The library in April: Self-improvement, home projects, a local read, some theater and more
March 28, 2025 | By Judi ByronThe Waterbury Public Library’s April programs for adults run the gamut from starting garden seeds to joining a community theater project to hearing a longtime Harwood coach and teacher read from his new book.
The Housing Task Force continues its workshop series on accessory dwelling units; the silent reading parties are still going, too. And a local physical therapist has a workshop planned to explore causes of back pain and possible remedies.
Below are some highlights. For a full schedule of events and activities, including children’s and youth programs, visit WaterburyPublicLibrary.com online.
April 5: Seed Starting 101 (rescheduled)
Seed Starting 101 has been rescheduled from last month to Saturday, April 5, in the Steele Room at a revised meeting time, noon to 2 p.m.
This hands-on workshop for all gardeners will be led by local garden designer and Master Gardener Rachel Babin, who will demystify indoor seed starting with practical advice and hands-on demonstration. Participants will make compostable paper pots out of newspapers, soil blocks and seed snail rolls, and will help start seeds for the library’s Children’s Garden.
Babin is passionate about helping solve environmental and food insecurity problems with equitable, nature-based solutions that strengthen our communities and preserve our planet for future generations. To that end she created her business, Goldenrod Design, in 2024, through which she helps clients cultivate their “happy place” in their own gardens.
Register for the workshop at the Waterbury Public Library’s website here.
John Kerrigan will visit the library for a reading of his new book on April 8. Photo by Gordon Miller
April 8: ‘Just Raise Your Left Hand’ with John Kerrigan
Duxbury resident and long-time Harwood Union High School science teacher and coach John Kerrigan has produced his first book “Just Raise your Left Hand.” The collection of short stories follows the fictional character Joe Tepedino and the cast of others who populate Softwood High in the Mad River Valley, based on his real-life adventures in the classroom and along the race courses of high school cross country, Nordic, and track and field.
Kerrigan visits the library on Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. for an entertaining, fun and engaging reading, Q&A, and refreshments. Sponsored by Writers’ Wertfrei, the library’s writers’ group.
April 11: Join or just attend an ‘Our Town’ reading
Poster courtesy of the New Stage Players
Waterbury’s New Stage Players have a special project planned for Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m., when they invite community members to join in a reading of the American classic, “Our Town” by Thorton Wilder.
The Pulitzer-winning play has been a favorite of audiences since its Broadway run in 1938, its themes still resonating today around simplicity, appreciation, love, family, and the cyclical nature of humanity.
No experience is necessary. The play has roles for all ages and abilities. The reading will happen in the Steele Room. All are welcome to participate or watch and take part in a discussion afterward. The library has copies of the play to loan ahead of the reading. And there is a study guide for the play for those who are interested. Email info.acrossroads@gmail.com to receive it in advance. Light refreshments will be served.
Registration is not required to participate, but it would help organizers plan. To do so and for more information email info.acrossroads@gmail.com or call 802-244-4168. Read more about the project here.
Sponsored by Across Roads Center for the Arts and Grange Hall Cultural Center.
April 12: Decoding the mystery of back pain
Not all back pain is created equal: Decoding the Mystery is what fuels physical therapist Emily Dabrowski. What causes back pain and what presentations truly need surgery? A vast majority of us have conditions we can fix ourselves. To this end, Dabrowski will be presenting at the library on Saturday, April 12, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
If you suffer from back pain, it’s important to have information. Each case has its own unique presentation and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Dabrowski has opened her practice, Orthopedic Solutions of Vermont, in Waterbury. She has a master’s in physical therapy, is board certified in orthopedics by the American Physical Therapy Association and has attained the International Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, commonly referred to as the McKenzie Method. When dealing with a musculoskeletal disorder, struggles often go unnoticed and discouragement can follow. This workshop will aim to inform and empower.
April 15: Shhhhh … Silent Reading Party
The Stagecoach Inn. Courtesy photo
Dates are set for spring Silent Reading Parties with the next one on Tuesday, April 15, at 5:30 p.m. The Stagecoach Inn at 18 N. Main St. welcomes back readers to their spacious living room and lounge. In May, the party moves to Waterbury Functional Fitness located at 53 N. Main St. at 10:30 a.m.; June’s party will venture to Stowe at the Trapp Family Concert/Wedding Meadow.
Bring a book. Read with friends for a chill time in quiet camaraderie. No registration required, just join in.
Autumn in Waterbury. Photo by Gordon Miller
April 15: Building Better Waterbury, Part III
The third installment of the Waterbury Housing Task Force’s monthly education series happens on April 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library and on Zoom.
Building Better Waterbury: Homeowner Solutions for Housing Growth and Resilient Living is a town effort to address Vermont’s housing crisis by presenting information on the best practices in the design and construction of accessory dwelling units.
Each of these workshops aim to focus on a different aspect of small-scale development. This meeting will focus on construction financing. No registration is required (and attendees do not need to have attended the previous sessions).
For more information and to access the Zoom meeting, go to the Housing Task Force page on the town website. The final session in the series will be held at the library and on Zoom on May 13, 6-8 p.m. It will cover details of rental property management.
The Waterbury Housing Task Force aims to ensure the availability of safe, decent and affordable housing for all current and future Waterbury residents. It also looks to support the creation of new housing in locations that maintain the integrity of neighborhoods while increasing density, respecting the natural environment, and minimizing the need for infrastructure improvements. Its work aims to support that of other municipal boards and committees.
Judi Byron is the Waterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator. Contact: 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.