What's New @ The Library

Mark Twain and the Supernatural

The Friends of the Watertown Library will host a program on Mark Twain and the Supernatural presented by Jason Scappaticci, The Bow-Tie Historian at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2021 via Zoom.

Known best today for his frank observations on society, Mark Twain also lived during the spiritualism craze in the United States. Throughout his life he took an interest in the spirit world through attending seances, palm readers, and meeting mediums.

Jason Scappaticci earned his BA in History from Utica College of Syracuse University and MA in American Studies from Trinity College. Professionally, he has been in higher education since 2003 and is an Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Capital Community College. Jason has a passion for history and enjoys sharing that passion with others as reflected in his lectures taken around the state to libraries and historical societies.

There is no fee for the program, so share with friends and family. Pre-registration is required by going to wtnfriends@sbcglobal.net or call 203 706 5114. Leave contact information and a link to the program will be emailed to participants the day before the program.

The program will last about 60 minutes including a question-and-answer session.

Mystery Book Club

Mystery Book Club - Virtual Program - Hosted by Robin Osborn

The Mystery Book Club meets at 7:00pm on the third Wednesday of each month via Zoom.

• November 18, 2020: Agatha Christie, The Body in the Library
• December 16, 2020: P.D. James, The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories
• January 20, 2021: Archer Mayor, Presumption of Guilt
• February 17, 2021: Anne Cleeves, The Moth Catcher
• March 17, 2021: Carlene O'Connor, Murder in an Irish Pub
• April 21, 2021: Tony Hillerman, Coyote Waits
• May 19, 2021: Boris Akunin, The Winter Queen
• June 16, 2021: Donna Leon, The Waters of Eternal Youth

If you are interested in participating, please send an email to wtnlib@watertownlibrary.org or call the Watertown Library at 860-945-5360. You will then be put on the list to receive a Zoom invite.

Brainfuse JobNow

The Watertown Library Association is pleased to announce Brainfuse JobNow is now one of the online resources we have available for our patrons.

Brainfuse JobNow is a job assistance platform that offers live job coaching, real-time interview practice, a full-service resume lab, 24/7 access to local job resources and more.

Remote access is now available to Watertown Library Association card holders.

If you need to acquire a Watertown library card or update your current card please email us at reference@watertownlibrary.org or call us at 860-945-5360.

Value Line

The Watertown Library Association is pleased to offer Value Line: an investment research platform as a new online resource for our patrons.

Value Line offers investment research on companies, industries, markets and economies.

Watertown Library card holders may now access this investment tool online. It replaces our long time print subscription to Value Line Investment Survey.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at wtnlib@watertownlibrary.org, please type VALUE LINE in the subject field.

Children's Room Re-Opening

Limited Browsing for up to 15 borrowers is now available in the Children's Room.

Areas open on the children's side include:
• The Picture Book Collection on the curved wall
• Board Books
• First Readers
• Fiction Chapter Books
• Movies on DVD
• Take home coloring and other fun

The library staff will retrieve any other available items for you from our closed areas.

There are no toys, games or seating available.

Browsers are asked to limit their visits to 30 minutes.

Please follow all directional arrows, signage, wear a mask, and be mindful of other browsers by using safe social distancing.

Individualized Grab-and-Go Bags of Children's Books are also available. Call ahead to let us know your child's age and interests and a staff member will put together a collection of books for you to pick up curbside.

Please Note: No Public Restrooms are available.

Curbside Service is still available for those who prefer it.

Please visit our Re-Opening Update Page for a complete list of guidelines, changes and restrictions.

Re-Opening Plans

Watertown Library has started limited browsing on the adult side of the library. Limited Browsing is also available for up to 15 borrowers in the Children's Room.

We ask our patrons to follow our directional arrows, signs, and wear a mask. Hand Sanitizer is available at the entrance and exit as well as throughout the publicly accessible areas.

In order to maintain safe, social distancing: 14 browsers at a time may enter. Please plan for a maximum 30 minute visit.

No Bathrooms are open to the public.

Curbside Service is still available.

Returns are only received in the book drops at the the Watertown Library (470 Main Street, Watertown) or the Oakville Branch Library (55 Davis Street, Oakville).

Please be aware that the health and safety of our patrons and staff remains are top priority. Any changes and/or restrictions to library access and services have been made in order to best serve you, our patrons, while still maintaining your safety as well as the health & safety of our staff.

Please visit our Re-Opening Update Page for a complete list of guidelines, changes and restrictions.

Your understanding and co-operation is appreciated.

Curbside Service @ The Library

Beginning on Monday, June 22 , 2020, No Contact Curbside Service will be available at the Watertown Library for our patrons with a valid Watertown Library Card.

The following steps are being implemented in order to preserve the privacy of our borrowers, to maintain a safe enviorment for both our patrons and staff, and to keep the tradition of a valid and working Watertown Library Card.

• Patrons who are first on the list for holds which are available, will be receiving phone calls or emails to set pick up times for your items. These items will be placed in a bag in the entry of the Watertown Library and labeled with numeric code, which you will be given, to identify your items.
• Those library patrons who do not have holds already are welcome to place them through the Library Catalog or email us at reference@watertownlibrary.org.
• Any items to be returned should be placed in our bookdrop. Those items are then quarantined for 7 days to ensure to the best of our knowledge they are virus free and can be put back on the library shelves or checked out to the next patron requesting it.

If you need to acquire or update your library card please contact us at reference@watertownlibrary.org or call between 10 and 4 Monday through Friday. 860-945-5360.

Curbside hours at the main library (470 Main Street) are from 10am to 4:30pm Monday and Friday and from 10am to 7:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

More information will be forthcoming and we will be adapting as we go.