Woodbridge Town Library News for March 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

The Richard Blackwell Volunteer Scholarship Established with The Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Woodbridge Library are excited to announce the establishment of The Richard Blackwell Volunteer Scholarship, available to graduating seniors from Amity Regional High School.  Scholarships will be granted annually to students who have volunteered with the Friends throughout their high school years.  Woodbridge resident and Library Commission member, Richard Blackwell, has made a generous, ongoing donation to the Friends endowing the annual volunteer scholarship.  Mr. Blackwell was instilled with the spirit of volunteerism by his mother Mary and is pleased to see high school students in our community learning the value of volunteerism.  Mr. Blackwell is especially excited to fund this project as he believes our town library is a community treasure.  “I get enthusiastic about the library as I believe reading is the best exercise for the brain,” explained Mr. Blackwell.  “Having a good book is like having a good friend!” he further explained.

In addition to his work on the Library Commission, Mr. Blackwell is an avid library user, especially in accompanying his grandchildren to library events.  He also uses the emailed newsletter to discover all the Woodbridge Town Library has to offer.  He would love to see more residents sign up for the library newsletter at woodbridgetownlibrary.org/#signup.  Mr. Blackwell hopes to encourage both volunteerism with the Friends and participation in library programs as the library is the “Heart of Woodbridge” (Prevost, 2022).

The Friends, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit group, seeks both adult and student volunteers.  Volunteer tasks include cleaning, sorting, and stacking donated books, puzzles, and CDs in Bookstore Alley located on the mezzanine level of the library.  Additionally, volunteers assist in projects such as The Friends’ gifting of books to the annual Holiday Baskets through the Woodbridge Human Services Department, the Beecher Book Swap, prison programs, family shelters, New Haven Reads, and Navajo Nation.  If you are interested in volunteering or donating to The Friends of Woodbridge Library, please contact us at woodbridgectfriends@gmail.com.

SOURCE:  Prevost, Lisa. “A Peaceful Rural Enclave Close to New Haven:  [Real Estate Desk].” New York Times. April 17, 2022, Late Edition (East Coast), https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/peaceful-rural-enclave-close-new-haven/docview/2651003362/se-2.  Retrieved March 3, 2023.

Missed the article about Woodbridge the first time? Go to the above link and read it with your Woodbridge Library card!  Don’t have your card yet?  Keep reading to find out how to get one online!

March Artist: Guillermo Vila, Sketches of Spain (photography exhibit)

Sketches of Spain is made possible by the artist’s decision to trek across Spain in 2022.  With thirty pounds on his back and no preconceived plan, he successfully completed the 800-mile pilgrimage from Barcelona to Santiago after two months of walking.  His closest companion was a fully-mechanical film camera from the 1960s.  The images are results of blind presses of the shutter button along the way relying on his developed sense of composition and tenacious relationship with Faith, as well as hours of processing in his makeshift darkroom after settling back in Woodbridge.  As was his journey, so too are the selected photographs a collection of small miracles.  This exhibition is ultimately a celebration marking Guillermo’s debut as a public art figure.

The Woodbridge Town Library is pleased to present new art exhibits every month in the Meeting Room.  These exhibits are free and open to the public when the meeting room is not in use; please stop by to view Guillermo’s photography.  A reception with the artist will be held on Saturday, March 11, beginning at 2 pm.

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.

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.)

Need a Notary?

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

Library Information

Hours:  We are open Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.  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 for reading and studying! 

The study room is available for two-hour reservations; please call the reference desk to book your time.

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

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:  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

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.

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 serve

March 16:  Spoiler Alert;

March 23:  The Inspection;

March 30:  Devotion;

April 6:  Women Talking;

April 13:  The Whale;

April 20:  A Man Called Otto;

April 27:  Missing.

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!

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.

Saving Money on Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Tuesday, March 21 at 2 pm

Learn about the tools that may help you find prescription drug savings in regards to your Part D Medicare coverage.  With a little investigation, there are lots of ways to save!  Please register online or at the library.

Peeps in the Library Diorama Contest

Join us for our 8th annual Peeps in Library contest!  You can register and pick up your packet of Peeps between Monday, March 20 and Saturday, April 1.  Please drop off completed dioramas by Saturday, April 8th.  Dioramas will be displayed in the library starting the week of April 10th, so make sure to stop by and vote for your favorites!

Especially For Teens

Teen Volunteers needed!

Check out our teen page on our website to see what volunteer opportunities are available, or email Emily Cantor, Head of Children’s:  ecantor@woodbridgetownlibrary.org.

From The Children’s Department

Animal Facts Club

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

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

Graphic Novel Club

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

Come discuss the graphic novel Big Nate From the Top and do a fun activity relating to the book!  Please register.

Black-Out Poetry Craft

Saturday, April 1, drop in from 2 to 3 pm: Ages 8+

Kick off poetry month!  Look for poetry in unexpected place and make a cool poem/craft.  No registration necessary.

Recurring Programs

No registration required, come as often as you’d like!  Please bring an adult with you!

—Mondays at 10:30 am:  Baby Group (newborns to 18 months)

—Wednesdays at 10:30 am:  Storytime (infants to age 3)

—Thursdays at 4 pm:  Afternoon Craft Time (Ages 3+)

—Fridays at 11:30 am, ending promptly at noon:  Morning Craft Time (Ages 3 to 5, perfect for preschoolers and homeschoolers!)