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- In this issue: Modified Services - Special Exhibition - Adult Programs - Virtual Films at Fowler - Teen Programs - Children's Programs
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The Library is excited to welcome both residents and visitors during the Concord250 celebrations. For everyone’s comfort and safety, we will be offering modified services from April 14 to April 25.
Library Hours
- The Fowler Branch Library will be closed Monday, April 14 through Monday, April 21.
- The Main Library will be closed early at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17.
- Both locations will be closed Saturday, April 19 through Monday, April 21.
Borrowing, Returns, Book Drops & Donations
- Please keep all borrowed Library items throughout the celebration. We have extended all loans to April 28.
- The Book Drops at the Main Library will be closed at 5:00 p.m. on April 18 and reopen on April 22.
- Pickup deadlines for requested items will be extended until April 25 at both locations.
- Book donations will not be accepted from April 14 to April 25.
Library Events & Programs
- All regular events and programs at the Main Library and the Fowler Branch are canceled from April 14 to April 21. Visit the Concord250 website for the latest information regarding events happening around town during the celebrations.
Parking
- Road closures, including the Stow Street parking lot next to the Main Library, will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18. Please visit the Town's Patriot's Day Weekend website for the latest information regarding parking and transportation information.
Art & Special Collections
Computers & Printing
- At this time, computers and printers are available for normal use during open hours. We anticipate this may change at some point during the celebration. Please check this page for the latest information.
Meeting & Study Spaces
- At this time, meeting and study spaces are open for normal use during open hours. We anticipate this may change at some point during the celebration. Please check this page for the latest information.
Youth Services & Makerspace
- At this time, our Children's and Teen spaces are open for normal use during open hours. The Workshop makerspace will be open for tours only from April 14 to April 25.
Please visit this webpage for the latest information.
[Read More About Our Modified Services]
| | Special Exhibition: A Celebration Heard 'Round the World | | |
A Celebration Heard 'Round the World - Presented by the William Munroe Special Collections
April 5 - June 30, 2025
Munroe Gallery & the 1st Floor, Main Library
The exhibition features selections from the William Munroe Special Collections and the Town Archives, including art, photographs, broadsides, Town records, and ephemera that explore how Concordians have celebrated the anniversary of the Battle of Concord, or the "Concord Fight," on April 19, 1775.
Learn how celebrations have combined public interest and trends with historical commemoration and how these events have evolved. While mainstay traditions like parades, invited speakers, balls, and re-enactments have prevailed and changed, new traditions have also been introduced, reflecting the community's diverse interests.
In addition, on the 1st Floor of the Main Library, selections from the Town Archives and the William Munroe Special Collections offer a rich cache of manuscript and printed primary source materials providing insight into events leading up to, on, and following April 19, 1775. Many of these documents offer small glimpses into the Concord Fight's human impact and the American Revolution's beginnings. Using these items, we highlight the actions of soldiers, Patriots of Color, and women to tell a more complete story about the Concord Fight and the people who lived it. (Image: 1975 parade in Concord, MA)
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Monthly Open Boardgaming for Adults
Saturday, April 12, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Come join a pickup board game or card game from the Library’s collection with local resident Matt Ryan. Each month Matt will borrow a fresh couple of games to have ready. You can also borrow what you want to play and recruit attendees into your game. This event is for adults who want everyone to have fun. No registration required.
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Walk for Wellbeing: A Mindful Practice for the Library Community in Honor of Earth Day
Tuesday, April 22, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Main Library
Community members are invited to meet at the Main Library Sudbury Road entrance and head to Emerson Field, where we will walk to the trees and try simple mindful practices that settle the nervous system. On the way back we will share inspiring book titles, and return to the Library refreshed and ready for a new story. Led by mindful wellness educator, Lara Wilson, MA, GCMS, TSM-a. Sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. [Register for Walk for Wellbeing]
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Fowler Afternoon Tea Book Club
Friday, April 25, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Meeting Room, Fowler Branch
On the fourth Friday of each month, enjoy a selection of teas and discuss a blend of historical and contemporary fiction. Copies of the selected book are available at Fowler. Please feel free to bring in food related to the recipe theme. [Register for Afternoon Tea Book Club]
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Wings (1927)
Wednesday, April 16, 7:00 p.m.
(Discussion Date on Zoom)
A silent gem from director William Wellman. Charles Rogers and Richard Arlen play small-town rivals for the affection of the same pretty girl, ignoring the attentions of the adoring tomboy next door (Clara Bow). When war comes, the two young men enlist to become combat pilots in the Army Air Service. Winner of the first-ever Best Picture Oscar.
Please watch the film on Kanopy before the discussion. To register for the discussion and receive a Zoom link, send an email to the Coordinator of the program Randall Warniers at FilmsatFowler@concordlibrary.org. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
[View Spring 2025 Film Discussion Schedule]
| | Main Library Children's Programs | | Due to the Concord250 celebrations, there will be no Children’s programs at the Main Library from April 14 to April 27. Programs will resume on Monday, April 28. | | |
StoryWalk in April
Check out our latest StoryWalk along 151 Main Street (leading to the Children's Library) - Rise Up! Powerful Protests in American History by Rachel C. Katz. In a powerful celebration of the United States' 250th birthday, this book illustrates how we campaign and vote, challenging tradition.
For upcoming Children's programs at our Main Library, visit here.
| | Fowler Children's Programs | | |
Earth Day Storytime at Fowler, Ages 5 & under
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Meeting Room or Backyard, Fowler Branch
To celebrate Earth Day, please join us for a special Saturday Storytime in collaboration with the Concord-Carlisle High School Green Team and the Concord Chapter of Mothers Out Front. After songs and stories, there will be the opportunity to make your own mini greenhouse, using recycled gallon jugs and then plant native seeds that you will be able to transplant in the coming months. No registration required.
For more Children's programs, visit here.
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