Groups, games, exercise, outings and more at the library in June

May 28, 2025  |  By Judi Byron

The Waterbury Public Library’s calendar is packed with a variety of regular and special free programs and events each month. 

Here are highlights for upcoming adult programs in June. Be sure to check the complete listings for adults and children at WaterburyPublicLibrary.com.

May 29 and June 19: Blood on the Clocktower

Blood on the Clocktower switched its May meeting to 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, and resumes its schedule on the third Thursday of the month on June 19. 

The group welcomes new players. For those unfamiliar, Blood on the Clocktower is a social deduction game where each player is randomly assigned a secret good or evil role with a unique ability. Each player helps its team  –  be it the “good” or uniformed majority – or “evil,” the demon and supporting minions. Strategy, insight, logic, and deductive reasoning all come into play to uncover who’s who. The play is exciting, fun and super-social. Email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com for more information and to register.

June 3: Gaming nights continue 

Gaming is alive at the library for the summer! Board Game Nights are held the first Tuesday of the month, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Games are Euro-styled: Player contact is indirect and involves competition not combat; players are not eliminated from the game; there is little randomness or luck; though there are definite themes, they most often focus on the mechanics; games aim for the most strategy from the least or minimal mechanics; and typically Eurogames have multiple, viable paths to scoring points or securing a win. Some examples are Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Wingspan. The library also has Carcassonne, Cascadia, Codenames: Pictures, and Forbidden Island to check out. The next gaming night is Tuesday, June 3, and pizza will be served. Contact Ken at ken_boring@yahoo.com for more information. 

June 5: Thursday Bridge Club 

On Thursdays, the Waterbury Bridge Club meets from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the library, and it welcomes all bridge players. They play Duplicate Bridge, which simply means that each hand is played twice, but with different players. So if you can play bridge, you can play duplicate bridge.  The maximum is four tables or 16 players. If there are more, you can watch the play and get in on the next game. For more information, contact Millie Merrill at 802-522-3523. June’s meeting dates are June 5, 19, and 26. (No meeting on the 12th.) 

June 6: Friday exercise series begins 

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is back for the summer, led by Pauline Nolte. This popular class held in the Steele Room on Friday mornings is a low-impact and evidence-based program that builds muscles, keeps joints flexible and is a wonderful way to stay fit in a low-impact environment.  

Offered by the Central Vermont Council on Aging, the series begins on June 6 and runs on consecutive Fridays through Sept. 26. The connection between exercise and increased energy is well-supported, along with improved well-being and better sleep habits. It can even decrease arthritis pain. To register and for more information, contact Anne Greshin at 802-241-4840 or by email to agreshin@cvcoa.org.  Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Steele Room.

Every Saturday: D&D and Tabletop Role-Playing

Meeting weekly every Saturday, Dungeons and Dragons and Tabletop Roleplaying Games explore various game systems with a rotating cast of Game Masters. If you want to try role-playing games but aren’t sure about Dungeons & Dragons, or if you want to try running a game yourself, this group might be for you. It meets from 1 to 5 p.m. at the library and online via Zoom or Discord. Log in here for answers to questions and to stay up-to-date. This activity is rated PG-13 due to its content of fantasy game violence. 

June 10: Six-week Qi Gong series begins 

Wake up your qi (pronounced “chee”) in this six-week series “Qi Gong for Vitality & Peace” with Judi Byron on Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m. in the library’s garden (or inside if weather doesn’t cooperate).  This ancient 4,000-year-old Chinese practice has been gaining popularity in the West. Gentle movements combined with breath (qi) and intention can be a powerful reservoir for change. Participants should wear comfortable clothing. Classes will run from June 10 through to July 15. To sign up, email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.

June 12: No Pressure Book Group 

Catch the No Pressure Book Group on June 12 at 7 p.m. for its last meeting before it takes a summer break. Led by Library Director Rachel Muse, the group meets via Zoom, offering a chill, social time of exploring books you’ve been reading and getting recommendations from what others have been reading. Just like its name, there’s no pressure to be on the same page! The group aims to provide a fun time talking about books with other bibliophiles. Join the discussion with the Zoom link here: waterburypubliclibrary.com/no-pressure-book-group.

June 14: Mahjong on Saturdays through September   

Attention local Mahjong players: The Saturday summer sessions begin on June 14 and run through Sept. 27 at the library. Mahjong originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and is still going strong today. The game is often compared to gin rummy or poker, making sets and runs with just 14 tiles. Pauline Nolte teaches both Chinese and American styles. The group will meet upstairs in the back of the library by the big windows, where two tables will be set up. Sessions will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To register, email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com. 

June 17: Weekly watercolor classes run through September 

Watercolor by Pauline Nolte

Pauline Nolte has a knack for helping people discover their inner creative selves. She learned to paint simply by doing, and loves passing on that spark to others. Join Pauline for her Summer Watercolor Series beginning on Tuesday, June 17, running on consecutive Tuesdays through Sept. 23. in the Steele Community Room next to the library. Classes meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

This class is suitable for those new to watercolor, those who have painted before and want to brush up on their skills, and for experienced painters to gather with others in a convivial environment. Pauline provides instruction and demonstration, and there is time for independent work. Classes are free and supplies are provided for beginners.  Note: If you are new to watercolor, registration is required before the end of July. No newcomers after July 29. To register, email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com. 

June 17: New monthly group, Grateful Gatherings 

A new monthly group to hold conversations with a purpose gets started in June called Grateful Gatherings. Come explore what matters, diving into themes such as finding delight, embracing mystery, creating joy, navigating grief, and welcoming imperfection. 

The program was developed by Grateful Living, a nonprofit organization that empowers people to live meaningful lives. Its trained facilitators, Lori York and Mary Wentworth, will host these gatherings on the third Tuesday of the month throughout the summer, beginning on June 17. Grateful Living provides the materials for conversation and participants bring the spark by sharing experiences and learning from others in a supportive setting. 

The group will meet in the library’s garden from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. when weather allows, indoors otherwise. Anyone looking for connection and meaning is encouraged to attend to explore adding greater gratefulness to their life. To register, email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.

June 18: On the road to Stowe for a Silent Reading Party

June’s Silent Reading Party takes on a special vibe. This month’s venue is the Wedding Meadow at the Trapp Family Lodge on Wednesday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m. Harpist Judi Byron will play as attendees read quietly, surrounded by hills and wildflowers. In case of rain, the date will be postponed one week, to Wednesday, June 25, at the same time. 

All are welcome, whether you are reading a paperback or an ebook, poetry or prose, fiction or non-fiction, fantasy and more. BYO-Book along with a chair or blanket. In addition to the usual sponsors, Waterbury Public Library and Bridgeside Books, the Stowe Free Library and Bear Pond Books in Stowe are also sponsoring the event. No registration is needed. 

Starting June 18: Drop in for Mindful Gardening (all ages)

This new all-ages series on Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m., begins June 18 and runs through Aug. 6 in the Children's Garden behind the library. UVM Master Gardener Rachel Babin leads this drop-in therapeutic horticultural program that uses intentional gardening activities to spur discussion and enhance well-being. Use all five senses to reconnect in the garden in all weather. Unplug and enjoy play, productivity, mindful learning, fun, and the accomplishment that comes from caring for plants and growing your own food. Attendees ages 8 and younger must have a caregiver along.

Judi Byron is the Waterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator. Reach her at 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.