MARCH 2023
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Director's Note
Hello all,
The staff and trustees of the Lunenburg Public Library are so happy that we've been able to go "fine-free.” What does that mean exactly, though?

The library's mission is to share materials, information and resources with the community, and accessing these shared resources from our collection has become more and more valuable. Our lives are busier than ever, and so to help alleviate some of the barriers to accessing information through the library, we got rid of daily fees when an item is returned late. Although we are not charging fines for each day an item is late, it is very important that items are returned in a timely manner, so that other library users can borrow them. You have found something interesting and valuable, and it's likely someone else will, too!

It is also important to note that we still charge a fee for replacement costs if an item is lost, damaged or kept for too long. So, even though we are fine-free, you may see a bill for items that you have kept for 30 days past the final due date. Long overdue materials will also block your library account and could interrupt access to digital services and your ability to check out new items until it is resolved.

Please remember that the library purchases items that we think will be useful with the intent that they will be shared by all who can benefit from them, and if something is lost, damaged, or gone for too long, we do still need to have that item available for the community. However, if you are still using, reading, or viewing something, you are welcome to reach out and ask about an extra renewal. If no one is waiting, we are happy to consider making accommodations for you to keep the item longer.

Thank you for making the library such a valued asset to the community, and we hope to see you soon!

Muir Haman
Library Director
Can you help us out-read 21 other Massachusetts libraries? Log your reading as we fight for a spot in the Minute Madness final. Books, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines and newspapers all count towards our total. Open to all ages! 

Join us on Beanstack to virtually add your minutes or grab a new paper log at the front desk each week. Paper logs are due by Tuesday to count towards our weekly totals. 

Stay tuned for weekly leaderboard updates and see if we can beat the brackets! 
FRIENDS OF LUNENBURG LIBRARY
Do you want to help support the library? Do you have skills to share with the community but don't know where to apply them? The Friends of the LPL contribute more than $10,000 to the library's operations each year, and the executive board of the Friends needs your help to continue its work. A number of opportunities to help are available. If you are a member of the Friends, you are welcome and encouraged to attend one or more of our monthly meetings. Our next meeting will be March 6, 2023 at 6:30pm at the library.
Lunenburg Schools' K-12 Art Show
March 1-31, 2023


Make sure to stop by the Community Room to see the student's artwork during the entire month of March. And don't forget to come to the drop-in Art Night on Thursday, March 16th from 6-8 PM where Lunenburg High School students will help you make some art of your very own!
LOCAL BOOK CLUBS

Love reading and a good book discussion? Click here to find book clubs to join in at the library and our local area.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
Museum Passes


Explore local museums and attractions for FREE or at a discount with your library card! Lunenburg Public Library offers a variety of discount passes to museums, zoos, and aquariums around Massachusetts. Our museum passes are sponsored by the Friends of the Lunenburg Library.
 
For more information about our Museum Passes, visit our website, stop by the Circulation Desk, or call 978-582-4140.

In order to reserve museum passes, you must be signed up as a Friend of the Library. Click here for more information.
MARCH PROGRAMS

Adult Mystery Travel Kits:


Sign up for a limited edition Mystery Travel Kit at the Library!

We'll curate a selection of print and audio/visual library materials from the adult collection with printable puzzles, coloring sheets, recipes, and surprise treats just for you. Everything in the kit will be about a mystery country that you can immerse yourself in without even leaving home. Travel the world this winter by signing up for a new kit each month. 

A library card is required to register. You will receive an email notification when your kit is ready for pick-up.

We hope you enjoy a chance to experience and learn about a new culture through your local library!

Email Lydia Gravell- lgravell@cwmars.org with any questions. Register here to sign up for a kit!

Lunch time Lectures:
Virtual Tours of Historic Sites Around Boston
Wednesdays in March
12:00- 1:00 PM
ZOOM
Enjoy a virtual lunchtime lecture covering historic topics around the Boston area. These programs are presented in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library.

Click on the date below for more information/registration for the program-














Common Grounds
Coffee & Acoustic Open Mic
Saturday, March 4th
10:00-Noon


Celebrate local talent with a new Library sponsored acoustic open mic -- with free coffee! 

Join us on every first Saturday of the month for coffee and refreshments during our "Common Grounds" acoustic open mic sets. Sign-ups start at 10:00, first set is on at 10:30. Musicians, poets, and other performing artists are encouraged to stop by and sign up for a 10 minute time slot.

If you have any questions about this new monthly program, please call or email Lydia at 978-582-4140 / lgravell@cwmars.org 
Creative Drawing Basics with Jill Pottle
Sunday, March 5th
10:00 AM—4:00 PM


Great workshop for those coming back to being creative or for people who want to learn a new skill. In this class we will be learning the basics of using the pencil and charcoal, drawing a variety of subject matter, ie. still life, landscape and portrait. Students will learn how to use the tools and create, value, perspective, line, design with some delightful subject matter. 
This class will provide basic materials. Bring your own lunch.
Registration required. This program is happening outside of Library operating hours; library services will not be available during this session. 

This program is generously funded by the Lunenburg Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
"100 Books Bucket List" Club!!
Tuesday, March 7th
11:00 AM-12:00 PM

For March we are reading square #31: Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. April's title will be drawn and announced at the February meeting!
No Registration Required.
Before Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes Who Helped Break Baseball's Color Barrier
Thursday, March 9th
7:00—8:00 PM

Just in time for the kickoff of the 2023 season, come learn about the lesser known stories of color barrier breaking players in the early years of Major League Baseball history. Author and local TV reporter Ted Reinstein will be returning to Lunenburg to present this new lecture based on his latest book "Before Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes Who Helped Break Baseball’s Color Barrier."

Registration is encouraged to help with room setup, but is not required.
The (Not So) Young Adult Book Club Sunday, March 12th
11:00 AM - Noon

The (Not So) Young Adult Book Club is for those adults who love reading YA books (you know who you are) but teens are totally welcome to join us too!

At this meeting, we'll be discussing we'll be discussing  The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White (published in 2018), copies will be available in February to check out at the library If you're interested in YA books and participating in this book club, please come to the meeting even if you haven't read the book!

Registration is suggested so we can plan, but not required. *Please note that the main library will not be open during the book club meeting*
Adult Craft Lab

or
Thursday, March 16th 10:30-11:30 AM


Join us to make your own bouquet of bookpage hydrangea flowers!
In this limited space workshop you will create a few hydrangea flower blossoms out of recycled book pages. Super easy to make and a beautiful home decor addition! We supply all the materials needed to complete the craft, all you need to do is register and attend. Open to adults 16 +
There is limited space available for this project, so please cancel if you register but cannot attend! Thank you.



Monthly Music Series Presents:
Regina Delaney
Saturday, March18th
1:00—2:00 PM

We are hosting Celtic music at the Library! Join us for a harp performance by Regina Delaney, who will be accompanied by additional harp and fiddle players, as part of our monthly concert series.
Visit her website to learn more about her career, listen to her music, and see where she's performing next: www.reginadelaney.

Registration is encouraged to help with room setup, but is not required.
Monthly Music Series Presents: A Celebration of American Composers by Quint-Essential Winds
Wednesday, March 22nd
6:30—7:30 PM

Join us for a dive into the musical works of several classic American composers with live music at the Library! We are hosting Quint-Essential Winds, a quintet of orchestral instruments, as part of our monthly concert series. Find out more about them at qewinds.com.

Registration is encouraged to help with room setup, but is not required.
Celtic Chocolate Program:
All Things Celebration of All Things Irish
Wednesday, March 29th
6:30—7:30 PM


A cheerful chocolate celebration of all things Irish by Kim Larkin of Klassic Kreations! We will discuss Irish chocolate pioneers, lore, famous Irish foods, Irish poetry, The Book of Kells artistry, famous Irish authors and the history of the Claddagh. Samplings of Irish tea, Irish bread, and beautiful Irish Claddagh chocolates are provided. You can find out more information about Kim Larkin at klassickreations.weebly.com.

Registration is required.
Stitchcraft

Tuesdays 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Join us on Tuesday afternoons to socialize while we work on knit or crochet projects. This group is open to any skill level. No registration is required. This group is drop in so come by any time.
NOTES FROM THE CHILDREN'S ROOM
For all of March's programs - check out the Children's CALENDAR!
Little Learners Storytime
Ages 0-4
Mondays 11:00 AM


Preschool Storytime for ages 0-4 has begun! Monday mornings at 11:00 features book sharing, songs, music and movement activities and a craft. No registration needed.
Pre-K Storytime
Ages 4-5
Wednesdays 10:00 AM

Wednesday mornings at 10:00 we will gather in the StoryCraft Room for book sharing, readiness activities and music and movement. This story time is designed for those kiddos who are anticipating either pre-k or kindergarten next year! No registration needed.
Book In A Bag
For 1ST And 2ND GRADERS


In the book bag, which is yours to keep by the way, you will find a library copy of this month’s book which will need to be returned, a simple book review form to fill out, activity sheets, a snack, and a surprise item! Sign up here for one of the March bags! 
Popcorn and a Book
FOR 3RD AND 4TH GRADERS


Who needs popcorn and a movie? We have a better idea! Once a month, kids in grades 3 and 4 can register and stop by to pick up a kit that has a book, some microwave popcorn and a few fun activity pages. Then pop your popcorn, spread a blanket on the floor, cozy up in a warm bed or build a reading fort of your own creation as you crack open the book written by a favorite author- or maybe one that you have been meaning to try but haven't yet.

Kits will be available to pick up on March 1st. Sign up here for one of the March bags! 
LPL KIDS BOOK CLUB FOR 3RD- 5TH GRADERS
Tuesday, March 14th
4:00 PM

Like to read? Like to chat with like-minded kids about the books you're reading? Well, have we got a great opportunity for you! Kids in grades 3-5 will meet once a month to discuss some thoughtfully chosen books from a wide variety of genres. We discuss our current read, have a snack, play some games and just chat about what's happening!

For more information and list of this year's titles, access info here.

Registration is on-going- so sign up here today.
S T E M Robotics Program with Chris
Saturday, March 4th
11:00 AM—12:00 PM

Coding Robotics
Join us for this fun workshop, where we will explore robotics! We will be learning about and using the mBot robot. Robots are able to be programmed and use their sensors to navigate the world, we will get to learn about this and experience it in action! This program is designed for kids ages 7-11. Registration is required.
Zumbini with Julie Q
Wednesday, March 8, 15, 22, &29
12:00—12:45 PM

Join us in the Community Room at LPL for a fun music and movement class called Zumbini. Julie Quirk from Fitchburg's Studio Q will be here to facilitate these classes that will be available for 20 children. Your registration covers the entire 7 weeks of programs. Created by Zumba® and BabyFirst for kids ages 0-4, the Zumbini® program combines music, dance and educational tools for 45 minutes of can't-stop, won't-stop bonding, learning, and fun! Silliness and wacky dance moves are. not required – but highly, highly encouraged. Zumbini is a 45 minute interactive experience for little ones ages 4 months- 4 years old and their caregivers. Register here.
Family Game Night!
Thursday, March 9th
6:00—7:00 PM


Come to the library on the 2nd Thursday of every month for Family Game Night! Fun for all ages, we'll put out various board games and card games that you can play with family and friends!
Open to all ages. No registration needed.
S T E M with Rebecca "Cabbage Chemistry"
AGES 6-11
Saturday, March 11th
11:00 AM—12:00 PM

S T E M with Rebecca "Cabbage Chemistry"
Join us for this colorful workshop that will make learning chemistry fun! Participants will learn about the pH scale and what it means to be acidic or basic. Everyone will then have the opportunity to make their own pH indicator using a common vegetable: cabbage! The indicator will be used to test various household liquids so students can see which items are acidic, basic, or neutral. This workshop will introduce concepts in chemistry while also allowing students to be creative! 
Registration needed.

“Lucky Shamrocks” March Drop-in Craft
 Thursday, March 16th
3:30-5:00 PM 

Celebrate the luck of the Irish by creating a pour painted wooden shamrock- sure to bring you good luck! Stop by any time between 3:30-5:00 to try this fun painting technique. Suitable for all ages with adult assistance.
Registration needed. All ages welcome!
Legos At The Library Club
Tuesday, March 21st
6:00-7:00 PM 

  
Calling all Lego builders- join us in the Story Craft Room at the Library to spend an hour building with our Legos! We will have a Lego challenge for you to do with a variety of random Legos- or you can just build! At the end of the hour, your creation will be put on display here in the library for about a week for everyone to see and admire! Register here!
SEED BOMB MAKING FOR KIDS WITH ROBIN!
Saturday, March 25th
11:00 AM—12:00 PM


Join us in the Children's Room- or outside if the weather is nice to create some seed bombs with our favorite local gardener Robin Venezia! We will have a variety of seeds available to add to your seed ball so that you can add flowers and other pollinators to your yard or garden. What is a seed bomb ?
Seed Bombs or seed balls, are small clusters packed with wildflower seeds that are designed to bring greenery and colorful pollinator habitats to urban landscapes or neglected areas.
Register here for this event. Recommended for ages 3+ with adult assistance. 
Check the Teen info page to see some great “tween” programs that are happening in March for kids ages 10+.
NOTES FROM THE TEEN ROOM
Random Readers that submit a book review will also be entered into a drawing for gift cards generously donated by Smokestack Roasters!


Drop-In Teen Craft: Friendship Bracelets
Friday, March 3rd
3:30-5:00PM


Teens can join Teen Librarian Susan at the library to make heart suncatchers! All supplies are included and teens will be able to take their creations home with them. Open to tweens & teens in grades 6-12 (ages 11-18).
Family Game Night!
Thursday, March 9th
6:00—7:00 PM


Come to the library on the 2nd Thursday of every month for Family Game Night! Fun for all ages, we'll put out various board games and card games that you can play with family and friends! Open to all ages. No registration needed.
The (Not So) Young Adult Book Club Sunday, March 12th
11:00 AM - Noon

The (Not So) Young Adult Book Club is for those adults who love reading YA books (you know who you are) but teens are totally welcome to join us too!

At this meeting, we'll be discussing  The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White (published in 2018), copies will be available in February to check out at the library If you're interested in YA books and participating in this book club, please come to the meeting even if you haven't read the book!

Registration is suggested so we can plan, but not required. *Please note that the main library will not be open during the book club meeting*
First Bites Book Club
for Grades 5-7
Wednesday, March 15th
4:00-5:00 PM

First Bites is a book club where you don't have to read a book ahead of time to participate! Snacks will be provided.
Join Miss Debbie and Teen Librarian Susan as they read the first chapter out loud of a book that they have picked out! Then everyone can discuss their first impressions of the book and what they think the book is about. If anyone is interested in reading the rest, the library will have plenty of copies on hand that can be checked out afterwards so make sure to bring your library card with you! Each month will be a different book.

This club is open to tweens & teens grades 5-7 (ages 10-13). Please sign up ahead of time so that we can make sure to have enough snacks for everyone! You are more than welcome to come to book club even if you did not sign up in advance as long as we still have space available!
Drop-In Art Night
Thursday, March 16th
6:00-8:00 PM

This all ages event will have art stations set up in the Community Room where a variety of art projects will be available for community members to 'make and take' and is fun for the whole family! Lunenburg High School Students will be at each of the stations to help assist. While here, make sure to check out the K-12 student art show that will be displayed in the Community Room!
No registration required, just drop-in between 6-8 and make some art!
Tweens & Teens Craft: Seed Bombs
Friday, March 24th
4:00-5:00 PM


Help make the world a more colorful place while also supporting local pollinators (bees and butterflies) by making seed bombs! We'll be using a variety of seeds for native flowering plants (these are plants that are good to grow in Central Massachusetts that are beneficial for our environment). Seed bombs are an easy way to help restore a healthy biodiversity in your neighborhood while also making it pretty!
During the program we'll talk about the different seeds we'll be using, why we picked them, and show you pictures of what the flowers look like. You'll get the chance to make plenty of seed bombs to bring home with you along with instructions on what to do next!
Space is limited, so register early! Open to tweens and teens in grades 5-8 (ages 11-14). We will be making seed bombs by hand using powered clay and dirt, so make sure to wear something you don't mind getting dirty!
Register here.
Video Game Night
Friday, March 24th
6:00-9:00 PM

Come to the Library after hours to play video games! One Up Games will provide a variety of consoles and games - including VR headsets! Open to tweens & teens in grades 5-12 (ages 11-18).
Registration in advance is appreciated. Participants can also register at the door, so if you didn't sign up but still want to drop in, that's ok too!
Library Hours
Monday - Thursday 10:00 - 8:00
Friday 2:00 - 6:00
Saturday 10:00 - 2:00
For more information about hours and holiday closings, visit our website!
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