Weekly Updates
July 6 - 12, 2020
Curbside pickup of library materials is available at the Main Library by appointment only. Pickup times are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. [ Read More About the Curbside Service ] [ Make a Reservation ]

The Main Library's Book Drops are open 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) between 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The Fowler Branch Library’s book drop remains closed until further notice. Items from the Fowler collection can be returned to the Main Library's Book Drops during the above hours.

Returned items are placed in quarantine for up to 72 hours. Fines will not accrue during this time. Due dates for Concord items borrowed prior to the Library’s closure have been extended to July 31.

Patrons can now request items owned by other Minuteman Library Network libraries via the statewide delivery service. Please select the Main Library as your pickup location.

The Concord Free Public Library is unable to accept book donations at this time.

Please email all inquiries to CFPLquestions@concordma.gov .
Join us every Friday in July starting on the 10th as we read aloud from the Concord Middle School’s  Big 6 Recommended Reading List .  

The first book that the group will read together is  Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez . This brilliant sci-fi romp with Cuban influence poses this question: What would you do if you had the power to reach through time and space and retrieve anything you want, including your mother, who is no longer living (in this universe, anyway)? A sassy entropy sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a Venetian bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the delights that await in his mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and laughter. Students can instantly download this title on  Hoopla  with a Minuteman Library Card. 

Register each week in advance to receive the Zoom link: [ July 10]  [ July 17] [ July 24] [ July 31]
2020 Summer Learning Program
The Concord Free Public Library invites kids and teens to join the 2020 online Summer Learning Program, ” Imagine Your Story .” 

The program runs June 15 - August 31 and is free and open to children from preschool through high school. The goal of the Summer Learning Program is to keep kids and teens reading and learning during summer, ensuring that they maintain or gain skills and start the next school year on track and ready to learn. The program focuses on STEAM-related, educational, fun and enriching activities.

The Summer Learning Program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library and the Concord Free Public Library Corporation.

Online Teen, Tween & Children's Events
The Children's Department is offering weekly craft kits for kids ages 3 - 12 years old.  Every Monday through the summer, a new craft kit will be available for curbside pickup while supplies last.  Each kit contains most of the materials children need to complete the craft. Kits do not include basic supplies like scissors, glue, and tape. Reserve your craft kit by calling the Main Library at (978) 318-3301 to pick it up via our curbside service. Reservations will be accepted starting Monday of each week as long as supplies last.
How-To's Day
Tuesdays, July 7 & 14 @ 10:00 a.m.
All ages
Excuse me, do you have two minutes to spare every Tuesday for a little How-To fun? It's How-To's Day! Every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. on the Library's Facebook page, tune in for totally awesome mini-tutorials by Children's Library Assistant Cary Stough. Make an envelope out of scrap paper. Use a hammer properly. Cook the most gorgeous fried egg. How can Cary help? Send How-To suggestions to Cary at cstough@minlib.net.
Weekly Learning Challenge Series: Rescue Gadgets
Tuesday, July 7 @ 2:00 p.m.
All ages
These at-home Weekly Learning Challenges are designed by staff to excite and engage children and teenagers this summer.
Put on those thinking caps! The Weekly Challenge for the week of July 6 is Rescue Gadgets. Join us for a workshop led by our very own Maker-brarian, Cary Stough. Using things around the house--trash, recyclables--make something that helps. Can you design a safe way to rescue a cat stuck in a tree without having to call the Fire Department? What sorts of materials would be good to use for a new kind of flotation device? Register  in advance for the Zoom link.
Story Time with Royce on Zoom
Wednesdays @ 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
All ages
Missing storytime at the Library? Join us on Zoom for some short stories, songs, & rhymes. This is a great way to build early literacy skills. Children of all ages are welcome. Register to receive the Zoom link. [ Sign up for July 8] [ July 15] [ July 29]
Cooking Program for Teens and Tweens
Wednesday, July 8, 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Register [ July 8] [ July 15] [ July 22] [ July 29]
Wellness coach Julie Manning will lead tweens and teens in a microwave cooking class and teach you how to make cookies, chocolate cake, cheese cake, and macaroni and cheese! The virtual cooking program will be held on Zoom. Ingredient list will be shared with all participants before the program. Program runs weekly through the month of July. We make different recipes each week.  Sponsored by  The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
Virtual Creative Movement/Ballet for Ages 4 - 8
Saturday, July 11, 10:00 - 10:40 a.m.  [ Register ]
Monday, July 13, 3:45 - 4:25 p.m.  [ Register ]
This fun 40-minute creative movement/ballet class will begin with a high-energy warm-up, move into stretching and beginner ballet technique, and end with a fun center combination.

Virtual Dance Party for Ages 8 - 12
Saturday, July 11, 10:45 - 11:25 a.m.  [ Register ]
Set to an upbeat playlist, this fun 40-minute class is based off of both jazz and hip hop components. Class will include a warm-up, center combinations, and a stretch. Bring your dancing shoes, and let's get the party started!

Virtual Cardio Party for Teens
Saturday, July 11, 11:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. [ Register ]
Wednesday, July 15, 3:00 - 3:40 p.m [ Register ]
Teen cardio party is an upbeat, high energy class set to fun music! Class begins with a dynamic stretching warm-up followed by a mix of cardio and strength training and a cool down/stretch. Sneakers and yoga mat or towel are recommended.

Virtual Ballet Ages 8 -12
Monday, July 13, 4:30 - 5:10 p.m.  [ Register ]
This fun 40-minute class will begin  with a barre warm-up including beginner and intermediate level exercises. In lieu of a barre, a chair, table, dresser etc. can be used. Class will then move into center combinations with an emphasis on both technique and artistry.
Pajama Story Time with Karen on Zoom
Wednesday, July 15 @ 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Grab a soft pillow. Get into your pajamas. Snuggle with your favorite stuffy. And enjoy listening to Karen read some wonderful bedtime stories on Zoom. This is a nice opportunity for families to enjoy hearing stories together! [ Register
Read to Luna the Dog on Zoom
Every Thursday @ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages 5 and up
Did you know that reading to dogs boosts reading skills & emotional & social skills for children? Join us for a "Read around the Zoom" group reading experience. Using Zoom meeting platform, we will all take turns reading aloud to Luna and to each other. Bring some of your favorite poems or short stories. [ Sign up for July 9] [ July 16] [ July 23] [ July 30]
Sing-along with Ed Morgan
Join us on Zoom for an interactive sing-along with Ed Morgan, "The Music Man". Learn fun ways to connect
with your family through music. This family-friendly performance will have everyone up and moving, dancing and singing. Monthly this summer. Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.[ Register for Friday, July 17] [ Friday, August 21]
Virtual Talent Show for Kids and Teens
Imagine...create...write...perform...your story! 

Share your talents with your peers and the community in our  Virtual Talent Show for Kids and Teens !

HOW TO SIGN UP
  • Sign up for the talent show. [Sign Up]

WHERE TO SEND SUBMISSIONS
  • Once you have heard back from us and we have received your permission form, send us a video no longer than 3 minutes via WeTransfer to agraceson@minlib.net.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
  • Must be a video no longer than 3 minutes.
  • Video file type must be .MOV or .MP4.
  • The deadline for submissions is Saturday, August 1 at 11:59 p.m.

HOW TO VIEW THE TALENT SHOW
  • The Talent Show will premiere on Saturday, August 29, in celebration of the Summer Learning Program, on Zoom and the Library's YouTube page (in a private link). After the premiere, the video will remain on YouTube for a week for participants to view at their leisure.
Virtual Adult Events
Virtual Cookbook Club
Wednesday, July 8, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Let's take Cookbook Club online! We can't meet in person, but it would still be great to discuss recipes and catch up. This month we will make our favorite summer recipes. Please register. [ Register]
Thursday Morning Meditation Classes
July 9, 16, 23, & 30, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Join Be Well Be Here on Thursdays for a 30-minute morning meditation practice with the Concord Free Public Library, and start your day with a moment of ease. Discover mindful tools that center the body, settle the mind, and open the door to well-being. Every Thursday in July from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Please register for the Zoom link. [ Register]
Staff Picks from Hoopla, Kanopy, RB Digital & Beyond
The Library staff members have thoughtfully selected many eBooks, audiobooks, and videos for you to enjoy at home. 

Here are the staff picks (updated and expanded regularly) -






(RB Digital Magazines service also includes a core collection of classic literature in  eBooks  and  audiobooks  from Recorded Books.)



Free Summer Audiobook Program for Teens 13+  (April 30 - July 29 through SYNC audiobooks) 






Quick Links