ADULT SUMMER READING 2026
June 1st – August 10th
Summer reading isn’t just for kids.
There is still time to join our Adult Reading challenge and
enter to win our prize drawing for gift cards.
Celebrate AMERICA 250 with the Stratford Library
SPICE UP YOUR SUMMER
Monday, August 10 | Reference Department
Stop by the Reference Desk and pick up a “Spice Up Your Summer: MARJORAM”
In honor of America’s 250th, we are featuring spices commonly used in early American cooking. Stop by the Reference Desk on the date listed and pick up a grab & go kit while supplies last. Each kit contains a sample of the spice plus information and recipes. One kit per household.
Beginning Monday, August 10, you can stop at the Reference Desk to pick up a kit. There is no registration. Kits are first come, first served. Supplies are limited. One kit per household.
250th AMERICAN BOOK CLUB
Thursday, August 13 | 11am | Board Room
Join us for a special book club celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. We will discuss The Greatest Sentence Ever Written by Walter Isaacson. America’s bestselling biographer reveals the origins of the most revolutionary sentence in the Declaration of Independence, the one that defines who we are as Americans—and explains how it should shape our politics today.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.
Register HERE
FEATURED PROGRAMS
TAI CHI Easy/Qigong
Saturday, August 15 & 29 | 10am | Library lawn
Tai chi easy/qigong practice uses gentle movement, massage, meditation, and mindfulness to support overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Class will focus on integrating body, breath, and mind to promote relaxation and restore balanced energy. Each session encourages individuals to engage at their own pace and according to their personal needs.
August 15 – Register HERE
August 29 – Register HERE
LEARN TO PLAY MAHJONG
Thursday, August 20 | 6pm | or Saturday, August 22 | 10:30am | Lovell Room
Interested in learning how to play Mahjong? Here’s your chance! Esther from Mahjong Haven will be teaching us Hong Kong Style Mahjong, a great foundation for understanding the game and learning other styles.
All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.
This class is offered on Thursday 8/20 OR Saturday 8/22 – please only sign up for one session, not both. Adults 18+ only
NEW LOCATION: This program will now take place at The Perry House (1128 West Broad St, Stratford)
August 20 – Register HERE
August 22 – Register HERE
WORKSHOPS:
SECURING YOUR LEGACY
Wednesday, August 12 | 6:30pm | Perry House
The How and Why of Making a Will: Join a discussion with Probate Judge Max Rosenberg and Chris Green, Financial Advisor. Ask questions and figure out your personalized first step toward this important financial goal.
NEW LOCATION: This program will now take place at The Perry House (1128 West Broad St, Stratford)
CAREER & TECH HELP:
Career Coach: LEARNING MICROSOFT WORD
Tuesday, August 4, 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm | Career Coach Bus parks on Main Street near the library front entrance.
Learn what you need to successfully use Microsoft Word. Discover handy shortcuts you can use to finish up your document faster! There will be time to practice what you learned at the end of the session.
The same materials are covered in both sessions today.
Register HERE for 10am-12pm session
Register HERE for 1-3pm session
BOOK DISCUSSIONS:
Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, August 3 | 11am | Children’s Program Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others!
Little Gems
Wednesday, August 12 | 11am | Lovell Room
Join the adult book discussion of The Best Dog in the World: Essays on Love edited by Alice Hoffman. Whether you are a dog fan or not, there’s a lot to love and learn through these heartfelt essays by famous writers including Emily Henry, Isabel Allende, Paul Yoon, Amy Tan and more.
Copies of the book are available at the Checkout Desk.
Register HERE
Books on Tap (BOT)
Books, Brews, and Bantor
Tuesday, August 25 | 7pm to settle, 7:30pm to talk
Join us for a casual, and unique book discussion at Riverview Bistro, 946 Ferry Blvd, Stratford, CT 06614.
We will meet at 7:00pm and then start our discussion at 7:30pm. Please tell all your friends this is so exciting. We will be discussing The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami a riveting and utterly original novel about one woman’s fight for freedom, set in a near future where even dreams are under surveillance.
Copies of the book are available at the Checkout Desk.
CREATE:
KNIT WITS
Wednesday, August 5 & 19 | 6pm | Children’s Department Café
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own projects.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.
PROPAGATION STATION – Houseplant Swap and Community Seed Share
Thursday, August 27 | 6pm | Lobby
Exciting news this month! In addition to our Propagation Station Houseplant Cutting Swap, we are thrilled to introduce the Community Seed Share with our partner Divinity Adivina®️!
For the Community Seed Share – Whether sowing your first seed indoors or outdoors, tending a flourishing garden, or nurturing a small farm or homestead, all are welcome.