ADULT SUMMER READING 2026
June 1st – August 10th
Summer reading isn’t just for kids.
Join our Adult Reading challenge & enter to win our prize drawing for gift cards.
Celebrate AMERICA 250 with the Stratford Library
LIBERTY TO LEGACY – Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals 1776 & Hamilton
Wednesday, July 15 | 6:30pm | location TBA
Join Michael Langlois for an engaging presentation exploring the story of our nation’s founding through two iconic American musicals, “1776” and “Hamilton.” Combining history, music, and cultural analysis, this program examines how each musical offers a distinct and contrasting vision of an American society at a crossroads, reflecting the values and tensions of their respective eras.
SPICE UP YOUR SUMMER:
Monday, July 13 | Reference Department
Stop by the Reference Desk and pick up a “Spice Up Your Summer: NUTMEG”
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, July 13, 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.
Build a LEGO National Monument
Tuesday, July 21 | 6:15pm | Board Room
Everyone is welcome to come build LEGO structures inspired by America’s landmarks and history!
Build as a team or individually. We will supply the LEGOs.
After program we will put your creations on display in the Lobby.
Register HERE
WHAT A GLORIOUS CRASH THEY MADE:
Musick of Connecticut’s Revolution
Thursday, July 30 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
In a time when secular music was discouraged as an “extravagance and dissipation,” the fledgling composers of the American Colonies found fiery inspiration in the culture of Liberty. With songs published or performed in Connecticut during the American Revolution, historian and musician Richard Franklin Donohue will illuminate the colony’s often overlooked contribution in this spirited repertoire of music
FEATURED PROGRAMS
PLANT BINGO
Thursday, July 16 | 6:30pm | Library Amphitheatre
What could be better than a BINGO night? How about a Plant BINGO night! Enjoy a fun evening of BINGO with fellow plant lovers, and take home plant prizes!
Did we mention there will be plants?!
This is an adult program ages 18 and up. Registration is required.
Register HERE
TAI CHI Easy/Qigong
Saturday, July 18 & 25 | 10am | Lovell Room
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. Registration is required
Register HERE for July 18
Register HERE for July 25
WORKSHOPS:
GARDENING WORKSHOP: Succession Gardening
Saturday, July 11 | 11am | Perry House*
Join Giulia Gambale, UConn Extension Master Gardener, to learn how to think smarter about when to start your seeds and how to time succession sowings of vegetables for an extended harvest well into fall.
*This program will be held at the Perry House, located at 1128 W Broad St, Stratford, CT 06615. The Perry House is the Yellow House that shares the parking lot with Stratford Library and The Baldwin Center
Register HERE
Workshop: AARP SAFE DRIVER COURSE
Friday, July 24 | 10am | Board Room
The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will offer another session of the “AARP Safe Driver Course”, a classroom driver retraining program designed to help older persons improve their driving skills. The one-day class program is the first comprehensive driver retraining course geared to the specific needs of older motorists. Reservations is required
Register HERE
THEATRE:
OTHELLO (Hudson Shakespeare Company)
Saturday, July 25 | 2pm | Library Courtyard
Hudson Shakespeare returns to Stratford Library with a gripping story of passion, deception, and devastating jealousy, Othello draws audiences into one of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies.
This free performance will be held outside in the Library Courtyard (weather permitting). Bring a chair or blanket. If the weather is bad, the event will be held in the Lovell Room.
CAREER & TECH HELP:
Career Coach: RESUMES & COVER LETTERS
Tuesday, July 7, 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm | Career Coach Bus parks on Main Street near the library front entrance.
Make your resume shine and position yourself to stand out in the crowd of job-seekers!
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, July 6| 11am | Baldwin Center*
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!
PLEASE NOTE: DISCUSSION AT BALDWIN SENIOR CENTER! SIGN IN AT BALDWIN CENTER GREETER’S DESK TO GET A ONE-DAY PASS
Register HERE
Don’t Know Much About (DKMA)
Wednesday, July 8 | 11am | Baldwin Center*
Join the adult book discussion of Hanna’s Daughters by Marianne Fredriksson. Explore Scandinavian history through this novel about three generations of Swedish women, their traumas, sacrifices, tender moments, compromises and joys.
PLEASE NOTE: DISCUSSION AT BALDWIN SENIOR CENTER! SIGN IN AT BALDWIN CENTER GREETER’S DESK TO GET A ONE-DAY PASS
Register HERE
Extra copies of the book are available at the Checkout Desk.
Books on Tap (BOT)
Books, Brews, and Bantor
Tuesday, July 14 | 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 A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern. From the former prime minister of New Zealand, then the world’s youngest female head of government and just the second to give birth in office, comes a deeply personal memoir chronicling her extraordinary rise and offering inspiration to a new generation of leaders.
Extra copies of the book are available at the Checkout Desk.
CREATE:
KNIT WITS
Wednesday, July 8 & 22 | 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, July 30 | 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.
Register HERE
MOVIES:
SONG SUNG BLUE
Monday, July 27 | 12pm | Lovell Room
Highlighted by magnetic performances from Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, this moving and offbeat music biodrama-based on a 2008 documentary-tells the true story of Lightning & Thunder, a Neil Diamond tribute band formed by Mike and Claire Sardina. The somewhat unexpected success they achieved in the 1990s is surpassed only by Mike and Claire’s amazing love story, which saw them stick together though good times and bad.
132 mins / rated PG-13