🌻 Join Us This Summer at Arethusa Farm 4-H Camp! 🌻

Located on a beautiful 140-acre nonprofit farm in Litchfield, CT, Arethusa Farm 4-H Camp is more than just summer fun—it’s a hands-on journey into sustainable agriculture, animal care, and environmental science!

🧒 Open to youth ages 5–13

📅 10 weeks of weekday camps | June 16 – August 22, 2025

🕘 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM daily

• 🌿 Discovery Camps (First 6 weeks): Explore farm animals, horticulture, environmental science, ag mechanics, and more!
• 🐑 Specialty Camps (Last 4 weeks):Choose from Vet Science Camp or Farm Camp for a deeper dive into animal care and sustainable farming.

This camp is part of a larger mission to reconnect youth and families with the land, promote food security, and build a healthier, more resilient community.

🔗 Register now

📧 Questions? Email us at arethusafarm4Hcamp@gmail.com

🌐 Learn more: www.arethusafarmfoundation.org

Let’s grow, learn, and thrive—together! 🌾

June 23 - August 30 - Registration link will be available mid-June!

OWL’s Fully Booked Summer Reading Challenge is back for 2025!

Register online, then come to the library to receive your challenge card. Starting Monday, June 23, the first 30 people who register AND come to the library to pick up their challenge card will receive a $5 gift card to Dunkin’ Donuts.

Your challenge card includes a list of 16 different prompts for you to try throughout the summer. However, you are not required to complete all of them. Participate at your own pace in whatever way works best for your reading habits!

One lucky winner will be randomly selected to receive a bookish prize basket. For each completed challenge, participants earn one entry towards the prize. Be sure to visit the library before the end of the program to enter your prize slips for the drawing.

Participants who complete at least 6 challenges will gain entry to an exclusive finale event on Tuesday, September 2nd at 6 PM. At this event, Vanessa Fasanella will help attendees create their own floral grapevine wreaths!

On Zoom: June 2 - July 14

Monday Scholars combines the best of online learning and engaging discussion!

Join us for the full 6-weeks or drop in to explore your favorite topics. Each week, we will watch two video lectures together and then engage in lively conversation afterwards. The conversation will be facilitated by OWL's Caroline Ugurlu. 

About the course:

Join us as we explore 12 insightful, informative, illuminating, and (yes) humorous lectures. Professor Steven Gimbel of Gettysburg College will take you through the philosophical theories and explanations of humor, from blatantly obvious puns to complex narratives to sly twists of language. Drawing from both analytical and continental philosophy, the natural and social sciences, and the observations of thinkers ranging from Aristotle and Jonathan Swift to Sigmund Freud and Immanuel Kant, this course will leave you with a stronger appreciation of the jokes you tell and the jokes you hear. What's more, it may just leave you with a clearer idea of the true meaning of life. And that's no laughing matter.

About the professor:

Professor Steven Gimbel holds the Edwin T. Johnson and Cynthia Shearer Johnson Distinguished Teaching Chair in the Humanities at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, where he also serves as Chair of the Philosophy Department. He received his bachelor's degree in Physics and Philosophy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and his doctoral degree in Philosophy from the Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on the philosophy of science, particularly the nature of scientific reasoning and the ways that science and culture interact. He has published many scholarly articles and four books, including Einstein’s Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion; and Einstein: His Space and Times.

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to...

• Ask questions about 18th century sewing Access resources related to 18th century sewing
• Get help with your own 18th century projects
• Meet other people interested in historical sewing
• Join other historical sewing enthusiasts to work on projects together

Tuesday, June 24 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Ice Cream at OWL!

Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with a premium ice cream truck serving soft serve vanilla, 2-3 flavors of scoops, sundaes, waffle cones, and classic novelty ice creams! Everyone who registers for Summer Reading is eligible for this special treat.

Wednesday June 25 10:30 AM -

just one meeting this June - Returning to weekly in July

Perfect for 18 - 36 months, but fun for everyone!

Lots of rhymes, a sprinkling of songs, and one or two shared board books round out this library program that is perfect for little ones who need to get those wiggles out. Stay to PLAY! After the rhymes, stay for some unstructured play time with other kiddos.

STEVE PARLATO BIO

Middlebury artist Steven Parlato’s work has graced theater posters and book covers, and he’s exhibited his collage series, They Are Not Disposable, throughout CT and in NJ, PA, and OH. An award-winning poet and college professor emeritus, Parlato is the author of two young adult novels, The Namesake (winner of the 2011 Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in YA Fiction) and The Precious Dreadful. Both explore grief, loss, and hope. His poetry has appeared in Freshwater, MARGIE, Borderlands, Peregrine, CT River Review, and other journals. On stage, he’s played roles ranging from the Scarecrow to Macbeth. Parlato offers writing workshops at venues throughout CT and creates artwork on commission. Follow him on FB at Steven Parlato Author and IG: @stevenparlato.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

They Are Not Disposable should not need to exist. However, the persistent plague of systemic racism in America (and beyond) makes this artwork necessary. With the collage series complete, the sixteen initials within the works unite to make the declaration, “BLACK LIVES MATTER.” It is absurd this statement should need to be made; tragic it should still be met with resistance. 

Since this is the reality of our world, I ask that you meet threats to justice with your own resistance, in whatever creative form you choose. The only wrong way to approach racism, and all other forms of evil, is to remain silent. As I reflect on the creation of these images, I’m daunted by the work to be done—and overwhelmed by the fact that there are a near-infinite number of potential subjects, countless lives stolen by the evil of white supremacy. 

My hope is that this work leaves an impression, reminding viewers of the intrinsic humanity of each subject, and that of each individual we encounter. If my portraits of the stolen have touched you, I encourage you to learn more about these sixteen people, to keep their memories alive as I’ve attempted to do. And together, let’s confront the issues of inequity and racial violence that continue to claim innocent lives.

Litchfield Historical Society Summer Camps 2025

STEVE PARLATO BIO

Middlebury artist Steven Parlato’s work has graced theater posters and book covers, and he’s exhibited his collage series, They Are Not Disposable, throughout CT and in NJ, PA, and OH. An award-winning poet and college professor emeritus, Parlato is the author of two young adult novels, The Namesake (winner of the 2011 Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in YA Fiction) and The Precious Dreadful. Both explore grief, loss, and hope. His poetry has appeared in Freshwater, MARGIE, Borderlands, Peregrine, CT River Review, and other journals. On stage, he’s played roles ranging from the Scarecrow to Macbeth. Parlato offers writing workshops at venues throughout CT and creates artwork on commission. Follow him on FB at Steven Parlato Author and IG: @stevenparlato.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

They Are Not Disposable should not need to exist. However, the persistent plague of systemic racism in America (and beyond) makes this artwork necessary. With the collage series complete, the sixteen initials within the works unite to make the declaration, “BLACK LIVES MATTER.” It is absurd this statement should need to be made; tragic it should still be met with resistance. 

Since this is the reality of our world, I ask that you meet threats to justice with your own resistance, in whatever creative form you choose. The only wrong way to approach racism, and all other forms of evil, is to remain silent. As I reflect on the creation of these images, I’m daunted by the work to be done—and overwhelmed by the fact that there are a near-infinite number of potential subjects, countless lives stolen by the evil of white supremacy. 

My hope is that this work leaves an impression, reminding viewers of the intrinsic humanity of each subject, and that of each individual we encounter. If my portraits of the stolen have touched you, I encourage you to learn more about these sixteen people, to keep their memories alive as I’ve attempted to do. And together, let’s confront the issues of inequity and racial violence that continue to claim innocent lives.

Litchfield Historical Society Summer Camps 2025

Presented by Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP

Calling on examples in her own life, Sr. Jo-Ann Iannotti, will reflect on the themes of creativity and self-discovery through her practice of the two arts of poetry and photography. Her presentation will include examples from her new book, “I Know Myself As Thief”.

A book signing will follow the presentation. All book sale proceeds will support the mission of the Dominican Sisters of Hope.

Lunch will be available for purchase.

The Litchfield Farmers Market is one of the few year-round markets in the Connecticut. The weekly Saturday market offers fresh seasonal produce, fruit, berries, herbs, sustainably sourced fish; artisanal cheeses, breads and baked goods, local honey, maple syrup and gifts - all raised, grown or crafted by 15+ local vendors. 

The market occasionally hosts live music and supports non-profits from throughout the Litchfield area.

INDOOR MARKET - November through mid-June (intermittent Saturdays through the winter months -- check the website for dates.) Open Saturdays 10am - 1pm at the Litchfield Community Center located at 421 Litchfield Road, Litchfield, CT.

OUTDOOR MARKET - mid- June through October located at Center School, Litchfield.

Weekly starting June 7 through August 16

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: The Litchfield History Museum

Cost: Free for Members, $10 for non-Members

Registration Requested

The Litchfield Historical Society’s weekly walking tours are the perfect way to discover Litchfield’s vibrant history and explore the town’s celebrated Historic District. The history and stories of old Litchfield are preserved in the architecture of the town. Each tour provides visitors with an overview of Litchfield’s history - from the stories behind famous landmarks to anecdotes about past residents to appreciation of prominent buildings. 

The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society (7 South Street) and lasts approximately 1 hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Walking tours are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Walking Tours are sponsored by Berkshire Alarm

Come explore the fascinating and often troubled joint history of snakes and humans with Environmental Educator, Colleen Harrak. We will explore mythology and traditional views on snakes throughout the world and time. In addition, you’ll get up close and personal with some of our live snake ambassadors to learn which species of snakes are native to CT. Ages 10 and up! 2:00 p.m., Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. Members: $5.00, Non-Members: $10.00 Please pre-register: www.whitememorialcc.org

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is delighted to welcome author Mary Dixie Carter who will be signing copies of her new book “Marguerite By The Lake” on Saturday, June 28th at 3 pm.

ABOUT THE BOOK

This May, Mary Dixie Carter returns with an atmospheric, tense, upmarket suspense novel.  In “Marguerite By The Lake” Marguerite Gray is a lifestyle icon known for her garden parties, high-end business ventures, and being the muse behind the famous Serge Kuhnert painting, Marguerite by the Lake.  Her presence is overpowering, her taste, legendary.  For the last few years, Phoenix has been the gardener on the famed Rosecliff grounds, home of the Gray family: Marguerite and her husband Geoffrey.  Phoenix came from humble beginnings, and now she works hard to craft the landscape that underpins Marguerite’s brand.

When a storm threatens the launch party for Marguerite’s latest book, it’s Phoenix who spots the danger to the guests and rushes to Geoffrey’s side to save him from a falling tree.  Geoffrey is grateful - perhaps too grateful.  Marguerite is…jealous.  Phoenix senses the danger of being drawn deeper into their lives but can’t resist the attention, becoming embroiled in an affair that could destroy her career. But soon after the affair begins Marguerite falls to her death, from the same high point at Rosecliff where she posed for Marguerite by the Lake.  Now Phoenix has another secret, one that haunts her even as Geoffrey invites her to move into the manor with him.  A secret that Detective Hanna and Marguerite’s daughter—her spitting image—are circling closer and closer to.  Phoenix tries to put it all behind her and find her rightful place at Rosecliff. But as every gardener knows, nothing stays buried forever.

“Marguerite By The Lake” is an addictive, beautifully written story about art, nature, and obsession set among the glamourous backdrop of a perfectly manicured garden and all the secrets that lie beneath.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Dixie Carter is the critically acclaimed author of “The Photographer”. Her writing has appeared in TIME, The Economist, San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and more.  She worked at The Observer for five years as the publishing director and has worked as a professional actor.  Mary Dixie has an honors degree in English Literature from Harvard College and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School.  She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two young children.

Author photograph – Beowulf Sheehan.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

"Shiver-inducing . . . Carter brings readers into Phoenix's fraying mind, wringing some delightfully gothic fireworks out of her struggle to avoid detection and stake her claim as the new mistress of Rosecliff.  The result is a winning homage to Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca."-- Publishers Weekly

"Dazzling and atmospheric, Marguerite by the Lake is impossible to put down.  A modern-day ghost story, with tinges of Gothic horror, it's as haunting and gorgeous as the painting at its center.  I was gripped until the very last page--a final scene I still can't stop thinking about."--Jenny Hollander, USA Today bestselling author of Everyone Who Can Forgive Me is Dead

"Tense and richly emotional, Marguerite by the Lake is a deep dive into toxic love and the danger of wanting another person's life.  Carter's prose shines, hypnotic and lyrical as she paints characters and a setting that pop off the page, but it's the story's overarching sense of doom that makes it unputdownable.  An engrossing read with an ending that lingers."--Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of The Paris Widow

This event is free and open to the public.  If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve signed copies of “Marguerite By The Lake” by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525, or shop our website 24/7 at www.hickorystickbookshop.com.  

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is excited to welcome author Nicholas Benson who will be reading from his latest book of poetry “I Commissioned Some Wooden Luggage” on Sunday, June 29th at 2 pm.

ABOUT THE BOOK

While backpacking in Europe as a teenager in the 1980s, Nick Benson stumbled on a window display in a Venetian gallery that caught his eye: it featured a beautifully carved duffle-bag sculpted from wood, complete with drawers.  For the itinerant Benson, this objet d'art was a source of fascination: "you could keep your travel bag by your bed and be ready to go, but it could also be a useful piece of furniture...I would have commissioned some wooden luggage, if not for the price tag... instead it became a metaphor and took on a life of its own.  I didn't realize it then, but it's the embodiment of wanting opposing things at once.  It seems to sum up this permanent sense of duality-rootedness and restlessness".

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicholas Benson, son of a US diplomat, was born in West Germany in 1966 and grew up in Yugoslavia, Turkey, and the USSR.  He holds a PhD in Italian (New York University, 1999) and an MFA in Writing (Vermont College of Fine Arts, 2009).  

A cup of coffee and a book of poetry…Benson is an English teacher at the Frederick Gunn School in Washington.  He also translates Italian literature (poetry, books, a short novel).  He loves cooking, and he loves coffee.  Since 2007, he has been roasting his own coffee beans.  He turned his passion for coffee into a business, and now he is a micro-roaster.  He has a loyal following in Litchfield County.

Author photograph – Mike Yamin.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

“Benson’s poems are a mixture of wit and sorrow, satire and self-reckoning, urban pastoral and epigram; they manifest themselves in a myriad of inventive forms, including experiments with line, collage, and poetic sequence-making. They are cosmopolitan, urbane, and just plain damn smart poems.” — David Wojahn

“A terrific poet, Benson’s poems range from a kind of Whitmanesque vision as he tries to visit an old Jewish graveyard in NY to intense lyrics that as he says in one poem, would ‘rescue your breaking heart.’  This is a poet and translator with a wide range of talents.” — Richard Jackson

This event is free and open to the public.  If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve copies of “I Commissioned Some Wooden Luggage” by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525, or shop our website 24/7 at www.hickorystickbookshop.com.  

🌻 Join Us This Summer at Arethusa Farm 4-H Camp! 🌻

Located on a beautiful 140-acre nonprofit farm in Litchfield, CT, Arethusa Farm 4-H Camp is more than just summer fun—it’s a hands-on journey into sustainable agriculture, animal care, and environmental science!

🧒 Open to youth ages 5–13

📅 10 weeks of weekday camps | June 16 – August 22, 2025

🕘 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM daily

• 🌿 Discovery Camps (First 6 weeks): Explore farm animals, horticulture, environmental science, ag mechanics, and more!
• 🐑 Specialty Camps (Last 4 weeks):Choose from Vet Science Camp or Farm Camp for a deeper dive into animal care and sustainable farming.

This camp is part of a larger mission to reconnect youth and families with the land, promote food security, and build a healthier, more resilient community.

🔗 Register now

📧 Questions? Email us at arethusafarm4Hcamp@gmail.com

🌐 Learn more: www.arethusafarmfoundation.org

Let’s grow, learn, and thrive—together! 🌾

Mondays at 10:30 AM - June 23 - August 18*

For ages 4 - 8

*No class July 7

Using Letters are Characters® Parents and caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. Ensuring that your child learns to read to their highest potential is one of the greatest gifts that you can give them. Using Letters are Characters and Letters are Builders trademarked play-based methods, we will laugh and play our way to literacy and deep reading and empower you to be a confident and competent literacy guide for your child!

This program is funded by the generous support of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. Register and receive a Letters are Characters or Letters are Builders kit while supplies last. In addition to the in-person program, you will also receive weekly guidance delivered right to your inbox.

Does your child need to learn to recognize the letters and know the sounds that they make?

Visit the Oliver Wolcott Library Website for more details and links to receive Letters are Characters Kits.

On Zoom: June 2 - July 14

Monday Scholars combines the best of online learning and engaging discussion!

Join us for the full 6-weeks or drop in to explore your favorite topics. Each week, we will watch two video lectures together and then engage in lively conversation afterwards. The conversation will be facilitated by OWL's Caroline Ugurlu. 

About the course:

Join us as we explore 12 insightful, informative, illuminating, and (yes) humorous lectures. Professor Steven Gimbel of Gettysburg College will take you through the philosophical theories and explanations of humor, from blatantly obvious puns to complex narratives to sly twists of language. Drawing from both analytical and continental philosophy, the natural and social sciences, and the observations of thinkers ranging from Aristotle and Jonathan Swift to Sigmund Freud and Immanuel Kant, this course will leave you with a stronger appreciation of the jokes you tell and the jokes you hear. What's more, it may just leave you with a clearer idea of the true meaning of life. And that's no laughing matter.

About the professor:

Professor Steven Gimbel holds the Edwin T. Johnson and Cynthia Shearer Johnson Distinguished Teaching Chair in the Humanities at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, where he also serves as Chair of the Philosophy Department. He received his bachelor's degree in Physics and Philosophy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and his doctoral degree in Philosophy from the Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on the philosophy of science, particularly the nature of scientific reasoning and the ways that science and culture interact. He has published many scholarly articles and four books, including Einstein’s Jewish Science: Physics at the Intersection of Politics and Religion; and Einstein: His Space and Times.

Teen Summer Reading Challenge Entering Grades 6-12

From July 1 - August 12

We challenge you to read 10 books this summer. We know you can do it! And for every book you read (whether that’s 1 or 100!) your name will be entered into a drawing to win a Kindle or a gift card to The Curious Cat Bookshop!

D&D Dice Set: Our Weekly Level Up @ Your Library Visit Incentive

Visit OWL each week during our Summer Reading Program to complete your own Dungeons & Dragons dice set!