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- In this issue: Happy Concord250 - Special Exhibition - Upcoming Adult Programs - Children's Programs
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In celebration of the Concord250 weekend, the Library continues to offer the following modified services -
Weekend Closures
- The Concord Free Public Library is closed Saturday, April 19 through Monday, April 21 for Concord250 and Patriots' Day.
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 are unavailable from 5:00 p.m., April 18 through April 21. Please hold your returns until the Library reopens on April 22.
- Pickup deadlines for requested items are extended until April 25 at both locations.
- Book donations are not accepted from April 14 to April 25.
Parking & Road Closures
- Road closures, including the Stow Street parking lot next to the Main Library, start at 6:00 p.m. on April 18. Roads will begin to reopen in the evening of April 19. Please visit the Town's Concord250th Patriots' Day Weekend webpage for the latest information regarding parking and transportation information.
Have Questions About the Concord250 Weekend?
- Call the Town Non-Emergency Information Line for general event information, directions, and assistance related to the Concord250 celebrations:
- 📞 978-318-3344, Saturday, April 19, 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Please note: This line is for non-emergency inquiries only. If you have an emergency, call 911.
| | A Celebration Heard 'Round the World Exhibition | | |
A Celebration Heard 'Round the World - Presented by the William Munroe Special Collections
April 5 - June 30, 2025
Munroe Gallery, Main Library
The exhibition (pictured) 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.
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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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Fowler Afoot
Wednesday, April 30, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Fowler Branch
We will meet at the Fowler Branch Library at 10:00 a.m. and then walk together on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. For April and Earth Month we will read John Vaillant's 2023 book Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World. Copies are available for pickup at Fowler Branch and the eAudiobook and ebook are available from Libby. [Register for Fowler Afoot]
| | 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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