Tewksbury Public Library Events, Week of Dec.9, 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: Adult Craft Night (*RR)

Monday, December 9, 7pm

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

IN PERSON: Non-Fiction Book Group: The Book of Hope

Thursday, December 12, 10:30am

Join us for a discussion of The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall.

IN PERSON: Meditation Class (*RR)

Thursday, December 12, 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: Tewksbury Community Market at Senior Center

Thursday, December 12, 4pm-7pm

The Tewksbury Community Market is holding four special winter markets on the following Thursdays -- November 14, December 12, January 9 and February 13 -- from 4pm to 7pm inside the large hall at the Tewksbury Senior Center (175 Chandler Street). Each market features 30 vendors selling food and non-food products. Each month's vendors are listed on the Market's website. Follow the Tewksbury Community Market’s Facebook (@TewksburyMarket), Twitter (@TewksburyMarket), and Instagram (@TewksburyCommunityMarket) for regular updates.

IN PERSON: AFTERNOON MOVIE – White Bird (*RR)

Friday, December 13, 1:30pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “White Bird.” Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled, Julian is visited by his grandmother and is transformed by the story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Please note this is a sequel to the 2017 film, "Wonder," but you will still enjoy "White Bird" without having seen "Wonder." Starring Helen Mirren, Gillian Anderson, Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt. Family/Drama/War. PG. 2 Hours. Doors will open at 1:15pm. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested.

Adult Events (Virtual)

VIRTUAL: African Art Wall-Painting, Textiles & Body Decoration with The Fitchburg Art Museum (*RR)

Sunday, December 8, 2:30pm

While African art that is most familiar in the west are carvings, 2D design was equally important. Explore the African art forms of wall-painting, textiles, and body decoration. Led by Jean Borgatti, the Consulting Curator of Global Africa, First Peoples North America and Oceania at the Fitchburg Art Museum.

VIRTUAL: A Funny Look At 'Cat People' & Their Cats (*RR)

Monday, December 9, 7pm

Bestselling author Nicole Tersigni will discuss her new book, Cat People To Judge In Art And Life, a tongue-in-cheek collection of cats' innermost thoughts. Cat people love their cats deeply . . . maybe a little too deeply. Cats, on the other hand, secretly hate our haircuts but tolerate our presence because we have the thumbs to open the food can. Against the backdrop of fine art, delve into the minds of our feline companions and the people who serve them. Tersigni is a comedic writer and author of the bestselling Men to Avoid in Art and Life, and its follow-up, Friends to Keep in Art and Life.

VIRTUAL: Explore Presidential Landmarks In New England (*RR)

Tuesday, December 10, 2pm

Take a trip through 200 years of the U.S. Presidency, focusing on the native New Englanders who called the White House home. Visit most of the sites in New England dedicated to our Presidents, including birthplaces, homes, libraries, and even bars. Led by David Kruh, author of Presidential Landmarks, who promises a great combination of history and travelogue that will be of interest to both the historically-minded and tourist alike.

VIRTUAL: How To Lay Out & Design Your Garden (*RR)

Tuesday, December 10, 7pm

Explore low tech layouts and designs for your garden. Learn how to develop a garden space from the foundation up. Discover the principles of mixed garden designs including layout, site evaluation, light, soil profiles, irrigation, plant selection, maintenance and budget. Led by Paul Split, a nationally recognized designer and presenter of green workshops and lectures at garden clubs since 1971. The principal of Walden Gifts and Nursery, Split also served as the Director of Horticulture for Live Nation at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield for nearly 30 years.

VIRTUAL: TEWKSBURY WRITING GROUP -- Advice From Horror Author Scott Goudsward (*RR)

Tuesday, December 10, 7pm

Are you a writer -- or an aspiring writer -- looking for some support? The Tewksbury Writing Group 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 December 2024 guest speaker is author Scott T. Goudsward. The group is facilitated by author Dale T. Phillips.

VIRTUAL: Poetry Circle Discussion (*RR)

Wednesday, December 11, 1:30pm

Join us virtually via ZOOM to read and discuss poems monthly on the second Wednesday of each month from 1:30-3:00pm. All poems are distributed one week prior to the meeting and are available in print at the library or via email.

VIRTUAL: A Path Forward For Sub-Saharan Africa (*RR)

Wednesday, December 11, 7pm

Author Masachs Boungou will discuss his new book, Shared Prosperity: A Path Forward For Sub-Saharan Africa. Boungou is from the Republic of the Congo. Born to a mother who never finished high school but emphasized to him the inspirational power of personal history and education, he survived a civil war in 1999 and taught himself English as an adult. As a Fulbright scholar, he received a dual master's degree from Brandeis University's Heller School for Social Policy and Management in 2016. From 2016-2018, he founded and ran the ''Nunga Program," a social enterprise focusing on youth entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and leadership in the Congo. He earned a Ph.D. in Global Studies in 2022 from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. His thesis explores how immigrants who experienced genocide and/or civil war use these experiences to fuel their entrepreneurial drive and business creation. Masachs is also the author of The Power of Personal History.

VIRTUAL: Marc Chagall -- Joy, Color & A Celebration Of Jewish Culture (*RR)

Thursday, December 12, 10:30am

Marc Chagall’s colorful, abstract paintings integrate a variety of elements from the modernist movements of the early twentieth century. His work is singular among his peers for its incorporation of Jewish themes, reflecting the artist’s cultural roots. This program provides an introduction to Chagall’s personal and professional resilience, his work, and his favorite subjects. 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: A Visit with Newhouse Wildlife Rescue (*RR)

Thursday, December 12, 7pm

Jane Newhouse, founder of Newhouse Wildlife Rescue, a licensed wildlife sanctuary in Chelmsford, will show us some of the behind the scenes work involved in rehabilitating wild animals in her popular presentation, "Porcupines Don't Shoot Their Quills." Newhouse will share interesting facts about local wildlife, and offer advice on what you should do if you ever encounter injured or abandoned wildlife. She'll also answer any wildlife questions you may have.

VIRTUAL: Armchair Travel To Greece (Corfu) With The Traveling Librarian (*RR)

Friday, December 13, 2pm

Join Jeff Klapes, the Traveling Librarian, for his newest armchair travel presentation. This series highlights travel photography and stories and travel tips about destinations around the world. This month, travel to Corfu, a jewel in the Ionian Sea which offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Explore the charming streets of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its Venetian architecture. Relax on pristine beaches or discover hidden coves along the coast. Embark on a boat trip to nearby islands or hike through lush olive groves. With its warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history, Corfu promises an unforgettable Greek getaway. Jeff is the recently retired Head of Reference Services at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield and an avid traveler and photographer.

Teen Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Gnome Ornaments (*RR)

Tuesday, December 10, 3:30pm

Celebrate the winter season with this adorable craft, Gnome Ornaments! We will be using felt and other textiles to make our gnome, which can be used as a decoration, a keychain, or whatever strikes your fancy! As always, our events are FREE and supplies will be provided for every registered attendee. Open to all teens in grades 6-12.

IN PERSON: Teen Advisory Board

Wednesday, December 11, 6pm

Want to make a difference? Have ideas about how to improve the library for teens? Interested in running an event? Join us for our Teen Advisory Board, open to all teens in grades 6-12. Each meeting we'll discuss ideas for teens at TPL! You'll earn two hours for volunteering for each meeting that you attend. Have questions? Please contact Emily at eleggat@tewksburypl.org.

IN PERSON: Homeschool Board Games

Friday, December 13, 11am

Want to meet other teens? Love playing board games? Join us for a meet and greet geared towards homeschooled teens! We'll set up a bunch of board games, grab some new friends and play. Due to the ability to host multiple people at this event, we will not all be playing the same game. There will be multiple games happening at different tables so everyone can find a game that they enjoy! This event is for teens in grades 6-12 (ages 11-18) only.

Children’s Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Toddler Story Time

Monday, December 9, 10:15am

Join Miss Renee for stories, songs, movement, instruments, dancing and more, and get your early literacy skills on! Toddler Story Time is designed for little ones from 2-5 years old. 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!)

IN PERSON: PJ Story Time

Tuesday, December 10, 6pm

Have early literacy fun with stories and movement at this evening story time. Pajamas are optional but encouraged. PJ Story time is designed with children ages 2-5 years old in mind. No registration required. Please drop in!

IN PERSON: Deep Play for Kids with Jenn Gadbios

Wednesday, December 11, 11am

Join special guest Jenn Gadbois for her Deep Play program for ages 2-6! Families are encouraged to participate together in this music, movement and yoga program. Certified in Deep Play for Kids modality, Jennifer Gadbois looks forward to bringing this event to your community. Sponsored by Community Teamwork Inc's Family Resource Network. The Family Resource Network is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

IN PERSON: Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, December 12, 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: John Wolforth's Holiday Story (*RR)

Saturday, December 14, 2pm

John Wolforth reads his holiday story, Toymaker Tales: Santa's Best Deal Ever, followed by a craft - a fun time for the whole family!