Weekly Updates

November 1, 2024


  • The Concord Free Public Library will be closed on Sunday & Monday, November 10 & 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
  • In this issue: Adult Programs - Virtual Films at Fowler - Special Collections Events - Makerspace Programs - Teen Programs - Children's Programs



Adult Programs

Write On! Time Management for Writers: NaNoWriMo Edition

Wednesday, November 6, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Goodwin Forum, Main Library

Join us this November for our Write On! writing seminar series. This time management seminar with Dora Farkas is for everyday people who have jobs and families in addition to their desire to write. If you have a desire to share your story with the world, this seminar is for you, even if you have not published before or do not have much time to write. You will walk away with a personalized plan that will help you create a regular writing routine that works with your busy life. Please bring a notebook and something to write with. Sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. [Register for Write On!]

Virtual Group Meditation

Thursday, November 7, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Zoom

Join Lara Wilson 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 wellbeing. [Register for Meditation Zoom Link]

College Assistance Plus

Thursday, November 7, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Goodwin Forum, Main Library

College Assistance Plus is a national leader in preparing students for a fulfilling career and minimizing college debt to enable a strong start to adult life. The organization provides individualized major and career planning for high school and college students with innovative tuition reduction results for families of any income level. For questions about materials to bring or questions to prepare, contact meredith.collegeassistanceplus@gmail.com. [Register for College Assistance Plus Talk]

Queen of Katwe Film Screening at Fowler (Ages 10 & up)

Saturday, November 9, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Meeting Room, Fowler Branch

Join us to watch the Queen of Katwe with members of the Clover Foundation, a nonprofit that supports children and their families in the neighborhood of Busega in Kampala, Uganda. This film is based on the inspiring true story of a girl from the slums of Uganda who becomes a chess champion. Viewers will have the opportunity to learn more about Clover Foundation and its ties to Concord. [Register for Film Screening]

Tuesday Book Discussion Group

Tuesday, November 12, 10:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Trustees Room, Main Library

Each month, join other readers to discuss a range of books, from classics to contemporary. For November, we will discuss Dear Life by Alice Munro. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library. [Register for Tuesday Book Discussion]

Building Our Community Newspaper Together

Thursday, November 14, 6:00 - 7:30 9.m.

Goodwin Forum, Main Library

In the spring of 2022, Concord was a news desert, isolating residents from one another as surely as the pandemic had. But with the encouragement of a core group of devoted Concordians, residents gathered in a church basement to envision a local weekly newspaper that would connect citizens with each other. Come hear Maile Hulihan, CEO of The Concord Bridge, tell the story of what happened next — and where the newspaper is going. Moderated by Frannie Carr Toth, Managing Editor, Audio, New York Times. Introduction by Betsy Levinson, Editor of The Concord Bridge. [Register for The Concord Bridge Event]

Virtual Films at Fowler

My Man Godfrey (1936)

Wednesday, November 6, 7:00 p.m.

(Discussion Date on Zoom)


In this relentlessly biting screwball comedy, a ditzy New York socialite (Carole Lombard) needs a “forgotten man” (William Powell) to win a scavenger hunt. 


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 Fall 2024 Virtual Films at Fowler Schedule]

Special Collections Events

New Exhibition & Gallery Talk

The William Munroe Special Collections presents Alicia Keyes: New Pathways to Beauty. The exhibition features Concord artist Alicia Keyes' paintings, sketches from Special Collections and pieces on loan from the Emerson and Keyes families and the Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial Association. The exhibition is on display in the Munroe Gallery from October 26 to December 30, 2024.


Gallery Talk - Alicia Keyes: New Pathways to Beauty Exhibition

Saturday, November 9, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Munroe Gallery, Main Library

Join Special Collections for a gallery talk about the Exhibition. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Concord Free Public Library Corporation. [Register for Gallery Talk]

Concord Prison Outreach - Concord Reformatory Cemetery Project

Tuesday, November 12, 6:00 - 7:45 p.m.

Goodwin Forum, Main Library

 

Concord Prison Outreach (CPO) showcases its Concord Reformatory Cemetery Project — Naming the Unnamed through multi-media materials, including art panels, spoken biographies, digital presentations, and panelist storytelling.


From 1878 until 1996, the Concord Reformatory Cemetery became the final resting place for 218 men who died while incarcerated and buried in numbered graves. A large cement cross marks the cemetery, mounted on a pedestal, visible from Route 2. The Concord Prison Outreach Project - Naming the Unnamed - is a multi-faceted community-based project memorializing 218 men buried at the Concord Reformatory Cemetery, bringing this historic place forward as an integral part of Concord’s future. The importance of the project is timely, given the closure of MCI-Concord and Concord 250th Celebration.


[Register for Concord Prison Outreach Talk]

Crowdsourcing the American Revolution

November 16, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Goodwin Forum, Main Library


Concord and surrounding communities are very good about celebrating April 19th; however, there was more to the American Revolution than that critical date. The war lasted for eight years.


Join historian Beth van Duzer as she speaks about her research, including finding individuals who fought for Concord during the eight years of the war, who died in service, and where they are buried. Most importantly, learn how the Concord250 History & Education Subcommittee would like your assistance to make this database more complete. Beth van Duzer is an independent historian in Concord, MA. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from Montclair State University and a master's degree in History, focused on Public History, from Southern New Hampshire University. Beth is the co-chair and clerk of the Concord250 History & Education Subcommittee and is the owner of Concord Walking Tours, a history research and tour company.


[Register for American Revolution Talk]

Makerspace Workshop Needs Your Help

Help us make winter magic by donating your leftover gift wrapping supplies in the Main Library's Sudbury Road vestibule while space allows - We are accepting bows, wrapping paper, tissue paper, washi tape, gift bags, ribbon, glitter, greeting cards, gift tags, stickers and unconventional wrappings like road maps or old calendars.


All supplies donated will be used to create patchwork gift wrap and bows at our Sustainable Wrap Party with Alex Makes Art Thursday, December 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.


For more Makerspace Workshop programs, visit here.

Teen Programs

The Bookworms (Grades 4-8)

Wednesday, November 6, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Meeting Room, Fowler Library

Each month, we will discuss two books - one fiction and one graphic novel. Each month, at least one of our selected books will be from the Massachusetts Children's Book Awards 2024-25 list. For our November meeting, we will discuss Stowaway by John David Anderson and Brooms by Jasmine Walls. Pick up print copies of both books at Fowler or find them on Libby or Hoopla. We will meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Chips and lemonade will be provided. [Register for The Bookworms]

Teen Dungeons and Dragons (High Schoolers)

Wednesday, November 6, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Teen Lounge, Main Library

Our older player game: Seven Plunders of the World - Join the high seas hijinks and lay waste to nasty critters with a roll of the dice. Please note - If you wish to drop in, please have a level 3 character ready to go, or, see Erick at the Teen Desk (sometime before game day) to build one.


For more Teen programs, visit here.

Main Library Children's Programs

Fall Storytime Schedule

All Storytimes are drop-in unless otherwise noted.

Crafty Tuesday, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Todler Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. & Baby Snugglebugs Storytime, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.

Storytime at Main, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Alphabet Storytime, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Yoga & Movement Storytime, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.

Musical Monday with Matt Heaton

Monday, November 4, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Goodwin Forum, Main Library

Matt Heaton was raised in a golden age of kids’ media. The Muppets, Free to Be You and Me, Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and more all provided the soundtrack of his early childhood. He tries to bring elements of those classic shows—the musicianship, the wit, the respect and kindness—to families today. His songs blend the mid-century rockabilly, surf, soul, western swing and country music he loves with a sense of humor that works for both kids and adults. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. No registration required. 

Make-it! Club

Wednesday, November 6, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

The Workshop, Main Library

Join us every Wednesday afternoon for an awesome craft, art project, or engineering puzzle. Recommended for kids ages 5-10 and their caregivers. If your child is ages 5-9, please be prepared to stay with your child for the duration of the event. No registration required.


For more Children's programs at the Main Library, visit here.

Fowler Branch Children's Programs

Fowler Storytime (Ages 5 & under)

Tuesday, November 5, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. & 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Meeting Room, Fowler Branch

Join us at Fowler for storytime - We will share stories, songs and rhymes and do a simple hands-on activity. Weather permitting, we will meet across the street at the labyrinth garden at the West Concord Union Church (1317 Main St). No registration required.

Musical Morning with Ricardo at Fowler (Ages 7 & under)

Saturday, November 9, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Meeting Room, Fowler Branch

Ricardo Rosales will join us on the first Saturday of each month for a special music class in Spanish and English. Expand your musical and language skills. This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. No registration required.


For more Children's programs at the Fowler Branch, visit here.

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