Tewksbury Library Events: Bestselling Author, Tiny Art Reception, More

Information via Tewksbury Public 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.

All Ages Event

IN PERSON: Tiny Art Reception

Saturday, March 2, 11am

Join participants from TPL's first ever Tiny Art Show in a celebration of creativity in our community while also celebrating the 2024 winners in each age category! Tiny brunch and refreshments will be served while supplies last. No registration is required to attend and this event is for all ages. No participation in the Tiny Art Show is required to attend the reception.

Adult Events (In-Person Only)

IN PERSON: Adult Craft Night (*RR)

Monday, February 26, 7pm

Enjoy making a craft while socializing with others! This month's featured craft are Felt Bookmarks! All craft supplies provided. Led by longtime crafter Rachelle Toth, host of the local access TV show "Crafts 'n' Stuff."

IN PERSON: Adult Board Game Night (*RR)

Tuesday, February 27, 6pm

Enjoy playing board games while socializing with others! This month, board game extraordinaire Jonah McCreary will be teaching us how to play three games -- Photosynthesis, Flamecraft, and Azul. Additionally, several tables will be available for "open play" if you'd like to bring your own games or borrow one of the library's games to play. Light refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library through a generous donation from 100 People Who Care Tewksbury.

IN PERSON: Meditation Class (*RR)

Wednesday, February 28, 11am

Chris Connolly, RN, BSN, owner of "Living My Dream Yoga," will lead a 3-week series of meditation classes. Classes will take place from 11am to noon over three consecutive Wednesdays -- February 14, February 21 and February 28 -- in the library's Meeting Room. Classes are designed for both those who are new to meditation and regular practitioners.

IN PERSON: The Page-Turners Fiction Book Group

Wednesday, February 28, 6:30pm

This month, join us for a discussion of The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. At 25, Libby is astounded to learn of an inheritance that will change her life: a gorgeous, dilapidated townhouse in one of London’s poshest neighborhoods. As Libby investigates the story of her birth parents and the dark legacy of her new home, she wants to know: what really happened in that rambling Chelsea mansion? New members are always welcome! Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk one month prior to meeting.

IN PERSON & VIRTUAL: Tracking Beavers, Raccoons, Coyotes & Other Wild Mammals in Winter (*RR)

Thursday, February 29, 10:30am

Have you ever wondered what wild mammals live in your neighborhood? The barrenness of deciduous plants and the presence of snow in winter can help illuminate wildlife signs like tracks, chews, and scat. Learn to interpret the sometimes-subtle clues left behind by American Beavers, Eastern Coyotes, Raccoons, and Fishers. Develop awareness and skills to enhance your outdoor walks and discover the winter stories that play out quietly all around us. Led by Scott Santino, the Education Manager and Teacher Naturalist at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield where he has been leading nature education programs for Mass Audubon since 1999.

IN PERSON: Movie Night -- The Boys In The Boat

Friday, March 1, 7pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “The Boys In The Boat.” A 1930s-set story centered on the University of Washington's rowing team, from their Depression-era beginnings to winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Starring Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner and Peter Guinness, and directed by George Clooney. Historical Sports Drama. Rated PG-13. 2 Hours. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested.

Adult Events (Virtual Only)

VIRTUAL: An Evening with Romance Authors Ali Hazelwood, Nikki Payne & Denise Williams (*RR)

Monday, February 26, 7pm

Authors Ali Hazelwood, Nikki Payne, and Denise Williams will discuss their latest romance novels in this unforgettable panel discussion followed by audience Q&A. Ali Hazelwood is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis, as well as a writer of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the US to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband). Her latest is Bride, a paranormal romance published on February 6.

VIRTUAL: Armchair Tour of the Codman Estate with Historic New England (*RR)

Tuesday, February 27, 12:30pm

Enjoy an armchair tour of the Codman Estate, a famous Massachusetts property preserved by Historic New England. The five generations of the Codman family to live here left their mark, and the estate that was originally a country retreat gradually came to symbolize the family's distinguished past. The interiors, richly furnished with portraits, memorabilia, and art works collected in America and Europe, preserve the decorative schemes of every era, including those of noted interior designer Ogden Codman, Jr. The grounds feature a hidden Italianate garden, c. 1900, with perennial beds, statuary, and a reflecting pool filled with water lilies, as well as an English cottage garden, c. 1930. Led by Wendy Hubbard, Site Manager at Historic New England.

VIRUTAL: A Visit with the Addison Gallery of American Art ("Frank & Webb Across America') (*RR)

Tuesday, February 27, 2pm

Curator Rachel Vogel, of the Addison Gallery of American Art, will lead participants on a virtual tour through the works and themes presented in its latest exhibition, "Robert Frank and Todd Webb Across America, 1955." Organized by the Museum of Fine Art in Houston, this exhibition presents photographs that Robert Frank and Todd Webb created separately during their travels across America as 1955 Guggenheim Foundation Fellows. Though the men had no knowledge of each other at the time, their strikingly similar images revealed popular cultural trends and shared ideologies that challenged the idealistic purity of the “American Roadtrip.”

VIRTUAL: Celebrating 30 Years of "The Beekeeper's Apprentice" with Author Laurie R. King (*RR)

Tuesday, February 27, 7pm

Can you believe it's been 30 years since the most amazing Sherlock Holmes retelling, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, came out? And that the newest in the series, Book #18 (!), The Lantern's Dance, just came out?! Join author Laurie R. King as she discusses the origin story to this series, the taking on of an icon, the twists and turns of storytelling, and the impact (cultural, social, and political) of Holmes and Russell on our collective consciousnesses. Laurie R. King is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels and other works, including the Mary Russell-Sherlock Holmes stories. She has won the Agatha, Anthony, Creasey, Edgar, Lambda, Macavity, Wolfe, and Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, has an honorary doctorate in theology. Laurie was named Grand Master by Mystery Writers of America, and co-edited (with Lee Child) the new handbook from Mystery Writers of America, How to Write a Mystery.

VIRTUAL: Making Italian Arancini with The Cookery (*RR)

Tuesday, February 27, 7pm

Arancini is the perfect appetizer for everyone - even picky eaters! And it's so easy to make! With its crispy exterior and cheesy inside, you will want to make this recipe all the time! Learn how to make the best arancini and our house marinara sauce to go with. Perfect for parties or as an addition to any weeknight Italian feast! Led by a cooking instructor from The Cookery.

VIRTUAL: TEWKSBURY WRITING GROUP -- Advice From Author Ian M. Rogers (*RR)

Tuesday, February 27, 7pm

Are you a writer -- or an aspiring writer -- looking for some support? The Tewksbury Writing Group, which generally meets the fourth Monday or Tuesday evening of every month, is open to everyone who's interested in writing -- all genres, all skill levels. Each meeting -- which will take place via Zoom -- features a guest speaker (typically a published author or editor) offering some tips of the trade. The February 2024 guest speaker is author Ian M. Rogers. Ian is the author of MFA Thesis Novel (Vine Leaves Press, 2022), a satirical novel of academia. He grew up in New Hampshire before studying literature at Bennington College in Vermont and creative writing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he learned to write short bios like this one. He lived and taught English in Japan for a number of years, most recently at Kanagawa University in Yokohama. He works as a fiction and academic editor, and in the past held jobs as a greenhouse assistant, a school secretary, a grocery clerk, an online test-grader, a housepainter, a gardener, and a farm hand. His second novel, Carcrash Parker and the Haven of Larpers, is forthcoming in 2025.

VIRTUAL: Hydrangea Ps & Qs -- Planting, pH, Pruning, Problems & Your Questions (*RR)

Wednesday, February 28, 10:30am

This presentation addresses common issues raised about hydrangeas, including when and how to plant; how to raise or lower the soil pH to control bloom color; when and how to prune hydrangea that bloom on old wood (e.g. H macrophylla, H serrata) and new wood (e.g. H arborescens, H paniculata); and common fungal problems and pests. And extra time is saved to answer your questions. Led by Kathie Skinner, a Lifetime Master Gardener, the past Education Coordinator and past Master Gardener Training Coordinator for the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association.

VIRTUAL: The Economic Response to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine (*RR)

Wednesday, February 28, 7pm

Author and professor Christine Abely will discuss her brand new book, The Russia Sanctions: The Economic Response to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine. Learn about the international trade measures and sanctions deployed against Russia in response to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Explore how sanctions have affected, and will continue to affect, global trading patterns, financial integration, and foreign policy in novel ways. In particular, examine the effects of sanctions on energy, food, fertilizer, the financial system, and the global use of the US dollar, including trends of de-dollarization. Understand the steps that must be taken to make sanctions more effective by promoting financial transparency worldwide. Christine Abely is an assistant professor at New England Law in Boston. She previously practiced international trade and sanctions law and is a licensed customs broker. Her work has appeared in The Hill, Just Security, and numerous academic journals.

VIRTUAL: Kehinde Wiley -- Color & Splendor (*RR)

Thursday, February 29, 7pm

Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of President Obama cemented his status in the contemporary art world as an artist that mixes Grand Manner portraiture traditions, intricate patterns and designs, and a vibrant, technicolor palette. His paintings, which most often depict contemporary African American subjects, examine visual codes for power and challenge expectations. Explore the artist’s life and provides an overview of his works and inspiration. Led by art historian Jane Oneail, founder of Culturally Curious, a company that curates and delivers art appreciation programs for audiences worldwide. With a Master’s in Art History from Boston University and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, Oneail has worked at some of New Hampshire's most esteemed cultural institutions, including as Executive Director of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and Senior Educator at the Currier Museum of Art. She has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University.

Teen Events

IN PERSON: Sweet Treats Iron Chef (*RR)

Tuesday, February 27, 3:30pm

A variety of dessert items, toppings, and candy will be provided so you can make your own beautiful, wacky, terrible combo creation! Materials will be provided for every registered attendee.

Children’s Events (In-Person Only)

IN-PERSON: Tiny Tykes Story Time

Monday, February 26, 11am

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: Sprouts Story Time

Tuesday, February 27, 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.

IN-PERSON: Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, February 29, 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.

IN PERSON: Haitian Creole Bilingual Story Hour (*RR)

Thursday, February 29, 3pm

The Community Teamwork Family Resource Network is here weekly! Practice using your home language with us! Our staff will be here with an interpreter speaking Haitian Creole. At our playgroup we will work on Early Literacy skills and more! Ask CTI about any resources they can help provide for you and your family. This program is for children aged 0-5. The Family Resource Network is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.