Adult Events

VIRTUAL: JOB SEARCH HELP -- Don’t Turn Your Job Interview Into a Train Wreck (*RR)
Monday, December 5, 2pm

Applying for your next big career opportunity requires a lot of work. You must reach out to your network, arrange information meetings, talk to recruiters and submit resumes. Finally you land the interview. What’s next? Led by Maureen B. Weisner, M.Ed., PCC, CPCC, Founder and Managing Partner of KICKSTART Your Transition. Named a "Top 10 Executive Coach" by Women's Business Boston, she is a certified coach, consultant, and professional speaker, who specializes in working with individuals in transition, typically involving career change, divorce, education and other work/life events. 

IN PERSON: Science Squared Book Discussion
Monday, December 5, 6:30pm

Enjoy reading science and sci fi books? Join the Science Squared Book Group. December's discussion book is “The Dreamers” by Karen Thompson Walker. Books are available at the Front Desk one month before the discussion.

VIRTUAL: TEWKSBURY GENEALOGY GROUP -- Where There's A Will, There's A Way To Find It (*RR)
Monday, December 5, 7pm

The month's featured presentation is "Where There's a Will There's a Way (to Find It)." If you are not using probate records in your research you are missing out on one of the richest sources of information about our ancestors, records that not only can help link the generations, but which also can provide details on their occupation, religion, literacy, military service, hobbies, and socio-economic status. Join us for a gentle introduction to the genealogical use of probate records. After a quick review of the laws and lingo related to probate, learn how to find these records, how to navigate index books, and how to interpret the individual records. Although the focus is on records related to estates, guardianships will also be touched upon. Led by Robert Cameron Weir, a professional genealogist in Dover, NH who specializes in early New England research. He has a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University’s Center for Professional Education and is a member of the Association for Professional Genealogists.

VIRTUAL: Winter Pruning -- Why, When & How To Prune Your Shrubs (*RR)
Tuesday, December 6, 11am

Learn the basics of pruning deciduous shrubs, with an emphasis on structural pruning that can be done during winter, even for spring-flowering shrubs. You’ll come away with new insights and skills, including “how to” info on proper methods and tools. A lifelong gardener, Master Gardener Jan Weathers has a special passion for pruning. Initially self-taught, she (like many of us!) made her share of good cuts and bad until, as a Master Gardener trainee, she learned from professionals. Through advanced training and working side by side with horticulturists, Jan continues to perfect her skills and share them with other gardeners.

VIRTUAL: The History of Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom (*RR)
Tuesday, December 6, 2pm

Disney World's Animal Kingdom is the largest addition to the Florida parks. Walt Disney wanted to use live animals on the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom, but it was impractical. Animal Kingdom allowed to company to realize Walt’s vision for live animal attractions. Learn about the obstacles faced with building a theme park and zoo, and discover what there is to see at the “wildest” of the Disney Parks. Led by Valerie Gugala, a historical presenter and lecturer specializing in Abraham and Mary Lincoln, presidential history, the Victorian era, and all things Disney. She is an avid Disney fan, making more than 25 trips in the past 15 years. Gugala is both a Disney Vacation Club member and a D23 Club member. She presents on the history of Disney to libraries across the country. 

VIRTUAL: Russia's Invasion, Ukraine's Resistance & Prospects For Peace (*RR)
Tuesday, December 6, 7pm

Join Professor Oxana Shevel, President of the American Association for Ukrainian Studies and Political Science Professor of Tufts University, for a discussion of the reasons behind Russian president Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine's determined resistance, and how the war might end. While the war is often analyzed through the lens of US-Russia geopolitical competition, this talk will emphasize the importance of alternative factors: changes in national identity in Ukraine and of divergent political regime dynamics in Russia and Ukraine. 

VIRTUAL: JOB SEARCH HELP FOR 50 & OVER -- Meet Hiring Employers (*RR)
Wednesday, December 7, 9:30am

The Massachusetts Library Collaborative's 50+ Job Seekers Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30am to 11:30am, via Zoom. If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your "Encore Career", this networking group program is perfect for you! Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking!  Join us in a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help in your career transition. Each meeting features a new topic. Meetings include a presentation and hands-on workshop on topics relevant to career transition, guest speakers, access to hiring managers, small group breakout rooms to network, and 1-on-1 coaching guidance. Participating on a regular basis will give job seekers the many tools and strategies needed for a successful job search.   Each biweekly meeting is facilitated by Deborah Hope, MBA, PCIC, an experienced executive career coach. 

VIRTUAL: Spacesuits -- What Every Fashionable Astronaut Is Wearing (*RR)
Wednesday, December 7, 11am

Beginning with pioneer aviator Wiley Post in 1935, pilots traveling above the sensible atmosphere have required special clothing. Full-pressure suits control humidity, temperature, oxygen content, and pressure for astronauts, cosmonauts, and taikonauts. Join Solar System Ambassador David S. Ball as he discusses spacesuits required for intravehicular, extravehicular, and surface operations. Ball, a volunteer educator with NASA and retired Air Force officer, frequently presents on topics related to American activities in space. 

HYBRID: The Armchair Detectives Mystery Book Group -- Murder at the Mill
Wednesday, December 7, 1:30pm

Do you love a good mystery? Join the library's Book Club, "The Armchair Detectives!" This month’s discussion book is “Murder at the Mill” by M.B. Shaw. Iris Grey rents a cottage in a picture-perfect Hampshire village, looking to escape from her crumbling marriage. She is drawn to the neighboring Wetherby family. But at their Christmas party, a body is found. A tragic accident? Or a deadly crime?   Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk.  We will be meeting in person, but will have ZOOM up for anyone who can't make it to the Library. Please email Jeanne at [email protected] and she will send you the link to the meeting. 

VIRTUAL: A Trip To Budapest with The Traveling Librarian (*RR)
Wednesday, December 7, 7pm

Join Jeff Klapes, the Traveling Librarian, for another of his popular armchair travel presentations. This series highlights travel photography and stories and travel tips about destinations around the world. This month, journey to Hungary's impressive capital, Budapest. Opulent architecture along the Danube, spas and baths from the Ottoman era to the 19th century, and elegant Parisian style boulevards all create a unique atmosphere. Mixed in are the leftovers from the bleak era of Communist occupation, which make for compelling experiences learning about Hungary's history. Jeff is the recently retired Head of Reference Services at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield and an avid traveler and photographer.

VIRTUAL: The Secret History Of The Fight For Gay Rights with Pulitzer Finalist Eric Cervini (*RR)
Wednesday, December 7, 7pm

Author and historian Eric Cervini will discuss his bestselling and Pulitzer Prize finalist book, The Deviant's War: The Homosexual vs. The United States of America, in conversation with Jasmine Allen, of PBS New Hampshire, in this Zoom webinar. The Deviant's War uncovers the secret history of the fight for gay rights that began a generation before Stonewall, told through the life and unprecedented legal efforts of astronomer Franklin Edward Kameny. In 1957, Kameny, a rising astronomer working for the U.S. Defense Department in Hawaii, received a summons to report immediately to Washington, D.C. The Pentagon had reason to believe he was a homosexual, and after a series of humiliating interviews, Kameny, like countless gay men and women before him, was promptly dismissed from his government job. Unlike many others, though, Kameny fought back. Based on firsthand accounts, recently declassified FBI records, and 40,000 personal documents, Eric Cervini's The Deviant's War unfolds over the course of the 1960s, as the Mattachine Society of Washington, the group Kameny founded, became the first organization to protest the systematic persecution of gay federal employees. The Deviant's War, which is currently being adapted into an Amazon limited TV series, is a story of America (and Washington) at a cultural and sexual crossroads; of shocking, byzantine public battles with Congress; of FBI informants; murder; betrayal; sex; love; and ultimately victory.

IN PERSON: Non-Fiction Book Group: All You Can Ever Know
Thursday, December 8, 10:30am

Join us for a discussion of All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung. This discussion will be conducted in person in the First Floor Meeting Room. No registration required. Copies of the book are available for check out at the Front Desk.

VIRTUAL: Baroque Art of the 17th Century (*RR)
Thursday, December 8, 11am

Explore the drama of Italian, Flemish, and Dutch Baroque art of the 17th century, primarily in the works of Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi, Bernini, Rubens, and Rembrandt. The cross currents of influence between the north and south will be illustrated against the backdrop of political and religious turmoil. Led by Martha Chiarchiaro, owner of Seeing History, who has brought history to life through the art of the times for more than 30 years. She received her Masters’ degree in the History of Art from Williams College and provides a variety of art history presentations at the Worcester Art Museum, libraries, senior centers, and a variety of garden clubs. 

VIRTUAL: The Digital Traces of Pregnancy -- Privacy and Reproductive Rights (*RR)
Thursday, December 8, 7pm

Examine the ways that our digital lives -- including app use, social media, purchases, GPS data, and more -- expose information about our reproductive choices. Participants will learn how to map out their own personal risk profile and will leave with strategies to protect themselves, as well as protect the safety and choices of those around them. Led by Claire Lobdell, a member of the Library Freedom Project, a surveillance resistance and digital privacy organization. She is also the distance education librarian and archivist at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield.

VIRTUAL: An Evening With Bestselling Mystery Writers Hank Phillippi Ryan, Sulari Gentill & Eva Jurcz (*RR)
Thursday, December 8, 7pm

Authors Hank Phillippi Ryan, Sulari Gentill, and Eva Jurczyk will discuss their latest mysteries, moderated by Rachel Raczka of the Boston Globe, via Zoom.

IN PERSON: FILM SCREENING -- Don't Worry Darling (*RR)
Friday, December 9, 10:30am AND & 7pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases -- Don't Worry Darling. A 1950s housewife living with her husband in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company could be hiding disturbing secrets. Rated R. 123 minutes. Doors will open at 10:15am and 6:30pm. Pizza & water will be served at night. Candy & water will be served in the morning. A $1-$2 donation is suggested. 

Teen Events

IN PERSON: Anime Club (*RR)
Wednesday, December 7, 3:30pm

Join Emily for snacks and anime at our Anime Club meeting in person. This month we'll be watching “Dragon Ball Z.” Rated TV-PG.  This event is open to grades 6-12.

VIRTUAL: Foodie Friday (*RR)
Friday, December 9, 3:30pm

Join Emily on YouTube and learn how to make hot cocoa with peppermint chocolate spoons! Supplies will be provided for this event and registered attendees will be sent an email with more details about picking up supplies.

Children’s Events

IN PERSON: Tiny Tykes Story Time
Monday, December 5, 10:30am

Tiny Tykes Storytime is designed for young children ages 0 to 18 months. Older siblings are always welcome to join in. Join us for a fun session of stories, songs, fingerplays, instruments, and gentle movement that help build early literacy skills. Babies experience the sounds and structure of language through rhythm, rhyme and repetition.

IN PERSON: Munchkin Music & Movement

Monday, December 5, 2pm

Get your dance on with Munchkin Music & Movement! Join us for songs, dances, rhymes, and fun!

IN PERSON: Sprouts Story Time
Tuesday, December 6, 10:30am

Sprouts Storytime is designed for is designed for little ones 18 months through 4 years. Get your early literacy skills on with stories, songs, movement, instruments, dancing and more!

IN PERSON: Nursery Rhyme Baby Time
Wednesday, December 7, 10:30am

Join Miss Haley for some early literacy fun with stories, songs, and nursery rhymes at this story time. No registration required. Please drop in!

IN PERSON: Mad Science
Wednesday, December 7, 3:30pm

Join Miss Haley for a fun STEM challenge in the Craft Room. This event is designed for ages 6-11 and is a drop-in program.

IN PERSON: Preschool Playgroup
Thursday, December 8, 11am

Introducing our brand new Thursday morning Preschool Playgroup! Learn some literacy skills and have some fun while you're at it! This program is cohosted by Community Teamwork.

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