Rom "Con": Romance Festival Is Tomorrow | |
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Rom "Con": Romance Festival at the "Con"cord Free Public Library
Saturday, September 24, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Front Lawn & Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Come hang out with some of your favorite authors: Blair Babylon, Kate Canterbary, Loretta Chase, KD Fisher, Peggy Jaeger, Julia Kent, Caroline Linden, Sarah MacLean, Namrata Patel, Weina Randel, Hannah Reynolds and Evelyn Richardson.
We are looking forward to a day of a booksale/signing, panel discussions, and a casual afternoon tea provided by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. Books for some authors will be provided by the Concord Bookshop - cash or check only. And, if you have books by our authors at home, please feel free to bring them and have them signed.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library and the Concord Free Public Library Corporation as well as the Friends of Ashland Public Library.
Registration is requested. But walk-ins are definitely welcome. Please click here to register.
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Climate Prep Week 2022: The Planet’s Health and Yours | |
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Climate Preparedness Week is held every year at the end of September to raise awareness and provide educational programs to help prepare communities for extreme weather events. The Concord Free Public Library, in partnership with the Massachusetts Library System and the Blue Marble Librarians, joined in this initiative of Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW) in 2019.
The Library has worked with many town and community partners over the years, and this year we are joined by the Concord Fire Department, Concord Health Department, Great Meadows Public Health Collaborative, Town of Concord Archives, Concord Land Conservation Trust, Concord Natural Resources Division, Codman Community Farms, the Concord Free Public Library Corporation, and the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
Please check our event calendar for details and to register.
Propagate Local, Native Pollinator Plants Across Concord with Executive Director of Concord Land Conservation Trust Jane Gurba-Chevalier and Natural Resources Director of Concord Natural Resources Division Delia Kaye
Wednesday, September 28, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
[Register]
[View Climate Prep Week Program Brochure]
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The 30th Anniversary of the Concord Festival of Authors | |
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For 30 years, the Concord Festival of Authors (CFA) has celebrated the written and spoken word throughout the town of historic Concord, Massachusetts. Every October, the CFA collaboratively honors the narrative arts by featuring dozens of literary and performative programs, the majority of which are free to the public. This year's festival will run from October 13 to October 31 in locations around Concord.
In honor of the 30th anniversary, this year features celebrated Concord authors such as Keynote Speaker Alan Lightman, Concord Historian Robert Gross and Newbury Award-Winning Author Rajani LaRocca, who will give the annual Leslie Riedel Memorial Lecture for Young People. Other notable library-sponsored events include Miller Award Winner Professor Sean Wilentz, the annual Breakfast with the Authors, moderated by Dr. Suzanne Koven, and the always popular Mystery Night with Kate Flora. For a complete list of CFA events, please visit www.concordfestivalofauthors.org.
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Conversation Circle for English Language Learners at Fowler
Monday, September 26, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard or Meeting Room
Join us for a volunteer-led gathering to practice English. All levels welcome, including beginners. For more information, call 978-318-3350 or email dkarlin@minlib.net. Weather permitting, we will meet in the backyard. Or in the meeting room as rain location. No registration required.
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Stitch Circle at Fowler
Tuesday, September 27, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Join fellow knitting, crocheting and needlework enthusiasts for an hour of social crafting. Help each other out of tough spots, share patterns and tips, and enjoy crafting together. No registration required.
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Fowler Afoot: A Walking Book Club
Wednesday, September 28, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Fowler Branch
Get outside with Fowler Afoot as we walk and talk about books. We will meet at the Fowler Branch Library at 10:00 a.m. and walk over together to the Main Street entrance of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. This month’s Fowler Afoot will be held during Climate Preparedness Week, September 24-30. Copies of Elizabeth Rush’s Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore will be available to check out at the Fowler front desk. In this 2018 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Rush shares the stories of vulnerable people impacted by rising seas and temperatures in coastal communities in Maine, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Florida, New York, and California. [Register]
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FREE Online Group Meditation with Be Well Be Here
Thursday, September 29, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Zoom
Join Be Well Be Here 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 wellbeing. [Register for Zoom Link]
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Tuesday Book Discussion
Tuesday, October 11, 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Trustees Room, Main Library
Each month, join other readers to discuss a range of books, from classics to contemporary. For October, we will discuss An Interrupted Life: the diaries of Etty Hillesum. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Circulation Desk. [Register]
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Virtual Films at Fowler Series Fall 2022 | |
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For twenty-six years Concord film viewers gathered on winter evenings at Fowler Library to see some of the most interesting and stimulating examples of current and classic cinema from around the world. That movie series, now called Films at Fowler, changed to an online format in 2021 and continues in that format in 2022.
We don’t meet in person, so we now view—on your own time schedule—selected movies on Kanopy, a free streaming service available to Library patrons. We will then gather on Zoom on scheduled evenings for lively movie discussions. The theme of the movies in fall 2022 continues with Breaking Boundaries. All six movies in this fall series are about going beyond the status quo and challenging limits and expectations. This poster shows the selected films to be viewed on Kanopy and the discussion dates on Zoom.
Parasite (2019)
Wednesday, October 5, 7:00 p.m. (Discussion Date on Zoom)
In this Oscar-winning satiric Korean thriller about greed and class discrimination, a poor family infiltrates a wealthy family’s household after being hired as servants.
Please watch the film on Kanopy before the discussion. To register for the discussion and receive a Zoom link, send an email to the host of the series Randall Warniers at FilmsatFowler@concordlibrary.org.
The series is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
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Poetry at the Library Series Fall 2022 | |
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The Fall, 2022 Poetry at the Library Series features three Sunday afternoon readings with award-winning poets, beginning with a virtual reading in October included in the Concord Festival of Authors and followed by in-person readings in November and December in the Goodwin Forum.
At each reading, poets also engage in a Q & A with the audience and each other about inspirations, influences, and their poetic practices.
The October poets explore the psychological effects of witnessing violence, the good harbor of family life, and the perils of our times. The November poets offer us the replenishing spirit of the natural world and Black Joy, its inner life. The December poets celebrate the wild contradictions and joys of life and the everyday moments and meditations on the past, especially the bonds of mothers and daughters.
Join Emily Carlson of Pittsburg, Max Heinegg of Medford, MA and David O’Connell of Providence, RI on Sunday, October 30 at 3:00 p.m., ET for a Virtual Reading. [Register for Zoom Webinar Link]
This Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
[View Complete Schedule of the Series]
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Teen Sunlight Photography (Cyanotype) Workshop
Saturday, September 24, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Main Workshop, Library House
Artist Becky Behar will return on September 24, 1-4PM to facilitate another sunlight photography workshop. Harness the power of the sun! Create your very own masterpiece! Using the cyanotype photographic process results in a beautiful, enigmatic monochrome print. Materials will be provided for each participant, including materials to make their very own folio sketchbook. Registration is required. Please visit the library website for details. Sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. [Register]
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The College Essay Studio
Tuesday, September 27, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Teen Lounge, Main Library
Applying to college this Fall? Join The College Essay Studio, Tuesdays in July and August to hone your writing, brainstorm in an inviting and safe environment, and leave equipped with skills that will go beyond college applications to essays you will be writing in college. Facilitator/our Teen Librarian Cary Stough, a Brown University graduate and published writer, will lead you through the Common App 2022-2023 essay prompts so that none of it will be a surprise. This program is open to all teens, age 11-18, but recommended for high school students. No registration required. Contact Cary for questions: cmstough@minlib.net.
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Teen Magic: The Gathering Tutorials and Practice
Wednesday, September 28, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Teen Lounge, Main Library
Teens - Join us every Wednesday in August for Magic: The Gathering tutorials and Practice. Whether you are a beginner or an old pro, you are going to learn a lot. Some decks will be provided by the Library, but are limited. We recommend you bring your own decks. Magic: The Gathering is a tabletop and digital collectible card game created by Wizards of the Coast. Released in 1993, Magic was the first trading card game and has since taken the world by storm. Cast spells, collect mana, and come play with us. This program is open to all teens, age 11-18. No registration required. Contact Cary Stough for questions: cmstough@minlib.net.
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Children's & Tween Events at the Main Library | |
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StoryWalk: Pugs Cause Traffic Jams
Main Library (Main Street)
Come enjoy our newly installed StoryWalk along Main Street. This month we feature the book Pugs Cause Traffic Jams written by Jennifer McGrath, author, and illustrated by Kathryn Durst. This humorous story of Kirby the pug who has gone missing celebrates dogs of all shapes and sizes and breeds. The Storywalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
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Musical Mondays - Alastair Moock
Monday, September 26, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Alastair Moock is a Grammy Nominee (Best Children's Album), three-time Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Winner, and recipient of the ASCAP Children’s Music Award. A songwriter and performer for 25 years, Moock has toured throughout the U.S. and Europe playing for adults, kids, and everyone in between. Like his boyhood hero Woody Guthrie, Moock believes in the power of music to reach all people — young and old, far and wide, for all occasions. Sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. No registration required.
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Beede and Books
Monday, September 26, 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Beede Center, 498 Walden St.
The Beede Swim and Fitness Center and the Concord Free Public Library have teamed up to bring you BEEDE AND BOOKS. This is a free program available to all. Join us in the Beede Center for a Friday collaboration of reading and swimming. A librarian will read books at 1pm then we transition to the Children’s Pool for water fun! Families do not need to have a Beede membership, but caregivers do need to be in the water with their child for the 30 minutes of Children’s Pool time. One child per parent. Sign up your child and have them arrive in their swim suit. Registration is required. [Register]
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Alphabet Storytime
Tuesday, September 27, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Children's Activity Room, Main Library
Join us for stories, rhymes and songs! Each week we focus on a different letter of the alphabet. Recommended for ages 5 years and below. No registration required.
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Crafty Wednesdays
Wednesday, September 28, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Children's Activity Room, Main Library
Come enjoy a story and then we will do a fun craft together.
No registration required.
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Paper Mache Vegetable Workshop
Wednesday, September 28, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Children's Activity Room, Main Library
The Concord Free Public Library is partnering with The Umbrella Arts Center to offer a free paper mache workshop geared towards children in grades K - 5 and their families. We’ll make giant paper mache vegetables which we’ll hang from the Children’s Library ceiling to celebrate the fall harvest! Kathryn Bartholomew, will lead the workshop. She is a visual artist and arts educator and teaches nature-focused painting classes at the Umbrella Arts Center. No registration required.
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Storytime at Main
Thursday, September 29, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Children's Activity Room, Main Library
Join our staff member Fiona for fun action-oriented stories, fingerplays, songs, and rhymes. No registration required.
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Concord Puppet Theatre
Friday, September 30, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Each week we will feature different puppets, new songs to learn and sing along to, and occasional crafts. Feel free to bring your own puppet (sock or otherwise) or instruments from home to join in on the fun. No registration required.
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Fowler Branch Children's Events | |
Fowler Baby Time, Ages 0-12 months
Monday, September 26, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Fowler Branch Large Meeting Room
Join us for songs, stories, and a chance to chat with other parents. No registration required.
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Preschool Play at Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Monday, September 26, 4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Drop by the Fowler backyard weekly for hands-on activities, self-led exploration, and bubbles to help wind down after a busy day. Enjoy a soothing atmosphere and free-form play with other preschool children and their caregivers. Rain location: Fowler Meeting Room. No registration required.
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Zoom PJ Storytime, Ages 5 and under
Monday, September 26, 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Zoom
Get a jumpstart on bedtime with songs, stories, and rhymes! [Register for Zoom Link]
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In Person Fowler Storytime
Tuesday, September 27, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. & 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Fowler Branch Large Meeting Room or
Labyrinth Garden at West Concord Union Church
Join us at Fowler for storytime. We will share stories, songs, and rhymes and do a simple hands-on activity. Outdoor: If weather permits, we will meet across the street at the labyrinth garden at the West Concord Union Church (1317 Main St). Rain location: Fowler Large Meeting Room. No registration required.
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Mandarin Storytime with First Connections at Fowler
Wednesday, September 28, 10:15 - 10:45 a.m.
Fowler Branch Meeting Room
This special opportunity for learning and practicing Mandarin is open to children aged 2 to 5 years old. Parents and children attend together, and siblings are welcome to listen in as our Story Teller engages the children in songs, reads stories in Mandarin, leads language exercises, and introduces Chinese characters. This is a Mandarin immersion experience where siblings outside the 2-5 age group are welcome. Families may register after the program begins if there is space. Space is limited. Register for the 13-week session by emailing Linda Jensen, LSWA, of First Connections at lmatthews@jri.org.
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Craft Lab at Fowler, Ages 12 and under
Wednesday, September 28, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Drop by Fowler to craft, experiment, and create. Join us each week for hands-on artistic exploration. We will test our ability to create in all kinds of weather, but we have our limits! Please look here and on our social media with any updates, or call Fowler at 978-318-3350 with questions. No registration required.
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Girls Who Code, Grades 5 - 8
Wednesday, September 28, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Zoom
Over the course of the academic year (Oct-May), Concord Girls Who Code members learn a variety of coding skills and work together to design, create, and produce a project that addresses a real world problem. Our adult and teen facilitators have a range of coding and project development skills. They teach and mentor participants, encouraging them to develop their abilities and confidence. We do expect a commitment to weekly attendance. This year, we will meet in person once a month at the Fowler Branch in West Concord (1322 Main Street). In person meetings are noted in the calendar, and we do offer a hybrid option if some participants are unable to attend in person. All other meetings will be exclusively over Zoom. [Register for Zoom Link]
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Zoom Storytime from Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Thursday, September 29, 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Zoom
Join Fowler staff online for weekly songs, stories, and rhymes. [Register for Zoom Link]
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Messy Fun at Fowler, Ages 5 & under
Thursday, September 29, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Drop by the Fowler backyard or large meeting room weekly for a range of activities from play dough to blocks. Stay for 15 minutes or for the full hour. We will have different stations, allowing for child-guided play and social distancing. No registration required.
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Fairy Tales at Fowler, Ages 4 - 12
Thursday, September 29, 4:30 - 5:15 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Explore the world through folktales and fairy tales in this storytime for a slightly older audience. We will share songs, stories, and do a hands-on craft. Rain location: Large Meeting Room. No registration required.
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Lego Club at Fowler, Ages 12 and under
Friday, September 30, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Fowler Branch Large Meeting Room
Join fellow builders to construct from our Lego collection. Try out weekly challenges or work on your own project. No registration required.
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Saturday Studio at Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Saturday, October 1, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Join Fowler staff each week for a mix of stories, crafting, and other hands-on activities. Rain location: Large Meeting Room. No registration required.
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Chess Club at Fowler, Ages 0-100+
Saturday, October 1, 3:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Fowler Branch Meeting Room
Join members of the Concord-Carlisle Chess Society to improve your chess game. Participants (ages 10 - 100+) should have intermediate to advanced skills. Boards provided. Drop-ins welcome. [Register]
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Special Collections Highlights: "With Thoreau One Must Be Thorough" | |
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On August 14, 1952, Samuel G. Kent, editor of the Concord Journal, wrote a front-page article about the rivers that flow through the Town of Concord. Kent’s article describes the joining, at Egg Rock, of the Sudbury and Assabet Rivers to make the Concord River. Unfortunately, Kent’s piece contained two errors. The next issue, published on August 21, 1952, had his errata list and almost two pages of “critical corrections” from readers, including a geography lesson and, even more passionately, on Thoreau. Kent acknowledged the challenge of writing about the past in a town where historical knowledge is widespread by giving the page of reader responses the heading “WITH THOREAU ONE MUST BE THOROUGH.”
The first error in Kent’s piece was, on a matter of geography, in his description of the flow of the Concord River below Egg Rock. His article stated, “From this junction therefore, down through the Great Meadows to Billerica and beyond, the river is known as the Concord, and flows into the Merrimac at Newburyport, Mass.” Of course, as Kent conceded, it should have read, “and flows into the Merrimac at Lowell and then into the sea at Newburyport. “
However, Kent’s second claim in his article was that “Thoreau wrote little in his Journals about Concord’s rivers, but Hawthorne mentioned them often and spent many hours boating on their waters,” which brought out the historical knowledge in the town. Addressing him as “Dear Sam,” one reader admonished Kent, “I guess you are a little behind on your homework when it comes to writing on Thoreau! I’d begin, if I were you, by reading one of the only two books published in his lifetime. It is called “A Week on the Concord and the Merrimack Rivers.”
Another reader, Ruth Wheeler, Concord historian and author who was news editor for the Concord Journal from 1953-1963, took a more humorous approach and responded with a poem:
With rage the Thoreau fans all quiver
Because you said he skipped the river.
Hawthorne loved it as you know,
But Henry showed him how to row,
Sold him the boat the brothers built.
You must admit your horrid guilt.
Concord River inspired his earliest book
Its shores received his dying look;
Here he skated, walked its frozen sides
Poled o’er the meadows on the Spring tides,
Measured its fall to Lowell dam
Rowed to its source in Framingham.
At Hubbard’s reach in summer swam
Its fish, frogs, turtles, his Journals cram
And all who love its changing shore
Look to his words for river lore. R.R.W.
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