Hours:
- Main Library - 10-8 (Mon.), 9-8 (Tues.-Thurs.), 9-6 (Fri.), 9-5 (Sat.) and closed on Sun.
- Fowler Branch - 10-6 (Mon.-Thurs.), 10-5 (Fri. & Sat.) and closed on Sun.
- Special Collections - 10-6 (Mon.), 9-5 (Tues.-Fri.) and closed on weekends.
- Thanksgiving: Closed at 6:00 p.m. on 11/24 and all day 11/25 and 11/26. Regular hours resume on 11/27.
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Main Library Renovation: Your Holds |
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During the week of November 15, the Main Library's Open Holds will be relocated to the staff area behind the Circulation Desk. Open Holds will become "Closed Holds" for the coming few months. Due to the current supply chain issues, our new shelving delivery date has been further delayed unfortunately. We are reusing some of the existing shelving including the Open Holds bookshelves for the new Audiovisual/Media Room so that the construction will remain on schedule.
On November 19, the current Media Room's audiovisual (AV) collection (including the Children's DVDs) will move into their new home (former Periodical Room) on the second floor. Those AV materials will be unavailable for two to three days. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
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Virtual Poetry at the Library |
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Poets Balancing On the Edge Between Light and Dark: Christopher Jane Corkery and Cammy Thomas
Sunday, November 21, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Zoom
“Love took the words right out of my mouth.” So begins the first line of Corkery’s poignant and unforgettable new collection, Love Took the Words (Slant Books, 2020). The occasions for her poems are often domestic: the thrill of youthful romance, of marriage and family, of children inventing new worlds. Yet here also are a poet’s acts, psychological and spiritual, in a life which, like every reader’s life, contains plenty and its absence all at once. Corkery’s first book, Blessing, was chosen for the Princeton Series of Contemporary Poetry. The winner of a Pushcart Prize, she has received fellowships from the Ingram Merrill Foundation, the St. Botolph Club Foundation, and the MA Artists Foundation. During the 90s and 2000s she lived in Concord, raising a family with her husband —teacher, editor, and literary agent Tom Hart (1944-2012).
Thomas reads from her third collection, Tremors (Four Way Books, 2021), whose short, musical poems make stops in the terrains of childhood, difficult and somewhat violent; middle life, with parents breaking down and children moving away into their own lives; and later life when memory falters but passion does not. Poet Alan Shapiro calls these poems “a coherent, insightful, and very moving arc from the wrong beginnings of a childhood marked by privilege and abuse... to a complex, mature and at times visionary grasp of the intricacies and inextricabilities of beauty and loss, desire and separation, without either side of the equation diminishing the power (for good or ill) of the other." Thomas’ first book, Cathedral of Wish, received the 2006 Norma Farber First Book Award from the Poetry Society of America. She has taught literature and creative writing for many years, including at Concord Academy.
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Twenty Classic Italian Movies and Why They Are Good for You, a talk by Randall Warniers
Monday, November 15, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zoom
Join Randall Warniers for a talk on "Twenty Classic Italian Movies and Why They Are Good for You". Rising from the devastation of World War II, a handful of bold Italian filmmakers in the 1940s transformed the world of cinema with movies that were both intimate and socially critical. This talk will describe this creative period of Italian cinema history by focusing on twenty classic films, starting with the miracles of post-war neo-realism and progressing to hugely popular big-budget features that were both glamorous and challenging. All attendees will receive a pdf summary of the selected films (plus extra added attractions) for future reference. [ Register for the Zoom Link] |
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Stitch Circle at Fowler
Tuesday, November 16, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Large Meeting Room, Fowler Branch
Join fellow knitting, crocheting, needlework, etc. enthusiasts for an hour of social crafting. Help each other out of tough spots, share patterns and tips, and enjoy crafting together. We will meet in the backyard, weather permitting; or in the large meeting room if necessary. Face masks are required if we meet indoor. No registration required.
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Book-A-Mystery at Fowler
Wednesday, November 17, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Fowler Backyard, Fowler Branch
Join Madeline from Fowler on the 3rd Wednesday of each month to discuss a range of mysteries, from thrillers to whodunnits. Copies of the selected book are available at Fowler. This month’s selection is A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn. Weather permitting, we will meet in person in our backyard. Please register so that we can provide updates and a Zoom link if it is necessary to meet virtually. [ Register] |
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Free Online Group Meditation with Be Well Be Here
Thursday, November 18, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Zoom
Join Be Well Be Here with the Library for a 30-minute morning meditation practice 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] |
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Virtual Films at Fowler: Il Posto |
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We are continuing the Films at Fowler program in November with one more film in the fall series Fearless Features. Please watch—on your own time schedule—the charming 1961 Ermanno Olmi comedy “Il Posto” on Kanopy, a free streaming service available to Library patrons. This film is in Italian with English subtitles. Our Zoom discussion of the film will be part of a larger tribute to the masterpieces of cinema that emerged from war-torn Italy in the 1940s, ‘50s, and 60s.
Wednesday, November 17, 7:00 p.m. (Discussion date on Zoom)
“Il Posto” is a simple story of a young man who finds a job in a large impersonal corporation in Milan, and how his life changes in this new adult world. It is a stunningly confident first feature, made in six weeks with non-professional actors and on a very tight budget. The film is an important addition to the many successes of Italian neorealism in the 1940s and ‘50s. It is also very much in the freewheeling creative spirit of French New Wave movies by François Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, and Jean-Luc Godard. [Watch Film on Kanopy]
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Wanted: An IT Helper on the Board of the Friends |
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Still Wanted: A Board member of the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library who will manage affiliated Friends' website, database, and various other IT needs while collaborating with the Membership Chair.
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Children's, Tween & Teen Events |
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Outdoor Storytime at the Main, Ages 5 and under
Monday, November 15, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Sudbury Road Garden, Main Library
Join us on the Sudbury Street garden of the Main Library for an in-person storytime. We will enjoy stories, songs & rhymes! In the case of poor weather, outdoor programs may be canceled. No registration required.
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Baby Time by Fowler, Ages 0-12 months
Monday, November 15, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Labyrinth Garden at West Concord Union Church
Join Fowler Branch Librarian Dorrie at the labyrinth garden at the West Concord Union Church (1317 Main St), across the street from Fowler, for an in person Baby Time! We will share stories, songs, and bouncing rhymes. Bring a blanket or something comfortable to sit on. If anyone in your group is experiencing Covid-like symptoms, please do not attend. In the case of poor weather, Baby Time may be canceled. Please check the Library website or social media for updates, or call Fowler at 978-318-3350. No registration required.
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PJ Storytime on Zoom, Ages 5 and under
Monday, November 15, 5:00- 5:30 p.m.
Zoom
Get a jumpstart on bedtime with songs, stories, and rhymes. Registration is required for this event. If this event is cancelled, we will use the contact information you enter here to get in touch with you. [ Register for Zoom Link] |
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Outdoor Storytime by Fowler
Tuesday, November 16, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. & 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Labyrinth Garden at West Concord Union Church
Join Fowler Branch Librarian Dorrie at the labyrinth garden at the West Concord Union Church (1317 Main St), across the street from Fowler, for an in-person storytime. We will share stories, songs, and rhymes and do a simple craft. If anyone in your group is experiencing Covid-like symptoms, please do not attend. In the case of poor weather, storytime may be canceled.
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Craft Time
Tuesday, November 16, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Sudbury Road Garden, Main Library
Join us for a fun craft project that is perfect for ages 5 and under. We will create our own jewelry designs made out of paper straws. No registration required.
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Alphabet Storytime
Wednesday, November 17, 10:30- 11:00 a.m.
Sudbury Road Garden, Main Library
Join in the fun learning the alphabet with stories, songs and crafts. Each week we will focus on a different letter of the alphabet. Recommended for ages 5 years and below. No registration required.
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Read to Luna at the Main, ages 5 and up
Wednesday, November 17, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Front Lawn, Main Library
Did you know that reading to dogs boosts reading skills & emotional & social skills for children? Read to a good listener who loves stories! Register for your own 15-minute session with Luna, and she will meet you outside on the Main Library lawn. [ Register] |
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Storytime on Zoom, Ages 5 and under
Thursday, November 18, 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Zoom
Join storytime from the comfort of your own home! Share stories, songs, and rhymes in this weekly virtual program. Registration required. [ Register for the Zoom link] |
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Rockabye Beats Live on Library Lawn
Thursday, November 18, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Front Lawn, Main Library
Rockabye Beats is a fun, family group whose music is reminiscent of founder Marcos Valles’s Puerto Rico. Their songs offer a range of styles from rock n’ roll to calypso to funk and even blues. Enjoy movement, dancing, counting, singing, and a little bit of Spanish vocabulary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. No registration required.
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Messy Fun at Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Thursday, November 18, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fowler Backyard, Fowler Branch
What's more fun than getting messy? Getting messy somewhere that isn't in your house! Drop by the Fowler backyard 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. In case of inclement weather, we will have a blast in Fowler's Lower Level Meeting Room! Masks will be required regardless of vaccination status. No registration required.
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Story/ Craft with Crossroads from CCHS
Thursday, November 18, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Lower Level Meeting Room, Main Library
The Children’s Department at the Concord Free Public Library is partnering with Crossroads - a student organization created by Concord Carlisle High School students to offer monthly story and craft programs that focus on important cultural, social, and diverse topics. Children in grades Kindergarten and up are invited to join as we delve into subjects including culture, identity, and diversity! No registration required.
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Crushing Your College Essays
Thursday, November 18, 6:30 p.m.
Lower Level Meeting Room, Main Library
Join Presenter Renate Gundermann of Barrett's Mill Consulting for a talk on Crushing Your College Essays. Writing the Common Application and supplement essays is often a source of tension and anxiety for both parents and students. This presentation will provide you with the tools to calmly and confidently write distinctive and compelling college essays. Students can expect to leave this example-filled session empowered with the enthusiasm and tools to write outstanding college essays. Face masks are required of all participants. No registration required. |
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Concord Puppet Theatre: Live!
Friday, November 19, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Sudbury Road Garden, Main Library
Each week we will feature different puppets, new songs to learn and sing along to, and occasional crafts, all under the blue tents. Feel free to bring your own puppet (sock or otherwise) or instruments from home to join in on the fun. No registration required.
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BEEDE & BOOKS
Friday, November 19, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Beede Center, 498 Walden Street
The Beede Swim and Fitness Center and the Concord Free Public Library have teamed up to bring you Beede and Books. This is a free program available to all. Join us in the Beede Center for a Friday collaboration of reading and swimming. A librarian will read books at 11:30am then at 12:00pm we transition to the Children’s Pool for water fun! Families do not need to have a Beede membership, but caregivers do need to be in the water with their child for the 30 minutes of Children’s Pool time. Sign up your child and have them arrive in their swim suit. With capacity restrictions in the Children’s Pool, we may split up into two groups. The first group will participate in the reading while the second group swims. Then we will switch half way through. Parents are required to accompany their child in the water. One child per parent. Registration is required. [Register]
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Dance Party at Fowler with Concord Family Network, Ages 5 and under
Saturday, November 20, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Fowler Backyard, Fowler Branch
Let's dance the morning away! Join Concord Family Network for half an hour of moving and grooving. All are welcome. Event may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Please register to receive updates. [Register]
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Special Collections Highlights: First Parish's Rev. Benjamin Reynolds Bulkeley |
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We recently received an important addition to the historical records of First Parish in Concord. The gift includes Rev. Benjamin Reynold Bulkeley’s handwritten sermons, lectures, and papers, donated by Bulkeley’s descendant, Peter L. Kurzban of Orleans, MA. Special Collections holds First Parish’s extensive (90 linear feet) historical records, 1695-2014. The detailed guide to the collection is on view here: We want to extend our special thanks to Rev. Dr. Jim Sherblom for delivering the new material, along with a detailed inventory.
Benjamin Reynolds Bulkeley (1855-1930) served as First Parish minister from 1882-1893. (Pastor Emeritus 1924-1930). He and his wife, Mary Augusta Warren of Cambridge, raised three children while living in Concord. Rev. Bulkeley retired from First Parish in 1893, but went on to serve at Unity Universalist in Chicago from 1894 to 1897, First Parish in Beverly, MA from 1897 to 1915, and First Congregational Society in Leominster, MA from 1915 to 1920. Benjamin and Mary moved back to Concord in 1924. Rev. Bulkeley was made pastor emeritus, and frequently served as a guest preacher, until his death in 1930. Funeral services were held at First Parish in Concord on April 21, 1930, and he is buried in Concord’s Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Included in the donation are Bulkeley’s papers written while attending the University of Rochester; four sermons and three major papers written for Harvard Divinity School; and over 100 sermons and lectures, delivered at First Parish Church in Concord between 1881-1893.
First Parish in Concord was founded in 1635 with Rev. Dr. Peter Bulkeley as one of its two founding ministers. Four of Peter Bulkeley’s direct descendants would also serve as First Parish ministers, including Peter’s son Rev. Edward Bulkeley, Rev. John Whiting in the third generation, Rev. William Emerson in the fourth generation, and Rev. Benjamin Bulkeley in the eighth generation. Most famous of the Bulkeley direct descendants in Concord was of course Ralph Waldo Emerson, of the sixth generation of Bulkeley’s in America. Waldo Emerson is descended from Peter Bulkeley’s oldest son Edward, while Benjamin is descended from Peter’s son Gersham who was born 22 years after Edward.
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