Tewksbury Library Events Schedule (Week of Feb. 5, 2024)

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.

Adult Events (In-Person Only)

IN PERSON: Become A Soup Master (*RR)

Monday, February 5, 7pm

Soup is one of the most nutritious and nourishing foods you can eat. But only when it’s made with less sodium and real ingredients. Ditch the store-bought salt bombs and come learn a variety of soups you can make at home, including Creamy Spinach Bisque, Low Sodium Garden Vegetable, Lentil Vegetable, and tons more! Review the latest soup supplies and other products to make life in the kitchen easier. Sample soup and recipes will be provided. This workshop is led by an instructor from Therapy Gardens.

IN PERSON: Science Squared Discussion Group (*RR)

Monday, February 5, 7pm

Join us IN PERSON on the first Monday monthly to discuss either a science themed book or a science fiction book. Please note that our location has changed to the 2nd Floor Trustees' Room. This month we will read and discuss What is Life by Paul Nurse. Books are available at the front desk one month prior to the discussion.

IN PERSON: How To Focus On The Positive In Your Life & Thrive In 2024

Tuesday, February 6, 7pm

Motivational speaker and interactive storyteller Scott Maloney will deliver his keynote presentation, "I Am." Those two little words are the preamble to the most powerful phrase in the world. Scott will share methods to maintaining focus on positive energy and avoiding negative thoughts in difficult situations, while learning from the past and preventing future mistakes. Scott is the author of Lean on Me: A Story of Hope, Healing and Holding On. A survivor of a near fatal traumatic brain injury, Scott was declared brain dead and endured a 23-day coma, a craniectomy and repeated surgeries, and years of physical and speech therapy. His inspiring story promises to leave an impact on you.

IN PERSON: MORNING MOVIE -- Past Lives (Foreign Film) (*RR)

Wednesday, February 7, 10:30am

Enjoy a screening of one of the most critically acclaimed foreign films of 2023 -- Past Lives. Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro. Drama/Romance. Rated PG-13. 1 Hour, 45 Minutes. Doors will open at 10:15am. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested.

IN PERSON: Armchair Detectives Mystery Book Group (*RR)

Wednesday, February 7, 1:30pm

Do you love a good mystery? Join the library's Book Club, "The Armchair Detectives!" It was a senselessly violent crime: on a cold night in a remote Swedish farmhouse an elderly farmer is bludgeoned to death, and his wife is left to die with a noose around her neck. And as if this didn't present enough problems for the Ystad police Inspector Kurt Wallander, the dying woman's last word is foreign, leaving the police the one tangible clue they have-and in the process, the match that could inflame Sweden's already smoldering anti-immigrant sentiments. 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 jswartz@tewksburypl.org and she will send you the link to the meeting.

IN PERSON: Non-Fiction Book Group

Thursday, February 8, 10:30am

Join us for a discussion of Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice by Bill Browder. 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.

IN PERSON: Movie Night -- Killers of the Flower Moon (*RR)

Friday, February 9, 6:30pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “Killers of the Flower Moon.” When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one - until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery. The film is based on the book with the same name David Grann. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, and directed by Martin Scorsese. Historical Crime Drama. Rated R. 3 Hours, 20 Minutes. Doors will open at 6pm. Please note the early 6:30pm start time. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

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

Saturday, February 10, 11am

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). Sponsored by the Friends of the Library through a generous donation from 100 People Who Care Tewksbury.

Adult Events (Virtual Only)

VIRTUAL: Look & Feel Your Best For Your Job Interview (*RR)

Monday, February 5, 2pm

Imagine stepping easily into the best version of yourself. Imagine being able to grab the attention of your audience when you show up in a meeting or interview in less than 8 seconds. Imagine showing your value in a poised and confident way. And imagine being authentic to yourself while you engage with others that may want to hire you. You will walk away from this session knowing how to create a consistent personal image that feels good, looks good and gives you the confidence to make your mark in the world. Led by Lisa Ann Schraffa Santin and Kim Ravida. Satin is a coach, mentor, educator, speaker, fashion industry veteran, and wardrobe wizard based on the North Shore. Ravida is a business coach who helps her clients build profitable businesses in a way that fits into their life. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library through a generous grant from the Tewksbury Elks.

VIRTUAL: Author Lauren Rico Discusses "Familia" (*RR)

Monday, February 5, 7pm

Author Lauren E. Rico will discuss her brand-new book, Familia. Against the bold beauty of San Juan, a baffling genealogy test connects two twenty-something women across cultures and class in this emotional yet refreshing story about sisterhood and self-discovery for fans of Nina LaCour, Xochitl Gonzalez, Elizabeth Acevedo, Annette Chavez Macias, and Julia Alvarez. Lauren E. Rico is an award-winning author and one of the top classical music broadcasters in the country. Her voice is heard nationally on SiriusXM’s Symphony Hall channel, as well as on radio stations in New York City, Charlotte, and Tampa. A graduate of the University of South Florida and George Mason University, she lives outside New York City.

VIRTUAL: A Visit with the Boston African American National Historic Site ("Safe Harbor") (*RR)

Tuesday, February 6, 12:30pm

During the years preceding the American Civil War, Boston served as one of the most important stops on the Underground Railroad. Did you know that many of the fugitives escaping from enslavement came to Boston by stowing away on ships from southern ports? Explore the untold stories of men and women making daring escapes to freedom through Boston Harbor. Led by National Park Ranger Shawn Quigley.

VIRTUAL: The Life & Legacy of Toni Morrison -- A Literary Icon (*RR)

Tuesday, February 6, 7pm

Explore the life and legacy of Toni Morrison. Her best-selling work examined racial and gender identity in America — particularly the often-crushing experience of black women — through incandescent prose resembling that of no other writer in English. Morrison was the first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. She was the author of 11 novels as well as 5 children’s books (written with her son Slade) and several essay collections. In these turbulent times, her work is essential reading. Led by Dr. Bill Thierfelder, a retired college professor who taught a variety of Arts and Humanities courses for 32 years at several New York universities and colleges, including St. John's University and Dowling College. He holds a Ph.D. in English, with minors in theater, art history and music history.

VIRUTAL: 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group -- LinkedIn (Part #1) (*RR)

Wednesday, February 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! Each biweekly meeting is facilitated by Deborah Hope, MBA, PCIC, an experienced executive career coach. Deborah has facilitated 50+ job seekers networking groups since 2016.

VIRTUAL: The Salem Witch Trials with the Salem Witch Museum (*RR)

Wednesday, February 7, 1pm

In the year 1692, the daughter and niece of Reverend Samuel Parris were plagued with a mysterious and alarming illness. Soon, inhabitants of Salem Village were faced with their worst fear—confirmation that witches had arrived in Essex County. Ultimately, the colonists experienced the most severe and devastating witch-hunt to ever take place in North America. Learn how and why a witch-hunt broke out in Salem in 1692, as well as why these witch trials were such a unique and impactful moment in early American history. See images of the sites around Essex County with connections to the Salem witch trials, including the land where the court house, jail, and meeting house once stood, as well as a selection of primary source documents and relevant artifacts. Led by Rachel Christ-Doane, of the Salem Witch Museum.

VIRTUAL: Armchair Travel To Bhutan (*RR)

Wednesday, February 7, 7pm

Bhutan is a unique and an isolated Himalayan kingdom between Tibet and India. It is steeped in Buddhist folklore and mythology and known for its Gross National Happiness, distinct culture, and magnificent scenery. It is the destination of a lifetime. Led by Jack Holmes, a travel photographer and owner of "Images From Near and Far" at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell. A retired high school teacher, he previously served as President of the Greater Lynn Photographic Association and Gallery Manager of the Loading Dock Gallery in Lowell.

VIRTUAL: eBay 201 -- Beyond the Basics of Buying & Selling on eBay (*RR)

Thursday, February 8, 6:30pm

Review some eBay Buying & Selling Basics and then move on to some more advanced areas including: Buying Tips & Strategies; How to Use Automated Sniping Software When Buying; Writing Descriptions that Sell; Good Photography is Key; Listing More Items in Less Time; Accurately Describing Condition; Dealing with the eBay Seller Dashboard; Using Outside Listing Services such as Auctiva; How to Reduce Shipping Costs to Put More Money In Your Pocket; Tips on Managing your eBay Business; and much more. Led by Mike and Sue Ivankovich. Mike, a professional appraiser and auctioneer, has authored more than 20 books about the antiques and collectibles business, and hosts the "What's It Worth? Ask Mike The Appraiser" radio show in Philadelphia. Sue handles the family eBay business and enjoys sharing her 20+ years of eBay experience, tips, strategies, and learning experiences.

VIRTUAL: How to Survive in Medieval England (*RR)

Saturday, February 10, 10am

Author Toni Mount will discuss her new book, How to Survive in Medieval England. Imagine you were transported back in time to Medieval England and had to start a new life there. Without mobile phones, ipads, internet, and social media networks, when transport means walking or, if you’re fortunate, horseback, how will you know where you are or what to do? Where will you live? What is there to eat? What shall you wear? How can you communicate when nobody speaks as you do and what about money? Who can you go to if you fall ill or are mugged in the street? However can you fit into and thrive in this strange environment full of odd people who seem so different from you? Explore these questions with Toni Mount, an English author of historical non-fiction and a teacher. She’s a member of the Richard III Society’s Research Committee, a costumed interpreter at historical events and belongs to the Crime Writers’ Association. She writes regularly for history magazines, has produced online courses for MedievalCourses.com and creates the Sebastian Foxley medieval murder mystery novels.

Teen Events

IN PERSON: Teen Movie: Five Nights at Freddy's (*RR)

Wednesday, February 7, 3:30pm

Join us to watch “Five Nights at Freddy's!” “Five Nights” is rated PG-13. This event is open to teens in grades 6-12.

VIRTUAL: Foodie Friday (*RR)

Friday, February 9, 3:30pm

Join us on YouTube to learn how to create your own mac and cheese mug meal! Supplies will be provided in this instructional video. Registered attendees will be sent an email with more details about picking up supplies. On the day and the exact time of the event, attendees will be sent a link to the video. Open to anyone in grades 6-12.

Children’s Events (In-Person Only)

IN PERSON: Tiny Tykes Story Time

Monday, February 5, 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 6, 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: Mad Science: Red Planet Odyssey (Mars Base Camp) (*RR)

Wednesday, February 7, 4pm

Join Miss Haley to learn the concepts of the engineering design process through building a rover and going on an exploratory mission on Mars. This activity focuses on using the engineering design process for both building and exploring. This event is designed for kids in grades 3-5.

IN-PERSON: Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, February 8, 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.