If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” —Anne Bradstreet, writer, poet and first woman to be published in colonial America

We honor Women’s History Month we remember Grandma Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, in 1955, at the age of 67. To honor Grandma Gatewood, we will show a documentary film on her life, called “Trail Magic,” on Monday, March 20 at 6 p.m., and as a follow-up we’ll host a virtual talk with Ben Montgomery, author of the biography “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” on Monday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Beginning Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. we will once again offer The Great Decisions, America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves independently reading a weekly article in the Great Decisions Briefing Book, then meeting as a group to watch a 20- to 30-minute recorded lecture, followed by a one-hour civil discussion about a current critical global issue facing America today. Our facilitator is Mariette Ogg, a retired associate professor of English at the United States Coast Guard Academy. There is a $35 materials fee for the briefing book. Registration is required for this discussion series, which will meet every Thursday evening through May 11.

As a follow up to the Ann Petry panel discussion, Laurie Wolfley, a member of Waterford RISE, and a member of the English faculty at UConn, Avery Point, will be leading a discussion of Ms. Petry's book “The Street.” This discussion will be held in person on Monday, March 13, at 6 p.m.

What’s spring without a talk about baseball? “Waterford Little League: The Early Years” is a new book written by Waterford native Don Richmond. Don will be at the library to talk about his book on Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. Thank you to Waterford Historical Society for co-sponsoring this event.

It’s seed season! Join us for an illustrated presentation on Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m. Seeds, along with helpful handouts and tips, will be available.

If you love a good murder mystery, join our new Mystery Book Club on Wednesday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss “In the Woods,” by Tana French.

Our virtual author talks this month are the following:

– Monday, March 13, 1 p.m., New York Times-bestselling author David Epstein on his book “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World.”

– Tuesday, March 21 at 4 p.m., celebrity chef Jernard Wells with his newest cookbook “Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours.”

– Tuesday, March 28, at 7 p.m., we chat with New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Pam Jenoff about her newest book, “Code Name Sapphire.”

Teens (ages 12-18) can join us for our Teen Craft Nights: the first on Thursday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m. (registration required) to create a 3D portrait of Frida Kahlo in honor of Women's History Month; and another on Thursday, March 16, which will be a drop-in craft session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to learn how to tie a Celtic heart knot. This knot can be turned into a keychain, bracelet, or necklace.

Join us Saturday, March 11, from 1 to 3:00 p.m. for the Hodges and Chase Birthday Bash to celebrate the birthdays of two of our favorite furry friends, Officer Hodges and Officer Chase. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required.

Our family story times continue Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Get ready to read and get your wiggles out! Join Ms. Jenna at the library for some fun stories, songs, and dancing. These are recommended for ages birth to 5 years old, with a caregiver.

Join us Saturday, March 25 from 2 to 4:00 p.m. for Board Game Bonanza, where those aged 4 and up can come play their favorite board games! No registration is required.

On Monday, March 27 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. you can drop in for a STEM Adventure: Flower and Airplane, for ages 5 and up, no registration required.

And on Tuesday, March 28 from 4 to 6:00 p.m. join our Build Club and build anything you want with a variety of STEM sets.  Ages 4 and up with no registration.

Our February art exhibit wall features students from Waterford Public Schools from Pre-K to 12th grade, who will have artwork displayed throughout the library in support of Youth Art Month.

These are some of the highlights for our March calendar of events. All other programs and activities can be found on our website. We continue to offer both virtual and in-person events. For further details about all of our programs and registration, please refer to our website (www.waterfordpubliclibrary.org) and click on our Calendar of Events tab. 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 head of adult services at Waterford Public Library.