Weekly Updates
July 27 - Aug. 2, 2020
Curbside pickup of library materials is available at the Main Library by appointment only. Pickup times are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. [ Read More About the Curbside Service ] [ Make an Appointment ]

The Main Library's Book Drops are open 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) between 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The Fowler Branch Library’s book drop remains closed until further notice. Items checked out from the Fowler Branch can be returned to the Main Library's Book Drops during the above hours.

Returned items are placed in quarantine for up to 72 hours. Fines will not accrue during this time. NEW: Due dates for Concord items borrowed prior to the Library’s closure have been extended to August 31.

Patrons can now request items owned by other Minuteman Library Network libraries. Please select the Main Library as your pickup location.

The Concord Free Public Library is unable to accept book donations at this time.

Currently the only museums that honor discount library passes are the Boston Children's Museum, the New England Aquarium and the Boston Harbor Islands Ferry. [ Reserve a Museum Pass ]

Please email all inquiries to CFPLquestions@concordma.gov .
Weekly New Arrivals: Browse and Request
When in-library browsing is not available, please be sure to check out our virtual new book display. We have resumed book and DVD movie orders and new books have begun to arrive each week. Staff members are working as fast as possible to get the new arrivals ready for circulation. Click here to browse the new book display and place a reserve for curbside pickup.
Virtual Adult Events
Thursday Morning Meditation Class on Zoom
July 30, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Join Be Well Be Here for a 30-minute morning meditation practice with the Concord Free Public Library, and start your day with a moment of ease. Discover mindful tools that center the body, settle the mind, and open the door to well-being. For the Zoom link, please e mail bgugluizza@minlib.net.
Tuesday Book Discussion Group
Tuesday, August 11, 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.
In August, the book discussion group will discuss  The Picture of Dorian Gray ,  by Oscar Wilde All are welcome. Copies of the eBook are available through Hoopla . Please email bgugluizza@minlib.net for the Zoom link
Book-a-Mystery Book Discussion
Wednesday, August 19, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Love a good mystery? Book-a-Mystery book group is back! All are welcome to join the discussion on Zoom. This month we will be reading The Woman in the Window  by A.J. Finn. You can instantly download an eBook of the title (on Hoopla) or reserve a copy of the audiobook via OverDrive with a Minuteman Library card. Print copies are also available at the Main Library for curbside pickup. Please call the Circulation Desk (978-318-3301) to inquire about the print copies. Other questions? Email Pat Pluskal at fowler@concordlibrary.org.
Join us every Friday at 11:00 a.m. as we read aloud from the Concord Middle School’s  Big 6 Recommended Reading List .  

This week we continue to read  together  Echo Mountain   by Lauren Wolk. When 12 year-old Ellie and her family lose their livelihood and move to a mountain cabin in 1934, she quickly learns to be an outdoors woman and, when needed, a healer. Students can also request an eBook or audiobook of the title via OverDrive with a Minuteman Library Card. 

Register each week in advance to receive the Zoom link. [ July 31] [ August 7 ]
2020 Summer Learning Program
The Concord Free Public Library invites kids and teens to join the 2020 online Summer Learning Program, ” Imagine Your Story .” 

The program runs June 15 - August 31 and is free and open to children from preschool through high school. The goal of the Summer Learning Program is to keep kids and teens reading and learning during summer, ensuring that they maintain or gain skills and start the next school year on track and ready to learn. The program focuses on STEAM-related, educational, fun and enriching activities.

The Summer Learning Program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library and the Concord Free Public Library Corporation .

Online Teen, Tween & Children's Events
The Children's Department is offering weekly craft kits for kids ages 3 - 12 years old.  Every Monday through the summer, a new craft kit will be available for curbside pickup while supplies last.  Each kit contains most of the materials children need to complete the craft. Kits do not include basic supplies like scissors, glue, and tape. Reserve your craft kit by calling the Main Library at (978) 318-3301 to pick it up via our curbside service. Reservations will be accepted starting Monday of each week as long as supplies last.
How-To's Day
Tuesday, July 28, 10:00 a.m.
All ages
Excuse me, do you have two minutes to spare every Tuesday for a little How-To fun? It's How-To's Day! Every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. on the Library's Facebook page, tune in for totally awesome mini-tutorials by Children's Library Assistant Cary Stough. Make an envelope out of scrap paper. Use a hammer properly. Cook the most gorgeous fried egg. How can Cary help? Send How-To suggestions to Cary at cstough@minlib.net.
Cooking Program for Teens and Tweens
Wednesday, July 29, 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Wellness coach Julie Manning will lead tweens and teens in a microwave cooking class and teach them how to make a variety of comfort foods in a mug! We will conclude the series with macaroni & cheese in a mug. The virtual cooking program will be held on Zoom. The ingredient list will be shared with all participants before the program. Sponsored by  The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
Virtual Creative Movement/Ballet for Ages 4 - 8
Friday, July 31, 10:00 - 10:40 a.m.  [ Register ]
Thursday, August 6, 3:00 - 3:40 p.m.  [ Register ]
This fun 40-minute creative movement/ballet class will begin with a high-energy warm-up, move into stretching and beginner ballet technique, and end with a fun center combination.

Virtual Dance Party for Ages 8 - 12
Friday, July 31, 10:45 - 11:25 a.m.  [ Register ]
Set to an upbeat playlist, this fun 40-minute class is based off of both jazz and hip-hop components. The class will include a warm-up, center combinations and a stretch. Bring your dancing shoes, and let's get the party started!

Virtual Ballet Ages 8 -12
Thursday, August 6, 3:45 - 4:25 p.m.  [ Register ]
This fun 40-minute class will begin  with a barre warm-up including beginner and intermediate level exercises. In lieu of a barre, a chair, table or a dresser can be used. The class will then move into center combinations with an emphasis on both technique and artistry.
Join the Party with Spiderman! 
Monday, August 3, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
All ages [ Register for Zoom Link ]
Dress up in your favorite superhero costume and immerse yourself in a fantastical world! You will be taken through superhero training and games that will make you feel like an actual hero. For kids who participated in last week's learning challenge and created their own superhero costume, this will give you a chance to show off your creation! Everyone is welcome, whether your costume is homemade, store-bought or no costume. Sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library  
Paper-clay Dragonfly Workshop on Zoom
Wednesday, August 5, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Ages 10 & up
Join artist Besti Madrioli and create your own paper-clay dragonfly in this Zoom workshop! Betsi will teach kids how to sand, paint and glaze their form to make their own beautiful dragonfly! Each child will receive a clay-form and pre-packaged kit with their own brushes/ paints before the workshop. Sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. [ Register for Zoom Link ]
Make History Make Art
Tuesday, August 11, 4:00 p.m. for 2nd - 5th Graders [ Register for Zoom Link]
Wednesday, August 12, 4:00 p.m. for 6th - 12th Graders
Alicia Herman  from The Umbrella Arts Center will lead a free drawing workshop on Zoom for kids and teens. Students will learn about iconic posters involved in political movements including Rosie the Riveter, Uncle Sam's Army Recruitment Poster, and Shepard Fairey’s Make Art Not War. They will learn how to use bold designs to create a poster of their own, documenting their experience in this pivotal time. This class gives kids a creative outlet and place where their ideas and experiences are visible and valued. Student-designed posters will be archived by the Concord Free Public Library and preserved to be shared with generations to come, as part of the  Chronicling Concord through Covid-19   initiative. This workshop is offered in partnership with The Umbrella Arts Center. Sponsored by  The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
Alien Adventures with ScienceTellers on Zoom
Thursday, August 13, 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
“Science and stories, together!” Join us for a virtual show of a ScienceTellers program called “Aliens: Escape From Earth!” The event will be performed live through Zoom. Get swept away in a zany, out-of-this-world adventure. Along the way learn all about chemical reactions, air pressure and more! The performer will answer questions, conduct polls/quizzes, and even teach a science experiment you can do at home. Sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
Story Time with Royce on Zoom
Wednesdays @ 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
All ages
Missing storytime at the Library? Join us on Zoom for some short stories, songs, & rhymes. This is a great way to build early literacy skills. Children of all ages are welcome. Register to receive the Zoom link. [ Sign up for July 29] [ August 5] [ August 12]
Read to Luna the Dog on Zoom
Every Thursday @ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages 5 and up
Did you know that reading to dogs boosts reading skills & emotional & social skills for children? Join us for a "Read around the Zoom" group reading experience. Using Zoom meeting platform, we will all take turns reading aloud to Luna and to each other. Bring some of your favorite poems or short stories. [ Sign up for July 30] [ August 6]
Sing-along with Ed Morgan
Join us on Zoom for an interactive sing-along with Ed Morgan, "The Music Man". Learn fun ways to connect
with your family through music. This family-friendly performance will have everyone up and moving, dancing and singing. Monthly this summer. Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. [ Register for Friday, August 21]
Virtual Talent Show for Kids and Teens
Imagine...create...write...perform...your story! 

Share your talents with your peers and the community in our  Virtual Talent Show for Kids and Teens !

HOW TO SIGN UP
  • Sign up for the talent show. [Sign Up]

WHERE TO SEND SUBMISSIONS

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
  • Must be a video no longer than 3 minutes.
  • Video file type must be .MOV or .MP4.
  • The deadline for submissions is Monday, August 10 at 11:59 p.m. (extended)

HOW TO VIEW THE TALENT SHOW
  • The Talent Show will premiere on Saturday, August 29, in celebration of the Summer Learning Program, on Zoom and the Library's YouTube page (in a private link). After the premiere, the video will remain on YouTube for a week for participants to view at their leisure.
Staff Picks from Hoopla, Kanopy, RB Digital & Beyond
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