Alphabet Parade - C

Ages: 18 months - 5 yearsSign up to receive a grab ‘n’ go craft on a letter of the Alphabet and a related book to check out.Pick up between 7/11 - 7/25.

Language Cafe: French

Ages 6-12.Learn a little French as we play number and color games and finish with a snack. No prior French skills required.

Children's Program Room

Workshop: AARP SAFE DRIVER COURSE

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM SET AT LIBRARYThe Stratford Library, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will offer another session of the “AARP Safe Driver Course”, a classroom driver retraining program designed to help older persons impr......More

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM SET AT LIBRARYThe Stratford Library, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will offer another session of the “AARP Safe Driver Course”, a classroom driver retraining program designed to help older persons improve their driving skills on Saturday, July 12 from 10 am - 2 pm. The one-day class program, one of dozens offered by the agency every year, will be held in the Library’s Lovell Room. Developed by the AARP, the program is the first comprehensive driver retraining course geared to the specific needs of older motorists. The course material covers the effects of aging and medications on driving, basic driving rules, license renewal, local traffic hazards, adverse road conditions, energy saving and accident prevention measures. No written, physical or driving tests are given. Research shows that older drivers are involved in more accidents than their middle-aged counterparts when the record is based on actual miles driven. The physical changes of aging create difficulties for many older drivers when yielding the right-of-way, backing, turning, changing lanes and entering/leaving expressways. However, research also indicates that older persons can improve their driving abilities through additional training, attention and practice, enabling them to maintain their driving licenses longer while driving safer. This is the ultimate goal of the “AARP Driver Safety Program”. Persons 50 years of age or older are eligible to participate in the library program and will receive a certificate of completion at the end of instruction. The course is limited to 20 participates only and there is a nominal fee of $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members charged by the AARP. Reservations are required and can be made on this site.

Board Room

Preschool Art

Ages 3-7. Join us in some masterpiece-making, messy, beautiful fun! We will be learning and using "process art" to express ourselves and create both individual and collaborative work. This type of art prioritizes the creative journey over the final product and meets you......More

Ages 3-7. Join us in some masterpiece-making, messy, beautiful fun! We will be learning and using "process art" to express ourselves and create both individual and collaborative work. This type of art prioritizes the creative journey over the final product and meets your preschooler's developmental needs as sensory explorers. Make sure to wear clothing that you and your child won't mind getting a little dirty!

Children's Program Room

Theatre: TWELFTH NIGHT

Hudson Shakespeare returns to Stratford with a delightful production of the Bard's romantic comedy, TWELFTH NIGHT. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to spread in the Library Courtyard. In the event of rain, performance will be held in the Library Lovell Room. Free and op......More

Hudson Shakespeare returns to Stratford with a delightful production of the Bard's romantic comedy, TWELFTH NIGHT. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to spread in the Library Courtyard. In the event of rain, performance will be held in the Library Lovell Room. Free and open to the public!

Library Courtyard

Music Time

It’s time to sing and move! Join us for some of our favorite children's songs. We will dance, use some instruments, and have fun! No registration required.Ages 0-2

Children's Program Room

Level up your Backgammon Game

Ages 8 to 12. Parents welcomeLearn to play this beloved board game as you move your pieces around the triangles.

Children's Program Room

Karate for Adults

Sam Diaz from Stratford Shotokan Karate will be here to inspire us with some karate moves and share information on the benefits of learning this martial art.

Lovell Room

Nutmeg Book Club - Air

Grades 4-6Participate in a book club starring Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award nominees. Children will receive a copy of the book in advance and then meet at the Library for snacks, fun activities, and discussion. July’s book is Air by Monica Roe. Emmie worries that her dr......More

Grades 4-6Participate in a book club starring Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award nominees. Children will receive a copy of the book in advance and then meet at the Library for snacks, fun activities, and discussion. July’s book is Air by Monica Roe. Emmie worries that her dreams of wheelchair motocross are out of reach until her community steps in.Book kit provided courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund.

Children's Program Room

Concert: THE FRANK PORTO BAND

The Frank Porto Band returns to the Library! They have a Vibrant Big Sound playing hit music from The Great American Song Book featuring songs: from Sinatra and Big Band Classics to The Beatles, The 4 Seasons and James Brown. TFPB members include: Frank DeVito on Sax a......More

The Frank Porto Band returns to the Library! They have a Vibrant Big Sound playing hit music from The Great American Song Book featuring songs: from Sinatra and Big Band Classics to The Beatles, The 4 Seasons and James Brown. TFPB members include: Frank DeVito on Sax and Clarinet, Fred Mariano on Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Jim Olbrys on Guitar, Don Hurta on Bass, Ken Ginsberg on Drums and John Noonan on Vocals. TFPB is known for getting Everyone Dancing and Singing.

Lovell Room

Stratford Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

Lovell Room

Preschool Storytime

Ages 3 to 5. Enjoy stories, rhymes, and a craft. No need to register, just drop in!

Children's Program Room

Teen Tuesday-Pokemon Party

Trainers: You're invited to our annual Poké Party! Join us for anime, a Pokémon craft, Pokémon stickers and button-making, video gaming, and Poké snacks. Come dressed as your favorite character for the chance to win a prize. No registration required; for grades 7-13. Ca......More

Trainers: You're invited to our annual Poké Party! Join us for anime, a Pokémon craft, Pokémon stickers and button-making, video gaming, and Poké snacks. Come dressed as your favorite character for the chance to win a prize. No registration required; for grades 7-13. Catch ya there!

Lovell Room

Piano with Friends: Music Basics Class

Ages 7-12. Will you be the next Beethoven or Chopin? They too had to start somewhere! In this piano workshop series we will learn and hone our basic musical skills in reading music, writing musical notes, and playing a few beginning songs. Please note, you must attend a......More

Ages 7-12. Will you be the next Beethoven or Chopin? They too had to start somewhere! In this piano workshop series we will learn and hone our basic musical skills in reading music, writing musical notes, and playing a few beginning songs. Please note, you must attend a music basics class to be able to participate in our later sessions where we will put our skills to use!*Please understand, this is not a replacement for professional piano lessons.*

Children's Program Room

Alphabet Fun

Ages 3 to 5.Playing, learning, and fun for preschoolers! Enjoy a variety of games and activities to practice the letters of the alphabet.

Children's Program Room

Japanese Folktales and Origami for Families

Ages 5 (with a parent/guardian). Parents’ Choice Award winner, Motoko, will regale families with delightful folktales from her native Japan, combined with hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. ......More

Ages 5 (with a parent/guardian). Parents’ Choice Award winner, Motoko, will regale families with delightful folktales from her native Japan, combined with hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. Children will learn focus, imagination, and precision while creating pieces of art. This event is courtesy of the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund.

Lovell Room

Readers Theatre Showcase 2025: CONVERSATIONS WITH MOTHER

Annual festival of live, staged readings of new plays produced in conjunction with the Square One Theatre Company!CONVERSATIONS WITH MOTHER is a family comedy by Matthew Lombardo about a mother and her gay son's relationship through the years.

Lovell Room

Workshop: Kickstart Your Health: The Power of Food for Healthy Weight Management, Lower Cholesterol, and Increased Metabolism

Chef Linda discusses tonight's topic: The Power Plate (introduction to the benefits of plant-based eating) Upcoming:Breaking the Food Seduction Appetite Control on July 31Healthy Blood Pressure. on August 7

Lovell Room

Kindness Club

Ages 6-11. Kindness Club will meet during the summer to work on projects with a community benefit. Be a part of our kindness club to spread joy and support a spirit of community! Registration required.

Children's Program Room

Propagation Station - Houseplant Swap

Join our houseplant cutting swap! Bring cuttings from your houseplant to our Propagation Station and trade plant babies. It's a great chance to share your love for plants, connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips, and grow your indoor garden. All plant lovers, fro......More

Join our houseplant cutting swap! Bring cuttings from your houseplant to our Propagation Station and trade plant babies. It's a great chance to share your love for plants, connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips, and grow your indoor garden. All plant lovers, from beginners to experts are welcome!Indoor plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, creating a healthier living space. Caring for plants can be a rewarding hobby that reduces stress, enhances mood, and promotes mindfulness. Lets cultivate a greener future, one plant at a time! Registration is required

Lobby

Stratford Library Board of Trustees

The Stratford Library Board of Trustees will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Lovell Room.

Lovell Room

Book Scientists - Games

Ages 5-12. Enjoy this fascinating kit on the topic of "Games." We'll let you know when kits are ready for pick up. Each Book Scientists kit will include Library books (card required for check out), a craft, and/or an extension activity. Library books will be chosen by t......More

Ages 5-12. Enjoy this fascinating kit on the topic of "Games." We'll let you know when kits are ready for pick up. Each Book Scientists kit will include Library books (card required for check out), a craft, and/or an extension activity. Library books will be chosen by the child's age. When you are done, return the Library books by their due date and keep everything else!Kits can be picked up between 7/18 - 8/1.

Podcasting Club

Ages 7-13 with a grown-up. Amplify your voice and join our kids podcasting club! Librarians will help children and their caregivers record stories, insights, book recommendations, and more.

Children's Department

Adult Craft - String Art

Spend an afternoon with us making string art. String art, is a technique where you create designs by stringing thread,or yarn between nails hammered into a wooden base.This is an adult craft ages 18 and up. Registration is required.

Lovell Room

Saturday Storytime - Fireflies

Ages 3 to 6.Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, and a craft about fireflies.

Children's Program Room

Concert: NEW ENGLAND GUITAR SOCIETY

NEGS returns to the Stratford Library for their annual mid-summer concert!Details TBA

Lovell Room

Beaded Bracelets

Ages 7 to adult.Make a beaded bracelet - either with stretchy string or wire and a clasp. Supplies and instruction provided.

Children's Program Room

Spice Up Your Summer: Pimenton Dulce

Do you love to cook? Looking to expand your flavor palate? Here’s your chance to try spices that you might not usually cook with! Stop by the Reference Desk and pick up a Spice Up Your Summer: Pimenton Dulce Grab & Go kit. Each kit contains a sample of the spice plus i......More

Do you love to cook? Looking to expand your flavor palate? Here’s your chance to try spices that you might not usually cook with! Stop by the Reference Desk and pick up a Spice Up Your Summer: Pimenton Dulce Grab & Go kit. Each kit contains a sample of the spice plus information and recipes to try.Beginning Monday, July 21, you can stop at the Reference Desk to pick up a kit. There is no registration. Kits will be available until we run out. Supplies are limited. One kit per household.

Reference Department

Music Time

It’s time to sing and move! Join us for some of our favorite children's songs. We will dance, use some instruments, and have fun! No registration required.Ages 0-2

Children's Program Room

Monday Matinees: DUNE, PART II

Blockbuster, part 2!

Lovell Room

Dog Man Party

Ages 6-10. Celebrate all things Dog Man, the book character created by Dav Pilkey featured in his own movie this year. Enjoy crafts, games, snacks, and more!

Children's Program Room