#ConcordReads Reading Program

During this time of closures, crisis and social distancing, the Concord Free Public Library (CFPL) is trying to keep our community engaged in reading and engaged with each other. We invite the whole community to join our online reading program and communicate with each other about what you are reading.  You can track your reading progress, earn reading incentives, and connect with your community. We also have activities to help people stay on track with their reading goals. 

There are three programs - Concord Read for Adults (age 18 -109), Concord Read for Teens (age 12 - 18), and Concord Read for Kids (0 - 11), all of which have specific prize badges and activities geared towards their general interests. Ten lucky prize winners will each earn a $10 gift card to local businesses. You can also share your reading progress on social media with the hashtag #ConcordReads. [ Click here to sign up] 

                  

                                        ----- Royce McGrath,

                                               Supervisor of Children's Services 

Join us for a virtual book discussion of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre! For the discussion we will use Zoom Video Conferencing platform.  Jane Eyre  is available to download on Hoopla and Overdrive.  For information on accessing Hoopla, please click  here .  To access Overdrive, click  here .  Advance Registration is required. You will receive a link to access the Zoom meeting the day before the discussion.  [ Register ]  

Feeling stressed? You are not alone. Join Friends of the CFPL board member, Lara Wilson, MA, for a meditation sampler session. Lara will lead a series of mindful wellness practices that relieve stress, boost the immune system and help with sleep. A lifelong meditator, writer and teacher, Lara curates the CFPL Mindfulness Series and is the founder of Be Well Be Here, a mindful wellness educational collaborative in Concord center.  To register, email CFPLquestions@concordma.gov for the Zoom link.

Monday Evenings in April at 8:00 - 8:45 PM

Thursday Mornings in April at 8:15 - 8:45 AM

Friends of the CFPL board member, Lara Wilson, will offer free meditation practice through non-profit mindful wellness educational collaborative, Be Well Be Here, in April. To register, email CFPLquestions@concordma.gov for the Zoom link.

Parenting is tough enough, but add sheltering at home during a pandemic and the stress can be overwhelming. Join this virtual CFPL conversation to share insights, empathy and encouragement. Mindful wellness expert Lara Wilson, MA, GCMS (and parent of four young adults) will be available to offer mindfulness-based strategies. Gather online in community to feel supported, and experience how actively being in it together through meaningful conversation helps us get through challenging times.  To register, email CFPLquestions@concordma.gov  for the Zoom link.

Looking to release stress while creating a record of these unprecedented times? Develop your natural storytelling skills with Concord Festival of Authors curator Lara Wilson, MA, in this CFPL Writing Workshop. Explore aspects of journaling, narrative non-fiction and creative writing. Experience what evidence-based research reveals: writing quiets anxious thoughts, boosts the immune system and enhances healthy mind/body connections.  To register, email CFPLquestions@concordma.gov  for the Zoom link.

While our Main Library and the Fowler Branch are closed in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, we still have many services available to you from home.

Featured Streaming and Downloadable -

With your library card, you can access a variety of online resources. Watch a TV show or movie, or check out a book, newspaper, or magazine from the comfort of your own home.  

Hoopla
Streaming thousands of movies, TV shows, music albums and audiobooks on your computer, tablet or smartphone. Available to Concord residents with a valid Minuteman library card.

Kanopy
Kanopy is an on-demand streaming video service that provides library patrons, college students and faculty access to a large collection of films including documentary and international films, kids movies and videos from The Teaching Company. Available to Concord residents with a valid Minuteman library card.

NYTimes Digital
New York Times Digital is available to all patrons of the Minuteman Library Network libraries. This service includes unlimited article access on library computers, as well as promotional codes for remote access on your home computer or mobile device. Create an account, log in at NYTimes.com or click here to redeem a promo code for remote access.

OverDrive/Libby
OverDrive or Libby Digital Media service provides audiobooks, eBooks, videos and magazines for users to download and stream.

RB Digital Magazines
RBdigital Unlimited Access Magazines with 3,500 titles in English and other world languages. It allows users to check out, stream and download magazines to a home computer or mobile device. Enjoy unlimited checkouts with no waitlist. Available to Concord residents with a valid Minuteman library card.

Special Collections 
Youth eResources