June 27, 2025  |  By Judi Byron

July programs at the Waterbury Public Library have fun in store for the library’s youngest patrons. Here are some highlights from children’s and teen programming at the library in July.

Note: The library will be closed on Thursday, July 3, for a staff retreat and on Friday, July 4, for the holiday.

As always, check waterburypubliclibrary.com for the most up-to-date information on library events and programs for all ages.

June 28: Animal visitors from VINS

Discover a world where owls turn pink and tree trunks can blink when three animal ambassadors visit the library on Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m. This program meets in the Steele Community Room, hosting a staffer from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science who will present a lesson titled “Color our World,” highlighting a rainbow of techniques that wildlife use to hunt, hide and survive. For children of all ages and their families.

July 2: Queer Reads & Teen Hangout

Queer Reads and Open Teen Hangout continue through the summer on the first Wednesday of the month. Hangout is from 4-6 p.m. with Queer Reads discussions beginning at 6 p.m. This month’s book is the graphic novel “Nimona” by ND Stevenson and the meeting includes a movie. All are invited, whether they’ve read the book or not.

July 3: Dinoman at the park

Dinoman visits Waterbury on July 3, with his dinosaur-themed performance from 11 a.m. to noon at Rusty Parker Park. Bring a chair, blanket or umbrella. This event is free and presented with Waterbury Recreation.

*Bookley, the library’s mascot. Courtesy photo*

July 11: Storytime and a hands-on project

In this storytime, young learners will investigate how museums help share the past. This storytime is for ages 8 and up. Children will have an opportunity to look at artifacts in “Mystery Artifacts” at 10:30 a.m. at the library. At 2 p.m., the library’s colorful and beloved fish Bookley is the star of the show when Children’s Librarian Sandra Schweikert hosts a community art project to recreate Bookley out of decorated and recycled CDs.

July 19: Learn about camouflage in nature

Kurt Valenta, a.k.a. Mr. K, returns to the library at 11 a.m. for a program titled Camouflage in Nature. Learn how animals, insects, and plants use color and camouflage to ensure they get their next meal or keep from being eaten as another creature’s meal! Hands-on activities use color and texture and are super-fun. Mr. K is the founder and president of Exordium based in Enosburgh Falls, a nature and outdoor-education organization providing outdoor learning experiences for the young and young-at-heart. Valenta also provides professional development for teachers through Castleton University and for childcare providers.

July 25: Take a stab at recreating ‘The Starry Night’

Finally, the end of the month is a chance to try “Nailed it! Bad Art Challenge: The Starry Night.” Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and try to recreate Van Gogh’s classic work of art in wacky, mixed mediums. Let go of expectations and perfection and simply have some fun.

All month: Time in the garden

A reminder to gardeners: UVM Master Gardener Rachel Babin hangs out in the library’s Children’s Garden on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in all kinds of weather. Mindful Gardening with Rachel uses all five senses. Discover mindful learning, and get a chance to play and have fun. Open to all ages. No gardening experience necessary. Children under 8 must have an adult along.

Mondays/Thursdays: Storytime & Playgroup

Storytime continues through the summer with Little Mouse Story times on Mondays from 10:30-11:15 a.m. for ages 2-5 (July 7, 14, 21, and 28).

Busy Bees Playgroup meets on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon with a variety of soft foam blocks and mats, sensory bins, and toys available to explore. This group has a storytime as well and a sing-along at 11 a.m. (July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31).

No registration is required for any of these programs.

Judi Byron works as the library’s Adult Program Coordinator. Reach her at judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.

Kids have all the fun at the library in July