Programs

Designed with creativity and inspired by our patrons’ interests, library programs are developed and presented to compliment our mission of providing resources for the educational, informational, recreational, and inspirational needs of the entire Wallingford Community. All of our programs and events are free and open to the public. However, due to room size and capacity constraints, advance registration may be required for some programs.

Please check our calendar of events for an up-to-date schedule. The following programs are part of our regular roster:

For All Ages

Summer Reading
Sometimes the lazy days of summer are best spent in the company of a good book (or 2!).

In support of the ongoing efforts of our local schools to promote reading among all school-aged children, the Library focuses on maintaining an inventory of required summer reading books. In addition, our Children’s Department and our Teen Department each develop creative reading programs designed to entertain and encourage readers of all ages. Each summer we are all amazed at the creative inspiration put forth by these departments; we hope you are, too!

Kids aren’t the only ones who get all the attention when it comes to summer reading; we strive to encourage reading among our adult patrons too. The adult summer reading programs are an easy way to be rewarded for something you like to do: reading! Read what you like and earn chances to win great prizes. Our summer reading displays and select titles are evident in the Adult Department from June through August.

For Adults

Author Events
These events present a wonderful opportunity to meet an author and hear their story of creating a book and getting it published. Question and answer sessions follow and signed copies of the authors’ books are usually available for purchase.

Cinema Club
See a great classic film and discuss its merits and context. Held on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Computer Classes
Hands-on introductions to computer hardware and applications, including e-mail, Internet, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Friday Night Flicks
Join us for a great movie event on the Wallingford Library big screen. Held on rotating Fridays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. All are welcome, but please be aware of movie ratings.

Literature Discussions
Professionally led discussions of select novels, short stories, poetry, and contemporary nonfiction are scheduled throughout the year.

Lunch and Learn
Through a successful partnership with Masonicare, the library is able to offer lunchtime programs focusing on adult health issues and concerns. You get to learn about a topic that may affect your health while eating a healthy boxed lunch, provided free by Masonicare! These popular programs fill up fast and since seating is limited, make sure to sign up early.

For Children

Family Night
Each month an hour of stories, songs, and crafts is offered for families with children ages three to eight. This program is a great way for families to enjoy the library and each other! Registration is required.

Itty Bitty Babies for Children Under Twelve Months Old
Itty Bitty Babies is our program for the library’s littlest patrons! Babies under twelve months of age, and their caregivers, are welcome to join us in the Story Room for songs, fingerplays, rhymes, bounces and lots of fun! This is a great opportunity to have some fun, learn about the Library, and meet other parents and caregivers.

Musical Mother Goose Time for Ones and Twos
Join us for a toe-tapping good time in this drop-in program. Songs, rhymes, books and more will be shared. The program is designed for children ages one and two and their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome to attend. No registration required.

Preschool Storytime for Three to Five Year-Olds
These lively drop-in programs offer stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and more for children ages three to five and their grown-ups. Stories and other activities are chosen for children ages three to five but younger interested siblings are welcome to attend.

For Teens

Mother/Daughter Book Groups
A group composed of teen girls and their mothers or other adult female friends who meet monthly to discuss young adult books. The group selects a title each month which everyone reads and discusses. Books are obtained through the Library.
Refreshments are served.

Movie Nights
Come hang out and relax while watching a great movie. We do anime, action, comedy, as well as live music. You will feel like you are really in a movie theater in our high definition, surround sound Community Room. Have an idea for something you think we should show? Let us know!

Teen Club
A group of teens in middle and high school working together all year to gather celebrity prizes and author-autographed books for the Teen Summer Reading program. This program attracts over 200 teens each summer. The Teen Club also does other projects, hosts programs for teens, socializes, and generally has a lot of fun. The group meets twice a month on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. with two teen librarian club advisers.

Wii Tournaments
Gaming at the library? You bet! Come and join us for our monthly Wii Tournaments on the big screen. We have a different theme each month. Bring a friend! Events fill up quickly, so be sure to stop by or call the Information Desk to register.