Woodbridge Town Library News for February 2023

‍All information accurate at press time.  Be sure to check our website woodbridgetownlibrary.org or call us before your visit for any changes to our hours or events.

Library Announcements

Now for sale:  Totes with Notable Quotes!

Support the Library by purchasing a tote bag.  $20 each, 2 for $35.  Six different bags, each with a different quote.  Examples:  “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.” – Franz Kafka, “No need to hurry.  No need to sparkle.  No need to be anybody but oneself.” – Virginia Woolf.  Thanks to the Friends of the Woodbridge Library for their support.

Changes to Hours

Visit us Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.  The Library will be closed on Monday, February 20; we will return Tuesday, February 21 at 10 am.

New Online Card Registration Available

Are you a Woodbridge resident?  You can now sign up for a library card online!  Visit our website, woodbridgetownlibrary.org.  After registering, you will immediately be able to use your new account to place holds on items for pick up at the library.  We will then contact you via email within 2 business days with your new library card number.  At this time, you will get full access to our electronic resources, including downloadable books and magazines.  Please note that this is a temporary registration that will expire in 30 days.  Before the 30 days is up, please visit the Woodbridge Town Library in person to verify your name and address.  At that time, you will receive a permanent library card.

Do we have your email address??

Sign up for our email newsletters to receive notifications about events, new offerings, and library hours/closings.  We typically only send one email a week.  Join our mailing list by visiting our website and entering your email address in the form provided.  That’s it!  (You can also give us your email address while in the building.)

Notary Services

Now available at the Library by appointment or by chance!  Please contact the Reference Desk for more information desk (stop by or call 203-389-3434) or email Bill (warmstrong@woodbridgetownlibrary.org).

Library Information

Visit the Library website 24/7 to access digital resources - woodbridgetownlibrary.org.  What’s available at the Library:

• In-person browsing: come see all of the new books, audiobooks, and DVDs!;
• Computers: no appointment needed;
• Printing, copying, faxing, and scanning;
• Periodicals: recent newspapers and magazines;
• Reference help:  including getting started/troubleshooting our digital library services (hoopla, Kanopy, Libby, Creativebug);
• Ancestry Library Edition: use this popular resource to explore your family history.  Use our computers or bring your own device to work anywhere in the building on our wi-fi.

The Woodbridge Room is open!  The study room is available for two-hour reservations; please call the reference desk to book your time.  Our puzzles and children’s toys are back, and so is our seating!

Call or email to place holds, ask questions, find out information, and more.

Department phones and emails:

Adult Services/Reference: 203-389-3434; reference@woodbridgetownlibrary.org’

Children’s Department: 203-389-3439; childrens@woodbridgetownlibrary.org;

Circulation/General info: 203-389-3433; circulation@woodbridgetownlibrary.org.

Not sure who you need?  Email askus@woodbridgetownlibrary.org.

Socialize with us!

Facebook: @woodbridge.town.library

Instagram: @woodbridgetownlibrary

TikTok: @woodbridge_town_library

Library News

Library Skywatch

Every Monday & Tuesday, conditions permitting (dark & clear), a reference staff member will assist the public in identifying and viewing celestial objects with our new Zhumell 1114mm refracting telescope.  Join us on the Library lawn, from where we can see the Moon and the larger and closer planets.  Telescope viewing starts 1/2 hour after sundown.  Reservation not needed; walk-ins welcome.  Contact Bill at warmstrong@woodbridgetownlibrary.org with questions.

The Library is now FINE FREE!

The Woodbridge Town Library has gone fine free, which means patrons will no longer be charged fines for overdue items.  All existing overdue fines for Woodbridge Town Library items have been removed, but this policy change will not include replacement fees for missing or damaged items.  Please see the Circulation Department with any questions, or contact them at 203-389-3433 or askus@woodbridgetownlibrary.org.

Museum Passes Available

We have museum passes to area attractions, everything from The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport to the Wadsworth Athenaeum in Hartford, providing you with free or discounted admission.  Reserve your passes online then print out at home (when allowed) or pick up at the library.  We can also print them here for you.  Visit https://woodbridge.lioninc.org/museum-passes/ for more info.  Please note that every attraction has its own policies for pass usage and availability may be limited.

From Adult Services

Woodbridge Writers Workshop

Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 3 to 5 pm.  Gather with area writers as we read and critique our works in a friendly atmosphere.  Register online or at the library.  More information on our website or call the reference desk.

Woodbridge Scrabble Group

Wednesdays at 11 AM.  Meet with friends and neighbors for friendly games of Scrabble every week in the Meeting Room.  No registration required.

Indoor Film Screenings

Thursdays at 7 PM.Join us on Thursday evenings for a movie screening in our Meeting Room.  No registration is required to attend, but seating is first come, first served.

• February 16:  She Said
• February 23:  Till
• March 2:  Rogue Agent
• March 9:  The Fabelmans
• March 16:  Spoiler Alert

Saturday Morning Meditation

Every Saturday at 10:15 am, one hour of silent Vipassana (mindfulness) meditation is hosted by experienced meditation instructors.  Registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome too!

4 Critical Components to a Successful Retirement

Wednesday, March 8 at 6 PM

Learn how to get the most out of your retirement with these 4 critical components:  Inflation, Social Security, Taxes Now & In Retirement, and Market Volatility & Income Needs.  This workshop is presented by USA Financial.  Please register online or at the library.

Author Talk:  Dr. Siegfried Kra

Wednesday, March 15 at 2 PM

Come and join us for a talk with local author and retired cardiologist Dr. Siegfried Kra!  He will be discussing his newest book, Dancer in the Garden, which is a collection of vivid stories from Dr. Kra’s life.  Please register online or at the library.

Woodbridge Town Library Plant Swap!

Saturday, March 18 from 11 AM – 1 PM

Have plants that don’t spark joy anymore?   Extra pots laying around the house? Seeds you don’t plan on planting?  Drop them off at the library 3/16-3/17.  Then return on Saturday to find new (to you) items!  There will also be a potting station.  All ages welcome!  Please register online or at the library.

Especially For Teens

Teen Volunteers needed!

Check out our teen page on our website to see what volunteer opportunities are available.

From The Children’s Department

Animal Facts Club

Monday, February 13 at 6:30 pm:  Ages 7+

Registration required; meets monthly.  This month’s theme is extinct animals!

Drop-in Valentine’s Craft

Tuesday, February 14; 10 am - 4 pm: Ages 3+.

No registration necessary.

Graphic Novel Club

Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30 pm: Ages 9+

Come discuss the graphic novel Manu and do a fun activity relating to the book!  Please register.

Tiger Storytime

Wednesday March 8 at 4:30 pm: Ages 3+

Join us for songs, movement, tiger themed books, and a visit with a cat named Tiger.  Online Registration Required.

Recurring Program

No registration required, come as often as you’d like!

• Wednesdays at 10:30 am:  Storytime (infants and up);
• Thursdays at 4 pm:  Afternoon Craft Time (Ages 3+);
• Fridays at 11:30 am:  Morning Craft Time (Ages 3 to 5, perfect for preschoolers and homeschoolers!)