Tewksbury Public Library Events (Week of Dec. 4, 2023)

TEWKSBURY, MA — The Tewksbury Public Library will host performances, workshops, book groups, and more next week.

Here's the full calendar from the 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: A Christmas Carol (*RR)

Monday, December 4, 7pm

Join actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby for a funny, heartfelt journey through Charles’ Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. This 1- hour adaptation shows Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a grumpy, selfish misanthrope to a generous, wise and kindly man, full of the spirit of Christmas. With Stephen playing Scrooge and Poornima swiftly changing between the other characters, this fast-paced, playful adaptation keeps the beauty and humor of Dickens’ original text, interspersed with melodious Christmas carols, and even a lively English folk dance. Come warm your heart and ring in the holiday season with this refreshing take on a familiar tale!

IN PERSON: Science Squared Discussion Group

Monday, December 4, 7pm

Join us IN PERSON on the first Monday monthly to discuss either a science themed book or a science fiction book. This month we will read and discuss The Icepick Surgeon by Sam Kean. Books are available at the front desk one month prior to the discussion. Titles and a brochure can be found in the library

IN PERSON: Sourdough Starter Workshop with Sourdough Brandon (*RR)

Tuesday, December 5, 7pm

Learn how to make, maintain, and store a sourdough starter from Sourdough Brandon, who is an expert sourdough baker and food blogger. You will leave with a piece of Brandon's Sourdough starter so you can get baking! You’ll receive many tips and tricks on how to keep your sourdough starter active and what to make with your starter. Please note the early (6:30pm) start time. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library through a generous donation from 100 People Who Care Tewksbury.

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

Wednesday, December 6, 1:30pm

Do you love a good mystery? Join the library's Book Club, "The Armchair Detectives!" In A Christmas Guest by Anne Perry, Mariah Ellison, better known as the vinegar-tongued Grandmama from the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series, makes a stunning appearance in a bracing story full of devious delight . . . and certain death. 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: FILM SCREENING -- Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny (*RR)

Friday, December 8, 7pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history. Starring Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Antonio Banderas. Rated R. 2 hours, 34 minutes. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested. New this fall!: Play a game of team trivia about the film between 6:40pm and 7pm while enjoying your pizza.

Adult Events (Virtual Only)

VIRTUAL: Authors Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon & Maddie Day Discuss "Christmas Mittens Murder" (*RR)

Monday, December 4, 7pm

Bestselling cozy mystery authors Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon, and Maddie Day will discuss their latest mystery, Christmas Mittens Murder. Lee Hollis headlines a new Christmas collection alongside bestselling author Lynn Cahoon and Agatha Award-winning author Maddie Day, with three cozy mysteries featuring handknit mittens made for murder. Hollis is the pen name for the brother-and-sister writing team behind the bestselling Hayley Powell Mystery Series. Lynn Cahoon is the bestselling author of the Kitchen Witch Mysteries, the Cat Latimer Mystery series, the Tourist Trap Mysteries, the Farm-to-Fork series, and the Survivors' Book Club Mystery series. Maddie Day is the Agatha Award-winning author of the Cozy Capers Book Club Mysteries, the Country Store Mysteries, the CeCe Barton Mysteries, and the Local Foods Mysteries, as well as other series and short crime fiction written under the name Edith Maxwell.

VIRTUAL: The Musical Legacy Of Billy Joel (*RR)

Monday, December 4, 7pm

Billy Joel, inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, is an American singer-songwriter and composer who is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Travel with the “Piano Man” from his early days in Long Island to his breakthrough album “The Stranger,” including his entire LP catalog, and his string of successful hit singles from “It’s Still Rock n Roll to Me” to “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Additionally, canvas Billy’s international performances leading to his residency at Madison Square Garden. Led by 60's Rock Historian Vinnie Bruno, a retired 25-year adjunct professor and college administrator.

VIRTUAL: Holidays Unwrapped -- History of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa & Winter Solstice (*RR)

Tuesday, December 5, 7pm

The month of December is a month of celebrations that go back thousands of years. In ancient times, the winter solstice marked the beginning of vigil that would lead to the rebirth of Spring. In the second century BC, the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire led to the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The church in Rome began formally celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth on December 25 in 336, during the reign of the emperor Constantine. And Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of African Studies at California State University, first created Kwanzaa in 1966 in response to the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965, and as a way to bring Black Americans together as a community. Explore the fascinating history behind these four holidays -- Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa -- that untold numbers of people celebrate every year. 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. He holds a Ph.D. in English, with minors in theater, art history and music history.

VIRTUAL: Baking Demo & Discussion with Cookbook Author & Chef Erin Jean McDowell (*RR)

Tuesday, December 5, 7pm

Chef Erin Jeanne McDowell will demonstrate how to make one of her favorite recipes and then chat with attendees to answer all their "burning" questions. McDowell is the author of three cookbooks -- The Fearless Baker (2017), which was named one of the Best Baking Books of the year by the New York Times; The Book on Pie (2020), a New York Times Bestseller; and Savory Baking (2022). She also shares baking videos in her award-winning series, "Bake It Up A Notch."

VIRTUAL: 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group – Networking 2.0 (*RR)

Wednesday, December 6, 9:30am

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: Armchair Travel To France (*RR)

Wednesday, December 6, 7pm

Visit Southwest France. Away from Paris, France is very different. Enjoy the sights of Bordeaux and wine country. Make a stop in Dorgone for Cro-Magnon man cave paintings. Hike on the GR65 in Cahors. 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: Artistic New England Connections (*RR)

Thursday, December 7, 7pm

New England is a region rich in history, culture and natural beauty, so it is not surprising that many artists have lived and made art here. Examine some writers, painters and patrons with connections to each other and New England, including Edith Wharton, Isabella Stewart Gardner, Sarah Orne Jewett, Celia Thaxter, and Childe Hssam. Visit various locations throughout New England, including these artists' homes and places that served as sources of inspiration. Led by local photographer and art/history enthusiast Bruce Magnuson, who has exhibited his photography in many solo, group and juried shows across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Magnuson, who is a member of several local photography organizations, studied his craft at the Griffin Museum of Photography, the New England School of Photography, the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, the Art Institute of Boston and the Cambridge Center for Adult Education.

VIRTUAL: Holiday Movie Trivia Night (*RR)

Friday, December 8, 7pm

Test your knowledge of Christmas films and other winter holiday films. Play solo or organize a team! For security purposes, participants' videos will be disabled, so no need to worry about having a working webcam to play. The ability to view slides on a screen is all you need for this fantastic trivia fun! Please note that trivia questions are geared towards adults in terms of difficulty.

Children’s Events (In-Person Only)

IN PERSON: Meet the Elf on the Shelf!

Monday, December 4, 11am

Meet Holly, the Elf on the Shelf, live and in person! The Elf on the Shelf will tell interactive stories, sing songs, play games and ring bells with the children. It should be lots of fun for all ages!

IN PERSON: Children's Concert: James Lepler

Tuesday, December 5, 11am

Join James Lepler as he plays and sings all your favorite songs! Designed for caregivers with children ages infant to 6 years old.

IN PERSON: Mad Science

Wednesday, December 6, 4pm

Join Miss Haley to make a marble run! This event is designed for kids in grades 3-5.

IN PERSON: Infant/Toddler Playgroup

Thursday, December 7, 11am

The first Playgroup of the month will now be for infants and toddlers! Learn some literacy skills and have some fun while you're at it!

IN PERSON: Land's Sake Farms: Reading with Rabbits

Friday, December 8, 11am

Learn about the rabbits that farmers raise at Land’s Sake Farms! This program includes a rabbit-themed story time, learning about rabbit behavior and anatomy, and more! The highlight of the program is the Bunny Circle, where youth are able to touch and interact with live rabbits.

Teen Events

IN PERSON: Gingerbread Cookie Decorating (*RR)

Wednesday, December 6, 3:30pm

Hungry for creativity? Come by to decorate your own gingerbread cookie. All about Bob Ross? Maybe your cookie is made of happy little trees. Is Stranger Things more your style? Demigorgon cookie it is! Take your creative cookie home or eat it right then and there. It's all up to you. All supplies will be provided, and as always, this event is FREE and open to teens in grades 6-12

VIRTUAL: Foodie Friday – Gingerbread Trifle (*RR)

Friday, December 8, 3:30pm

Join us on YouTube to learn how to create your own gingerbread trifle! 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.