Hints of the holidays in November at the library
Nov. 3, 2023 | By Judi ByronThe Waterbury Public Library’s calendar is brimming with regular programs and events and some special seasonal offerings as well. Below are several highlights for November. Be sure to check the library’s website for the complete listings for adults and children at WaterburyPublicLibrary.com.
Nov. 11: Stand-up Comedy Cluster
Comics and writers, the Waterbury Public Library hosts a monthly gathering for folks to share and hone their craft.
If you perform, or if you are interested in giving an open mic night a try, this gathering is for you. If you write material for others and want feedback, this gathering is for you. In short, if you want to perform your jokes in a comfortable, safe space, the library has created one.
Come on the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon to Stand-up Comedy Cluster and find like-minded funny people who enjoy laughing and sharing the challenges along with the raw and funny parts of life. For those age 18 and up. The next meeting is Saturday, Nov. 11.
Nov. 17: Launch of the holiday Giving Tree
Waterbury Public Library’s 2020 Giving Tree. File photo
Library Director Rachel Muse says the annual Waterbury Giving Tree Program begins Friday, Nov. 17. The program is a way for community members to make the holidays brighter for local children.
The tree will be displayed inside the library until all of the tags have been taken. Community members are invited to visit the library to select a tag from the tree. Each tag has information about an anonymous local child: age, gender, clothing sizes, and special wishes. Use the information to get a gift for the child or make a monetary donation and Giving Tree volunteer elves will shop for a gift instead. Library hours are Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 10 a.m to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monetary gifts can be made in person or by mail to the Waterbury Branch of Community Bank at 994 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury, VT 05676. Purchased gifts (wrapped or unwrapped) will be collected at the Wesley United Methodist Church at 56 South Main Street, Waterbury. Volunteers will be there on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, from 10 a.m. to noon, and 2-4 p.m. Use the side door. Finally, anyone who doesn’t have a chance to select a tag from the tree is welcome to drop off a new gift that volunteers can match with a child.
Nov. 30: Celtic holiday tunes with Jeff Snow
Celtic musician and storyteller Jeff Snow performs at the Waterbury Public Library on Nov. 30. Courtesy photo
Instruments Jeff Snow plays in his shows include (left to right) a guitar, a bouzouki and an autoharp. Courtesy photo
The holiday season is just around the corner and on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m., the library welcomes Celtic artist Jeff Snow.
Playing his autoharp, guitars, bouzouki, and bodhran drum, Snow has performed in libraries across the country, sharing his love of the music of England, Ireland and Scotland. Part of his performance involves sharing the ancient lore of the families that make up the Celtic Isles to make the history come alive. With instrumental and vocal music from peaceful to foot-stomping, this concert is something the whole family will enjoy.
For this show, Snow will include a mix of holiday tunes both traditional and some not so familiar. This event will meet in the Steele Community Room and is sponsored by the Friends of the Waterbury Public Library.
Judi Byron is the Waterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator. Reach her at judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.