AT YOUR LIBRARY: Holiday Concert on 12/17, Holiday Play on 12/18

Adult Events

Celebrate Tewksbury's 285th Birthday With Free Piece Of Cake

Monday, December 16, 10am-7pm

Did you know Tewksbury was officially incorporated on December 23, 1734, from Billerica? Due to its proximity to the holidays, the library is celebrating the town's 285th Anniversary a week early on December 16, 2019. Drop in anytime between 10am and 7pm for a free piece cake in the library's Meeting Room. (While supplies last! 285 pieces of cake will be donated by local bakeries. Any leftovers will be given to the Tewksbury Police & Fire Departments, and the Tewksbury Senior Center.) While enjoying your cake, briefly learn about some of the library's local history resources and test your luck at some Tewksbury trivia. No registration required.

TEWKSBURY JOB SEEKERS NETWORK: Learn How To Be A Better Public Speaker

Monday, December 16, 2pm

Want to learn how to be a better presenter? Dave Rattigan, professional stand-up comedian and adjunct faculty member at Northern Essex Community College, will give a presentation titled “Facing Your Fear: Public Speaking." Rattigan, a former Boston Globe and People Magazine correspondent, used to be a fearful public speaker. Motivated by a life-long desire to do stand-up comedy, he conquered that fear and has gone on to perform for crowds as large as 2,300 at the Cape Cod Melody Tent and as small as three people at a Lexington restaurant. For nearly two decades, he’s specialized in making better speakers out of those who are nervous, not nervous enough, fearful or cluelessly courageous. This interactive presentation focuses on facing your fear, seeing yourself as others see you, and simple steps to give a better presentation at work or socially. As an adjunct faculty member at Northern Essex and UMass Lowell, Rattigan teaches public speaking, interpersonal communications, and professional communications. There will be plenty of time for networking after the presentation. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Register HERE.

Tewksbury Writing Club Pre-Launch

Tuesday, December 17, 7pm

The Tewksbury Public Library is interested in launching a WRITING CLUB starting in January 2020. The Library would like to reach out to potential members by holding a "pre-launch" meeting to discuss scheduling, meeting structure, facilitators, membership, and other logistics, to ensure the club has a successful start. If you cannot attend this meeting, but would like to offer your input or indicate your interest, please contact librarian Robert Hayes at 978-640-4490 x 205 or rhayes@tewksburypl.org. Register HERE.

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: Holiday Concert with Holiday Concert with the Gentlemen Songsters

Tuesday, December 17, 7pm

The Gentlemen Songsters, the Lowell chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, promise a wonderful evening of a cappella holiday music. The award-winning chorus, which consists of approximately 30 members from all over the Merrimack Valley, is well known for their four-part, unaccompanied, close harmony singing. The Gentlemen Songsters return to the Tewksbury Public Library after receiving standing ovations during the library's 2017 Outdoor Summer Concert Series and 2014 Festival of Trees Opening Night Gala. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Register HERE.

Laughter Yoga

Wednesday, December 18, 12pm

Laughter yoga combines simulated laughter exercises with gentle breathing techniques to teach the body how to laugh without relying on jokes or humor. This is a participatory program where we will create moments to laugh in through guided actions. No need to bring a yoga mat--most of the program is seated, with options for standing or gentle movement. Session will last about 30 minutes. No registration required.

Crafternoon

Wednesday, December 18, 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. No registration required.

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: A Victorian Christmas Show with Victoria Yule

Wednesday, December 18, 7pm

Travel back in time to Christmas 1895 with Victoria Yule (actress Anne Barrett) as your hostess. Victoria will welcome you into her parlor, complete with an antique chair, table and props, and share her plans for the upcoming Christmas festivities. Learn the history of many Christmas traditions from stories passed down to her from “Grandmama and Grandpapa." She’ll read Dickens, display toys and handmade gifts her family will be exchanging around the Christmas tree, and in her clear soprano voice, sing carols of the season. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. (Please note this event was originally scheduled for 12/3, but was rescheduled to 12/18 due to a snowstorm.) Register HERE.

Tewksbury News Discussion Group

Thursday, December 19, 12:30pm

Do you enjoy talking about town topics? Want to learn more about what’s going on in Tewksbury? Attend these monthly meetings to review the month's major local news stories. All attendees will receive copies of some of the most interesting Tewksbury news stories recently published in the Tewksbury Town Crier, Tewksbury Advocate, Lowell Sun, Your Tewksbury Today, and Tewksbury Patch. Limited to 20 seats. Register HERE.

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: The History Of Christmas In New England

Thursday, December 19, 7pm

Enjoy this well-illustrated lecture, which traces the development of the celebration of Christmas from the time it was outlawed in 17th Century New England through the beginning of the 21st Century when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. For many, the celebration of Christmas today is the most important holiday of the year. But many of the customs which we take for granted as part of the current holiday festivities and religious celebrations are actually a product of more recent history. Take look at how Christmas was transformed from a rowdy celebration to a family centered event. Among the topics discussed are how the Christmas tree became popular, halls were decked, and Santa Clause came to town. Led by Kenneth C. Turino, Manager of Community Partnerships and Resource Development at Historic New England. He has published several articles on the history of Christmas and has a book in development. He speaks on the topic widely. Register HERE.

FILM SCREENING: Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Friday, December 20, 12:30pm & 7pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases -- Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, a comedic drama Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles. Rated R. 161 minutes. Doors will open at 30 minutes. The 12:30pm screening will take place at the Senior Center. The 7pm screening will take place at the Library. Candy & water will be served during the afternoon; Pizza & water will be served at night. A $1-$2 donation is suggested. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library and Tewksbury Lions Club. Register for the 12:30pm screening at the Senior Center HERE. Register for the 7pm screening at the library HERE.

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: Multi-Generational Wrap Party

Saturday, December 21, 9:30am-4:15pm

Enjoy A multi-generation holiday celebration for all ages! Make gifts for your loved ones, watch some classic holiday movies, enjoy delicious snacks, and wrap your gifts! There will be gift wrapping all day. Supplies will be provided by the library. Please bring in your items to wrap, and turn a chore into a celebration! Craft supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Full schedule of events for the day available at www.tewksburypl.org. No registration required.

Kids Events

Sensory Friendly Festival of Trees Viewing

Sunday, December 15, 11:30am-1pm

A quiet time to view the trees, enjoy refreshments, and participate in a scavenger hunt for families with members who are sensitive to sensory overload and/or are on the autism spectrum. Register HERE.

Tiny Tykes Story Time

Monday, December 16, 10:15am & 11am

For young children ages 0 to 18 months. Older siblings are always welcome to join in! Join us for a fun session of stories, songs, fingerplays, instruments, and gentle movement that help build early literacy skills. Please note, we have 2 sessions that are the same, one is at 10:15am and the other is at 11:00am. There is no registration, HOWEVER, there is limited space in the room. Please check in at the Children's desk upon arrival to check to see if there is still room available in the session. No registration required.

Story Time Stations

Tuesday, December 17, 11am

Storytime Stations is a fun way to explore stories and make connections with books to a number of other skills, such as reading, writing, math, and art. Storytime Stations is designed for children aged 3-5; siblings are always welcome. This program is presented in conjunction with Community Teamwork. No registration required.

Pajamarama Storytime

Tuesday, December 17, 7pm

For ages 3 to 7. Older or younger siblings are welcome to join us, too! Have early literacy fun with stories, songs, movement and more at this early evening story time. No registration required. Pajamas are optional but encouraged. No registration required.

Helping Hands Club

Wednesday, December 18, 4pm

Join us for a fun project to benefit the community! Each month, we will make something that will be donated to various local non-profit organizations. This program is open for children ages 7 to 11. Register HERE.

Wiggle Time

Thursday, December 19, 10:15am & 11am

For 2 year olds (ages 18 months and up). Get your early literacy skills on with stories, songs, movement, instruments, dancing and more! No registration required, HOWEVER, there is limited space in the room. Please check in at the Children's desk upon arrival to grab a token and ensure there is space in the story time. No registration required.

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: Multi-Generational Wrap Party

Saturday, December 21, 9:30am-4:15pm

Enjoy A multi-generation holiday celebration for all ages! Make gifts for your loved ones, watch some classic holiday movies, enjoy delicious snacks, and wrap your gifts! There will be gift wrapping all day. Supplies will be provided by the library. Please bring in your items to wrap, and turn a chore into a celebration! Craft supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Full schedule of events for the day available at www.tewksburypl.org. No registration required.

Teen Events

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating

Monday, December 16, 3pm

Hungry for creativity and some friendly competition? Come by at 3pm on Dec. 16th 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. Register HERE.

Anime Club Holiday Celebration

Tuesday, December 17, 6pm

It's about to get FESTIVE and a bit PLUS ULTRA in here. Anime Club is celebrating the holiday season with friends, pizza and snacks! Hang out, watch some awesome anime, enjoy snacks and have fun. Registration is required for this event. Register HERE.

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS: Multi-Generational Wrap Party

Saturday, December 21, 9:30am-4:15pm

Enjoy A multi-generation holiday celebration for all ages! Make gifts for your loved ones, watch some classic holiday movies, enjoy delicious snacks, and wrap your gifts! There will be gift wrapping all day. Supplies will be provided by the library. Please bring in your items to wrap, and turn a chore into a celebration! Craft supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Full schedule of events for the day available at www.tewksburypl.org.