The Concord Free Public Library will be closed on Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth. [View Library Hours]
|
|
Annula Book Sale Set Another Record |
|
The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library Annual Booksale came together in stunning fashion on Saturday, June 12, 2022, thanks to the months of volunteer hours that began a year ago.
The Friends pride themselves on hosting a large, festive and smile-drawing book sale for Concord and surrounding towns. At its heart, the booksale is a community event. As the largest
single day volunteer event in Concord, its benefits are numerous. Every year provides a chance for a new discovery for a young reader, a passerby, or a frequent visitor.
This year over $32,000 in proceeds will fund library programs, thanks to the generosity of our book buyers, sifting through thoughtfully curated books and media. We would especially like to thank the Book Sale Committee, the year-round team of book donation sorters, members of our community who
donated all of the wonderful books, the Library staff, the many volunteers during the day’s event, including the National Charity League.
We would also like to thank our community partners, who offered in-kind donations to help make the sale a success, including: Crosby's Market, Rocky's Ace Hardware, CVS, Alpha Graphics, Concord Academy, Brine’s Sporting Goods, Concord Book Shop, Vanderhoof Hardware, Walgreens, North River Builders and Concord Children's Center.
|
|
Open House Celebration Is June 18 |
|
The Concord Free Public Library Corporation is proud to host another Open House for the community on Saturday, June 18, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Come tour the new Library spaces, and enjoy some music, activities for all ages, and ice cream! Free and open to all. No registration required.
Rockabye Beats
11:00 a.m.
Front Lawn, Main Library
A fun, family group whose music encourages movement, dancing, counting, singing, and a bit of Spanish vocabulary.
“The Secrets of Restoring an Old Book”
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Conservation Workshop
Bookbinding/conservation demonstrations with Luisa Granitto, Book Conservator. Patrons are invited to bring a book in need of repair. Receive advice and learn about the restoration process. Supplies will be on hand to learn how to make a protective enclosure for your book.
Presentation of The Wayside Dollhouse
12:00 p.m.
Between Circulation Desk & Teen Lounge, Main Library
The Guiod Family will officially present the dollhouse, a replica of the historic home The Wayside, as a gift to the Library.
Tours of the New and Renovated Library Spaces
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
The Commons, Main Library
Tours led by the Trustees of the Concord Free Public Library Corporation, on the hour and half hour. The new spaces in the addition will be featured, with a stop in Special Collections to view the renovated vault and workspace, as well as the manuscript of Thoreau’s essay Walking and Louisa May Alcott’s manuscript chapters of Little Women.
Free ice cream
12:00 – 2:00 pm
Children’s Garden, Main Library
In celebration of the new Library, the Concord Free Public Library Corporation is pleased to provide free ice cream. Join us in the new Children’s Garden for a scoop of Reasons to Be Cheerful ice cream.
Teen Sticker Party
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Teen Lounge, Main Library
Customize your gear with sharpies and so many stickers. Hear about summer activities at the Teen Lounge from Teen Librarian, Cary Stough.
Remarks and Dedication Ceremony
2:15 p.m.
Children’s Garden, Main Library
Dedication of the new Library spaces by Sherry Litwack, President of the Concord Free Public Library Corporation, and a special unveiling of the “Millie the Rubber Ducky” sculpture with sculptor Nancy Schön. Immediately following will be a book signing with the author and illustrator of Millie Finds a New Home. Books will be available for purchase.
Zine Workshop with DIY Punk Band Sidebody
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Teen Lounge, Main Library
An extra special zine workshop and art hang in the new Teen Lounge with members of the Somerville DIY punk band and zine publisher, Sidebody.
|
|
Film Screening of Mission Joy: Finding Happiness in Troubled Times
Saturday, June 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Be Well Be Here in collaboration with the Concord Free Public Library present a mindful in-person experience to bring greater wellBeing to the Concord community. Join us to view the documentary Mission: Joy - Finding Happiness in Troubled Times, a film that explores the compassionate friendship between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The event will begin with a short mindful meditation guided by Lara Wilson, founder of Be Well Be Here and longtime guide of the Library's popular online Thursday Morning Meditation. Invite a friend to this final event of the Library's Open House Celebration and be sparked by joy together. Registration required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. [ Register]
|
|
Stitch Circle at Fowler
Tuesday, June 21, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch
Join fellow knitting, crocheting and needlework enthusiasts for an hour of social crafting. Help each other out of tough spots, share patterns and tips, and enjoy crafting together. No registration required.
|
|
Fowler Afoot: A Walking Book Club
Wednesday, June 22, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Fowler Branch
Get outside with Fowler Afoot as we walk and talk about books. We will meet at the Fowler Branch Library at 10 in the morning and walk over together to the Main Street entrance of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Fowler has copies of our second selection available for checkout now. We will be reading the National Book Award Winner, All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family’s Keepsake by Harvard history professor Tiya Miles. The digital audiobook and ebook are both available to download on Libby. Miles tells the story of slavery, unsettled freedom and Black family life through a cotton bag an enslaved woman packed for her nine-year-old daughter, Ashley, before she was sold and they were separated in 1852. Get your sneakers on and come join us. [ Register] |
|
Landscaping & Gardening for Wildlife with the Mass Audubon
Wednesday, June 22, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Zoom
Learn how you can support local species by utilizing wildlife-friendly gardening practices in your home, business, and community settings. Simple, easy actions like keeping fall leaves on the ground could have huge effects, and bring in more butterflies, come spring! Learn about what to do, and not do, in your yard, garden, or even container, to support nearby birds, frogs, pollinators, and more in a sustainable fashion. Led by Tia Pinney, a Biologist, Lead Naturalist, and educator at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln. Since 1994, when she first started working at the farm, Tia has overseen efforts to maintain New England’s wildlife on our 206-acre property, managing staff and volunteers in planting projects and citizen science. Program in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library and sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. [ Register for Zoom Link] |
|
FREE Online Group Meditation with Be Well Be Here
Thursday, June 23, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Zoom
Join Be Well Be Here for a 30-minute morning meditation practice sponsored by the 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 wellbeing. [ Register for Zoom Link] |
|
An Afternoon With Charles Dickens
Saturday, June 25, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Please join us as Rick Corbo takes on the persona of Charles Dickens and reads from the great author's works. Rick Corbo is a living historian whose educational background is in theater. He has performed for the award-winning, Connecticut-based puppet company, Elmwood Productions, and starred in the popular EWTN Network series, Saints Versus Scoundrels. He has also performed as Charles Dickens in the original Christmas special titled Reclaiming the Carol, also by ETWN Network and at museums and libraries across New England. The event will begin with a brief discussion of Louisa May Alcott's appreciation of Charles Dickens, and her reactions to seeing him perform in Boston, and will include time for questions and answers. This event is co-sponsored with the Boston Chapter of the Dickens Fellowship. [ Register] |
|
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine: A Talk with Dr. Emily Channel-Justice
Wednesday, June 29, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Join us for a talk about the situation in Ukraine with Dr. Emily Channel-Justice. Emily Channell-Justice is the Director of the Temerty Contemporary Ukraine Program at the Ukrainian Research Institute, Harvard University. She is a sociocultural anthropologist who has been doing research in Ukraine since 2012. She has pursued research on political activism and social movements among students and feminists during the 2013-2014 Euromaidan mobilizations. She received her Ph.D from The Graduate Center, City University of New York, in September 2016, and she was a Havighurst Fellow and Visiting Assistant Professor of International Studies at Miami University, Ohio from 2016-2019. [ Register] |
|
Virtual Films at Fowler Summer 2022: Breaking Boundaries |
|
For 26 years Concord film viewers gathered on winter evenings at Fowler Library to see some of the most interesting and stimulating examples of current and classic cinema from around the world. That movie series, now called Films at Fowler, changed to an online format in 2021 and continues in that format in 2022. We don’t meet in person, so we now view—on your own time schedule—selected movies on Kanopy, a free streaming service available to Library patrons. We will then gather on Zoom on scheduled evenings for lively movie discussions. The theme of the movies in summer 2022 is Breaking Boundaries. All six movies in this summer series are about going beyond the status quo and challenging limits and expectations. View Poster for selected films and Zoom discussion dates. All are welcome to join the discussions.
Thursday, June 23, 7:00 p.m. (Discussion Date on Zoom)
In Tuscany, an elegant English author meets a French store owner (Juliette Binoche), and the two hit it off. They go for a drive, get coffee, and visit a museum.
Please watch the film on Kanopy before the discussion. To register for the discussion and receive a Zoom link, send an email to the host of the series Randall Warniers at FilmsatFowler@concordlibrary.org.
|
|
Adult Summer Reading Program |
|
The Concord Free Public Library is hosting an Adult Summer Reading Program from June 6 to August 12.
- Help spread the fun of summer reading and connect with local businesses.
- Share what you have read, watched or listened to.
- Tell us if you recommend it.
- Two winners receive $15 gift cards to local Concord businesses each week.
- Two $50 grand prizes to local Concord Businesses.
- Tickets available at the Main Library and the Fowler Branch Library.
Generously funded by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
|
|
Children's Summer Reading Program |
|
The theme of the 2022 Summer Reading Program, from June 6 to August 12, is Read Beyond the Beaten Path.
Explore new lands and creatures all over the world with books, outdoorsy programs, music, and more at the Concord Free Public Library.
Children of all ages are encouraged to sign up for the program at the Children's Library or Fowler Branch Library to start reading and collecting prizes. Most Summer Reading activities and programs will take place at the Children's Library at the Main Library. Visit our event calendar here or our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for more information on upcoming programs.
Thank you to the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library for their support of the Summer Reading Program. We also thank the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for their funding of the Massachusetts Statewide Summer Library Program.
|
|
Children's, Tween & Teen Events |
|
StoryWalk: Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge
June 2022
Main Library (Main Street Sidewalk)
The Concord Free Public Library invites everyone to visit our StoryWalk, newly installed for the season on Main Street, leading to the new Children’s Library entrance. The June StoryWalk features Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge by Ray Anthony Shepard and illustrated by Keith Mallett. The story is a picture book biography of Ona Judge, a young enslaved woman who escaped the family of George Washington. The book has received a host of awards, including the Jane Addams Children’s Honor Book, a Notable Book by the Association for Library Services to Children, Bank Street’s Best Books of the Year List, and a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. |
|
StoryWalk Accompanying Event: Author Talk: Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge
Tuesday, June 21, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Children's Activity Room, Main Library
In honor of Juneteenth Day, come meet acclaimed children's author and historian, Ray Anthony Shepard. Mr. Shepard will read from his newest book, Runaway - The Daring Escape of Ona Judge, a picture book biography of Ona Judge, a young enslaved woman who escaped the family of George Washington. Ray Anthony Shepard is a grandson of a slave, a former history teacher, and retired editor- in-chief of a major education publishing company. In addition to Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge, he is also the author of Now or Never!: Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry's War to End Slavery. This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. |
|
Bike for Books
Main Library
The Concord Free Public Library is encouraging children, teens and adults to bike to the Main Library. Every time you bike to the Main Library, show us your helmet and we will stamp your bike card. You can also participate at the Fowler Branch Library. After 10 stamps, you earn a free $5 gift certificate to Bedford Farms. Thanks to the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library for sponsoring this program.
|
|
Saturday Studio at Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Saturdays, June 18 & 25, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Join Fowler staff each week for a mix of stories, crafting, and other hands-on activities. If weather permits, we will meet in the backyard. Otherwise, please wear your masks and join us in the large meeting room! No registration required.
|
|
In-Person Fowler Storytime
Tuesday, June 21, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. & 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Fowler Branch Large Meeting Room or
Labyrinth Garden at West Concord Union Church
Join us at Fowler for storytime. We will share stories, songs, and rhymes and do a simple hands-on activity. Outdoor: If weather permits, we will meet across the street at the labyrinth garden at the West Concord Union Church (1317 Main St). Indoor: In the case of poor weather, storytime will be held in the large meeting room. Pleas wear a face mask.
|
|
Alphabet Storytime at the Main Library
Wednesday, June 22, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Children's Activity Room, Main Library
Each week we will focus on a different letter of the alphabet. Recommended for ages 5 years and below. No registration required.
|
|
Craft Lab at Fowler, Ages 12 and under
Wednesday, June 22, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Drop by Fowler to craft, experiment, and create. Join us each week for hands-on artistic exploration. We will test our ability to create in all kinds of weather, but we have our limits! Please look here and on our social media with any updates, or call Fowler at 978-318-3350 with questions.
|
|
Zine Your Pride - Zine Workshops
Wednesdays, June 22 & 29, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Teen Lounge, Main Library
June is Pride Month and at the Concord Free Public Library Teen Lounge, we celebrate the best way we know how—making. Visit us after school on Wednesdays in June for Zine Your Pride, a series of zine workshops that will showcase multiple ways to make a zine, art styles, and discussions about the queer history of DIY zine-making and independent publishing. Yes, you get to take your zines home! What is a zine? It is a self-published, small-batch publication, typically made by hand that includes poems, quotes, original and appropriated artwork, manifestos, screeds, and DIY instructions. Zine culture is all about getting the word out, sharing information affordably, and making things with your friends and chosen family. Program is reserved for teens only, ages 11-18. All identities welcome. No registration required.
|
|
Music and Stories with Alan Goodrich
Thursday, June 23, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Children's Garden, Main Library
Enjoy music and stories with Alan Goodrich! Alan is a guitarist and singer-songwriter/solo performer who presents live music concerts "for kid's of all ages" including classic and current children's songs and original songs. In addition to his solo performances, Alan is the lead singer and drummer for Alan and The Alligators band (a rock group based out of Concord, MA) and has also performed with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members The Platters, T Lavitz (of The Dixie Dregs, and Jefferson Starship fame), The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Greg Hawkes (of The Cars), Dave Mattacks (of Paul McCartney, and Elton John fame), and others. No registration required. |
|
Messy Fun at Fowler, Ages 5 & under
Thursday, June 23, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Drop by the Fowler backyard or large meeting room weekly for a range of activities from play dough to blocks. Stay for 15 minutes or for the full hour. We will have different stations, allowing for child-guided play and social distancing. No registration required.
|
|
Preschool Play at Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Thursday, June 23, 4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Drop by the Fowler backyard weekly for mellow music, relaxing art, and bubbles! Enjoy a soothing atmosphere and free-form play with other preschool children and their caregivers. In the case of poor weather, we will meet inside the library. No registration required.
|
|
Concord Puppet Theatre
Friday, June 24, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Children's Activity Room, Main Library
Each week we will feature different puppets, new songs to learn and sing along to, and occasional crafts. Feel free to bring your own puppet (sock or otherwise) or instruments from home to join in on the fun. No registration required.
|
|
Lego Club at Fowler, Ages 12 & under
Friday, June 24, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Fowler Branch Large Meeting Room
Join fellow builders to construct from our Lego collection. Try out weekly challenges or work on your own project. No registration required.
|
|
Special Collections Highlights: Celebrating Walden Pond |
|
Even before Thoreau took up temporary residence there, Walden Pond had long served as a destination for Concordians. However, Walden Pond became a haven for admirers near and far of Henry David Thoreau with the publication of Thoreau's Walden in 1854. Walden Pond also attracted an increasing number of visitors from the Boston area and beyond starting in the late nineteenth century, thanks to an amusement park erected along its shores near the Fitchburg Railroad in 1866. Although the park burned down in the early 20th century, the Town of Concord started offering swimming lessons and erecting bathhouses soon after that.
Today, the Walden Pond State Reservation invites visitors to enjoy the preserved pond and its surrounding shores, in significant part thanks to the gift of the Emerson, Forbes, Hoar, and Heywood families, who donated 80 acres of land surrounding the pond to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on June 9, 1922. According to the deed, "Said parcels are conveyed, however, subject to the restriction and condition that no part of the premises shall be used for games, athletic contests, racing, baseball, football, motion pictures, dancing, camping, hunting, trapping, shooting, making fires in the open, shows and other amusements." Instead, the deed stated that it intended to preserve "the Walden of Emerson and Thoreau, its shores and nearby woodlands for the public who wish to enjoy the Pond, the woods and nature, including bathing, boating, fishing, and picnicking."
Despite this clear directive, the terms of the gift came under threat in the early 1960s, when Middlesex County proposed significant changes to portions of the site; thankfully, the Massachusetts Superior Court ruled to preserve the land as stipulated in the 1922 conveyance. However, fearful that the future could see new threats to the site, during the 1970s, several organizations devoted themselves to managing the Walden Pond State Reservation as a natural, historical, and recreational resource. Today, the Walden Woods Project, established in 1990, serves to preserve the land, literature, and legacy of Henry David Thoreau to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
