Fall 2026 Adult/Teen Programs:
Tuesday, September 15,2026 @ 6pm: History comes alive as Professor Kenneth Moll portrays Major General Israel Putnam and regales us with tales from days as a local colonial farmer, tavern keeper, and second in command to General Washington in the Revolutionary War.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 @ 6pm: The 3 Foragers present, "Edible Wild Plants & Fungi of Autumn." Learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and prepare the wild foods of autumn, from acorns through minty wintergreen leaves, including golden honey mushrooms and maitake, the "dancing mushroom."
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 @ 6pm: The Unlikely Legend (and even more unlikely actual history) of The Charter Oak. Walter Woodward, Connecticut State Historian emeritus, continues to share his love for New England history with this fun fact filled presentation about the famous Charter Oak.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @ 6pm: Connecticut author, Greg Dillon presents "The Thin Blue Lie." When Greg Dillon is assigned to a federal fugitive task force in Connecticut, he inadvertently uncovers a pattern of misconduct and falsified affidavits. After reporting his concerns to the politically connected but incompetent chief state's attorney, the whistleblower finds himself a target of reprisals.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 @ 6pm: Rock n' Roll: songs written about real people. Take a step back in time with Ronn Nagel as he spins 45's and reveals the story behind the song. An avid collector and member of the Connecticut Record Club, Ronn will pass on his love for the early years of Rock n' Roll through his extensive record collection.
Saturday, April 11, 2026 (2-5pm)
Slater Library’s 4th Annual Open House Art Show
This Open House event showcases Local Connecticut Artists. The artists are available to talk about their process, media, and art backgrounds. The talent we have around us will astound you. Please drop in to support these artists, have light refreshments and mingle.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (6PM)
15 minutes over 15 years ago changed the life of Mike Familant forever. Come hear about the search and the obsession that resulted in a documentary series titled “In the Shadow of Big Red Eye.” This one is not to be missed! Sign up is required.
Thursday, April 23, 2026 (*5:50 -6:30PM during open hours)
The Financial Freedom Formula
Purely Educational this presentation is not a sales pitch. The goal is to share the essential money principles most people are never taught in school, helping community members build security, reduce stress, and gain confidence with their finances. Sign up is appreciated.
Sunday, April 26, 2026 (9AM – 2PM)
Friends of Slater Library Book/Yard Sale!!!!
No need to say more you know you NEED to be here for this!
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (6PM)
Behind the Scarlet Letter
Author Pat Suprenant will offer details of her research and the creative process of writing an historical novel. This books hits close to home and many will recognize names and places. This story draws on the lives of former Griswold residents, including the Geer and Downer families as well as Rev. Ammi Rogers. Sign up is required.
Tuesday, May 19 ,2026 (6PM)
Fantasy Authors SPOTLIGHT Panel
We are proud to put the Spotlight on some local authors. These Connecticut Authors all write in the Fantasy Genre and are quickly developing a local following. Join us as they discuss their backgrounds, inspiration and thought process. (Where do they get this stuff from?) Each Author will have a selection of their books available to purchase. Please join us for this fun evening as we welcome Desiree Niccoli, Cierra Reyes and Kristin Jacques.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (6PM)
Beyond the Breed: Exploring Dog DNA
Presented by the Connecticut Humane Society this program looks at the history of dogs and their evolution, genetics, and mixed breeds vs. pure breeds. With 53% of the dogs in the country being of a mixed bread this program is made for every dog owner. Sign up required.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (6PM)
Steinhagan Pottery presents the art and history of historic colonial pottery. They will demonstrate the use of the pottery wheel as well as offer examples both antique and reproductions. Just in time for Celebrating America’s 250th birthday! Sign up required.
The Emancipation of Hannah Faythe Winslow: A Woman's Journey in Colonial America
Tuesday, October 7th @6:00pm
Karen Warfield, Connecticut Author
The Emancipation of Hannah Faythe Winslow: A Woman's Journey in Colonial America, by author Karen Warfield, is a work of literary fiction with historical facts woven throughout themes of deception and restoration. After the 1637 Mohegan and Pequot War, orphaned Hannah is left with a vile and amoral man who evades the local magistrates under the guise of establishing a plantation in southeastern Connecticut. She and the missionaries are sent to bring Christianity to the local tribes under an English charter that guarantees each family a homestead at the end of seven years. But instead of living a Godly, noble life, Hannah finds herself a hostage of unbearable religious dogma and a patriarchal society. She could not fathom the omniscience of God as she witnessed the brutality of man upon fellow man. But Hannah discovers God's grace as He leads her into the uncharted territories of the new world. She was a child bride, a woman captive, and finally, a woman triumphant.
Karen will include an interactive skit and demonstration during her book discussion. Come and join the lively discussion! Karen was a finalist in Connecticut Magazine's Best Local Author for 2025 and was short-listed by R.J. Julia Booksellers for historical fiction 2025.
Tuesday, September 23rd @ 6:00pm
Christian de Rezendes, Director at Breaking Branches Pictures
Join us for this presentation to learn about the making of the documentary and local New England history.
After being in production for over a decade, the first season of Slatersville: America's First Mill Village (episodes 1-5) premiered on Rhode Island PBS in 2022. The series received two 2023 Regional Boston/New England Emmy® nominations for Outstanding Documentary and Outstanding Musical Composition, which composer Stephen Gilbane won. Slatersville also received a gold Telly Award for Documentary Series. We have the first 5 episodes on DVD to borrow!
Master the Art of Preserving Your Harvest
Tuesday, September 9th @ 5:30pm (90 min presentation)
Mark Gostkiewicz from Tri Gable Lea Farm Returns
Preserve the taste of the season all year round with our "Preserving the Harvest" workshop! Get ready to say goodbye to wasted produce and hello to a pantry full of delicious, homemade preserves! In this class, we will teach you the ins and outs of pickling, canning, freezing, and drying so you can turn your bountiful harvest into long-lasting, flavorful treats. From cucumbers to tomatoes, and herbs to fruits, we will show you how to keep your harvest fresh and delicious.
Do not let your hard work go to waste, join us in this class to give yourself the confidence and skills you need to enjoy your harvest all year round.
Slatersville: America’s First Mill Village
The World of Carousels, May 6, 2025 6-7:30 pm
Prepare to embark on a unique journey into the thrilling history of carousels with an educator from The Carousel Museum in Bristol. Uncover the surprising complexity of this seemingly simple ride, which transcends from amusement parks to fine art. Carousels are a world of unexpected wonders. Are you prepared to be fascinated?
Slater Library Open House Art Show, April 12, 2025 2-6 pm
Stop in and support our local artists and they exhibit their beautiful works! This annual event is not to be missed! Refreshments provided.
The Art of Container Gardening, Tuesday, March 11, 2025 @ 6 pm (doors open @ 5:45 pm)
Make the most of limited growing space by designing, planting and maintaining your own urban oasis. Mark Gostkiewicz of Tri Gable Lea Farm will understand the best plants and containers for your space. Please join us for this fun and informational program.