, Dec. 7: Ghost Stories on a Winter’s Night
Image courtesy Waterbury Public Library
In the Victorian winter tradition, the library once again hosts Ghost Stories on a Winter’s Night. Adults and teens are invited to attend to swap ghost stories – your own experiences, a work of creative writing, or a story by a favorite author, etc. – in front of a crackling (albeit virtual) fireplace. This begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7.
Thursday, Dec. 21: Welcome Winter Qi Gong
December 21 is the winter solstice and Judi Byron starts a weekly series Welcome Winter Qi Gong. This six-week class welcomes winter’s qi through exercises designed to improve kidney health and circulation, and promote longevity. Meet in the library’s garden at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, for the first session and then on successive Tuesdays, at 11 a.m. Jan. 23. Warm the body’s energy by practicing in the cold, igniting your inner fire, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Be sure to dress appropriately. Register and send any questions to Byron at judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Also on the calendar
The library’s annual Giving Tree to provide gifts for local children in need comes to a close next weekend. We are told all of the tags on the tree have been claimed.
Other regular programs for adults include chair yoga, watercolor painting, Dungeons and Dragons, a writers workshop, fiber arts, bridge, a “no pressure” book group and monthly comedy workshops.
Submitted by Judi Byron, the Waterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator