Tewksbury Public Library Events, Week Of Dec. 17, 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.

Adult Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Tai Chi of Today -- Gentle Movements, Rooted in History (*RR)

Monday, December 16, 7pm

Discover how this ancient practice has evolved into a popular method for relaxation and well-being, while exploring its rich heritage. The session will include live demonstrations, offering insights into the art’s past and present. Led by certified instructor Eugene Katz from Harmony Tai Chi Center, joined by his teacher, Tai-Chun Pan. Tai-Chun Pan runs the Harmony Tai Chi Center whose mission is preserving Traditional Yang Style Old Frame passed down from Grandmaster Xiong Yanghe. He has been teaching Tai Chi in the Boston area since 1980. Eugene Katz has been teaching Tai Chi since 2009. He also practices Goju Ryu and Shorin Ryu karate.

IN PERSON: Brattle Book Shop's Ken Gloss Talks Rare Books (Free Antique Book Appraisals) (*RR)

Tuesday, December 17, 6pm

Ken Gloss, internationally-known rare book specialist, appraiser, and owner of the Brattle Book Shop in Boston, will give an in-person and virtual presentation about the "improbable finds" of his decades-long career and discuss the value of old and rare books. Ken, who is frequently seen on national television, will talk in part about his historic Boston bookshop whose origin dates back to circa 1825. As a second-generation owner, Ken will discuss growing up in the book business, show some of his favorite finds while enjoying “the thrill of the hunt,” and explain how he appraises books and manuscripts. He has many fascinating anecdotes to share about private and institutional collecting as well as guidelines for building and maintaining a significant collection. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session and free verbal appraisals of books participants have on hand (as time permits; additional appraisals may occur at his shop in Boston at a later scheduled date).

IN PERSON: Crafternoon

Wednesday, December 18, 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.

IN PERSON: The Page-Turners Fiction Book Group

Wednesday, December 18, 6:30pm

This month, join us for a discussion of The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins. With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles. New members are always welcome! Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk one month prior to meeting.

IN PERSON: Other Worlds Fantasy Book Group (*RR)

Wednesday, December 18, 6:30pm

In December, we'll travel to medieval Russia, and meet Vasya, a young girl who can communicate with the household spirits and mythological figures of Russian folklore, which puts her in danger from the Church. She will have to put her trust in Morozko, the Frost King, to save herself and her family. Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk one month prior to meeting.

IN PERSON: Meditation Class (*RR)

Thursday, December 19, 3:30pm

Chris Connolly, RN, BSN, owner of "Living My Dream Yoga," will lead a 5-week series of meditation classes. Classes will take place from 3:30pm to 4:30pm over three consecutive Thursdays – December 5, 12 and 19 -- in the library's Meeting Room. Classes are designed for both those who are new to meditation and regular practitioners. This series is sponsored by Winchester Hospital to support safe events for the LGBTQIA+ Community. These classes are open to all.

IN PERSON: MOVIE NIGHT -- Fly Me To The Moon (*RR)

Friday, December 20, 6:30pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “Fly Me To The Moon.” Sparks fly in all directions as marketing maven Kelly Jones, brought in to fix NASA's public image, wreaks havoc on Apollo 11 launch director Cole Davis' already difficult task of putting a man on the moon. When the White House deems the mission too important to fail, Jones is directed to stage a fake moon landing as backup, and the countdown truly begins. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson and Ray Romano. Romantic Comedy. Rated R. 2 Hours, 12 Minutes. Doors will open at 6pm. Film will start at 6:30pm. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

IN PERSON: Celebrate Tewksbury's Birthday With A Free Cupcake

Saturday, December 21, 9am-5pm

Did you know Tewksbury was officially incorporated on December 23, 1734 from Billerica? To celebrate the town's 290th birthday (a couple of days early!), the library is giving out one cupcake to every visitor, while supplies last. If you visit the library between 9am and 5pm, please grab a sweet treat in the lobby on your way out. Information about the library's local history resources and a Tewksbury history trivia quiz will also be available.

IN PERSON: Gingerbread Building Competition for 20’s & 30’s (*RR)

Saturday, December 21, 2pm-3:30pm

Ready to show off your confectionary architecture skills? Join us for a friendly gingerbread building competition. Come with a team or join one when you arrive. Gingerbread house kits and other accessories will be provided for you to customize your build -- then vote for your favorites in a variety of categories! Make new friends, exercise your creativity, and celebrate winter! Limited spots are available, so registration is required. Please email amoretti@tewksburypl.org with any questions.

Adult Events (Virtual)

VIRTUAL: JOB SEARCH HELP -- Find Your Next Job With The BRIDGE Method (*RR)

Monday, December 16, 2pm

In addition to those out of work, at any given time, 50 percent of the work force is seeking a new job, or considering a career change. To combat the increased competition for every opening, Career-Life Coach Dawn Quesnel developed the B.R.I.D.G.E. methodology, a job search method featured on the news, and published by SelfGrowth.com "101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career." B.R.I.D.G.E is an acronym for the time-tested, six-step job search process with a 15-year track record of success that Quesnel has used to lead hundreds of job seekers to jobs and careers they love. The B.R.I.D.G.E. methodology can: Help you best articulate the type of position you’re looking for; Help you develop a strategy for tapping into the hidden job market; Help you reduce the amount of time it takes to get hired; Help you get more interviews; Establish clearer, more precise goals and objectives; Achieve a broader and deeper understanding of your new or current field; Create a more dynamic network of business contacts; and Implement an actionable strategy to achieve your career goals and land the right position in half the time Led by Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, of CoachDQ.com.

VIRTUAL: Armchair Travel To Paris – A LIVE Walk Highlighting Christmas In Paris (*RR)

Tuesday, December 17, 11:30am

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 Paris decorated for Christmas. He will visit the Galeries Lafayette Department Store to show us their famous animated window displays. If weather permits, Patrick will take us up on their roof terrace to see Paris from above, where we'll get a view of the dome of the galleries and the city's big Christmas tree.

VIRTUAL: The Life, Times & Music of Nat King Cole (*RR)

Tuesday, December 17, 7pm

Explore the career of Nat King Cole, one of the most popular and memorable musicians of the 20th century. His may hits included "Unforgettable," "Route 66," and "Mona Lisa." Led by Clint Edwards, a New York-based composer, arranger, and pianist, who lectures on the great jazz bands, legendary band leaders, and virtuosic musicians from America's Big Band era.

VIRTUAL: 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group -- Marketing Plan ("Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan") (*RR)

Wednesday, December 18, 9:30am

The Massachusetts Library Collaborative's 50+ Job Seekers Group meets via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30am to 11:30am. Informal networking takes place from 9am to 9:30am and 11:30am to noon. 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: Great American Unsung Heroes Who Changed The Course Of History -- Elizabeth Freeman (*RR)

Wednesday, December 18, 7pm

Retired Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Dennis Curran is excited to continued his monthly "Great American Unsung Heroes Who Changed The Course Of History" series. Learn about Elizabeth Freeman, a little-known national hero, and a symbol of courage and spirit to all who cherish freedom. She was among the first slaves in Massachusetts to sue for and win her freedom. During the Revolutionary War, Freeman heard the Massachusetts Constitution read aloud, and heard these words: “All men are born free and equal….” Freeman recognized the potential legal and moral significance of these words and sought out an attorney to sue for her freedom under the newly-ratified state constitution. With the help of an attorney who was an abolitionist, she pled her case for freedom in a western Massachusetts court. The jury ruled in her favor and she became the first African-American woman set free under the Massachusetts constitution. Her case helped end slavery in Massachusetts.

VIRTUAL: J.P. Morgan As An Art Collector (*RR)

Thursday, December 19, 10:30am

Many of you know J.P. (John Pierpont) Morgan as a major American financier around the turn of the 20th century, but now explore Morgan as a collector of a variety of art objects including paintings, antiquities, and manuscripts. Not only did Morgan serve as a trustee and president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for 25 years, he also created the Morgan Library which, under the guidance of Belle da Costa Greene, his personal librarian, is open to the public and celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. 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.

VIRTUAL: A Look Back At Art Celebrating Christmas & Winter Holidays (*RR)

Thursday, December 19, 7pm

Through the years, artists have created works both grand and intimate, religious and secular in response to the “most wonderful time of the year.” Enjoy this special overview of the variety of ways artists have captured the magic of the season. This program includes works by Grandma Moses, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol. 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.

VIRTUAL: The History of Elvis Presley (*RR)

Friday, December 20, 2pm

Elvis revolutionized popular music when he exploded onto the scene in 1956 with his unique blend of rhythm & blues and country music. His “energetic” performances, distinctive voice, and charismatic persona made him a worldwide cultural icon. It was a wild ride with huge musical successes, underwhelming films, an astonishing comeback, and a sad downward spiral to his death at age 42. Elvis’ impact was seismic and he forever remains: The “King of Rock and Roll.” Led by Gary Wenstrup, who has taught courses on the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Motown Records for the Continuing Education Departments of College of DuPage and Oakton (IL) Community College. Wenstrup has lectured at over 80 public libraries. Besides being featured on radio broadcasts and in newspaper articles, he is also a reoccurring guest on the widely respected podcast “Something About The Beatles.”

Teen Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Teen Manga Book Club (*RR)

Tuesday, December 17, 4pm

Join us in person to discuss the first volume of Wonder Cat Kyuu-chan. This event is open to teens in grades 6-12. You can pick up a copy of the manga in the teen room.

IN PERSON: Teen Movie – Inside Out 2 (*RR)

Wednesday, December 18, 4pm

Join us for snacks and a movie on the big screen as we watch Inside Out 2! Inside Out 2 is rated PG. The run time is 1 hour and 36 minutes. This showing is for teens in grades 6-12 only.

Children’s Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Kids Craft

Monday, December 16, 10:30am

All ages can get in the wintery spirit with us as we decorate our own snowman tic tac toe boards! Once you're done decorating, feel free to play against your friends, caregivers, or a librarian to see who is the ultimate tic tac toe player. This drop-in event will run for one hour or until we run out of supplies.

IN PERSON: Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, December 19, 11am

Preschool playgroup is a weekly group where kids can meet, play, and learn. Pick up some literacy skills and have some fun while you're at it! This program is hosted by Community Teamwork Incorporated in collaboration with Tewksbury Public Library.

IN PERSON: Baby Story Time

Friday, December 20, 10:15am

Baby Story Time is designed for young children ages 0 to 2 years old and their caregivers. Join us for a fun session of stories, songs, fingerplays, and gentle movement that help build early literacy skills. Babies experience the sounds and structure of language through rhythm, rhyme and repetition. All of our story times are interactive for children and their caregivers. Please be ready to participate and play. (Don't worry, we will have a printout with all of the songs and rhymes we are using so you can follow along!)