Tewksbury Public Library Events, Week Of Oct. 28, 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, October 28, 7pm

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

IN PERSON: Adult Board Game Night (*RR)

Tuesday, October 29, 6pm-8:30pm

Enjoy playing board games while socializing with others! This month, board game extraordinaire Jonah McCreary will be teaching us how to play two games -- Betrayal at House on the Hill and Sleeping Queens 2. Additionally, several tables will be available for "open play" if you'd like to bring your own games or borrow one of the library's games to play. Light refreshments will be provided.

IN PERSON: MORNING MOVIE – Despicable Me 4 (*RR)

Wednesday, October 30, 10:15am

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest animated films -- Despicable Me 4. Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run. Starring the voices of Steve Carrell, Kristen Wiig, and Will Farrell. Animated Adventure Comedy. Rated PG. 1 Hour, 34 Minutes. Doors will open at 10am. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested.

IN PERSON: The Page-Turners Fiction Book Group

Wednesday, October 30, 6:30pm

This month, join us for a discussion of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. New members are always welcome! Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk one month prior to meeting.

IN PERSON: Meditation Class (*RR)

Thursday, October 31, 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 five consecutive Thursdays -- October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 -- 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.

Adult Events (Virtual)

VIRTUAL: JOB SEARCH HELP - 10 Essential Ways To Avoid Job Scams & Conduct A Productive Modern Search (*RR)

Monday, October 28, 2pm

Over the years, job scams have become more complicated and complex. Technology’s advancement allows scammers to appear as hiring managers, employers, career professionals, and recruiters to lure them into fake job opportunities, scamming them for money and private data. By being proactive and informed, you can avoid becoming a victim. Stay vigilant, protect your private data, and be aware of the signs of a scam. This way, you can maintain control over your job search and avoid the risks associated with job scams. Led by Mark Anthony Dyson, who has been “The Voice of Job Seekers” for 13 years and has written nearly 1,000 articles about job search, careers, and related workplace topics. He is a freelance career advice writer, thinker, podcaster, and advocate for job seekers, who writes “The Job Scam Report” on Substack.

VIRTUAL: 2024 Presidential Election -- Thinking About American Democracy in Times of Polarization (*RR)

Monday, October 28, 6:30pm

Join Joshua Dyck, Director of the Center for Public Opinion at UMass Lowell, to learn about current polling data and forecasts, and discuss the current state of American politics, with the 2024 election as the backdrop. Dr. Dyck will also share insights from his recently published book, The Power of Partisanship. Dyck is Professor and Chair of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he has been on faculty since 2012. He is the author of three books and more than two dozen peer-reviewed journal articles. His research and teaching expertise is in American elections, public opinion, voter behavior, direct democracy, and survey research. As Director of UMass Lowell’s Center for Public Opinion, Dyck has led the center to be nationally recognized: the CPO was rated the #1 most accurate pollster from 2014-2022 according to RealClearPolitics and was given a top 10 rating by FiveThirtyEight in 2024 for pollster accuracy and transparency.

VIRTUAL: Haunted Lighthouses of New England (*RR)

Monday, October 28, 7pm

Lighthouses and ghost stories often seem to go hand in hand. Learn about several haunted lighthouse legends of New England. Led by Jeremy D'Entremont, president and historian of the American Lighthouse Foundation, historian for the U.S. Lighthouse Society, and the author of more than 20 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He is also the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society's podcast, Light Hearted. D'Entremont has appeared on the popular Ghost Hunters TV show, as well as Haunted Lighthouses of America on the Travel Channel.

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

Tuesday, October 29, 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 Thrace. Nestled in northeastern Greece, Thrace boasts stunning landscapes, from lush mountains to serene coastlines. Its rich history is reflected in ancient ruins, charming villages, and vibrant cultural traditions. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Rhodope Mountains, indulge in local cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of its diverse communities. Jeff is the recently retired Head of Reference Services at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield and an avid traveler and photographer.

VIRTUAL: The Art of Commemoration and America’s First Rural Cemetery (*RR)

Tuesday, October 29, 7pm

Long before the establishment of Boston’s public art museums, Mount Auburn Cemetery, in Cambridge and Watertown, was a major attraction for visitors and a pleasure ground shaping artistic taste. Its picturesque landscape, ornamented with tasteful works of commemorative art, was designed to provide solace to the bereaved and inspiration to the living. In the era before the founding of Boston’s public art museums, Mount Auburn, founded in 1831, offered one of the few venues where the public could see the work of European as well as the first generation of American sculptors and monument carvers. Explore Mount Auburn as an outdoor museum full of art and nature, featuring memorials by artists such as Thomas Crawford, Stanford White, and Edmonia Lewis. Led by Meg L. Winslow, Curator of Historical Collections & Archives at Mount Auburn Cemetery. She is the co-author of The Art of Commemoration and America’s First Rural Cemetery, Mount Auburn’s Significant Monument Collection. She also serves on the Sculpture Committee for the Friends of the Boston Public Garden.

VIRTUAL: Brink of War? The US, Iran & The Middle East in 2024 (*RR)

Tuesday, October 29, 7pm

In February 2024, the United States carried out some 85 airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, following the killing of three US service people by a drone attack on a US base. In April, Israel and Iran traded airstrikes amid mounting fears that the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas -- and repeated clashes between Israel and Hezbollah -- risk pulling Washington and Tehran into a direct confrontation. Examine the history of US-Iranian relations since the 1950s, highlighting historical sources of tensions, as well as the effects of the Israeli-Hamas conflict on the Middle East in the present. The prospect of a major regional conflict continues to grow as Iran ramps up its nuclear program and some U.S. Senators have even called for direct US airstrikes on Iran. Led by Brandon Gauthier, an Adjunct Professor of History for Fordham University and the Director of Global Education at The Derryfield School.

VIRTUAL: Ghost Lore & Paranormal Reports From Western Massachusetts (*RR)

Wednesday, October 30, 7pm

Ghost stories from the Berkshires have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! Did you know that at the Mount, the former home of famous author Edith Wharton, a shadowy phantom haunts the halls? Or that a ghost train still steams through the Hoosac Tunnel? Can you believe there's a top-hatted ghost who wakes guests in the night at the historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge? Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the Berkshires forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! Led by Robert Oakes, author of The Ghostly Tales of the Berkshires and Ghosts of the Berkshires. Since 2010, he has led immersive ghost storytelling tours at historic locations in the Berkshires, including Ventfort Hall and Edith Wharton's The Mount.

VIRTUAL: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence (*RR)

Wednesday, October 30, 7pm

Campus sexual violence is one of the most controversial topics of the last decade, but few people have actually seen inside a Title IX Office for themselves. Join Nicole Bedera, author of On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence, and Washington Post journalist Maham Javaid to learn what schools actually do when someone reports a sexual assault and discuss how the public narrative strayed so far away from the realities of gender inequality on campus. Bedera is a sociologist, an Affiliated Educator at the Center for Institutional Courage, and a co-founder of Beyond Compliance Consulting. In addition to her work at the Washington Post, Javaid is a journalist is a former editor of The Boston Globe.

VIRTUAL: Edward Hopper -- Sunlight and Solitude (*RR)

Thursday, October 31, 10:30am

Whether it is a bustling city or a Cape Cod beach, Edward Hopper’s iconic paintings capture a feeling of stillness and quiet tension. Learn more about Hopper’s career, early influences and how his work relates to the work of other artists from the same generation. 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: Roosevelt for President (32, 36, 40 & 44) with the FDR Presidential Library (*RR)

Friday, November 1, 2pm

President Franklin D. Roosevelt served longer than any American President ever has or will. This session highlights the issues and opponents that FDR faced as he waged, and won, four presidential elections, a feat never before done, nor that will ever be repeated. Led by Jeffrey S. Urbin, Education Specialist at the Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

VIRTUAL: How To Survive In Tudor England (*RR)

Saturday, November 2, 10am

Author Toni Mount will discuss her new book, How to Survive in Tudor England, a handy self-help guide with tips and suggestions to make your time-traveling visit to the 16th century much more fun. Learn about Tudor England by managing the experiences and solving the problems you would have encountered 500 years ago. Toni Mount, who will be ZOOMing live from England, is an author of historical non-fiction and a teacher. A member of the Richard III Society’s Research Committee and a costumed interpreter at historical events, 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)

IN PERSON: Teen Quiet Study

Tuesday, October 29, 4pm-5pm

Looking for a quiet place to study? Need to get homework done without interactions? Just looking for a quiet place to read? Join our quiet study hour from 4-5 PM in the Meeting Room. This event is open to teens in grades 6-12.

IN PERSON: Teen Lego Club (*RR)

Wednesday, October 30, 5pm

It's time to build! Join Emily and make your own Lego creations to fit different challenges. Legos will be provided.

Children’s Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Spanish Fun Story Time with Esther Gomez

Monday, October 28, 10:30am

Join special guest Esther Gomez for a fun Story Time in English and Spanish! There will be Bilingual Storytelling, based on history, myths, tales, and legends, narrated consecutive in English and Spanish by native Spanish speakers who wear traditional dresses, followed by singing and dancing!

IN PERSON: Barks & Books with Diamond (*RR)

Monday, October 28, 4pm-5pm (4 15-minute sessions)

Children (especially those struggling with reading) are invited to sign up for a one-on-one session with our service dog Diamond on Monday afternoons. Each session lasts for 15 minutes in private - just you, Diamond, and her human Mom, Suzanne. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours to read. This is a great way to build literacy confidence and fluency with a non-judgmental canine reading partner!

IN PERSON: Kids N' Harmony James Lepler

Tuesday, October 29, 11am

Join musician James Lepler for an interactive performance for children aged 0-6 and their caregivers. Sing and dance along to a high energy mix of original and traditional songs! Sponsored by Community Teamwork Inc's Family Resource Network.

IN PERSON: Lego Club (*RR)

Tuesday, October 29, 6pm

Get creative with different Lego challenges to see what you can create with what you are given. At the end, make your own creation to be displayed in the library! This event is open to children in grades 4-5.

IN PERSON: Sprouts Story Time

Wednesday, October 30, 4pm

Join Miss Emily 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 from 2-5 years old.

IN PERSON: Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, October 31, 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.

IN PERSON: Trick or Treat at the Library

Thursday, October 31, 10am-5pm

Children of all ages are encouraged to come to the Library in costume on Halloween and trick or treat at all of our service desks--the Front desk, the Children's desk, the Teen desk and the Reference desk! Treats (both allergy-friendly candy and small toys) will be available at all of the desks. No registration is required and this will go on all day!