COFFEE CAFÉ CROWD ─ Dec. 13 saw a robust crowd of coffee drinkers gathered for the weekly Coffee Café at the library. The café is open on the first floor from 9 a.m.-noon every Friday.

Waterford Library Coffee Café turns five

by Nancy Eaton, as inspired by Karen O’Brien and Carol Madsen

"I think the library needs a coffee shop," said Carol Madsen. "How would you like a partner?" said Karen O'Brien.

That is how the Friday Morning Waterford Coffee Cafe' started on November 1, 2014, with a borrowed coffee maker, some Hannaford coffee cake and 20 patrons.

Now, five years later, nearly 6,000 guests have come together for coffee, tea, homemade treats, stimulating conversation, local gossip, and the pleasure of borrowing books.

What started as a simple idea has grown into a "Must Do" weekly event. The Waterford Library Coffee Café has truly become THE way to meet with friends and neighbors, welcome new and seasonal residents, and stay informed about news and local events. We are especially proud that ALL Coffee Cafe donations are used to fund free books and activities for children including the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Trunk or Treat and Waterford Community Christmas. In addition, funds supported theatrical presentations and summer reading programs at both elementary schools, specific requested needs, and for the past two years, the Fall Lakeside Classroom at Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center for 5th Graders.

We are so grateful to Carol and Karen for instigating this idea, and even more appreciative of their continued leadership. Together with 10 pairs of rotating weekly hosts ─ who also supply and restock the various coffees and baked goodies ─ we are beyond fortunate to have such an extraordinary team of devoted volunteers.

Here at the Waterford Library, we are all about encouraging community, so finally, a very special thanks to everyone who has ever come to Friday morning.