Shanks Waterfront Dining @ Clinton Marina & Shopping at Clinton Outlets

Enjoy lunch on your own at the marina while watching boats pass by under shaded canopies then we will head to the outlets to take advantage of Back To School sales.

* Pre-registration & pre-payment required.

Wednesday August 6 at 10:30 am

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.

In Person & on Zoom:

As many of our patrons and guests likely know, a substantial section of the Oliver Wolcott Library is located inside the home of Oliver Wolcott Jr., a key political figure in the early history of Connecticut. Please join us for this special lecture presentation about Wolcott, delivered by historian John F. Lizzi.

Oliver Wolcott Jr. (1760-1833) was the nation’s second Treasury Secretary and a key figure on the national stage during the Federalist administrations of Presidents George Washington and John Adams. Upon his resignation from the federal government in 1800, Wolcott prospered for many years as a private citizen, and was later elected Governor of Connecticut, serving for ten years. 

Lizzi will examine Wolcott’s contributions to both national and state government during his nearly forty years of public service, as well as discuss to what extent Wolcott evolved politically during his long career. Wolcott’s success can be attributed to his steadfast commitment to his principles including personal integrity, nationalism, the need for a strong national government, and the promotion of manufacturing and industry. 

John Lizzi has taught social studies and history at Housatonic Valley Regional High School for the past thirteen years. He completed his doctoral dissertation on Oliver Wolcott Jr. earlier this spring, and has plans to adapt his work into a book. He lives in Burlington, Connecticut with his wife and two young children.

Photo of Oliver Wolcott Jr. courtesy of the Museum of Connecticut History

Registration only required to attend in-person. Zoom link is at owlibrary.org

Time for self care with nature therapy! Join Amy Lopez, Bloom Where Planted Facilitator, in crafting pressed flowers to create a summery suncatcher to take home and enjoy.

* Pre-registration & Pre-registration required. Limited spots!

Moderated by Nancy Schuler - In-Person:

Join us as we are introduced to the writings of Carol Ruggiero by her devoted husband, Albert.

Albert says this book was never meant to be, but after Carol passed in 2020, Al knew that her writings of 20 years needed to be published.

“Her writings are short, very funny, always thought provoking and just what the world needs in these often sad and scary times.” 

You will come away feeling like you've always known Carol. Al may ask volunteers from the audience if they would like to read.

Join us for a joyful exploration of nature & art!

Fridays at 1 PM - August 1, 8 & 15

For ages 8 & up

Registration is Required at OWL website

Did you ever want to explore true magic in the universe? This program series is an invitation into an artistic movement that focuses on the magic of the natural world. All are welcome, bring your individual talents and interests. All supplies will be provided. 

Ms. Ammirati is an artist, wildlife intuitive/naturalist/activist, and master gardener. 

Come join us for a Saturday on the Arethusa Farm. Enjoy the animals, be creative with a farm related craft/game, and story time with author & illustrator Ms. Parmelee! 

Saturday's starting 7/19

9:00 - 11:00 AM

Ages 5 & under

$35 per family

For questions, email: erikae@arethusafarmfoundation.org

To register and pay, please visit: www.arethasatarmcoamdation.org

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.

Storytime and Stay to Play at OWL

Saturdays: August 2 & 9

Perfect for 3 - 5 year olds, but fun for everyone!

Join Mrs. Tricia for a classic library storytime--books, songs, bubbles, and more! Come for early literacy skills, social connections, and fun! We will meet outside each week, weather permitting. 

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

Sewing by hand like troops and women had to do in 1776 without lights is Doing History! Come learn how to sew a mitts like the men and women wore during the cold weather of the Rev. War era.

Docent led house tours of Miss Edith's Cottage at Topsmead run the second & fourth weekends of the month through October 12th, 2025. First Come, first served. Tours start at noon and run for approximately 30 minutes; last tour at 4:30 p.m. Free but donations are appreciated to support maintenance of cottage interior/exterior including gardens, the scholarship fund, and educational programming. Meet at the front door of the cottage. For GPS directions, designate Buell Road as your destination. We look forward to seeing you!

Mondays in August: 4, 11,18 at 10:30 am

For ages 4 - 8 & their caregivers

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!

Visit our website or call to register.

This program is funded by the generous support of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. 

In-Person & on Zoom: with Historian Peter Vermilyea

Join us each month for one year as we explore 12 influential Presidents through selected biographies spanning from George Washington through John F. Kennedy.

August Selection: 

In August, we will be exploring John Adams by David McCullough - A Pulitzer Prize winning book. 

In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot who spared nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution and his love and dedication to fairness and American democracy.

About the Presenter:

Peter Vermilyea teaches history at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, CT and at Western Connecticut State University. A graduate of Gettysburg College, he serves as the scholarship director of his alma mater’s Civil War Institute. He is the author or editor of five books and fifteen articles, most on aspects of Civil War history.

Registration required only to attend in-person. Zoom link is at owlibrary.org

Take a scenic summer ride through the Berkshires where you’ll enjoy many exciting contemporary art exhibitions. Enjoy a convenient catered box lunch at Lickety Split Cafe right on campus (menu options below) so you can get the most out of your time exploring the museum along with a Guided Group Tour. For additional info and ehibitions, visit www.massmoca.org.

Cost includes lunch & Guided Tour

* Pre-registration & pre-payment required.

REGISTER

Book to be discussed:

Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard

Weaving personal narrative and scientific insights, the book explains that trees evolve and learn behaviors to compete and cooperate with one another with sophistication.

Books are available to borrow at the library

Book to be discussed:

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

America becomes a place of chaos, where violence rules and only the powerful are safe. Societal collapse, religion, race, and survival are addressed by a young woman.

Books are available to borrow at the library

Wrap up a fun summer with your friends and family.

Join us for a fun evening and exciting entertainment.

Come early to for food trucks and ice cream.

Trampoline Show starts at 6pm

Co-hosed by Litchfield Park & Rec and the Litchfield Prevention Council

Sponsored by: Thurston Funeral Home, John Scheepers Bulbs and The Litchfield Inn

Join us for a joyful exploration of nature & art!

Fridays at 1 PM - August 1, 8 & 15

For ages 8 & up

Registration is Required at OWL website

Did you ever want to explore true magic in the universe? This program series is an invitation into an artistic movement that focuses on the magic of the natural world. All are welcome, bring your individual talents and interests. All supplies will be provided. 

Ms. Ammirati is an artist, wildlife intuitive/naturalist/activist, and master gardener. 

Come join us for a Saturday on the Arethusa Farm. Enjoy the animals, be creative with a farm related craft/game, and story time with author & illustrator Ms. Parmelee! 

Saturday's starting 7/19

9:00 - 11:00 AM

Ages 5 & under

$35 per family

For questions, email: erikae@arethusafarmfoundation.org

To register and pay, please visit: www.arethasatarmcoamdation.org