Tewksbury Public Library Events, Week Of Feb. 2, 2025

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: Artist Trading Cards (*RR)

Monday, February 3, 6:30pm

ATCs are playing card-size pieces of art. While you can use any kind of art to decorate your ATCs, we’ll focus on collage-based pieces using a variety of decorative and re-purposed papers and some simple mark-making. Each participant will create four ATCs that they can trade or gift to a friend. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own paper inspiration that you don’t mind cutting up – maps, handwritten notes, color or B&W copies of photos, magazine pages, quotes, wrapping paper, etc. Led by artist Christy Matte, owner of Indigo Whimsy, a creative workshop space in Tewksbury.

IN PERSON: Science Squared Discussion Group (*RR)

Monday, February 3, 7pm

Join us on the first Monday monthly to discuss either a science themed book or a science fiction book. This month we will read and discuss “Frostbite” by Nicola Twilley. Books are available at the front desk one month prior to the discussion.

IN PERSON: Armchair Detectives Mystery Book Group

Wednesday, February 5, 1:30pm

Do you love a good mystery? Join the library's Book Club, "The Armchair Detectives!" This month’s book is “Better The Blood” by Michael Bennett. Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk.

IN PERSON: Meditation Class (3-Week Series) (*RR)

Thursday, February 6, 3:30pm

Chris Connolly, RN, BSN, owner of "Living My Dream Yoga," will lead a 3-week series of meditation classes. Classes will take place from 3:30pm to 4:30pm over three consecutive Thursdays -- February 6, 13 and 20 -- in the library's Meeting Room. Classes are designed for both those who are new to meditation and regular practitioners. Participants will practice different types of meditation each week. Classes will begin with a settling-in practice with breath work, followed by a few gentle stretches before settling into a comfortable seat (or in a lying down position if a yoga mat is brought). Connolly will then offer a guided meditation followed by 8-10 minutes of stillness. The class will end with an integration that may include silent journaling or a poetry reading. Connolly, a retired 43-year registered nurse, is a certified 500-hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Level 1 iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher, and Reiki II Practitioner.

IN PERSON: AFTERNOON MOVIE – Wicked (*RR)

Friday, February 7, 1:30pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “Wicked.” Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Galinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads. Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jeff Goldblum. Fantasy Musical. Rated G. 2 Hour, 40 Minutes. Doors will open at 1pm. Film will start at 1:30pm. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested.

IN PERSON: MOVIE NIGHT – Wicked (*RR)

Friday, February 7, 6:30pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “Wicked.” Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Galinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads. Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jeff Goldblum. Fantasy Musical. Rated G. 2 Hour, 40 Minutes. Doors will open at 6pm. Film will start at 6:30pm. Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested.

Adult Events (Virtual)

VIRTUAL: Owls of Massachusetts with the Mass Audubon (*RR)

Monday, February 3, 2pm

Owls, with their silent flight and mysterious calls, are found all over Massachusetts and are vital to our ecosystems. This presentation covers owls that live in the Commonwealth seasonally and year-round. Discover their unique natural history, their significance in local habitats, conservation efforts to protect them, and the best times, locations, and methods for identifying owls by sight and sound. 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.

VIRTUAL: AUTHOR HOUR IN MASSACHUSETTS: Author Elizabeth Harris (*RR)

Monday, February 3, 7pm

New York Times award-winning book reporter and author Elizabeth Harris will discuss her debut novel, How to Sleep at Night, a funny story of family, marriage, love and politics, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts." Harris is an award-winning reporter at The New York Times, where she has covers books and the publishing industry. She lives in New York City with her wife and kids.

VIRTUAL: Discover The People Keeping The World's Oldest & Rarest Cultural Traditions Alive (*RR)

Monday, February 3, 7pm

Author Eliot Stein will discuss his new book, Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive. The book takes a vivid look at 10 astonishing people who are maintaining some of the world's oldest and rarest cultural traditions. Stein is a deputy editor at BBC Travel, where he writes a column called "Custom Made," highlighting creative characters and cultural custodians which make the world a more interesting place.

VIRTUAL: Tips On Planning A Trip To Europe (*RR)

Tuesday, February 4, 2pm

Post-pandemic, Americans visiting Europe are facing massive crowds and high temperatures among other difficulties. This presentation covers time honored and new recommendations for planning a great vacation. Europe welcomes our return and hopes we can adjust to a changing world. Led by Gene Flynn, an Illinois native, who has taught at the College of Lake County and Harper College, and serves on the board of the Institute for Continued Learning at Roosevelt University. He frequently gives travel presentations to libraries and senior centers around the country, and has traveled to more than a dozen European countries.

VIRTUAL: Langston Hughes & The Harlem Renaissance (*RR)

Tuesday, February 4, 7pm

Explore the contributions of Langston Hughes, one of the most visible writers of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes work ranged from novels to plays, and he also wrote short stories, children’s books, translations, and anthologies. However, his most widely appreciated pieces were his poems. 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.

VIRTUAL: AUTHOR HOUR IN MASSACHUSETTS: Author Helena Echlin (*RR)

Tuesday, February 4, 7pm

Author Helena Echlin will discuss her new thriller, Clever Little Thing, in conversation with author Tracy Sierra, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts." Echlin has written for numerous publications on both sides of the Atlantic, including The Guardian and The Times. She taught at Stanford University for eight years and has recently returned to the UK, where she now teaches fiction writing for Oxford University’s Department of Continuing Education. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.

VIRTUAL: 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group -- Mastermind ("Your Age Is Your Edge") (*RR)

Wednesday, February 5, 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! Each biweekly meeting is facilitated by Deborah Hope, MBA, PCIC, an experienced executive career coach.

VIRTUAL: AUTHOR HOUR IN MASSACHUSETTS: Author Charles B. Fancher (*RR)

Wednesday, February 5, 7pm

Author Charles B. Fancher will discuss his new historical novel, Red Clay, in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist, author and professor Cynthia Tucker in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts." Fancher is a writer and editor, and a former senior corporate communications executive for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Fancher was previously a member of the School of Communications faculty at Howard University and the adjunct faculty at Temple University.

VIRTUAL: Miniature Painter Revealed -- Amalia Kussner’s Gilded Age Pursuit of Fame and Fortune (*RR)

Thursday, February 6, 10:30am

No female portrait artists had the notoriety or esteemed clientèle that Amalia Kussner did. While photography was on the rise, miniatures had a feeling and soul to them that photos could not duplicate. Amalia’s portraits provided a grandeur that presented Gilded Age elite as American royalty. Learn the riveting story of how one woman rose from simple beginnings to become one of the most sought-after miniaturists of the Gilded Age. Led by Kathleen Langone, historical researcher, host of the podcast, "People Hidden In History," and author of the forthcoming book, Miniature Painter Revealed: Amalia Kussner’s Gilded Age Pursuit of Fame and Fortune.

VIRTUAL: AUTHOR HOUR IN MASSACHUSETTS: Bestselling Author Robert Dugoni (*RR)

Thursday, February 6, 7pm

Bestselling author Robert Dugoni, along with co-authors Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree, will discuss their new World War II novel, Hold Strong, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts." Dugoni is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite series; the Charles Jenkins series; the David Sloane series; several standalone novels. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Book Award for fiction, a multi-time winner of the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest, and a finalist for many other awards. His books are sold in more than twenty-five countries, have been translated into more than thirty languages, and have reached millions of readers worldwide.

VIRTUAL: The 10 Things You Should Toss... According To A Professional Organizer (*RR)

Thursday, February 6, 7pm

Discover the ten things you should toss, plus the one thing you should NEVER toss. Then join a live guided tidy-up for a quick jumpstart! Led by professional organizer Jamie Novak, who is the bestselling author of Keep This, Toss That: The Practical Guide To Tidying Up and host of "The 10 Minute Podcast."

VIRTUAL: A Look At The Songs That Lost The Oscar (Part #1) (*RR)

Friday, February 7, 2pm

Since 1934 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has awarded “Oscars” to the composer and lyricist responsible for an original song considered to be the best from the films released during the prior year. However many other great songs, although nominated, failed to be recognized as the best in a particular year. In the first part of this two-part multi-media series, revisit several outstanding numbers from this group, including such memorable standards as "Unchained Melody," “My Foolish Heart," and "An Affair to Remember." In addition, learn how and why the Academy voters decided upon another choice as the winner. Led by Rich Knox, a retired school teacher and administrator, who lectures on musicals, films, and opera to libraries across the country.

VIRTUAL: AUTHOR HOUR IN MASSACHUSETTS: Bestselling Author Carter Wilson (*RR)

Friday, February 7, 7pm

Bestselling author Carter Wilson will discuss his new thriller, Tell Me What You Did, in conversation with bestselling author Wendy Walker, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts." Wilson is the USA Today bestselling author of ten critically acclaimed, standalone psychological thrillers, as well as numerous short stories. He is an ITW Thriller Award finalist, a five-time winner of the Colorado Book Award, and his works have been optioned for television and film. Additionally, Carter is the host of the Making It Up podcast and founder of the Unbound Writer company, which provides coaching services, writing retreats, and online classes.

Children’s Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Toddler Story Time

Monday, February 3, 10:15am

Join Miss Renee for stories, songs, movement, instruments, dancing and more, and get your early literacy skills on! 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: Paper Airplanes (*RR)

Tuesday, February 4, 6pm

Get ready to soar through the sky at this month's Science Squad! Kids will have the chance to design, create, and launch their very own paper airplanes. We'll observe which designs fly the farthest, stay in the air the longest, and perform the most impressive tricks. Registration required. This event is for children in 4th and 5th grade.

IN PERSON: Sensory Inclusive Movie: Super Mario Bros (All Ages) (*RR)

Wednesday, February 5, 6pm

Join us for snacks and a movie on the big screen as we watch the Super Mario Bros Movie! Feel free to bring your own snacks, water, and/or blankets and pillows to get comfy. We will have some snacks and water, as well as chairs provided. This event is open to all ages. Movie is rated PG. The run time is 1 hour and 32 minutes. This showing is for all ages and is sensory inclusive. This means that quiet is not expected or anticipated. Feel free to move around, bring your ipad/devices, wear noise cancelling headphones, and more. We will have fidgets available in the back of the room. If you have any questions, please email Emily at eleggat@tewksburypl.org.

IN PERSON: Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, February 6, 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: Craft Stick Picture Frames (*RR)

Thursday, February 6, 3:15pm

Join us for a craft! We will make colorful picture frames using craft sticks. They will be magnetic, so take them home to display your photos or art on the fridge! Craft Stick Picture Frames is open to children in 4th and 5th grade only.

IN PERSON: Baby Playgroup

Friday, February 7, 10:15am

Looking to get together with others who have little ones? Want your baby explore new things and make new friends? Drop in any time between 10 AM and 11 AM for baby play group. Miss Emily will have the activities room open with some things to do or feel free to explore the Children's Room with your little one. Come in, get to know staff, and see all that the library has to offer for our youngest library users. Baby Play Group is designed for young children ages 0 to 2 years old and their caregivers. Older siblings are welcome to join, but activities are geared towards those ages 0-2.

Teen Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Card-Making Crafty Techniques (Grades 6-12) (*RR)

Tuesday, February 4, 3:30pm

We will be making cards--maybe you'll design one using stencils, buttons, or cool paper cut-outs? We will go over some new technique demonstrations you maybe haven't tried before, and there will be a variety of tools and materials to choose from to make your card extra-special! This event is open to anyone in grades 6-12.

IN PERSON: Sensory Inclusive Movie: Super Mario Bros (All Ages) (*RR)

Wednesday, February 5, 6pm

Join us for snacks and a movie on the big screen as we watch the Super Mario Bros Movie! Feel free to bring your own snacks, water, and/or blankets and pillows to get comfy. We will have some snacks and water, as well as chairs provided. This event is open to all ages. Movie is rated PG. The run time is 1 hour and 32 minutes. This showing is for all ages and is sensory inclusive. This means that quiet is not expected or anticipated. Feel free to move around, bring your ipad/devices, wear noise cancelling headphones, and more. We will have fidgets available in the back of the room. If you have any questions, please email Emily at eleggat@tewksburypl.org.