Library Hours
Main Library
Mon-Thu: 9:30 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
CLOSED on Labor Day
Monday, Sept 3
Opening at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept 27
Closed on Sundays Memorial Day to Columbus Day
MacKay Branch
Mon: 1 pm - 5 pm
Wed: 1 pm - 8 pm
Fri: 10 am - 5 pm
Closed Sun, Tue, Thu, & Sat
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All of our book groups are free and open to all!
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Novel Conversations Book Group
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Evening Book Group
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Knit Lit Book Group
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MacKay Mystery Book Group
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Ebooks, magazines, movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks are available anytime on your computer or mobile device!
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Fri, Sept 21: 9am - 9pm Sat, Sept 22: 9am - 6pm Sun, Sept 23: 9am - 1pm
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Tuesday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Epidemics of smallpox, measles, yellow fever, diphtheria, and other illnesses were common ailments in New England from colonial times up through the 19th century. Learn more about these diseases, why they were so greatly feared by our ancestors, and what remedies they may have used. Prof. Lori Lyn Price is a professional genealogist and an assistant professor at the Tufts University School of Medicine.
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Wednesday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Broadcast journalist Ted Reinstein shares the rich and colorful history of this iconic institution, how they figured in the rise of early American commerce, why they began to fade, and why-like another New England icon, the diner-they have begun to come back and even be re-invented and re-imagined for a new era. Told with anecdotes from a variety of local landmark stores across the region, the presentation is accompanied by the award-winning photography of Art Donahue.
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Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m.
From 1957 to 1969, Sam Jones helped lead the Boston Celtics to ten NBA championships as he played alongside Bill Russell and under coach Red Auerbach. Hear his story as he and author Mark Bodanza discuss the new biography that explores the challenges Sam faced on and off the court. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.
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Thursday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m.
RAM, hard drive space, processor speeds...what should you look for in a new computer? We'll help you figure out what you need from your device, compare different types of computers, and demystify some of the technical jargon used to describe their specs.
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Friday, September 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Of all NATO allies, Turkey represents the most daunting challenge for the Trump administration. In the wake of a failed military coup in July 2016, the autocratic trend in Ankara took a turn for the worse. Expert Keith West returns to Chelmsford to present on topics aligned with the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions Series. This program brought to the library in partnership with UMASS Lowell's Learning in Retirement Association (LIRA).
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Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00 pm
Join Ken Warchol for a narrated presentation on beekeeping. You will travel right inside a beehive to better understand the mysterious social insect and the role that it plays in humanity's survival on Earth. Learn about the challenges honeybees face in our environment and find out how we can help this insect that is essential to our own survival. Ken will bring honey samples for all to try!
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Wednesday, September 19 at 6:30 pm
SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone) presents a free information session on Medicare. Learn about the structure of Medicare, when to enroll, and helpful tips to choose plans that suit you, your lifestyle and your Medicare insurance needs. Registration for this event is suggested but not required.
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Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m.
After retiring from a long career as a K9 Officer in Connecticut, Sam Ducharme decided to try something new. With no prior experience, he set out on a 2180 mile, 14 state backpacking trip from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin Maine. During his six month journey he documented the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the wildlife, the hardships encountered on the trail, as well as the people, culture and humanity at its finest.
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Saturday, September 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Stephen Lewis presents a collection of posters commemorating the struggle for human rights and workers' rights from around the world, with an emphasis on the work of Amnesty International. A long time labor activist, Mr. Lewis will speak about his story, the growth of his collection, and the importance of the fight for freedom represented by the posters. Refreshments will be served.
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Monday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m.
At Science Explored, we'll be watching Dyan deNapoli's TED talk, The Great Penguin Rescue. It's the story of saving over 40,000 penguins after an oil spill off the coast of South Africa. After the TED talk, a librarian will lead a discussion about both the TED talk and global warming. Then, join us in October for our Science Explained program, where Dyan deNapoli will be on hand to give a more in depth presentation about global warming and its effect on penguins.
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Wednesday, September 26 at 7:00 pm
Brendan Mahan, M.Ed, M.S., Consultant, Coach, Speaker, Contributing Author of 365+1 Ways to Succeed with ADHD, and Host/Producer of the ADHD Essentials podcast, will present to parents, caregivers, and anyone who interacts with a child with ADHD.
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Thursday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of Microsoft Word as our reference librarian walks you through creating and formatting a basic resume.
Please bring the information you would like to include on your resume with you!
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Play with Your Food!
Tuesday, September 25 at 4:00 p.m.
Come to the Main Library to learn how to make a new and delicious piece of edible art every month. Open to middle and high school students and the homeschool equivalent.
This month we will be making rainbow cake pops that look like mini milkshakes! Register now!
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Thursday, September 27 at 4:00 p.m. at the Main Library
Welcome to The MIC (Make It! Club), where you'll be able to make and take home an awesome DIY project, snack, or dessert each month. Youth entering grades 5-8 and homeschooled teens welcome!
This month, you'll turn an old t-shirt into a no-sew tote bag! Please bring an old t-shirt you are willing to cut up and decorate! Registration begins September 13.
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Mondays
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10:00 a.m.
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Toddler Rhyme Time (ages 1-2)
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11:00 a.m.
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Preschool Storytime (ages 3-6) |
Tuesdays
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10:00 a.m.
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Stay and Play (ages 1+)
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Wednesdays
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10:00 a.m.
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Yoga Storytime (ages 3-5)
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11:00 a.m.
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Merrily We Sing Along (all ages) |
Thursdays |
10:00 a.m. |
Play Space (ages 2-3) |
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7:00 p.m. |
Peace Out Pajama Drop-in Storytime (all ages)
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Fridays
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10:00 a.m. |
Drop-in Baby Storytime (infants)
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10:30 a.m. |
Drop-in Storytime at MacKay (ages 2-6) |
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11:00 a.m. |
Toddler Rhyme Time (ages 1-2) |
Special Saturday morning fun! - 10:30 a.m.
September 1 The Construction Zone (Drop in play for ages 3+)
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September 8
Dads & Donuts (Storytime for ages 2+)
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Featured Kids' Programs
Wednesday, September 5 at 4:00 p.m. Drop in for a quick craft at the MacKay Branch Library that will be fun for the whole family! All ages welcome; children under 6 must be accompanied by a parent. This month, we will be making pet hedgehogs by folding old books!
International Dot Day
Saturday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m.
What can you create with just a dot? Celebrate your creativity by joining us at the Creation Station in the Children's Room for crafts, giveaways (while supplies last), and, of course, a reading of Peter Reynolds' The Dot!
Tales with Tails!
Tuesday, September 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Practice your reading with Friday the Labrador retriever! Four lucky winners of the raffle from 9/1 - 9/14 will be able to read to Friday the dog on Tuesday, September 18th from 1 PM - 2 PM. Fifteen minute timeslots will be awarded to winners on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursday, September 19 at 4:15 p.m.
ARRRGH Matey! Put on your best pirate persona and come on down to the Library! We'll read Pirate stories, do a Pirate craft, and maybe even sing a Sea Shanty!
Recommended for children ages 5 and up.
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Thursday, September 6 at 7:00 pm
Join the Friends to become more involved in your public library and to make new friends! The Friends meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the McCarthy Meeting Room at the library.
The CFOL can benefit when you shop at Amazon - at no additional cost to you! Please designate the Chelmsford Friends of the Library as the nonprofit you wish to support and the CFOL will receive 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.
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Message from the Trustees
Saturday, September 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Have you ever wondered what a trustee does? Members of the Board will be on hand to answer your questions and listen to your thoughts and ideas for the library.
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