Useful for new birdwatchers of any age! Generously donated by the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, each backpack is stocked with the essentials for a ready-to-go nature experience: Vortex Raptor R385 8.5x32 binoculars, magnifying glass, illustrated guides for identifying and learning about birds, nature activities for kids, and some suggestions for good birding spots. The backpacks are light and adjustable for birders of all ages.
The backpack may be borrowed for two weeks, and may be renewed if there are no patrons waiting for it. Check out includes all the materials listed above: the backpack, binoculars, magnifying glass, and guides.
Are you interested in exploring the music or CD audiobook collections here at OWL but no longer have access to a CD player? The Library has five circulating CD player bundles with built-in speakers that each include a remote, power cord, and instruction booklet, as well as a pair of earbuds for you to keep. Please note, these are “wired” CD players that need to be plugged in while in use.
The CD player bundle may be borrowed for two weeks, and may be renewed if there are no patrons waiting for it. Check out includes all the materials listed above: CD player, remote, power cord, instruction booklet, and earbuds.
Do you have young children at home or visiting who love to play games? The children's department has 12 Escape Room games that are perfect for the whole family—including pre-readers! There are 6 copies of Exit the Game KIDS: Jungle of Riddles and 6 copies of Exit the Game KIDS: Riddles in Monsterville. Simply check out the item as you would any book and enjoy an exciting game of riddles that can be replayed again and again.
The Escape Room Card Games may be borrowed for two weeks, and may be renewed if there are no patrons waiting for it. Check out includes all materials inside the box.
The Library offers a simple way to find out what appliances are worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt®, and it will assess how efficient they really are.
The library offers museum passes for free or discounted admission! There is a $25.00 replacement fee for all lost passes. There is a $5.00 a day charge for an overdue pass. Passes may be returned in the book drop. Passes must be returned to the Oliver Wolcott Library. Please check each museum’s website for hours, list of events, special closings and weather related closings.
Connecticut’s Old State House - The library’s pass admits up to two adults and two children free.
Connecticut State Parks and Historical Buildings - This day pass waives admission fees for two adults and up to four children ages 12 and under at the following locations: Dinosaur State Park and Visitor Center in Rocky Hill, Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam and Fort Trumbull State Park and Visitor Center in New London. This pass cannot be used for camping or special events.
KidsPlay Children’s Museum - The library’s pass is valid for half-price admission to the museum for up to 6 family members. Children under 1 year old are free. KidsPlay Children’s Museum is designed for children ages 2-8, however, younger and older children find challenges and just plain fun once they enter!
USS Constitution Museum - The library’s pass admits one party per day. Parties are limited to 9 or fewer guests.
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art - The library’s pass admits two adults. Youth ages 17 and under are free.
White Memorial Museum - The library’s pass admits two adults and four children into the museum for free.
Borrow the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope today and discover how much fun astronomy can be for the whole family!
When checking out a telescope, we will include a packet that contains: information on how to use the telescope,
a star map for the current month and other helpful information, a planisphere, and three astronomy books.
The telescope may be borrowed for two weeks, and may be renewed if there are no patrons waiting for it. Check
out includes the entire package of telescope, books, information and planisphere.
Borrow the Telescope:
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope is designed for entry-level and intermediate astronomy
enthusiasts. It’s compact size makes it easy to transport and use. The substantial 4.5” aperture and fast f/4 focal
ratio provides bright, detailed views of solar system targets like the Moon and planets, as well as wide-field
celestial objects like nebulas and star clusters. The stable tabletop base provides smooth altazimuth motion for
easy manual tracking of celestial objects.
Learn more about Astronomy
Check out the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club website to learn even more about astronomy and star gazing. Founded in 1956, the mission of the club is to promote the enjoyment of amateur astronomy through education, meetings, and public outreach.