“May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope.”- Emily Brontë

After a rainy, wind-filled spring it’s so nice to see the sun. There’s lots to do at your library this May so check out the following events:

Join us Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 p.m. for a timely discussion about the role mental illness plays in our lives. “Out of the Basement: Working Together to Achieve Mental Health” features a guest panel with Jennifer Muggeo, Director of Health, Ledge Light Health District, Dani Gorman, Human Services Director, Town of Waterford, and Lori Hauser, School Psychologist, Waterford High School.

We are excited to welcome author Katie Tietjen Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. Drawing inspiration from true crime and offering readers a smartly plotted puzzle of a mystery, “Death in the Details” is a stunning series debut.

Tuesday, May 21, 6:30 p.m. we have a virtual discussion titled “AI Essentials: A 60-Minute Primer.” Get a rapid introduction to artificial intelligence.

“Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone! The Importance of Historical Preservation” with Stefon Danczuk of Preservation Connecticut runs Thursday, May 23, at 6:30 p.m. Co-sponsoring this event is The Waterford Historical Society.

A virtual presentation on “Social Security Myths & Realities: What You Should Know” will be held Tuesday, May 28, 6 p.m. with Rod Duxbury, a Raymond James financial adviser with Liberty Bank.

On May 9, at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Eric Fleury, assistant professor of government and international relations at Connecticut College, will provide a short lecture, followed by Q&A, on the current situation in Russia.

Virtual Author Talks this month start Wednesday, May 1, 3 p.m., as author Douglas Brunt chats about his debut non-fiction work “The Mysterious Case of Rudolph Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I.”

Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m., author Nina Simon talks about the lighthearted whodunnit about a grandmother-mother-daughter trio of amateur sleuths called “MotherDaughter Murder Night.”

On Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. Rebecca F. Kuang talks about her novel “Yellowface,” a book that grapples with questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media. These talks are brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

On Thursday, May 9, 5:30 p.m., join us for a Teen Craft Night to make a wall hanging with yarn and decorative flowers, for ages 11 to 18; registration required. For ages 12 to 18, join us in the Teen Area for a Drop-In Craft Night Thursday, May 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to make an origami flower; no registration required.

There is a Special Musical Storytime with Hilarie Samei on Monday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m. Families will shake their sillies out and have a chance to play with some percussion instruments and scarves. Recommended for ages birth to 5; no registration required.

Drop into the meeting room anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 for our first session of Sensory Saturday. This program creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for neurodivergent youth and their families to hang out and move through some different interactive stations. All ages are welcome; no registration required. Thank you to the Kelsey S. Harrington Foundation for funding this program.

Our Junior Science Fiction Book Club is Monday, May 20 at 5 p.m. Choose any book as long as it’s in the science fiction genre, share it with the group, then make a craft. Recommended for ages 6 to 8 years old; no registration required.

We are excited to welcome Ms. Janine back for two sessions of Sign and Sing Storytimes Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m. and Friday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m. These special storytimes will include basic signs that both children and their caregivers will benefit from knowing. For ages birth to 6; no registration required. Thank you to CT Humanities for providing funding for this program.

On Tuesday, May 7, 5:30 p.m. join Ms. Emy for our Bilingual Pajama Storytime, where we will read books and sing songs in English and Spanish. Feel free to wear your jammies! Recommended for ages birth to 5, no registration required. Thank you to the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut for funding this program.

Please note our Family Storytime on Monday mornings will be taking a break in May and will resume Monday, June 3 at 10:30 ..

On Tuesday, May 21 at 5 p.m. join presenters from the local UConn 4-H New London program for a hands on activity using LEGOs to create wind powered vehicles. Test your creativity and engineering skills to see whose vehicle will go the furthes.! Ages 6 and up, registration is required.

The May Artist is Camilla Buckle. Her exhibit will include watercolors, flower drawings, zentangles, mixed media, and collage.

These are some highlights of our May calendar of events. All programs, activities and details can be found on our website at www.waterfordpubliclibrary.org. While at our website, be sure to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter for the latest information on all library events and services. Please “like” us on Facebook too!

Jill Adams is director of adult services at Waterford Public Library.