Tewksbury Library Event Schedule (Week Of Jan. 15)

Information via Tewksbury Library

Event Registration

Please register online using our Calendar of Events at www.tewksburypl.org or by calling 978- 640-4490. We strongly recommend registration for programs that are marked *RR. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for generously sponsoring our programs.

Adult Events (In-Person Only)

IN PERSON: Tewksbury's Antiques Roadshow (1 Free Verbal Appraisal Per Person) (*RR)

Tuesday, January 16, 7pm

Auctioneer and appraiser Ron Wackowski will provide answers to the most common questions he is asked about the antique trade. Questions to be answered include: How should I start my own antique collection; How should I shop at flea markets & antique stores; How should I buy or sell at an auction?; and How are today's market conditions affecting the antique trade? A free informal "road-show" appraisal session will follow the class. Attendees can each bring one antique to be identified and evaluated. All appraisals will be verbal. The number of appraisals given may be limited due to time constraints and crowd size. Ron has more than 35 years of experience with the antique trade. He is the owner and operator of an antique shop (The Queen's Falcon); an appraisal business (Andover Antiques Inc.); and an auction house (Ron Wackowski Auctioneers).

IN PERSON: Meditation Class (*RR)

Wednesday, January 17, 11am

Chris Connolly, RN, BSN, owner of "Living My Dream Yoga," will lead a 4-week series of meditation classes. Classes will take place from 11am to noon over four consecutive Wednesdays -- January 3, January 10, January 17 and January 24 -- in the library's Meeting Room. Classes are designed for both those who are new to meditation and regular practitioners. Participants will practice different types of meditation each week. Classes will begin with a settling-in practice with breath work, followed by a few gentle stretches before settling into a comfortable seat (or in a lying down position if a yoga mat is brought). Connolly will then offer a guided meditation followed by 8-10 minutes of stillness. The class will end with an integration that may include silent journaling or a poetry reading. Connolly, a retired 43-year registered nurse, is a certified 500-hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Level 1 iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher, and Reiki II Practitioner.

IN PERSON: Crafternoon

Wednesday, January 17, 1:30pm

Calling all knitters, crocheters, needle workers, beaders, and colorers! Bring your own craft project to the Library and work on it while enjoying conversation with other crafters. (Please, no crafts involving glue or paint.) Take advantage of the many books available at the library to get ideas for your next project or to explore a new craft. We will be meeting in person.

IN PERSON: Other Worlds Fantasy Book Group -- Legends & Lattes (*RR)

Wednesday, January 17, 6:30pm

We're kicking off Tewksbury Public Library's Fantasy Book Group with a discussion of Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes: A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes. It follows Viv, an orc who decides to retire from adventuring to start a fantasy city’s very first coffee shop. Join us on this epic adventure! Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk one month prior to meeting. We will be meeting in person, in the Trustees Room on the second floor of the library.

IN PERSON: Creative Couples of the 17th Century -- Judith Leyster & Rachel Ruysch (*RR)

Thursday, January 18, 10:30am

Judith Leyster, a genre painter, and Rachel Ruysch, a floral painter, were both successful Dutch women artists in the 17th century. Explore the differences in their lives after each married another artist. Judith Leyster virtually gave up painting to become an assistant to her husband, Jan Miense Molenaer, and raise two children, while Rachel Ruysch’s husband, Juriaen Pool, a portrait painter, supported his wife in raising 10 children at the same time she became an internationally known artist. Gt to know these 17th-century Dutch artists both personally and professionally. 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, the Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE), libraries, senior centers, and garden clubs.

IN PERSON: Movie Night -- Priscilla (*RR)

Friday, January 19, 7pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases -- Priscilla. When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend. The film is based on the memoir Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley (who serves as an executive producer) and Sandra Harmon. Starring Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, and directed by Sofia Coppola. Biographical Drama. Rated R. 1 Hour, 53 Minutes. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested.

IN PERSON: Puzzle Race (*RR)

Saturday, January 20, 10:30am

Assemble your team for a chance at puzzle victory! The first team to complete a special 500-piece puzzle will take home all the glory. Prizes will be given to the first, second and third place teams. Light refreshments will be served. Feel free to bring your own puzzles for a puzzle swap to take place immediately afterwards (noon) organized by Library Trustee Sue Pedersen.

IN PERSON: Puzzle Swap

Saturday, January 20, noon

Bring your jigsaw puzzles to swap. Puzzle pieces should be sealed tightly in a ziplock bag inside the box. Please tape the puzzle box close. Puzzle pieces should be totally disassembled -- no chunks! Participants may swap one-for-one (e.g., bring 2 puzzles, take 2 puzzles). Participants may also "purchase" puzzles, with a recommended donation of $2 (for a 500-piece puzzle) and $5 (for a 1,000-piece puzzle). These donations will benefit the Friends of the Tewksbury Library. Library Trustee Sue Pedersen will oversee the swap. While the swap will last from noon to 1pm, those who arrive at noon will have the best selection.

Adult Events (Virtual Only)

VIRTUAL: Take A Walk In Paris: A Live Tour (*RR)

Tuesday, January 16, 10:30am

French tour guide Patrick Herpe returns to give viewers a live tour of Paris. He'll be walking while ZOOMing with us to show live video of The Marais, a historic district of Paris, which includes the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. He'll discuss the history of each Paris landmark he spotlights, and offer tips for traveling to Paris.

VIRTUAL: Ella Fitzgerald -- Her Life In Jazz (*RR)

Tuesday, January 16, 7pm

The singer all singers call the best was Ella Fitzgerald. Learn the story of a young woman who against impossible odds achieved fame as a Jazz singer by the age of seventeen. At that young age, Fitzgerald found herself at the heart of The Harlem Renaissance and American Jazz. She would go on to perform around the world for another 58 years. Led by professional jazz singer and lecturer Nanette Perrotte, who has a BA in Jazz Composition from Berklee School of Music and an MA in Education from Lesley University.

VIRUTAL: 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group (*RR)

Wednesday, January 17, 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!

VIRTUAL: Discover New Genealogical Tools For Your Toolbox (*RR)

Wednesday, January 17, 7pm

Today’s genealogist is fortunate to have hundreds of free tools at their disposal to aid in almost every research project. Famously, Google seems to have the broadest range of assistance: Google translate, Google books and a plethora of others. Compendium websites that are free can be a blessing to the diligent researcher too. USGenWeb, CyndisList, and Linkpendium come to mind, but learn of these and others that need to be added to your genealogy toolbox. Led by Dave Robison, owner of Old Bones Genealogy of New England and professional genealogist from Western Massachusetts. Robison is President of the 2023 New England Regional Genealogical Conference; State Registrar/Genealogist for the Massachusetts Society of Sons of the American Revolution; and Commissioner at the Chicopee Historical Commission.

VIRTUAL: Future Eclipses (*RR)

Thursday, January 18, 7pm

On April 8, 2024, the Moon’s dark shadow will cross the continental U.S. for the second time in seven years. This total solar eclipse promises to be among the most widely observed in history. It’s already widely anticipated, as many hotels within the path of totality sold out two years in advance. And another solar eclipse, this one an annular (ring) eclipse, served as a warm-up act when it crossed the western U.S. in October 2023. Learn the nature of solar eclipses, helpful advice for seeing April’s event successfully, and a preview of solar eclipses worth seeing through 2028. Led by J. Kelly Beatty, who has been explaining the science and wonder of astronomy to the public since 1974, when he joined the staff of Sky & Telescope. An award-winning writer and communicator, he specializes in planetary science and space exploration, and has been featured on The Weather Channel and National Public Radio.

VIRTUAL: Demystify Your Finances In The New Year (*RR)

Thursday, January 18, 7pm

January is the perfect time to focus on the future and lay the foundation for financial success. Ariel Nathanson, Certified Financial Education Instructor and the Founder of Finance for Feminists, will help participants expand their understanding of personal finance with practical advice and useful tools. Mindful spending, budget frameworks, investment basics - and more - will be explored during this supportive, judgment-free dialogue about money.

Children’s Events (In-Person Only)

Sprouts Story Time

Tuesday, January 16, 11am

Join Miss Kat for stories, songs, movement, instruments, dancing and more, and get your early literacy skills on! Sprouts Storytime is designed for is designed for little ones 18 months through 4 years, but siblings are always welcome.

Creativity Corner

Wednesday, January 17, 4pm

Join Miss Kat for a unique art project in the Craft Room. This event is designed for ages 6-11 and is a drop-in program.

Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, January 18, 11am

Preschool Playgroup is back! Learn some literacy skills and have some fun while you're at it! This program is hosted by Community Teamwork.

Sprouts Craft

Friday, January 19, 11am

Join us to make a fun craft! This craft is designed for kids aged 2-6.

Children's Concert: Mary Beth Maes

Saturday, January 20, 11am

Join Mary Beth Maes for a fun and interactive concert for young children! Music, movement, dancing, and more! This program is sponsored by Community Teamwork.

Teen Events (In-Person Only)

IN PERSON: Super Mario Bros Movie (*RR)

Wednesday, January 17, 3:30pm

Join us to watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie! The Super Mario Bros. Movie is rated PG. The run time is 1 hour 32 minutes. This event is open to teens in grades 6-12.