Spring Gardening Background
May brings longer days, blooming gardens, and plenty to discover at the library. Stop in for a program, browse the shelves, and enjoy all the season has to offer.

Poetic Voice & the Eavesdropping Reader
May 2nd, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Registration Required

Some poems unfold through dialogue, speech to a third party, and self talk. Poetic narrators, like playwrights, can erect a “fourth wall” so that the reader must eavesdrop on the poem as they would on a staged drama. In this workshop, we will read several poems and discuss their use of voice before turning to a generative exercise, writing time and an opportunity to share. This program is open to ages 16 and up.
 
Rhonda Rosenheck is an emerging poet and writer. Her publications include: The Five Books of Limericks; Sin No More! A Biblical Sea Shanty; Looking: Out, Up, In & Under Rocks; and Yiddische Yoga: OYsanas for Every Generation. Individual poems have appeared in magazines, journals and anthologies and have been performed live. Rhonda often uses creative writing to move her through the trauma of illness and grief. She writes in her Waterford, NY studio, the Poet’s Perch. Learn more about Rhonda on her website: www.rhondarosenheck.com
 
An Atypical Journey: a Talk with Jesse Saperstein
May 9th, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Registration Required
 
Jesse A. Saperstein is the author of the popular books,  Atypical and Getting a Life with Asperger’s, published by Penguin Group (USA). He lives with a high-functioning form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome that impairs social abilities while enhancing many other qualities. Join him at the library for an honest conversation about his experiences & struggles living with autism including how to pursue romantic connections without pushing boundaries, how to manage the expectations of employment, how to deal with lifelong fears, and how to live a fulfilled and joyful life on the spectrum. 
Registration is required as seats are limited. RSVP on our website or call (518) 237-0891. If the event is full, call the library to be put on the wait list. Please note that this program will take place after normal library hours.
Thank you to Waterford Lions Club for sponsoring this program.
 
Blood on the Clocktower
May 16th, 2 - 6 pm
No registration needed
 
"Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for five-to-twenty courageous adult players and one devious storyteller.
A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village."
https://bloodontheclocktower.com/
 
Customer Savings Event with National Grid
May 20th, 5 - 6:30 pm
Drop-ins welcome!
 
Advocates will be on-site to help you explore options and determine your eligibility for assistance including the following:
  • Energy Affordability Program (EAP)
  • Payment Plans
  • Budget Plan
  • Special Protections
  • Care & Share Grants
No registration is necessary, just drop-in between 5 and 6:30 pm. Bring a current energy bill and any award letters for other assistance you receive.
American Flags at a Memorial
 
The library will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.
 
 
Scrapbooking Supplies
Craft Supplies Swap
May 30th, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
No registration needed
 
Refresh your craft supplies and get rid of unused items in your collection, all at zero cost! Donations will be accepted all day Thurs May 28 and Fri May 29, or can be brought in on the day of the event between 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.  Donations must be in good condition, and any loose items should be bagged or packaged. Please do not bring any unfinished projects, or yarn that is less than half a skein. You are not required to donate items to attend the swap, though it is encouraged.  If you have any questions about what may or may not be accepted, please call the library at (518) 237-0891.
 
NEW Online Author Talks
 
Enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders. Register if they interest you and watch live or watch the recording at your convenience.
 
Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.
Joyfull by Radhi Devlukia-Shetty
Brain Fitness Blueprint: Integrating Ancient Wisdom and Modern Technologies for Peak Performance by PhD Porter, Patrick K.
Radhi Devlukia-Shetty
May 5th
2 - 3 pm
 
How can singing to your food and eating dessert before dinner improve your digestion, skin, and overall wellbeing? Bestselling author and entrepreneur Radhi Devlukia-Shetty takes us on a journey, written with generosity and kindness, in her book JoyFull.
A passionate self-taught cook and nutritionist, Radhi Devlukia-Shetty’s JoyFull is abundant and inviting. With more than 125 plant-based recipes, it is designed to balance health and satisfaction; her wide-ranging dishes bring vibrant flavors to every meal of the day and rely on accessible ingredients.
And because food alone cannot sustain us completely, Radhi shares her daily wellness practices: her revitalizing morning skincare routine, ancient rituals to nourish and strengthen your hair, meditations and prayers for staying present, and breathwork that will carry you through each phase of the day.
Radhi shares its transformative principles in a way that’s easy for anyone to incorporate into their life. She offers mindful practices around cooking and explains how, as we connect to our food and understand our body, we can improve our health. Whether satisfying comfort food or a gentle bowl of grains and veggies, each dish—and ritual—in JoyFull is intended to bring harmony to you and your body.
Register now for an insightful discussion about the making of the book and how to take steps towards living a more JoyFull life. 
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Dr. Patrick K. Porter and Ruchika Sikri
May 14th
2 - 3 pm
 
Join us in conversation with Ruchika Sikri and Dr. Patrick Porter as we chat about their book, Brain Fitness Blueprint, in which they present a 30-day action plan to supercharge your brain and achieve peak performance.
Your brain wasn’t built for the world we live in. Poor sleep, excessive screen time, and modern stressors have disrupted brain function, leading to mental fatigue, decreased focus, and emotional imbalance. So how are we going to thrive?
Dr. Patrick Porter, founder of BrainTap, and Ruchika Sikri, founding partner of Wisdom Ventures and former Head of Well-being Learning at Google, will help you restore your cognitive clarity, find emotional balance, and achieve lasting vitality with an integrative framework that harnesses the tools of holistic spiritual practices alongside the insights of cutting-edge research.
Their groundbreaking blueprint will reveal:
  • Why modern life is hijacking your brain—and how to reclaim control
  • How meditation, breathwork, and nature-based rituals reset your nervous system
  • How emerging technologies can enhance focus, sleep, and emotional regulation
  • Daily habits to support mental sharpness, resilience, and purpose
  • A 30-day action plan to rewire your brain for energy, clarity, and joy
Register now to find out why these two visionary researchers believe you can easily attain the vibrant, focused, and flourishing mind you were meant to have. 
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BOOK CLUBS! 
Please note that both book clubs take place after the library is closed. We recommend arriving a little early if you wish to check out items or peruse the collection.

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
Currents of Knowledge Book Club
May 16th
10:30 - 11:30 am

 
Join us for our new book club! Meets the third Saturday of the month from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Whether you’re a devoted nonfiction reader or simply curious to explore new ideas, you’re warmly invited to join the conversation. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and a love of learning. With a primary focus on memoirs, science, and nature writing, each selection invites thoughtful discussion and fresh perspectives. From personal journeys and groundbreaking discoveries to explorations of the natural world, the group gathers to learn together and share insights. The club may also branch into other nonfiction topics based on members’ interests and enthusiasm. Coffee and pastries will be provided. Settle in with a warm drink and a sweet treat as we share ideas, ask questions, and connect through great nonfiction.
This month we will be discussing The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. Books are available for checkout at the circulation desk during the month of May.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
Golden Leaves Book Club
May 18th
6 - 7 p.m. 
 
Join the Golden Leaf Book Club, run by Shaunty McMillin, owner of Golden Leaf Books here in Waterford. This is a book club focused on fantasy, romance, and romantasy reads. Light refreshments will be provided. No registration necessary. We will be discussing Quicksilver by Callie Hart. Copies are available for pickup at the Waterford Public Library. 
Waterford Readers Book Club
May 26th
6 - 7 p.m.
 
Join the library for our original monthly book club! We primarily read mysteries and thrillers but other genres may be included from time to time. Light refreshments will be provided. This month we will be discussing How To Solve Your Own Murder by Marie Bostwick. Copies are available at the check-out desk for pickup. No registration is required. 
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Tech Time
1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month
10 - 11 am

Join a staff member for hands-on help with your tech needs! Bring your laptop, phone, or tablet with you and any questions you might have and learn to unlock the full potential of your own devices. Tech-Time is a drop-in event every first and third Thursday from 10-11 am, no registration required. If unsure of whether the library can help with your issue, please call ahead: (518) 237-0891.
Fiber Art Fanatics
Thursdays
2 - 4 pm
 
Bring your latest project and join our weekly Fiber Arts Group! Whether you knit, crochet, embroider, or enjoy any other fiber craft, you’re welcome here. No registration required, and all experience levels can join in. This is a relaxed, non-teaching group—just two peaceful hours to create among friends.
Wondering what else is happening at the library? Visit the events section on our website for a complete list of programs—including fun activities for children and families!
 
https://waterfordlibrary.net/events/ 
 
Waterford Public Library
117 Third Street, Waterford, New York 12188
(518) 237-0891

https://waterfordlibrary.net/