Genre: Semi-autobiographical graphic novel
Review: Nutmeg finalist. Story about a young boy struggling with identity and bullying.
Call #: YA PB CUARTO
From July 1 to September 4, Connecticut children age 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult can visit participating museums free of charge through the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program. Before you visit, check each participant’s website for specific program details and ticket availability.
View the website for a complete list of museums.
Genre: Dystopian literature
Review: Engrossing story with an interesting premise
Call #: YA LOWRY
Age Range: 9-12
Review: It was an amazing book that shows that you can do anything no matter what.
Call #: J PB MARTIN (GRAPHIC)
Age Range: 8-12
Review: It was scary, but fun. It’s one of those books you’re like, “Cliffhanger! Aww, man” at bedtime.
Call #: J HEA
Age Range: 6-10
Review: An amazing book with facts about New York City and a great plot twist.
Call #: J PB GUTMAN (GRAPHIC)
Age Range: 6 – 8
Review: They all fight crime. I like it because it is silly.
Call #: J PILKEY (GRAPHIC)
Genre: Gentle romance
Review: Heartwarming teen romance, one of the best books by this author
Call #: YA DESSEN
Age Range: 4-10
Review: Deceptively simple pictures and wording hide a wicked sense of humor.
Call #: JE K
Age Range: 4-10
Review: Kids will love that the reader has to read every silly word (and they’re silly).
Call #: JE NOV
Age Range: 4-10
Review: A group of unhappy animals team up to save their home. Hilarious and unexpected.
Call #: JE REX
Age Range: 9-14
Review: An adventure with a young hero who learns that there are many things to be good at, and many ways to help. You will cheer for Will!
Call #: J FLA
Age Range: 10-16
Review: A wonderfully-written adventure/drama with heart and difficult decisions. I’ve read this several times, and loved it more every time.
Call #: J BAB
Age Range: 4 – 10
Review: The mouse was really funny. I didn’t like how it made the boy tired.
Call #: JE NUMERO
Age Range: 10 – 16
Review: I liked this book because I like the story it tells. The story was not predictable. It was a good book; definitely recommended.
Call #: J PAU
Age Range: 8 – 12
Review: What this book was about a kid named Greg. He tells his stories about his middle school adventures, for example how he met his best friend Rowley.
Call #: J KINNEY
Age Range: 7 – 10
Review: I loved this book because of its story. Babymouse tries to be famous, gets famous, blows it. She tries being the director of a play, does well, blows it. I love the story the author drags out of one little idea.
Call #: J HOLM
Age Range: 10+
Review: One of my all time favorite series, can’t recommend it enough.
Call #: J SNI
Age Range: 8-12
Review: A classic Nancy Drew mystery that’s hard to beat!
Call #: J KEENE
Age Range: 8-12
Review: Favorite hobby meets one of my favorite comic book artists, what’s not to love?
Call #: J OSTERT
Age Range: 4-8
Review: A favorite of mine since I was a child
Call #: J 811 SILVER
Age Range: 4-10
Review: This retelling of a classic story is terrific! It has a very humorous addition to the Norwegian ending. The pictures are delightfully quirky.
Call #: JE BARNET
108 Crescent Street, Norwich, CT 06360 (Located in Norwich Free Academy) | 860-425-5563
Located on the campus of the Norwich Free Academy, the Slater art museum displays and interprets fine and decorative art through a wide range of time and cultures.
Free admission for 2 visitors.
Check their website for up-to-date hours and admission requirements.
Did you know that the Bill Memorial Library is the only place in the City that offers free access to computers and the internet?
As a local resource, we work to bring services and programs to Groton that fill community needs. Our summer reading program prevents learning loss in students K-12. Recent programs for adults like the Make Music Day sing-along bring our community together. Offering access to technology is one the most important ways the Bill encourages life-long learning, literacy, and the new ideas and perspectives that are central to our thriving community.
Patrons use this resource to access government services, research health information, enroll in distance-learning
classes, make resumes and do job searches, and start small businesses. Students use it to complete classwork and research projects, explore options for higher education and financial aid, and to simply learn more about something that piques their interest. In fact, our computers have become so popular that we recently upgraded and have six available for the public to use. We are working toward upgrading to fiber internet, increasing efficiency and making access to digital classrooms and educational video conferences even easier.
Providing access to computers and internet is a critical component of our work, and this is why we are investing
in upgrades to internet access, maintenance, and computers. Every day people visit us and take advantage of this free resource. They are as diverse as our community is – sometimes it’s a group of teens who gather to work on a group project for school. Sometimes it’s a person looking to learn English as a second language. Sometimes it’s a mother who looks for job opportunities after her young children participate in our storytime programs.
This investment is possible with the support of friends like you. I’m asking you to join us in this investment with a gift of $25, $50, or even $100.
Thank you for reading and for understanding that free, public access to technology is an important part of the work we do here at the Bill to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Groton.
Sincerely,
Wendy Connal
Executive Director
Genre: Dark fantasy
Review: At turns magical and deeply unsettling, a mysterious start to a series with very human characters.
Call #: YA RIG
Genre: Science fiction fairytale
Review: A familiar tale told in a very different way. It captures your attention like Cinder captures your loyalty as a reader.
Call #: YA MEYER
Genre: Adventurous fantasy
Review: Funny and clever, with expansive characters and an exciting plot.
Call #: YA COLFER
Genre: Adventurous science fiction
Review: A ragtag band of relatable misfits have to save the universe…maybe from themselves. Funny and serious.
Call #: YA KAUFMA
Genre: Steampunk-y dramatic fantasy
Review: What if everyone was born with a best friend? What if someone was trying to separate you? Nail-biting and emotional.
Call #: YA KAUFMA
Genre: Realistic fiction graphic novel
Review: Made me cry, very emotional story.
Call #: YA PB MCCORM
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Review: Kept me engaged through the whole series
Call #: YA TAY
Genre: Steampunk/Dieselpunk
Review: A story of alternate history WWI
Call #: YA WES
Book Discussion Group:
COVID-19 Modification:
The Food for Thought Book Club will be meeting via
Zoom, or, weather permitting, at the picnic tables here at BML. If you wish to participate, give your name and email address to a staff member (call the number below), and you will receive a message with the link and password for the event.
(Girls Who Code page, 2022-2023 group)
Another great year of coding has wrapped up!
Special thanks to the Girls Who Code-d for the 2022-2023 session! You truly embody the GWC ideals of bravery, resilience, creativity, and purpose.
Good luck to our graduate, and to our returning members, we look forward to seeing you again next fall!
This past year, the Girls focused on skill-building activities and independent projects that helped them to gain knowledge about different programming languages and good programming practices.
We also had a lot of fun with Crafting Code activities that combined coding and STEM with art, history, culture, and more! You can try these at home, too:
- Finger-knitting: we explored how knitting patterns included secret messages and codes in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and during World War II efforts. Then we knit our own scarves! For step-by-step instructions, click here.
- Binary code initial stretchy bracelets: we researched the binary system used by computers (the series of 1’s and 0’s representing “on” and “off”) and beads in black and glow-in-the-dark to write out our names’ initials.
- Piet Mondrian and Image Representation: a pencil-and-paper and computer coding mash-up from fellow coders across the Pond at CAS London and CS4FN inspired by the modernist artist Piet Mondrian. Below is my incomplete artistic endeavor.
(two-column picture and code)
The club is on summer break, but stay tuned for the date of our upcoming information session in October 2023!
(Girls Who Code page, 2023-2024 group)
2023 Summer Reading Program
Downloadable YA Titles Available for All Ages!
From April 27th to August 2nd, 2023, you can download FREE audiobooks through Overdrive’s Sora App. These books are only available to download to keep on the weeks they are featured, so sign up now and don’t miss out! You can get the Sora app on the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or at Sora. Register at AudioFile (look for “REGISTER for SYNC”).
See a complete list of titles here. To receive updates and notifications, text syncya to 866-984-0598 or visit AudioFile Magazine.
2023 Adult Summer Reading Program
Win gift certificates to local restaurants and shops!
Saturday, June 24 to Saturday, August 5, 2023
Review your summer reads using our review form, available at the library or on the right, and earn a raffle ticket for each form you submit. BONUS: Complete a “Summer Reading Bingo Sheet” and earn additional tickets. Forms are available at the library or below starting June 24 and must be submitted by August 5. Drawing will be after August 8. Prizes must be picked up in person.
Open to adults, 18 and older.
Bingo sheet below and Review forms at the right ->
2024 Summer of Fun - it's out of this world!
It’s not too late to join in the fun!
This year’s schedule:
Genre: Domestic historical fiction
Review: I could not put this book down. Riveting!
Call #: BENTON
Genre: Thriller
Review: Kept me reading long past bedtime!
Call #: DAVE
Genre: Mystery, psychological fiction
Review: Highly recommended–very good! Relatable characters, compelling storyline
Call #: ALBOM
Genre: Historical fiction
Review: Highly recommended for fans of libraries!
Call #: DAVIS
Genre: Historical fiction
Review: The writing is gorgeous. Not a happy story, but compelling.
Call #: KEEGAN
Genre: Humor, Contemporary romance
Review: I absolutely devoured this book, and it made me emotional at the end.
Call #: SAMPSO
Genre: Domestic fiction
Review: Fun and quirky. Enjoyed the way it was written.
Call #: RAY
Genre: Contemporary fantasy
Review: Emotional and heartwarming story about life, loss and love as well as learning to grow and move forward.
Call #: KLUNE
Genre: Romantic fantasy adventure
Review: A wonderful fantasy with an interesting premise.
Call #: GAI
Genre: Speculative romantic fiction
Review: For fans of dystopian novels, this one is the start of an engrossing trilogy.
Call #: ATW
Genre: Dystopian science fiction
Review: I devoured this book–fans of the TV series should enjoy this as well!
Call #: ATW
Genre: Science fiction comedy
Review: A long-time silly favorite of mine and a must-read series.
Call #: ADA
Genre: Memoir
Review: Eye-opening and beautifully written.
Call #: 3622.7483 HAUCK
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Review: Scandal after scandal, big and small! Everyone has their own story to tell in this tiny town, but at the end of the day they’re just regular people.
Call #: AND
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Review: Scandal after scandal, big and small! Everyone has their own story to tell in this tiny town, but at the end of the day they’re just regular people.
Call #: AND
Genre: Autobiography
Review: This shows that, while it can be difficult, staying true to yourself will set you free.
Call #: B DOYLE
Genre: Romantic historical mystery
Review: Generational saga set in beautiful Venice – secrets, twists, art, love – and not too heavy!
Call #: BOWEN
Genre: Psychological horror
Review: Perfect for Halloween. So good, I read it twice!
Call #: DRESSL
Genre: Fantasy, horror
Review: Strange little one-afternoon read that I’m obsessed with
Call #: MUR
Genre: Suspense, police procedural
Review: Had a different plot – unusual
Call #: POBI
Thames River Landing, Fort Street, Groton, CT 06340 | (no phone number listed)
The Water Taxi runs seasonally on the River Thames on a hop-on, hop-off hourly look between the following three stops (board from any of these three landings):
- Fort Trumbull in New London (on the hour)
- City Pier in New London (20 minutes after the hour)
- Thames River Landing in Groton (40 minutes after the hour)
Free admission for 1 rider. Families may check out more than one pass at a time. Taxi runs on weekends seasonally, from Memorial weekend through Mid-September. Please note that the pass does not cover river tours.
Check their website for up-to-date hours and admission requirements.
You can download the free app called BookMyne for iOS or Android operating systems. When you use BookMyne for the first time, you will need to add “Bill Memorial Library” as your home library. Once you have added the Bill, type in the barcode on your library card and your PIN under “My Account” in order to access your account, search our catalog, and place holds for materials from your mobile device.
The library is closed today, Tuesday, January 16th, 2024 due to inclement weather. We will reopen Wednesday, January 17th at 10 am. In addition, the Children’s Room may be closed on Wednesday due to construction. Please call on Wednesday for further updates. Thank you, and be safe!
Sponsor a Summer Reader
7 weeks | 200+ Readers | 1000+ Hours of Reading | A Never-ending Love of Books
For more than 20 years, children and teens in our community have continued their learning journey throughout the summer as part of our Summer Reading Program, which provides them with two books to keep and an age-appropriate reading list to keep them reading. In addition, The Bill Memorial Library presents weekly learning and enrichment programs that are open to all.
We could not do all of this without you.
Programming such as this, which we offer at no cost, would not be possible without the support of friends like you. Your tax-deductible gift will enable us to purchase books for our readers and bring our weekly activities to families. We have set our fundraising goal at $2,000 this year.
Will you help us reach our goal?
On behalf of the Friends of the Bill Memorial Library, we thank you for your time and consideration.
Warmly,
Emily Lavoie
Chair, Friends of the BML
Christy McElroy
BML Board of Trustees
“I really like the library. Thank you for the fun activities.”
“I love how active the library is with the community.”
“Bill Memorial Library is like a second home to me.”
“Your library is great, and I like the employees and it is a joy. I am always ready to go to the library!”
“I would like to see more of these programs next year. They were fun”
The Bill Memorial Library Summer Reader Program is offered between June and August. On opening day, participants receive a packet containing activity sheets, a reading log, and a book. Completed activities and reading logs earn participants raffle tickets for larger prizes. At the end of the summer, participants are rewarded with a certificate, small gift, and another book for their home library.
Artisan Market is FULL
Thank you to all of the vendors who submitted applications. The market is full, and the Friends are no longer accepting applications.
Keep on the lookout for publicity concerning the upcoming fall Artisan Market!
2023 Summer Reading Programs Have Concluded
Thank you to everyone who made this summer of reading "magical"!
Downloadable YA Titles Available for All Ages!
From April 27th to August 2nd, 2023, you can download FREE audiobooks through Overdrive’s Sora App. These books are only available to download to keep on the weeks they are featured, so sign up now and don’t miss out! You can get the Sora app on the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or at Sora. Register at AudioFile (look for “REGISTER for SYNC”).
See a complete list of titles here. To receive updates and notifications, text syncya to 866-984-0598 or visit AudioFile Magazine.
Adult Summer Reading Program
Win gift certificates to local restaurants and shops!
Saturday, June 24 to Saturday, August 5, 2023
Review your summer reads using our review form, available at the library or on the right, and earn a raffle ticket for each form you submit. BONUS: Complete a “Summer Reading Bingo Sheet” and earn additional tickets. Forms are available at the library or below starting June 24 and must be submitted by August 5. Drawing will be after August 8. Prizes must be picked up in person.
Open to adults, 18 and older.
Bingo sheet below and Review forms at the right ->
Teen Summer Reading Program
Schedule of Events:
Thursday, June 29th
Trivia and Pizza Party
Kick off the summer by testing your trivia knowledge
Thursday, July 6th
DIY Neon Signs
create a custom light-up sign to decorate your room
*space is limited and registration is required
Thursday, July 13th
Werewolf
Team up to determine who among you is a villager and who is a werewolf…before it’s too late
Thursday, July 20th
Tie-dye Shirts
Custom dye a shirt to brighten up your summer
*space is limited and registration is required
Thursday, July 27st
Paint Party
Paint along and learn how to create a fantasy landscape
*space is limited and registration is required
Registration is required for some programs. All events are free and open to teens in middle and high school, and start at 6 PM.
You do not have to participate in the reading portion to attend!
Call the library for more information, or to register.
Teen Reading Log
Forms are also available at the library. Check off each day that you read. Try and read for at least 15 minutes. For every 5 days you check off, you get a raffle ticket! If you read every single day during summer you get 2 extra tickets! June 26th is the first day to record your reading, and logs must be returned to Bill Memorial Library by close on August 5th.
Ella T. Grasso Technical High School’s Summer Reading List and Instructions
Fitch High School Summer Reading Assignment
Groton Middle School Summer Reading Assignment and Summer Site
Free Downloadable Audiobooks!
From April 27th to August 2nd, you can download FREE audiobooks through Overdrive’s Sora App. These books are only available to download to keep on the weeks they are featured, so sign up now and don’t miss out! You can get the Sora app on the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or at Sora. Register at AudioFile (look for “REGISTER for SYNC”).
Teen Book Review Form
Forms are also available at the library. Read a book of your choice and return your book review form to Bill Memorial Library by August 6th for two raffle tickets. You may do this up to two times for raffle tickets. Fitch students should keep a copy to turn into their teachers for summer reading credit.
Children's Summer Reading Program
Reading Log
2023 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge and book suggestions
Ella T. Grasso Technical High School’s Summer Reading List and Instructions
Fitch High School Summer Reading Assignment
Groton Middle School Summer Reading Assignment and Summer Site
Ongoing:
Storytime – Mondays thru August 28th, 10 AM, outside (weather permitting)
Music & Movement – Tuesdays thru August 29th, 10 AM. No program July 4th.
Make Music Day – Wednesday, June 21st. Kids/families: 10 AM. Adult singalong: 6 PM. Outside. Rain date June 22nd.
Once-in-a-lifetime Encounters:
Tripledale Farms Donkeys & Petting Zoo – Saturday, June 24th from 12 – 2 PM. Rain date June 29th.
Riverside Reptiles – Tuesday, June 27th at 1 PM. Grades K – 5 only. *Registration required.
Justin Mazz Magic – Tuesday, July 11th at 1 PM.
Florence Griswold Fairy Houses – Tuesday, July 18th at 1 PM. *Registration required.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center – Snakes! – Tuesday, July 25th at 1 PM.
Unicorn/Dragon Party – Tuesday, August 1st at 1 PM.
Call us for more information or to register for those programs listed above that require registration.
Stuck in My Castle Bingo for Pre-K
All children are welcome to play this bingo. Complete any 5 in a row or more (aross, down, diagonally) and return to the library for a raffle ticket by Saturday, August 5th 2023.
Stuck in My Castle Bingo for K – 5th grade
All children are welcome to play this bingo. Complete any 5 in a row or more (aross, down, diagonally) and return to the library for a raffle ticket by Saturday, August 5th 2023.
108 Crescent Street, Norwich, CT 06360 (Located in Norwich Free Academy) | 860-425-5563
Located on the campus of the Norwich Free Academy, the Slater art museum displays and interprets fine and decorative art through a wide range of time and cultures.
Free admission for 2 visitors.
Check their website for up-to-date hours and admission requirements.
It’s not too late to join in the fun!
This year’s schedule:
The Charter Oak Matching Gifts Program has concluded.
Our sincerest appreciation to everyone who generously donated through the Charter Oak Matching Gift Program! Your gifts will have an even greater impact, doubled by Charter Oak.
NUTMEG Voting has completed for 2024. Thank you to everyone who voted! The winners are listed below.