Tewksbury Public Library Programs, Week Of Jan. 12, 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: Crafternoon

Wednesday, January 15, 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. We will be meeting in person.

IN PERSON: Other Worlds Fantasy Book Group -- The Golden Compass (*RR)

Wednesday, January 15, 6:30pm

Enjoy a discussion of Philip Pullman's "The Golden Compass", the first book in the series "His Dark Materials.” Accompanied by her daemon companion, Pantalaimon, Lyra Belacqua sets out to prevent her best friend and other kidnapped children from becoming the subject of gruesome experiments in the Far North. Along the way, she befriends a Texan balloonist, a talking polar bear, and a witch. Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk one month prior to meeting.

IN PERSON: Meditation Class (*RR)

Thursday, January 16, 3:30pm

Chris Connolly, RN, BSN, owner of "Living My Dream Yoga," will lead a 4-week series of meditation classes. Classes will take place from 3:30pm to 4:30pm over three consecutive Thursdays – January 2, 9, 16 and 23 -- 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 – The Critic (*RR)

Friday, January 17, 6:30pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “The Critic.” A powerful London theater critic becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder. Starring Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong and Lesley Manville. Period Drama/Thriller. Rated R. 1 Hour, 41 Minutes. Doors will open at 6pm. Film will start at 6:30pm. Candy & water will be served. (Please note pizza will NOT be served this month.) A $1 donation is suggested. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

IN PERSON: Winter Walk On Chandler Well Fields Trail + Hot Chocolate At The Library (*RR)

Saturday, January 18, 10am

The Tewksbury Open Space & Recreation Committee and the Tewksbury Public Library invite you to take a guided hike of the Chandler Well Fields. The hike will be led by Open Space & Recreation Committee member Tom Branchaud. This easy hike is approximately 2 miles long and will last approximately 90 minutes. The trail features some beautiful pond and march views, as well as a newly constructed boardwalk. The trail begins at the intersection of Chandler Street and Whipple Road (900 Chandler Street). Please park at the trail's entrance parking area. When full, park safely on nearby Raymond Street, without blocking driveways. This hike is limited to 30 cars. After the hike, drop by the Library, which is less than a five-minute drive from the trail, to chat with other participants and celebrate your completion of the winter walk with some hard-earned hot chocolate.

Adult Events (Virtual)

VIRTUAL: The Dogon of Mali & The Yoruba of Nigeria with The Fitchburg Art Museum (*RR)

Sunday, January 12, 2:30pm

Enjoy a case study in contrasting cultures and styles of African Art between the Dogon of Mali and the Yoruba of Nigeria. The Dogon, living in the harsher world of the Western Sudan, create multi-functional sculpture in a style based on cubes and angles. The Yoruba, with a very large and diverse population live in more tropical zones in Southern Nigeria and the Benin Republic, produce art which tends to be more purpose-created and based on lush oval forms. Led by Jean Borgatti, the Consulting Curator of Global Africa, First Peoples North America and Oceania at the Fitchburg Art Museum.

VIRTUAL: Bestselling Author Tracey Lange To Discuss Her New Domestic Fiction Novel, “What Happened To The McCrays?” (*RR)

Monday, January 13, 7pm

Bestselling author Tracey Lange will discuss her new novel, What Happened to the McCrays?, in conversation with author Amy Jo Burns, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts."

VIRTUAL: The Complete Language Of Birds (*RR)

Monday, January 13, 7pm

Author and journalist Randi Minetor will discuss her new book, The Complete Language Of Birds: A Definitive and Illustrated History. Randi, along with her husband Nic, has visited 354 of our National Park sites. Their travels inspired Randi's new bird encyclopedia, which includes both physical characteristics and mythological characteristics (hidden properties from mythology, legends and folklore) of 400 bird specifies from around the country and the world.

VIRTUAL: A Live Virtual Tour of Mexico -- Mexico City's Historic Center (*RR)

Tuesday, January 14, 2pm

Join tour guide Fredo Olivares for a live tour of Mexico City's Historic Center. Explore stunning colonial facades and iconic landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio de Bellas Artes, the main theatre of Mexico. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Azctec city, while strolling through the main square of Zocalo, the cultural and political heart of the city.

VIRTUAL: Caring for Native American Collections with Addison Gallery of American Art (*RR)

Tuesday, January 14, 3pm

Learn about a museum's role and responsibilities in stewarding Native American cultural material. In conjunction with the Addison Gallery of American Art’s exhibition Kay WalkingStick / Hudson River School, join Marla Taylor, Curator of Collections, and Ryan Wheeler, Director of Phillips Academy’s Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology, for this discussion.

VIRTUAL: Historical Fiction Book Recommendations with Bestselling Author Jane Healey (*RR)

Tuesday, January 14, 6:30pm

Love historical fiction but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author Jane Healey each month for 30 minutes of historical fiction book recommendations. You're sure to find something to like from Jane's many enthusiastic reviews. Jane is the author of four historical fiction novels -- The Beantown Girls, The Secret Stealers, The Saturday Evening Girls Club, and Goodnight from Paris. She is also the host of "Historical Happy Hour," a monthly webinar and podcast featuring interviews with premier historical fiction authors and their latest novels.

VIRTUAL: Author Chad McLeod Chapman To Discuss His New Social Horror, “Wake Up And Open Your Eyes” (*RR)

Tuesday, January 14, 7pm

Author Clay McLeod Chapman will discuss his latest social horror novel, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, in conversation with author V. Castro, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts."

VIRTUAL: Understanding Kim Jung Un's "Hermit Kingdom" (*RR)

Tuesday, January 14, 7pm

Examine the broader history of North Korea since 1948 and the historical conditions that led to the emergence of the Kim family dynasty. Analyze the history of US-North Korean relations; assess the decision-making of Kim Jong Un's regime; and understand continued tensions on the Korean peninsula in the present. Led by Brandon K. Gauthier, an Adjunct Professor of History for Fordham University and the Director of Global Education at The Derryfield School. Gauthier completed a research trip to North Korea in 2015 during his doctoral work.

VIRTUAL: 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group – Self-Assessment (“Finding Your Why”) (*RR)

Wednesday, January 15, 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: National Book Award Finalist Adam Haslett To Discuss His New Literary Fiction Novel, “Mothers and Sons” (*RR)

Wednesday, January 15, 7pm

Two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and National Book Award finalist Adam Haslett will discuss his latest novel, Mothers and Sons, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts."

VIRTUAL: The Power of Niagara Falls Through the Centuries (*RR)

Thursday, January 16, 10:30am

Niagara Falls was the single most frequently depicted landscape in the Americas from 1800 to 1860. We’ll explore some of the earliest depictions in the 1818 work of Louisa Davis Minot and the 1857 work of Frederick Edwin Church, the only American painting to win a medal at the 1867 Paris Exposition. The late 19th-century paintings of Niagara Falls will be represented by iconic artists such as Albert Bierstadt, George Inness, and John Twachtman. Niagara Falls continues to inspire into the 21st century. 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: Bestselling Author Kate Fagan To Discuss Her New Novel, “The Three Lives of Kate Cay” (*RR)

Thursday, January 16, 7pm

Bestselling author Kate Fagan will discuss her new novel, The Three Lives of Cate Kay, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts." Fagan is an Emmy Award–winning journalist and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Made Maddy Run, which was a semi-finalist for the PEN/ESPN Award for literary sports writing. She is also the author of three additional nonfiction titles, a former professional basketball player, and spent seven years as a journalist at ESPN.

VIRTUAL: The Life & Work of Mill Girls with Tsongas Industrial History Center (*RR)

Friday, January 17, 2pm

Follow the journey of a mill girl from her family farm in the New England countryside to her new job operating a loom in Lowell’s Boott Cotton Mills. Meet two mill girls during this virtual visit to their boardinghouse and weave room, learning about each girl's unique experience of life and work in a textile mill, and experience a bit of what it was like to work in the mills. Led by Supervisory Park Ranger MaryBeth Faucher, of the Tsongas Industrial History Center.

VIRTUAL: Author Jessie Garcia To Discuss Her New Thriller, “The Business Trip” (*RR)

Friday, January 17, 7pm

Author Jessie Garcia will discuss her new thriller, The Business Trip, in this installment of "Author Hour in Massachusetts." Garcia is an award-winning sports journalist who has risen the ranks in television news, first as an anchor/reporter, then to newsroom management. She is the News Director at the CBS affiliate in Milwaukee. Her non-fiction books won Midwest Book Awards, and her documentary “Leaps and Bounds: The Men Who Changed Track and Field” was featured in over a dozen film festivals. Jessie has also taught journalism at four universities.

Children’s Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Toddler Story Time

Monday, January 13, 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: Movie Screening of “Elemental”

Wednesday, January 15, 6pm

Join us for snacks and a movie on the big screen as we watch Elemental! Elemental is rated PG. The run time is 1 hour and 41 minutes. This showing is for children from birth up to 5th grade.

IN PERSON: Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, January 16, 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: Graphic Novel Book Club

Thursday, January 16, 3:30pm

In our first meeting, we will discuss any graphic novels we have read and enjoyed in the past. We’ll also explore some potential titles and vote on the books we’d like to read as a group. This book club will meet monthly from January to May 2025. Graphic novel book club is open to children in 4th and 5th grade only.

IN PERSON: Baby Story Time

Friday, January 17, 10:15am

Join Miss Emily 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. Baby Story Time is designed for young children ages 0 to 2 years old and their caregivers. 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!

Teen Events (In-Person)

Homeschool Board Games (Grades 6-12)

Monday, January 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.