Newsletter                                  October 2019
Concord Festival of Authors  

This year's Concord Festival of Authors will take place from October 15 - October 31. The events listed below will be held at the Main Branch of the Concord Free Public Library at 129 Main Street. For a complete listing of the events featured in the Concord Festival of Authors, please visit concordfestivalofauthors.org

Debut Authors Panel 

Thursday, October 17, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library 
Michelle Hoover, the 2019 CFA Debut Author emcee, introduces the Concord community to literary stars from Grub Street's Novel Incubator program, which she has led since its inception. Meet debut authors Rachel Barenbaum (A Bend in the Stars), Elizabeth Chiles Shelburne (Holding on to Nothing), Susan Bernhard (Winter Loon) and Mark Guerin (You Can See More from Up Here).
 
Tween Poetry Workshop
Saturday, October 19, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Main Library
Creative Tweens! Join poet and CFPL assistant librarian, Cary Stough, for a poetry workshop that celebrates your unique way with words. Explore techniques that boost your creative process and inspire new poems to flow. For ages 10 - 14. Cary Stough is a poet from Missouri whose work has been published in various online and print literary journals. He is also the author of the chapbook Good Country from Pressboard Press. Registration required. [Register]
 
Mindful Families
Saturday, October 19, 10:00 a.m.
Main Library 
Children's book authors and mindfulness teachers Dr. Chris Willard ( Alphabreaths), Deb Sosin ( Charlotte and the Quiet Place) and Wendy O'Leary ( Breathing Makes it Better) share insights about the role of mindfulness in creativity, parenting and family life. The authors discuss their own creative process in creating children's literature that reflects values of mindfulness and compassion while offering tools for young people growing up in an age of anxiety.

The Poetic Wild Workshop
Sunday, October 20, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Main Library
Join BC Professor and award-winning poet Allison Adair for a poetry workshop that explores The Poetic Wild. In this session, discussion of fresh images, unforgettable metaphors, expressive line-breaks, and the poetic "turn" are paired with quick-burst exercises to shake up our work and to discover what might lie just beyond our control. 

Keynote Speaker: Sigrid Nunez, author of The Friend
Sunday, October 20, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Main Library
Sigrid Nunez has published seven novels, including A Feather on the Breath of God, The Last of Her Kind, Salvation City, and, most recently, The Friend. She is also the author of Sempre Susan: A Memoir of Susan Sontag. The Friend won the 2018 National Book Award and was a finalist for the 2019 Simpson/Joyce Carol Oates Prize. She has taught at Columbia, Princeton, Boston University, and the New School, and has been a visiting writer or writer in residence at Amherst, Smith, Baruch, Vassar, Syracuse, and the University of California, Irvine, among others. 

Mindful Haiku Workshop
Tuesday, October 22, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Main Library
Join Pam Ressler, RN, MS, HNB-BC of Stress Resources for a Mindful Haiku Workshop at the Concord Free Public Library. Explore techniques that allow you to enter the flow state as you craft haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry comprised of seventeen syllables that evoke nature or the seasons. This generative workshop will include mindful practices that allow your creativity to blossom on the page. Registration required. [ Register]

Historical Fiction with Whitney Scharer and Christopher Castellani
Wednesday, October 23, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Main Library
Join  Whitney Scharer ( The Age of Light) and Christopher Castellani (Leading Men) for brief readings and conversation about the subjects of their most recent novels as well as the increasingly popular phenomenon of writers making real people into fictional characters. The Age of Light brings model and photographer Lee Miller to life, focusing on her art and her relationship to Man Ray; Leading Men is the story of Frank Merlo's relationship with Tennessee Williams. Q&A and book signing will follow.

Ruth Ratner Miller Award: John Stauffer
Saturday, October 26, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Main Library
The Concord Free Public Library presents the 2019 Miller Award recipient, John Stauffer, a leading authority on antislavery, the Civil War era, social protest movements and photography. Stauffer is a Harvard University professor of English and American Literature, American Studies and African American Studies. His 19 books include The Black Hearts of Men: Radical Abolitionists and the Transformation of Race (2002), Giants: The Parallel Lives of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln (2008), and The Battle Hymn of the Republic: A Biography of the Song That Marches On (2013). Tickets available after October 1 at the Concord Bookshop and Barrow Bookstore.

Short Story Master Peter Orner
Sunday, October 27, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Main Library
Called "a master of his form" by The New York Times, Peter Orner's insightful short stories invite readers into a radiant, authentic world that "shimmers with life," according to Andrea Barrett. Peter's work has appeared in The New York Times, the Atlantic Monthly, Granta, The Paris Review, McSweeney's, The Southern Review, Ploughshares and many other publications. His stories have been anthologized in Best American Stories and twice received a Pushcart Prize.

Marjan Kamali: Writing Across Culture
Monday, October 28, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library
Join celebrated author Marjan Kamali for this intimate look at writing across culture. Born in Turkey to Iranian parents, Marjan spent her childhood in Kenya, Germany, Turkey, and Iran before moving to the United States. Marjan's latest novel, The Stationery Shop was one of Newsweek's 30 Best Summer Books, a Real Simple magazine Top Editor's Pick, an Indie Next Pick, and an excerpt was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. 

Mystery Night
Thursday, October 31, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library
Join us for the Concord Festival of Authors popular finale, Mystery Night with Kate Flora! The 2019 Mystery Writers are Connie Hambley (The Wake: When Truth Won't Die), Elisabeth Elo (Finding Katarina M.), and Tilia Klebenov Jacobs (Second Helpings at the Serve Your Right Cafe). This year's Mystery Night features interactive surprises - don't miss out on your chance to treat yourself to a literary Halloween!
Poetry at the Library
Poetry at the Library: Poetry of Revelations with Translations from Japanese*   
Sunday, October 6, 3:00 p.m.
Main Library 
Poetry at the Library Series will present Poetry of Revelations with Translations from Japanese on Sunday, October 6, 2019, 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Poet-translator Patrick Donnelly reads from two of his acclaimed recent collections and Stephen D. Miller, Japanese language and literature scholar, reads award-winning translations (done with Donnelly) of Buddhist poems from the Heian Period. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. 
Mindfulness Series
Mindful Microbiome: a talk with Katie Janeczek
Monday, October 7, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library 
Did you know that the bacteria in our gut, or our microbiome, is our second brain? It effects a variety of functions within the body such as how well we digest foods, our mood, our skin health and certain food sensitivities. There are many things we can do to help improve our microbiome, and therefore improve our digestion and well-being! Join Katie Janeczek,  MS, RDN, LDN,  as she shares practical ways to enhance your mindful microbiome toolbox and strengthen your gut bacteria as well as your overall health. Discover some surprising ways to mindfully support your microbiome and improve your well-being! Katie Janeczek is the founder of Inspired Nutrition and Health in Concord.
Adult Book Groups
Tuesday Book Group 
Tuesday, October 8, 9:30-11:15 a.m.
Trustees' Room, Main Library
Please join us for the Tuesday Book Discussion Group to read and discuss The Friend, by Sigrid Nunez. Ms. Nunez will be the keynote speaker at the Concord Festival of Authors on October 20. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Circulation Desk to check out. All are welcome.  

Book-A-Mystery Discussion
Wednesday, October 16, 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,  Bluebird Bluebird, by Attica Locke, are available at the Branch to check out.


Book Discussion at Debra's Natural Gourmet
Monday, October 21, 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, The Invisible Wall: A Love Story that Broke Barriers, by Harry Bernstein, are available at both the Main and Fowler libraries.  Please email Debra Stark at debra@debrasnaturalgourmet.com to register.    
Children's, Teen and Family Programs 
Read to Luna
Tuesday, October 1, 4:00 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]

Work Smarter: Strategies for Time Management and Studying 

Tuesday, October 1, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Main Library
For grades 6 - 12 and parents.  With the school year ramping up, join Axiom Learning for a workshop surveying the most effective strategies for time management, organization, and study skills. Gain tools for budgeting time, prioritizing tasks, and preparing for tests and quizzes.  Students and parents are encouraged to attend. Please register. [Register]

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Storytime
Mondays, October 7, 21, and 28, 10:00 - 10: 30 a.m.
Main Library
Join us at the Main Library for a new storytime! A 5-week bilingual (Spanish/English) Storytime and song will be held Mondays at 10 am in the Main Library. This is a great way for kids to be exposed to Spanish and English. The 5-week session will be repeated. 1st session: 10/7, 10/21,10/28, 11/4, 11/18

Beede and Books 
Monday, October 7, 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 (Halloween Party)
Tuesday, October 8, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch
This month's event is a Halloween Party! Are you in grades 6-8? Do you like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, or just hanging out with your friends?  If so, this group is for you!  We'll do a different fun activity each month!  Refreshments will be served.  Please register. [Register] 
 
Author Talk: A.S. King*
Wednesday, October 9, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library
For grades 7-12 and adults. A.S. King has been called "One of the best Y.A. writers working today" by the New York Times Book Review. King is the author of highly-acclaimed novels including her 2016 release Still Life with Tornado, 2015's surrealist I Crawl Through ItGlory O'Brien's History of the FutureReality Boy, the 2012 Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner Ask the PassengersEverybody Sees the Ants, 2011 Michael L. Printz Honor Book Please Ignore Vera Dietz among others. She is a faculty member of the Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts and spends many months of the year traveling the country speaking to high school and university students. The Concord Bookshop will have books available for purchase. Please register. [Register]
 
Toddler Sing-a-long with Ed Morgan*
Friday, October 11 & 18, 10:00 a.m. (Fowler Branch)       
Friday, October 25, 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.

Scarecrow Festival
October 18 - 31 (Daily)
Main Library Front Lawn
Visit the Main Library's front lawn and see the scarecrows created by the Library and other town departments and organizations. 
 
Teens Teach: Blogging
Tuesday, October 15, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Main Library 
For grades 7-12. A student blogger will share her website and experiences to support teens interested in creating and running a blog. She will teach the basics of graphic creation and web design, as well as writing for a virtual audience. Lastly, the class touches on publicity and marketing, to help you promote your blog on the world wide web. Registration is required. Please bring a laptop if you have it; there will be some laptops available. [Register]
 
Third Grade BookEaters Book Club pile_of_old_books.jpg
Wednesday, October 16, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Main Library
Join the  Third Grade BookEaters  for a special spooky book club in October! We'll talk about mysteries and scary stories...be sure to bring a favorite mystery or scary story to share. Enjoy a fun activity and snacks that will make you scream!
 
Financial Literacy for Teens
Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library
For grades 8 - 12 and parents. Does the idea of having to manage your own money someday make you nervous? Do you know the ins and outs of interest? How will you build good credit? Get these questions and more answered by a representative of the CFA Society of Boston, a non-profit professional society of over 5,800 investment professionals. Please register. [Register]
 
Franken-Figures
Friday, October 18, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Main Library
IT...IS...ALIVE!!!!! Bring in your broken, cast-off, undead or otherwise neglected toys and make something monstrously new with their remains. Use string, use tape, use hot-glue, use your EVIL GENIUS IMAGINATION. Ages 8-12.  ATTENTION: Program will involve low-heat hot glue guns. Parental discretion is advised, and parental involvement is encouraged. A selection of broken toys will be on-hand, provided by the library, so bringing toys is not a requirement. 

DIY Tile Coasters
Tuesday, October 22, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Main Library
For grades 6-12. Everyone needs coasters to set their cups on, and now you can make your own!   The library will provide a variety of materials to create a cool design. Feel free to bring your own paper or photos, too. You'll leave with your own set of 4 ceramic tile coasters. Registration is required to ensure enough supplies. [Register]

3D Design and Printing
Friday, October 25, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Main Library
Come create a design for the 3D printer! Learn how to use 3D design software, create a model, and we'll print it later that week. No prior experience with 3D design or 3D printing required (though some computer experience will come in handy): just bring yourself and all your creativity. Parents of new computer users encouraged to attend. Ages 6-12. Registration required. [ Register]

Halloween Singalong with Liz Buchanan
Saturday, October 26, 2:00 p.m.
Main Library
Come to the Main Library for a not too spooky Halloween singalong with children's musician Liz Buchanan. Come in costume!

Halloween Cookie Decorating for Kids*
Saturday, October 26, 3:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch 
Enjoy some spooky fun and learn how to decorate sugar cookies! Chef Dan Charbonneau will help you and we'll supply everything you need - cookies, icing, and decorations. This program is for children ages 7 -12; advance online registration is required beginning October 1.
 
ArtSplorers
Monday, October 28, 10:00 a.m.
Fowler 
Drop in for some creative, open-ended art activities and a story. Wear clothes you don't mind getting messy! For kids ages 18 months to 5 years old, with a caregiver. No registration is required, but the program is limited to 15 children. Due to the nature of the program, late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

 
For a complete list of Children's and Teen programs, click here
October Drop-In Tech Help
Drop-In Tech Help
Fridays, October 4 & 18, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Main Library Lobby
Stop in with any questions you may have about your mobile devices, laptops, or Library's eBooks, etc.  Open to all.
Library Program Calendar by Email
Are you interested in receiving our monthly Program Calendar by email?


 
 
Please sign up here.
Quick Links

Visit our blog
Like us on Facebook View on Instagram

View our videos on YouTube    Follow us on Twitter    Find us on Pinterest