Located in the Bill Library - Ledyard Center

*Looking for volunteer opportunities?* We are looking for you! Openings for webpage updates (WordPress), digitizing (scanning photos & documents), Facebook posting, community photo-sharing set-up, and non-computer tasks, too! Teens and adults welcome.

Share your experiences with future generations!

Please submit photos and written accounts of you and your family or Ledyard business during the COVID19 pandemic. Did you start new traditions? How did your business adapt? What did your family do to cope with quarantine, recovery, virtual school, or work? Are you an essential worker? What is that like for you?  

• Donations of materials related to the people, buildings, and events of Ledyard and Gales Ferry are gratefully accepted for preservation and inclusion in the collection for future researchers, either as digital copies of the items themselves.

• Your Gales Ferry and Ledyard memories will be added to the archive in the Janice W. Bell Historical Research Room at the Bill Library. We will scan them and return them to you with a digital copy placed on your flash drive. Digital copies are easy to share with far-flung family members or to use as a backup if the original is lost or damaged.

• We are always adding newly scanned items to our Online Collections, which are available at http://ledyardhistory.org/virtualexhibit/ 

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

Today is the day registered teens can pick up their LitLoot! Fall Box.  Each box contains one library book, a freebie book to keep, and an assortment of goodies to enjoy. All boxes must be picked up within ten days of the distribution date.  This means if you don't pick up your box by October 10th, it will go to the next person on the waiting list. This program will return in January of 2022!  If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org

For all 1000 BBK registrants both past and present!  Join us at Bill Library for a story, craft, cake, and more to celebrate where you are on the journey.  Register for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program to receive your invite or email Mrs. Burt for more information. 

Learn up to 4 fly casts with Trout Unlimited's Thames Valley Chapter in Highlands Lake Park, Shewville Road, Ledyard. This is a free and fun outside workshop, and all equipment is provided. There will be many teachers and volunteers on hands. For ages 10 and up including adults. Limited space. Please be mindful of social distancing. Please register. 

Join us at the United Methodist Church in Gales Ferry to learn the basics of cooking from Alex Rose.  Alex Rose is a graduate of the International Culinary Center’s Culinary Arts program. A cook at Oyster Club in Mystic, CT, her passion lies in cooking with local, fresh and unique ingredients. She has worked in kitchens since she was a teen and enjoys incorporating tips and tricks from a professional setting into the home kitchen to make for a smooth and empowering experience. For 7th - 12th grade and registration is required.  

This is a three part series with the following topics:
October 4: Snack Much?
November 8: What's for Dinner?
December 13: Sweet Treats!

Presented by Melissa Crandall, Author of Elephant Speak: A Devoted Keeper's Life Among the Herd

Presentation and Book Signing with time for questions. Registration suggested but walk ins are welcome. Please be mindful of social distancing. Masks optional.

Presented by Connecticut College.

Author Charles Yu will discuss his National Book Award winning title and 2021 One Book One Region selection "Interior Chinatown." Time to be announced.

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

Book: The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day by America’s Test Kitchen

Join us for our monthly cookbook club meetings the first Tuesday of every month. Copies of the book will be available at the Gales Ferry Library. Pick a recipe to try and let others know how you enjoyed the book!

October Topic: TBA

Join us for a discussion of topics pertinent to stock investment. Harry Pearson will facilitate a discussion on the impact of current events. Participants are encouraged to participate in the discussion and join in the Q & A. The link to join Zoom will be found on the library website.

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

This is a two-part class on October 9 and 16. Please plan on attending both classes to complete your project.

Gerlinde Lehner will guide adult participants through a Mandala collage craft for your favorite music lyrics as she embeds meditation, music, and time to be creative. Join us in art-making as we use paint, stencils, and magazine/book images to create our own personal circular mandala. If you have a line from your favorite poem or lyrics from a song, we will use that too!   No art experience necessary, just come play, create and have fun!

Please bring some favorite magazine clippings or pictures, and a scissors.

2 classes are necessary to complete this project. Limited space. Please be mindful of social distancing. Masks optional.

Please register.

Both libraries will be closed, Monday, October 11, for Indigenous Peoples Day.

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

October Book: The Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt by Lewis Could

The American Presidents Book Discussion group will focus on the White House years of former American presidents. We discuss the impact American Presidents have had while in office, and their trials and triumphs additionally. Look for the Zoom information on our website ahead of the meeting time or email lmurno@ledyard.lioninc.org for information.

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

This program will explore different arts and crafts and we will meet once a month to create together! Projects are geared toward independent workers but younger siblings are welcome if parents are there to assist. Registration is required.  

October program: Learn about cubism, Pablo Picasso, and make your own self portrait using the cubist style.

**Movie of the Night: The Princess Bride**

We are pleased to collaborate with Ledyard Parks and Recreation and JPO Productions to bring you monthly family movies on the Town Green in front of Bill Library.  Bring your blanket or chair and don’t forget the popcorn!  Check back soon for movie titles and other information.

Join us at Gales Ferry Library to learn how to code and meet other coders.  You may use a library computer or bring your own laptop/tablet.  We will also have Ozobots available.  For ages 8 - 12.  Registration Required. 

This is a two-part class on October 9 and 16. Please plan on attending both classes to complete your project.

Gerlinde Lehner will guide adult participants through a Mandala collage craft for your favorite music lyrics as she embeds meditation, music, and time to be creative. Join us in art-making as we use paint, stencils, and magazine/book images to create our own personal circular mandala. If you have a line from your favorite poem or lyrics from a song, we will use that too!  No art experience necessary, just come play, create and have fun!

Please bring some favorite magazine clippings or pictures and a scissors.

2 classes are necessary to complete this project. Limited space. Please be mindful of social distancing. Masks optional.

Please register. Registration will open at the end of the summer.

Do you and your friends know everthing about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?  Test your skills and you may be the winner of a gift card to Cloak and Wnd in Mystic.  Sign up in teams or individually to participate.  For 7th - 12th grade and registration is required.  

Attorney, Glenn Carberry of Norwich will present a lecture and slide show of his experiences traveling in more than 60 countries and visiting numerous World Heritage sites and other destinations around the globe. He developed a special interest in travel over the years and spent long hours planning family trips and studying the history and cultures of the various places he visited. In 2017, he published the travel book “EPIC Destinations” which reports on some of his most interesting experiences. His travel website "The Traveling American" contains over 150 articles and 600 pictures of various destinations in the United States and around the world. www.thetravelingamerican.com.

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

Gratitude Meditaton with Amy on Zoom
Tuesday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m.

This is a virtual program.  Please Register.

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

We meet on the third Wednesday of every month to build together and share our love of Legos.  For ages 6 - 11. Registration required. 

Ages 55+

Book: The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo

Our senior center book discussion meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the senior center. The upcoming titles will be passed out at the monthly meetings, or you may pick up a copy at the Gales Ferry Library.

Join us at Bill Library to paint a pumpkin, create a craft, hear a story, get your face painted, and more!  The Teen Advisory Board is helping put on this event for our younger patrons.  Costumes are welcome but not required.  Registration is not required but pumpkins, crafts, and other supplies will only be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  For ages Pre-K - 6th Grade.

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

Book: The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen by Sean Sherman

Join us for our monthly cookbook club meetings the first Tuesday of every month. Copies of the book will be available at the Gales Ferry Library. Pick a recipe to try and let others know how you enjoyed the book!

November Topic: TBA

Join us for a discussion of topics pertinent to stock investment. Harry Pearson will facilitate a discussion on the impact of current events. Participants are encouraged to participate in the discussion and join in the Q & A. The link to join Zoom will be found on the library website.

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

Brought to you by the Ledyard Seed Library

Judy Preston from the Long Island Sound Study & CT Sea Grant (UConn), will join us to discuss how our yard landscaping impacts the health of local waterways and Long Island Sound. She will challenge us to rethink the lawn, learn about what “native” is, why that matters, and how to attract and sustain wildlife. She will also discuss managing our landscapes to reduce water, fertilizer, and chemical use—all to the benefit of these waterways & the Sound. 

Please register. Registration will open at least one month in advance.

Join the Ledyard Library and Chef Rob for a fun hour preparing and cooking a Thanksgiving appetizer. Please register.

Join us at the United Methodist Church in Gales Ferry to learn the basics of cooking from Alex Rose.  Alex Rose is a graduate of the International Culinary Center’s Culinary Arts program. A cook at Oyster Club in Mystic, CT, her passion lies in cooking with local, fresh and unique ingredients. She has worked in kitchens since she was a teen and enjoys incorporating tips and tricks from a professional setting into the home kitchen to make for a smooth and empowering experience. For 7th - 12th grade and registration is required.  

This is a three part series with the following topics:
October 4: Snack Much?
November 8: What's for Dinner?
December 13: Sweet Treats!

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

November Book: TBA, selected president for this month is John F. Kennedy

The American Presidents Book Discussion group will focus on the White House years of former American presidents. We discuss the impact American Presidents have had while in office, and their trials and triumphs additionally. Look for the Zoom information on our website ahead of the meeting time or email lmurno@ledyard.lioninc.org for information.

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

This program will explore different arts and crafts and we will meet once a month to create together! Projects are geared toward independent workers but younger siblings are welcome if parents are there to assist. Registration is required.  Check back soon for specific details about what projects will be on the calendar. 

Join us at Gales Ferry Library to learn how to code and meet other coders.  You may use a library computer or bring your own laptop/tablet.  We will also have Ozobots available.  For ages 8 - 12.  Registration Required. 

Books will be available to pick up the month before we meet.  Registration is required. For ages 8 - 11.

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

Ages 55+

Book: The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna by Juliet Grames

Our senior center book discussion meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the senior center. The upcoming titles will be passed out at the monthly meetings, or you may pick up a copy at the Gales Ferry Library.

We meet on the third Wednesday of every month to build together and share our love of Legos.  For ages 6 - 11. Registration required. 

Presented by Diane Wilson
Brought to you by the Ledyard Seed Library

Published author, Diane Wilson will present “Seeds for Seven Generations” about Native American or indigenous seeds, and our evolving relationship with corn, from indigenous gardens to contemporary farming.  She will also discuss work being done by Native organizations to reclaim indigenous seeds as food for their communities. Diane is a Mdewakanton descendent, enrolled in the Rosebud Reservation and lives in Minnesota.  This Ledyard Seed Library Program is presented in collaboration with Eastern CT Community Gardens Assoc., East Lyme Public Library, Groton Public Library, Mystic & Noank Library, Preston Public Library, & Wheeler Library.

Registration required to receive the Zoom information. Registration will open at least one month in advance.

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

A fun and energetic storytime at Gales Ferry Library.  Learning stations will be offered at the end of each storytime that will engage, entertain, and build the skills of the children who participate.  For children ages 3 to 5 and registration is required.  Register for six week sessions.  Sessions run September 14 - October 19 and November 2 - December 7.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept. 14th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

A storytime for everyone!  Great stories, fun finger plays, and lots of dancing.  This will be held both outside and inside Bill Library as weather allows.  Registration is suggested to reserve your place but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.  

Registration for Session one can be found  on the Sept.15th page of this Event Calendar.  When you register on that day you are registering for the full six week session.  Registration for Session Two will open in early October. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Burt at sburt@ledyard.lioninc.org 

This program will explore different arts and crafts and we will meet once a month to create together! Projects are geared toward independent workers but younger siblings are welcome if parents are there to assist. Registration is required.  Check back soon for specific details about what projects will be on the calendar. 

Join us at the United Methodist Church in Gales Ferry to learn the basics of cooking from Alex Rose.  Alex Rose is a graduate of the International Culinary Center’s Culinary Arts program. A cook at Oyster Club in Mystic, CT, her passion lies in cooking with local, fresh and unique ingredients. She has worked in kitchens since she was a teen and enjoys incorporating tips and tricks from a professional setting into the home kitchen to make for a smooth and empowering experience. For 7th - 12th grade and registration is required.  

This is a three part series with the following topics:
October 4: Snack Much?
November 8: What's for Dinner?
December 13: Sweet Treats!

We meet on the third Wednesday of every month to build together and share our love of Legos.  For ages 6 - 11. Registration required. 

Ages 55+

Our senior center book discussion meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the senior center. The upcoming titles will be passed out at the monthly meetings, or you may pick up a copy at the Gales Ferry Library.