Waterford Public Library

Online Author Talk: Paula J. Johnson
2026-08-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Join us for a conversation that’s sure to warm your heart (and make your stomach rumble), as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space. The book includes interviews with chefs who knew Julia well, commentary on her favorite culinary tools and kitchen gadgets, and a stunning array of photos.
Julia Child’s 20’ x 14’ kitchen was a serious workspace and recipe‑testing lab that exuded a sense of mid‑century homey comfort. It has been on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., for most of the past twenty-three years, and museum goers have made it a top destination.
The kitchen contains more than one thousand parts and pieces—tools, appliances, utensils, furniture, artwork, knick‑knacks, books, and bits of whimsy—all reflecting Julia’s status as an accomplished chef, gastronome, delightful cooking teacher, television trailblazer, women’s advocate, mentor, and generous, jovial friend.
Julia Child’s Kitchen (and this online conversation) is a must‑have for every serious home cook and Julia Child fan. Register now to enter the discussion and learn more about how Julia Child continues to influence food today! https://libraryc.org/waterfordlibraryNY/152863/register
About the Author:
Paula J. Johnson is a curator and public historian at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. She conducts research and collects objects relating to the history and culture of American food and serves as the Director of the Smithsonian’s Food History Project. Johnson was one of the curators who collected Julia Child’s home kitchen in 2001 and led the team that created FOOD: Transforming the American Table, a multi-layered exhibition that explores the major changes in food production, distribution, and consumption in the United States since the 1950s. She has shaped and contributed to many public programs on food history and leads the annual “Food History Weekend.” Johnson is the author of many articles and three books, including Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space (2024). She received the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar in the Humanities Award in 2020.
Johnson began her museum career at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland, and has worked at the Smithsonian since 1991. She is a member of the Association for the Study of Food and Society and Les Dames d’ Escoffier. She serves on the editorial collective for Gastronomica: The Journal for Food Studies.

Toddler Takeover!
2026-08-04 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Bring your little ones to the library for a fun-filled time with a variety of toys and activities! Enjoy a ball pit with tunnels, dress-up clothes, a play kitchen, and more. While all ages are welcome, this event is especially perfect for children 6 and under.

Musical Storytime
2026-08-01 10:30 - 11:15 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Join the library for a special musical storytime with Miss Chloe! We will sing some songs, read some books, and do a fun craft. Ideal for ages 2-6. No registration is required.

Weekly Storytime
2026-07-31 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-24 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-17 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Join us for stories, crafts, and playtime every Friday at 10:30. Best for ages 3-5, but all ages welcome! No registration required.

Fiber Fanatics Meet-Up
2026-07-30 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Join our weekly group at the library where we celebrate all crafty hobbies including knitting, crochet, embroidery, and more! All levels of experience welcome. No registration is required.

Wildlife Wednesday: Uncharted Wild
2026-07-29 18:00 - 19:00 | NY
Meet an array of animals with scales, fur, or feathers! NO Registration Required
Sponsored by the Price Chopper Golub Foundation

Capital Roots Produce Drop-Off
2026-07-29 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-07-22 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-07-15 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-07-08 10:30 - 11:00 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Capital Roots’ Squash Hunger program is a food donation initiative that collects and distributes more than 40 tons of fresh produce to our region’s food pantries and shelters each year. The Waterford Library receives its delivery between 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. each Wednesday morning.
Since 2004 Capital Roots has involved thousands of community members in our effort to increase the presence of fresh food on communal tables. We rely on generous gardeners, farmers and grocery shoppers to donate fresh produce to our collection bins and on volunteers to deliver it to food pantries and shelters, some of which feed more than 100 people three meals a day, every day.

Waterford Readers Book Club
2026-07-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Join the library for a monthly book club! We will primarily be reading mysteries and thrillers but other genres may be included from time to time. Our pick for July 28th is Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister. Copies are available at the check-out desk for pickup during the month of July. No registration is required. Please note that this book club takes place after the library is closed. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to the start of book club if you wish to check out items or peruse our collection.
It is June 21st, the longest day of the year, and new mother Camilla’s life is about to change forever. After months of maternity leave, she will drop her infant daughter off at daycare for the first time and return to her job as a literary agent. Finally. But, when she wakes, her husband Luke isn’t there, and in his place is a cryptic note. Then it starts. Breaking news: there’s a hostage situation developing in London. The police arrive, and tell her Luke is involved. But he isn’t a hostage. Her husband—doting father, eternal optimist—is the gunman. What she does next is crucial. Because only she knows what the note he left behind that morning says…

MVP Enrollment Assistance
2026-07-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Need Health Insurance?
Meet with an MVP representative at the library on the 4th Friday of the month from 10 am – 12 pm. They can help with new enrollment, renewals, and coverage questions for any plans through the New York State of Health marketplace. Free and confidential service.
You may need the following on-hand to enroll in a plan:

Date of birth
Social Security Number or Document Numbers to verify immigration status
Proof of income for the last 30 days

This is a drop-in program; no appointment is necessary.

Adult Coloring Evening
2026-07-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Color your cares away! Join us for tea/coffee, snacks, relaxing music, and of course, coloring! All materials (coloring pages, pencils, and snacks) will be provided. Open to ages 18+. Registration is required; RSVP below or call the library at 518-237-0891.

Golden Leaves Book Club
2026-07-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Please join us for the Golden Leaves Book Club, run by Shaunty McMillin, owner of Golden Leaf Books here in Waterford. This is a book club focused on fantasy and romantasy reads. Light refreshments will be provided. No registration necessary. Please note that this book club takes place after normal library hours. We will be discussing A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas on July 20th from 6-7. Limited copies are available for pickup at the Waterford Public Library during the month of July.
The epic third novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas.
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything-and everyone-she holds dear.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers-both magical and political-and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

Learn to Quill with Stacey K
2026-07-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
Quilling is an art form that utilizes small strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued to create intricate designs. In this class, instructor Stacey will teach participants how to make adorable stand-alone flowers in little wooden pots using this technique. All materials will be provided. No prior experience is necessary. Registration is required – RSVP below or call the library. If the program is full, you can call us at (518) 237-0891 to be put on the wait list. Open to ages 16+.
Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Drop-In Tech-Help
2026-07-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
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.

Wildlife Wednesday: Silent Wings (Raptor Rehab)
2026-07-15 18:00 - 19:00 | NY
Meet live Birds of Prey from this raptor rehab! NO Registration Required

Library Board Meeting
2026-07-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Waterford Public Library, 117 3rd St, Waterford, NY, 12188, United States
The Board of Trustees meets monthly at the library on the 2nd Tuesday of the month beginning at 6pm. All meetings are open to the public. Interested parties can view the board meeting agenda and other items to be discussed here. Documents will be uploaded for viewing 24 hours in advance of the Tuesday meeting. A public comment period will be available at the beginning of each meeting.

Online Author Talk: Rachael DeVaux
2026-07-09 14:00 - 15:00 | NY
Join us for an energizing virtual conversation with Rachael DeVaux, New York Times bestselling author of Rachael’s Good Eats. Her newest book, The High Protein Plate, shows how anyone at any stage of life can easily incorporate protein into their diet. From Buffalo Chicken Baked Tacos and Honey Blackberry Overnight Oats to Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta, these satisfying and simple meals are made for everyday life.
The High Protein Plate includes the following:

– 100 high-protein, craveable recipes for packing protein from breakfast through dessert.
– Straightforward guidance on how much protein you really need—and why it matters.
– Macros for every recipe, so you can easily track what’s best for you.
– Confidence to plan and prepare balanced, purposeful meals.
– Meal prep tips to set you up for success all week long.
– A 28-day plan to help get you started and stay on track.

Whether you’re focused on building lean muscle, balancing blood sugar, boosting energy, or just feeding your family well you need protein. The High Protein Plate makes it simple—and delicious to get enough every day.
Register today to learn delicious ways you can incorporate protein into your meals! https://libraryc.org/waterfordlibraryNY/176480/register
About the Author:
Rachael DeVaux is the author of the instant New York Times bestseller Rachael’s Good Eats. A registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and entrepreneur, she has built a loyal audience of over a million people through her website and Instagram by sharing practical, science-backed guidance on food, fitness, and feeling good. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and young son. Visit RachaelsGoodEats.com to learn more.

Online Author Talk: Mark Wolynn
2026-07-07 14:00 - 15:00 | NY
Join us in conversation with renowned therapy expert and awarding-winning author Mark Wolynn as we discuss his work It Didn’t Start with You and The Official It Didn’t Start with You Workbook. Wolynn shares compelling evidence that the roots of our anxiety, phobias, and chronic pain may not reside in our immediate life experience or in chemical imbalances in our brains—but in the lives of our parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. And now, The Official It Didn’t Start with You Workbook is available with practical exercises to take your understanding even further.
The latest scientific research supports what many have long intuited—that traumatic experiences can be passed down through generations. Even if the person who suffered the original trauma has died, or the story has been forgotten or silenced, memory and feelings can live on. These emotional legacies are often hidden, encoded in everything from gene expression to everyday language, and they play a far greater role in our emotional and physical health than has ever before been understood.
As a pioneer in the field of inherited family trauma, Mark Wolynn has worked with individuals and groups on a therapeutic level for over twenty years. It Didn’t Start with You is a transformative approach to resolving longstanding difficulties that in many cases, traditional therapy, drugs, or other interventions have not had the capacity to touch.
Register today to join our virtual conversation and learn more about how inherited family trauma impacts your health–and how to break the cycle: https://libraryc.org/waterfordlibraryNY/175833/register
About the Author:
Mark Wolynn is a leading expert in the field of inherited family trauma. He’s the director of The Family Constellation Institute in the US and is renowned for his work that bridges epigenetics, neuroscience, and somatic healing, and shows how the traumas of our parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents, can live in our bodies as unexplained depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and chronic health conditions. His book It Didn’t Start with You is an international bestseller, which has sold more than three million copies worldwide. It won the Silver Nautilus Book Award for Psychology and has been translated into 40 languages. Mark has just released the 2025 revised edition of It Didn’t Start with You and The Official It Didn’t Start with You Workbook.

Library Closed for Fourth of July
2026-07-03 - 2026-07-04 | NY
The Waterford Library will be closed July 3rd-4th, 2026, in observance of Fourth of July.
