Step right up to our delightful BLT - Bagels. Lox. Tefillin. event! Join us on Sundays from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, running from July 4th to August 25th, for a heartwarming experience.
Wrap Tefillin, recite a prayer, and relish in the scrumptious bagels, lox cream cheese, paired perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to truly connect, to embrace your Jewish traditions, and simply enjoy each other's company. Don't worry if you don't have your own Tefillin - we've got you covered with our guidance and equipment.
No prior knowledge required - just bring yourself and an open heart. This event is family-friendly, so bring along the little ones for a meaningful and delicious experience. Come hungry, leave happy - we'll take care of the rest!
BLT On The Green | Bagels Lox Tefillin
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!
FULLY BOOKED - Adult Summer Reading Challenge
Presented by Rev. Dr. Eileen Epperson
We all react differently to the loss of a loved one. Whether it be from old age, terminal illness or accident, we are never prepared for the tsunami of feelings and the shattered sense of life. In this support group, “Grieving With Wisdom,” we take one day at a time accompanied by a caring facilitator and others who know what this journey is like. You are not alone. There are resources to help you along your journey.
This is an 8-session grief support group starting Monday, May 19 through July 7. Participants are urged to commit to all 8 weeks to receive the full benefit of the content. Signing up for May 19 registers you for all sessions.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM
We will gather within the comforting space of Wisdom House with a seasoned facilitator and have the opportunity to speak and listen and discover we are not alone at all.
“This group means the world to me at present. It is a safe place to come and let my real feelings out. I don’t have to pretend to be stronger than I am. I can just be myself.”
A grief group participant after eight months.
Eight Mondays: May 19-July 7
limited to 12 participants
This program is offered on a donation basis, and your generosity is deeply appreciated.
Donations can be made at online registration via the Wisdom Fund or in-person upon arrival.
Grieving with Wisdom
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.
Monday Scholars: Philosophy of Humor
Come join us for a FREE COMMUNITY YOGA class at Charym in Litchfield every Monday at 5pm. This class is for both the young, and not so young, designed to help you release aches and pains while building strength and flexibility. Whether you're new to yoga or looking for a gentle practice, this class offers a sequence of basic postures that stretch and strengthen the body. The flow is moderately paced, allowing you to move with ease while focusing on proper alignment and mindfulness. Each posture is taught with an emphasis on safety and awareness, helping you feel more grounded, centered, and stronger with each class. Come as you are and experience the benefits of yoga in a supportive, welcoming environment.
FREE YOGA CLASSES
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
18th Century Sewing Drop In Hours - Get ready for 2026!!
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.
Kids Summer Reading Kick-Off
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.
Rhyme Time & Playgroup
Twister Baseball Camp with Coach Hunt
Twister Baseball Camp 2025
Litchfield Historical Society Summer Camps 2025
Litchfield Historical Summer Camps 2025
Twister Baseball Camp with Coach Hunt
Twister Baseball Camp 2025
Litchfield Historical Society Summer Camps 2025
Litchfield Historical Summer Camps 2025
Presented by Jeanine Chayka
A journey of discovering YOU and creating a Self Care routine to finding who you lost along the way.
The Retreat will allow you to " Make YOU a Priority" by discovering self care routines that bring you back to the present moment and adding in joy into your daily life.
Participants will experience:
- Morning meditation along with sound vibrations to grow, relax and heal the mind, body and spirit.
- Group sharing to open the channels to let go of old habits and routines.
- A shared walk on the Labyrinth ( weather permitting)
This will be a full journey inward to grow and reset for the summer months.
The retreat will end with a 45-60 minute Sound Bath Meditation.
Lunch is included
A Time for Transformation and Growth with Inspired Vibrations
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 Gift of Creativity: Lessons from my Life
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
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
Architecture Walking Tour of Litchfield History
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.
Mary Dixie Carter Book Signing
Step right up to our delightful BLT - Bagels. Lox. Tefillin. event! Join us on Sundays from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, running from July 4th to August 25th, for a heartwarming experience.
Wrap Tefillin, recite a prayer, and relish in the scrumptious bagels, lox cream cheese, paired perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to truly connect, to embrace your Jewish traditions, and simply enjoy each other's company. Don't worry if you don't have your own Tefillin - we've got you covered with our guidance and equipment.
No prior knowledge required - just bring yourself and an open heart. This event is family-friendly, so bring along the little ones for a meaningful and delicious experience. Come hungry, leave happy - we'll take care of the rest!
BLT On The Green | Bagels Lox Tefillin
Presented by Rev. Dr. Eileen Epperson
We all react differently to the loss of a loved one. Whether it be from old age, terminal illness or accident, we are never prepared for the tsunami of feelings and the shattered sense of life. In this support group, “Grieving With Wisdom,” we take one day at a time accompanied by a caring facilitator and others who know what this journey is like. You are not alone. There are resources to help you along your journey.
This is an 8-session grief support group starting Monday, May 19 through July 7. Participants are urged to commit to all 8 weeks to receive the full benefit of the content. Signing up for May 19 registers you for all sessions.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM
We will gather within the comforting space of Wisdom House with a seasoned facilitator and have the opportunity to speak and listen and discover we are not alone at all.
“This group means the world to me at present. It is a safe place to come and let my real feelings out. I don’t have to pretend to be stronger than I am. I can just be myself.”
A grief group participant after eight months.
Eight Mondays: May 19-July 7
limited to 12 participants
This program is offered on a donation basis, and your generosity is deeply appreciated.
Donations can be made at online registration via the Wisdom Fund or in-person upon arrival.
Grieving with Wisdom
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.
Learn to Read Mondays
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.
Monday Scholars: Philosophy of Humor
Come join us for a FREE COMMUNITY YOGA class at Charym in Litchfield every Monday at 5pm. This class is for both the young, and not so young, designed to help you release aches and pains while building strength and flexibility. Whether you're new to yoga or looking for a gentle practice, this class offers a sequence of basic postures that stretch and strengthen the body. The flow is moderately paced, allowing you to move with ease while focusing on proper alignment and mindfulness. Each posture is taught with an emphasis on safety and awareness, helping you feel more grounded, centered, and stronger with each class. Come as you are and experience the benefits of yoga in a supportive, welcoming environment.
FREE YOGA CLASSES
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
18th Century Sewing Drop In Hours - Get ready for 2026!!
Litchfield County's First Health & Wellness Festival is a two-day event that will be held in July, 2025.
- July 5th at Litchfield Community Field in Litchfield, CT
- July 6th off-site activities at White Memorial Conservation Center and other locations (full program to be announced in May)
We invite health and wellness businesses and practitioners to showcase their product or service, become a sponsor, or simply get involved in bringing this event to life. Every bit of support helps and together, we can create something truly impactful. This event will be free to everyone: Litchfield County residents and outside visitors alike.
Our mission is to promote holistic well-being by encouraging a comprehensive approach to health that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. We strive to empower individuals to cultivate balance and vitality in their daily lives.
Litchfield Wellness Festival (Litchfield County)
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
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
Architecture Walking Tour of Litchfield History
Step right up to our delightful BLT - Bagels. Lox. Tefillin. event! Join us on Sundays from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, running from July 4th to August 25th, for a heartwarming experience.
Wrap Tefillin, recite a prayer, and relish in the scrumptious bagels, lox cream cheese, paired perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to truly connect, to embrace your Jewish traditions, and simply enjoy each other's company. Don't worry if you don't have your own Tefillin - we've got you covered with our guidance and equipment.
No prior knowledge required - just bring yourself and an open heart. This event is family-friendly, so bring along the little ones for a meaningful and delicious experience. Come hungry, leave happy - we'll take care of the rest!
BLT On The Green | Bagels Lox Tefillin
Boys Basketball Camp with Coach Gollow