Newsletter                                         May 2019
Curator's Choice: A Personal Perspective on Two Decades of Collection Building (Opening Gala)

The public is invited to the opening of the exhibition " Curator's Choice: A Personal Perspective on Two Decades of Collection Building" on Friday, May 3, 2019, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.  The show will feature one hundred items from the many gifts and purchases acquired by Curator Leslie Wilson for the William Munroe Special Collections over the course of her twenty-three year tenure.  Leslie is retiring at the end of July, and the Trustees of the Concord Free Public Library Corporation are pleased to host a farewell reception as part of the May 3 program. RSVP to events@cfplcorp.org or call 978-318-3355 if you would like to attend. [ Read More]
The Williams Scholarship Committee, an initiative of the Concord Free Public Library Corporation, is now accepting scholarship applications from college-bound High School Seniors residing in Concord, MA for The Charles Williams Scholarship for Excellence in Music and The Charles Williams Scholarship for Excellence in the Visual Arts.

The deadline for submissions for both scholarships has been extended to May 10, 2019. Click here for more information.
Annual Book Sale 
Book Sale Green Join us for the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library's Annual Book Sale on Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The proceeds from the Book Sale will fund library programs, museum passes, eBooks, print and audio-visual materials, and staff professional development. (Rain date: June 8)
Adult Programs
Author Talk: Susan Kaplan Carlton 
Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 p.m.  

Main Library, Periodical Room
Author Susan Kaplan Carlton will discuss her new young adult novel In the Neighborhood of True. In the sticky summer of 1958, Ruth Robb and her family move to Atlanta, the land of sweet tea, debutante dances, and the Ku Klux Klan. To fit in with the popular pastel posse, Ruth keeps the fact that she's Jewish to herself, and soon she is knocking back Coca-Colas with dreamy Davis at the country club. But a heartbreaking night brings Ruth's two worlds into conflict, and she's forced to choose between standing up for what she believes and losing everything she's come to love about her new life. Sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. 

Sailing Towards my Father: a one-man show with Actor Stephen Collins    
Wednesday, May 8, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library, Periodical Room
Written and directed by Carl A. Rossi, Sailing Towards My Father is a one-man play about Herman Melville (1819-1891), the American author best known for his whaling epic Moby Dick. The play chronicles Melville's life from youth to old age, concentrating on his evolution as a writer and his complex relations with God, his parents and siblings, his wife and children, and Nathanial Hawthorne.

Twenty Classic American Comedies and Why They Are Good for You,
A Talk by Randall Warniers

Monday, May 20, 7:00 p.m.   
Fowler Branch
This one-hour presentation will do a quick flyover of the history of early movie comedy, and then focus on twenty important and often lesser-known comedies from 1931 to 1950, including films by comic masters such as Charlie Chaplin, Ernst Lubitisch, Preston Sturges, Frank Capra, Gregory La Cava, Mitchell Leisen, Leo McCarey, George Cukor, Howard Hawks, and Billy Wilder. We won't watch any of the films during the talk, but all are available on DVD, and every attendee will receive a list of the twenty selected films (plus other examples!) for future reference and viewing.

Special Book Discussion: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Wednesday, May 22, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Main Library, Trustees Room
Join Special Collections Curator Leslie Wilson and Head of Reference Barbara Gugluizza for a discussion on Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass . This 1845 memoir and treatise on abolition was written by famous orator and former slave Frederick Douglass during his time in Lynn, Massachusetts. Leslie Wilson will also share historical documents related to Frederick Douglass's associations with Concord. This event is part of the Concord Museum's 2019 Concord Community Conversation on Frederick Douglass. [Register]
Musical Performances
Concord Academy Singers
Wednesday, May 1, 1:30 p.m. 
Main Library Rotunda

Join the Concord Academy Singers in the Main Library Rotunda for a brief concert. Concord Academy Singers is a select vocal ensemble representing the finest ensemble singing at Concord Academy. Students become members of the ensemble by successful audition and invitation of the Music Program faculty. Repertoire performed is highly varied and can range from advanced choral music in foreign languages to a cappella arrangements of popular songs. The ensemble serves as musical ambassadors of the school, occasionally appearing at public events and traveling for outside performances, as well as collaborating with other performing ensembles within the CA Performing Arts Department.

Tanya Bartevyan Piano Recital
Saturday, May 11, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Rotunda

Pianist and Concord resident Tanya Bartevyan will offer an encore independent recital after her highly acclaimed concert in the Music From the Library's 2018 season. The program will include music by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Ravel, Chopin, Schubert, and an Improvisation by the artist. Tanya is a graduate of Harvard University and the New England Conservatory of Music and has concertized extensively at distinguished Boston area venues and abroad. More information about Ms. Bartevyan can be found here. A review of her concert last season published by the Boston Arts Diary can be found here

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Concord Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. This program is also supported in part by a grant from The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. 
Adult Book Groups
Cookbook Club
Wednesday, May 8, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Fowler Branch
Check out a copy of the selected cookbook at the library, pick a recipe, and prepare it for the program. We will sample lots of good food, talk about what worked and what didn't, and select future cookbooks. This month's book titles are My kitchen in Spain : 225 authentic regional recipes, by Janet Mendel, La cocina de mama : the great home cooking of Spain, by Penelope Casas, Curate : authentic Spanish food from an American kitchen, by Katie Button, and Tapas : the little dishes of Spain, by Penelope Casas. Copies of the titles will be available at the Main and Fowler Libraries to check out. [Event is Full]
 
Tuesday Book Group  
Tuesday, May 14, 9:30-11:15 a.m.
Trustees' Room, Main Library
In May, the book discussion group will partner with the Military Family Support Group of Concord to read and discuss The Girl in Green, by Derek B. Miller. As a companion novel, it is strongly suggested that the group also read Green on Blue, by Elliot Ackerman. Copies of both books will be available at the Main Library Circulation Desk in late March. All are welcome.
 
Book-A-Mystery Discussion
Wednesday, May 15, 2:00-3:00 p.m. 
Fowler Branch
Love a good mystery? All are welcome to join the discussion. Copies of this month's title, In the Woods, by Tana French, are available at the Branch to check out.
 
 
Book Discussion at Debra's Natural Gourmet
Monday, May 20, 7:00 p.m.
Debra's Natural Gourmet, 98 Commonwealth Ave.
The Library is teaming up once again with  Debra's Natural Gourmet for a book discussion, which will take place at Debra's at 98 Commonwealth Avenue in West Concord. Copies of this month's selection, Queen of the Turtle Derby, by Julia Reed, will be made available at both the Main and Fowler libraries.  Please email Debra Stark at debra@debrasnaturalgourmet.com to register.   
Mindfulness Matters Series
Mindful Transitions: Change as a Great Adventure
Monday, May 13, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
Main Library

Join Lara Wilson of Be Well Be Here for a conversation on mindful transitions. Life is full of change: school years end, kids leave for college, parents age, health concerns arise, careers shift, unexpected events unfold - oh my! How can we face life's transitions without feeling utterly overwhelmed? One way is to experience life as moments of possibility through mindful wellness practices. Join us to discuss cultivating new practices that reduce anxiety and help us thrive. Launch your adventure toward possibility and contentment!
Children's and Teen Programs 
Free Time: The Source of Your Force
Saturday, May 4, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Main Library
As human beings, we all need time for free, unscheduled moments. What happens to our bodies and mind when we do or don't experience them? How can we make room for free time in our busy lives? Join Be Well Be Here founder, Lara Wilson, to discuss simple ways to tap into the Free Time: The Source of Your Force. Try some creative games and mindful wellness practices that honor your way in the world, relieve anxiety, and lead to confident self-expression. Learn how these methods of accessing your flow state - or "the zone" - boosts the force that already exists within you. For Grades 7 - 10. [Register]

Beede and Books
Monday, May 6, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Beede Center, 498 Walden St.
The Beede Center of Concord and the Concord Free Public Library have teamed up to bring you stories and a swim. Meet at the Beede Center lobby for a storytime at 11:00 a.m. and then enjoy a swim in the Kiddie Pool until noon. This free program is perfect for children age three years and up.

Middle School Teen Advisory Board (TAB)   
Tuesday, May 7, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch
Grades 6 - 8. Do you like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys, food, or just hanging out with your friends? If so, this group is for you! Each month we will do a different activity.  We will eat snacks and play a game or do a craft.  You will also take home a free book! [Register

Read to Luna the Dog
Tuesday, May 7, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Main Library
Read to a good listener who loves stories! Sessions are 15 minutes long. Please register. This event is for children ages 5+. [Register]

Book & Cookie Club
Thursday, May 9, 4:00- 5:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch
Enjoy cookies and fun activities as we discuss the newest books for kids in this monthly book club! The book discussed this month will be Roller Girl, by Victoria Jamieson. For kids in grades 4 and 5.

Toddler Sing-a-long with Ed Morgan*
Friday, May 10 & 17, 10:00 a.m. (Fowler Branch)       

Friday, May 24, 10:00 a.m. (Main Library) (New Time)
Come sing and dance along with The Music Man, singer and musician Ed Morgan. Families are invited to enjoy this family friendly concert.

Music Through the Decades with David Polansky*
Monday, May 13, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Fowler Branch
Join us for a live concert by musician David Polansky. This program showcases pop music inspired by what was happening in America from 1895 through 1960. (e.g. Gay 90s, The Automobile, WWI, Dixieland, The Great Depression, WWII, The Atomic Age, more). All ages are welcome at this fun and lively concert.

Author Event: e. E. Charlton-Trujillo *
Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. 
Main Library
Meet award-winning author e. E. Charlton-Trujillo and listen to her discuss her work! e. E. Charlton-Trujillo's inspirational, high energy and genuine school visits have made her a favorite speaker with educators, librarians and young people across America. She has done workshops in traditional K-12 schools, alternative high schools, after school programs, libraries, homeless shelters, juvie hall, college campuses, major book festivals and more. Charlton-Trujillo has been featured in School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, The Huffington Post, Parade Magazine and MTV for what Kirkus Reviews calls her "force of nature" persona, writing and ability to reach the most unreachable youth. Her authenticity, excitement and humor will set your students, book club, book festival and/or library on fire! [Register]

Bike Chain Crafts
Thursday, May 16, 4:30 p.m.
Main Library
In honor of the Concord Bike Fest, we will be creating crafts with bike chains. Make a key chain, a bracelet, or design your own object! For Grades 6-12. Space is limited. Registration is required. [Register
 
National Dinosaur Day Dino Dig
Tuesday, May 21, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Main Library
Join us as we celebrate National Dinosaur Day! Help us make a mini dig-site, sing dino-songs and do everything dinosaur! Kids age 3 - 5 years are invited to take part in this fun event.
 
Tech Tuesdays for Kids: 3D Design and Printing
Tuesday, May 21, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Fowler Branch
In this workshop instructors from Toys in Box will teach students how to design a small rocket using TinkerCad and print to a 3D printer in the class. The workshop is free and open to students in Grades 4-6. Advance registration is required. [Register]

Make Catnip Cat Toys for Charity  
Tuesday, May 21, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Main Library
May 1 is Hug Your Cat Day!  Learn to make simple catnip toys to give to your furry friend, and make extra for donation to a local pet charity.  All materials provided.  No sewing skills needed.  This counts toward community service hours!  Please register so there will be enough supplies. For Grades 6-12. [Register]

Buzz Lightyear Meet and Greet
Friday, May 31st, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Fowler Branch
Listen to stories and meet Buzz Lightyear at this kickoff to summer reading. This event is hosted by the MEFA U. Fund Start U. 

 
For a complete list of Children's and Teen programs, click here
 
New! Click here to sign up for the library's new Teen Newsletter. 
May Computer Classes
Introduction to  Library's 3D Printer
Wednesday, May 15, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Main Library
In this one hour class, we will show you how the Library's 3D printer works and how you can use the Library's 3D print service for your 3D design project. [ Register]

Drop-In Tech Help
Fridays, May 3 & 17, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Main Library Lobby
Stop in with any questions you may have about your mobile devices,  laptops and/or Library's eBooks etc.  Open to all.
New Resource! Foundation Directory Online
The Concord Free Public Library is now a Foundation Center (by Candid) Funding Information Network location!

Individual and nonprofit grant-seekers are able to use our online Foundation Center resources to research funding opportunities from foundations and corporations. Available databases include Foundation Directory Online Professional and Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, which are accessible from the library's public computers only.

For additional information, please inquire at the Main Library Reference Desk.
New! Library Program Calendar by Email
Are you interested in receiving our Event Calendar at a Glance by email?

 
Please sign up here.
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