Adult Monthly Program Calendar for May 2026

FEATURED PROGRAM: 
Fridays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 10:00AM - 11:15AM  
Memory Café Program 
The café will offer a weekly  opportunity for  
social engagement for anyone experiencing changes 
in their memory or thinking, accompanied by their 
care partners. The cafe will be held at the Waterford 
Community Center at 24 Rope Ferry Road. Registra-
tion through Waterford Senior Services is required. 
Please call 860-444-5839 to register.  
 
Fridays, 11:00AM - 12:30PM  
Scrabble Club 
This club is open to all ages and abilities. 
 
Wednesday, May 6, 6:30PM – 8:00PM  
Mystery Book Club 
The Wife, the Maid and the Mistress by Ariel 
Lawhon (2014). Our facilitator is Melissa 
Behney, Waterford Public Library. 
 
Monday, May 11, 7:00PM – 8:30PM ONLINE 
Speculative Fiction Book Club* 
Fallout by Todd Strasser (2013).  
Our facilitator is Pam Bedore, Professor of 
English, UConn. 
 
Monday, May 18, 6:30PM - 8:00PM  
Silent Book Club  
Join us on the main floor where we  have plenty of 
tables and comfy chairs to create a much warmer, 
more inviting atmosphere.    
Adults 
All programs are free and open to the public.  * Registration is suggested or required. 
Access our online event calendar for more information and to register. 
Tuesday, May 19, 1:00PM - 2:30PM  
Introduction to Writing Workshop: don’t let 
that blank piece of paper intimidate you! 
 
Wednesday, May 20, 6:30PM - 7:30PM 
Menkam: a father's journey through memory, 
migration, and meaning - An Author Talk with 
Matt Lita* 
From the red earth of a small 
Cameroonian village to the quiet 
mornings of life in America, this 
memoir follows a boy named 
Menkam who grows up learning 
that family, land, and memory 
can shape a life more deeply 
than anything money can buy.  
Join us for this fascinating talk with Maturin 
"Matt" Lita. 
 
Friday, May 22, 1:00PM- 2:30PM  
Friday Afternoon Book Club 
Clear by Carys Davies (2024). Our facili-
tator is Laurie Wolfley.   
MAY 
PROGRAMS 
Saturday, May 2, 11:00AM - 2:00PM 
Jewelry Fundraiser Sale 
You are cordially invited to browse our Jewelry Fundraiser Sale, featuring an array 
of unique, donated pieces at exceptional values. From elegant Mother’s Day gifts 
to personal keepsakes, our collection offers something for every style. For your 
convenience, we accept both cash and credit cards. Best of all, every purchase helps sustain the vital pro-

49 Rope Ferry Rd Waterford, CT 06385 
860-444-5805 
www.waterfordpubliclibrary.org 
Please help if you can. 
Support the library and donate to our Annual fund drive. 
www.waterfordpubliclibrary.org        
All programs are free and open to the public. 
All programs are in person unless online is specified. 
May Art Wall: Cristina Ruales and her children Kai and Sierra 
Our May artist is Cristina Ruales former New York Fashion Week designer and founder 
of her eponymous brand, returns to exhibit alongside her twins, Kai and Sierra, in a 
deeply personal new collection celebrating the artistic evolution of a family united by 
creativity. Together, they offer a rare intergenerational exhibition that bridges fine art, 
design, and legacy through imagination and collaboration 
AMERICA 250 CT PROGRAM: 
Monday, May 4, 6:30PM - 7:30PM  
Declaration Book Club 
Part 2 of this 3-part discussion is designed to bring people together to read, discuss, 
and reflect on the Declaration of Independence.  Designed by Monticello, the Decla-
ration Book Club emphasizes close reading, thoughtful discussion, and shared in-
quiry. Participants will explore not only what the Declaration says, but how its ideas 
have been understood, challenged, and reinterpreted over time. Part 2 is held on 
Monday, May 4 and Part 3 on June 1, at 6:30 pm.  Registration is required to secure your spot.  A down-
loadable reading guide is available when you register. Moderated by Lawrence Zaccaro.   
 
Wednesday, May 6, 6:30PM - 7:30PM 
1775, Planting the Seeds of Revolution* 
1775: After a hundred years of escalating frustration over oppressive trade restrictions and ever increasing 
taxation, Connecticut recognizes the black clouds of war and begins preparations 
with the construction of several new forts and the outfitting of Privateers as a 
substitute for the nonexistent Navy.   Roger Richards, Ph.D. enjoyed a 40-year 
career developing and testing maritime acoustic equipment. Since retiring he has 
been able to renew his fascination with our country's history. 
 
Saturday, May 23, 2:00PM - 3:00PM 
Women of '76: A Theatrical Tribute to Lesser Known Women of the American Revolution* 
Actress Rita Parisi portrays the lesser known women of the era, including Mary Katherine 
Goddard, who was born in New London in 1739 and eventually served as printer and  
postmaster to the Second Continental Congress. We welcome back, Rita Parisi,  
Waterfall Productions.  Co-sponsored with the Waterford Historical Society. 
 
These programs are presented as part of the ongoing America 250th series. Waterford Public Library is a 
proud affiliate of the America 250 | CT Commission. Thank you to Eversource for funding these events.