Scholastic Book Fair: July 1-22
Shop from a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for all reading levels. Proceeds benefit the Library’s Summer Reading program.

Summer Supper Club
Pick Up: MON., JULY 3

Meet Up: WED., JULY 19, 6 PM
Choose from a display of cookbooks labeled with appetizer, side dish, entrée, or dessert; available while supplies last. Bring your book and your creation to our Meet & Eat to share your culinary experiences.

Everything Must Go Book Sales

FRI., JULY 7, 9 AM-4 PM

SAT., JULY 15, 9 AM-1 PM

MON., JULY 17, 9 AM-4 PM

TUES., JULY 25, 9 AM-5 PM

The Circle of Friends Book Sale Room will be open for shopping—everything must go before we begin a renovation project! Browse our selection of new and gently-used fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles, and games. All items are "name your own price," and proceeds benefit the Library.

REMINDER: The Library is not taking any book donations in July or August due to planned renovations. Please do not leave any donations in our book drop or outside our entrance. Thank you for understanding! 

Bumpers & Books Planning Meeting
THURS., JULY 6, 4 PM
Would you like to help plan the Library’s 8th Annual Bumpers & Books event? The Junior Friends need your input to help make this year's event bigger and better than ever before. Attendees of all ages are welcome to attend.

One Book One Region 2023 Kickoff

WED., JULY 12, 6 PM

What the Eyes Don't See

by Mona Hanna-Attisha

Celebrate 21 years of excellent books and community discussion by reading along with us! The kickoff will be held at UConn Avery Point's beautiful Branford House with a reception at 6 p.m. and an official program from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

LEARN MORE

Water Bath Canning: Pickles & Jam
THURS., JULY 20, 6 PM
In this class, you will be guided step-by-step through the water bath canning process. Enjoy a taste of our "bread and butter" pickles and blueberry jam with take-home recipes. Presented by Dana Parfitt and sponsored by the Circle of Friends.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Making the Most of Your Household Freezer
WED., AUG. 2, 6 PM
Learn the best way to freeze your extra garden produce, maximize freezer space, and eat from your freezer to stretch your budget, as well as the bottom line on frozen food longevity. Presented by Dana Parfitt and sponsored by the Circle of Friends.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Automatic Renewals
Beginning on July 10, the Groton Public, Bill Memorial, Mystic & Noank, and Waterford Public Libraries are introducing a new Automatic Renewals service. Any library materials that are eligible for renewal will be automatically renewed for you. You will receive an email notification three days before your due date to advise you of the status of your items and to identify which items, if any, have been auto-renewed. Of course, you have no obligation to retain the materials, if you prefer to return them early. We hope that you will enjoy this new convenience.

ADULT EVENTS

Social Security Timing

THURS., JULY 6, 6:30 PM

Rick Mattson of Morin Associates, LLC will answer questions about when and how to elect Social Security and how to integrate it into a tax-efficient retirement income plan.

Fiber Arts Group

SAT., JULY 8, 2 PM

Bring a project to work on and join us for a relaxing and creative afternoon.

All levels are welcome!

Circle of Friends Monthly Meetup

MON., JULY 10, 4 PM

Learn about all of the things the Friends do to support our Library. We would love for you to become an active member—it's free to join!

Morning Matinee

TUES., JULY 11, 9:30 AM

Jerry and Marge Go Large

Join us for a movie, freshly-popped popcorn, and ice-cold lemonade.

GPL Book Group

TUES., JULY 11, 6:30 PM

Daughters of Nantucket

by Julie Gerstenblatt

Set against Nantucket’s Great Fire of 1846, this sweeping, emotional novel brings together three courageous women battling to save everything they hold dear. Copies are available at the Library.

Learn to Play: Dead Below Deck

TUES., JULY 18, 5:30 PM

Learn how to play our title game or bring your own for an evening of board game fun. Follow the clues to solve an immersive mystery on an ocean liner. Ages 18+

Not Your Mother’s Book Group

WED., JULY 26, 6:30 PM

Theme: "Planes, Trains, Automobiles, & Spaceships"

Meet up with other Millennials and Gen Z-ers (ages 21-40) to socialize, play games, and talk about books!

TEEN EVENTS

Techy Teens & Savvy Seniors
MON., JULY 3-31, 11 AM
Teen volunteers will be at Thrive55+ to offer tech help for computers, phones, or tablets. Seniors and retirees are encouraged to register with Thrive55+. Teens can contact Ms. Jessa.

Coder Camp: Save the Sea Turtles

WED., JULY 5, 3:30 PM

Newly-hatched sea turtles use moonlight to find their way to the sea, and their ability to navigate is threatened by artificial light pollution. Create code with Micro:Bits to build a prototype of beach lighting that guides humans safely but does not distract turtles.

Summer Reading Support

THURS., JULY 6-27, 2 PM

Teen volunteers can stop by to help support our summer reading program with craft prep, decorating, putting together prizes, and more.

Magic the Gathering Club

TUES., JULY 11 & 25, 5:30 PM

Beginners and experienced players are welcome. We will be playing with Commander decks—available to borrow or bring your own.

Club 306

WED., JULY 12 & 26, 3:30 PM

A social group for teens and tweens that celebrates and supports the LGBTQIA+ community.

Surprise Science!

WED., JULY 19, 3:30 PM

Stop by the Library for a surprise science experiment. We will provide the ingredients and tools, while you figure out how they work and interact. Librarians will be on hand to help with your scientific discovery

CHILDREN'S & FAMILY EVENTS

Float Your Boat
FRI., JULY 7, 10 AM
Children ages 5+ are challenged to create mini-boats out of upcycled materials that will actually float!

Chase’s Birthday
FRI., JULY 14, 11 AM
The Groton PD’s service dog, Chase, is turning 4 years old! Help us celebrate our favorite yellow lab’s birthday at the Library with an hour of coloring, treats, and puppy time. Children of all ages are welcome.

Petting Zoo

FRI., JULY 21, 10 AM-12 PM

Xen’s Critters will present a petting zoo, featuring baby farm animals like chicks, ducklings, goats, and sheep! Sponsored by the Circle of Friends.

Children’s Cooking Class

FRI., JULY 28, 11 AM

Children ages 6+ are invited to cook along with Community Nutrition Educator, Erica Benvenuti. Learn skills as we chop, dice, and cook a yummy treat. Space is limited; registration required.

Read with Dune

SAT., JULY 1, 10 AM

Stop by the Children's Room for a chance to read to our local therapy dog, Dune! First-come, first-served.

Crafty Kids

SAT., JULY 1, 10 AM

Drop in the Children’s Room and get crafty! Available while supplies last.

Children's Grab & Go Craft

MON., JULY 3-31

Bags include most of the supplies you need, plus instructions, while supplies last. Recommended for ages 5+

Learn & Play Playgroup

WED., JULY 5 & 19, 10 AM

A literacy-enriched playgroup for young children and their caregivers.

Junior Friends Events

Family Film & Fundraiser

SAT., JULY 15, 2:30 PM

The Junior Friends will present a showing of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (rated PG). Refreshments will be for sale with proceeds to benefit the Library. Feel free to bring your pillows and blankets as you enjoy the movie on the big screen!