Exciting Job Opportunity: Makerspace Coordinator
The Concord Free Public Library is searching for a Makerspace Coordinator. The Library's Makerspace includes two workshop spaces, a computer lab, and a video studio with greenscreen, and a podcasting studio. Please visit here for more information and how to apply. Closing date is August 17, 2022.
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The Library now has access to three exciting online databases - Gale LegalForms for Massachusetts, Peterson's Test Prep, and Transparent Languages. Our patrons may access all three databases from the comfort of their home with their library card.
- Gale LegalForms brings together thousands of national and state-specific legal forms for everything from wills to business contracts. The forms are fill-in-the-blank, downloadable, and continuously updated to reflect the latest laws.
- Peterson's Test Prep contains over 300 practice tests and courses, dozens of ebooks containing valuable study material and practice tests, information on over 4,000 accredited schools, scholarship search featuring $8 billion in available scholarships, resume builder with over 1,000 brainstorming phrases to get you started, and career modules covering subjects from career change to salary negotiations.
- Transparent Languages is designed for learners of all levels looking to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language. Combining extensive courses and supplemental resources for over 100 languages, including English.
Click here to explore the electronic resources with your library card. |
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Hoopla August Bonus Borrows |
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Conversation Circle for English Language Learners at Fowler
Monday, August 8, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard or Large Meeting Room
Join us for a volunteer-led gathering to practice English. All levels welcome, including beginners. Weather permitting, we will meet in the backyard. Otherwise, we will meet in the Fowler large meeting room. [Register]
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Tuesday Book Discussion
Tuesday, August 9, 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Trustees Room, Main Library
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Stitch Circle at Fowler
Tuesday, August 9, 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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Cookbook Club
Wednesday, August 10, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard or Large Meeting Room
Let's hope for nice weather and take Cookbook Club outside! Weather permitting we will meet in the Fowler Branch backyard. This month we will make recipes from Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love by Noor Murad and Yotam Ottolenghi. Copies of the books are available at the Main Library and Fowler Branch. [ View More Info and Register] |
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FREE Online Group Meditation with Be Well Be Here
Thursday, August 11, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Zoom
Join Be Well Be Here for a 30-minute morning meditation practice sponsored by the 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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COAR Virtual Summer Book Club
Monday, August 22, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Zoom
How do you talk about racism with your children, neighbors, friends and family? What life experiences inform your choices to engage or avoid these topics? Whether you are just beginning to have more race-related conversations or you have been having them your whole life, we invite you to join COAR this summer to read and discuss the New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo. Copies of the book are available to check out at our Fowler Branch. [Register for Zoom Link]
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Fowler Afternoon Tea Book Club
Friday, August 26, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Join Samantha at Fowler Library on the fourth Friday of each month to enjoy a selection of teas and discuss a blend of historical and contemporary fiction. In August we will discuss The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Copies of the book are available at Fowler. eBook and audiobook of the title are available through OverDrive/Libby. We will discuss the book and French recipes. Please feel free to bring in food related to the recipe theme. Weather permitting, we will meet outside in the backyard. [ Register] |
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Virtual Films at Fowler Summer 2022: Breaking Boundaries |
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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 summer 2022 is Breaking Boundaries. All six movies in this summer series are about going beyond the status quo and challenging limits and expectations. View Poster for selected films and Zoom discussion dates. All are welcome to join the discussions.
Wednesday, August 17, 7:00 p.m. (Discussion Date on Zoom)
In this visually stunning British classic, a group of five nuns are sent to a remote mountain palace in the Himalayas to establish a school and a hospital.
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The College Essay Studio
Tuesday, August 9, 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 none of it will be a surprise. This program is open to all teens, age 11-18, but recommended for high school students. Registration is required. Contact Cary for questions: cmstough@minlib.net. [ Register] |
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Teen Magic: The Gathering Tutorials and Practice
Wednesday, August 10, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Teen Lounge, Main Library
Teens - Join us every Wednesday in July and 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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Make Your Own Videogame with Coderdojo
Saturday, August 13, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Teen Lounge, Main Library
The Concord Free Public Library is excited to invite videogame designer and master coder Matthew Mackowski for the first installment of a monthly program, Make Your Own Videogame with Coderdojo. Teen participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of coding and get an inside look at the videogame industry and what it takes to become a designer. Or if you already have projects you are working on, bring them in for consultation. This is not only a great opportunity for young coders to receive feedback on their projects, but to practice team-building, taking and receiving criticism, and solving problems collaboratively. CoderDojo is a global movement of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people. Anyone aged seven to seventeen can visit a Dojo where they can learn to code, build a website, create an app or a game, and explore technology in an informal, creative, and social environment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops. Future session dates are TBA. No registration required.
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Children's & Tween Events at the Main Library |
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Bike For Books
The Concord Free Public Library is encouraging children, teens and adults to bike to the Main Library or the Fowler Branch Library. Every time you bike to the Main Library or the Fowler Branch, show us your helmet and we will stamp your bike card. After ten stamps, you earn a $5 gift certificate to Bedford Farms Ice Cream. Funded by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. |
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Musical Mondays - Hugh Hanley
Monday, August 8, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Children's Garden, Main Library
Come join the fun at our music/play activity session for young children and the adults who sing with them. The sessions will be lead by Hugh Hanley, a nationally– known early childhood educator and musical entertainer who specializes in programs for young children and their teachers and families. Hugh accompanies his singing with guitar and banjo and draws on a wide repertoire of songs, finger plays and music activities that are engaging and accessible to young children; they’re so much fun that the grown-ups will love to join in too! Musical Monday concerts are sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. No registration required.
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Crafty Tuesdays - Story & Craft
Tuesday, August 9, 10:30 - 11:30 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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Circus Minimus - the One-Man Circus in-a-Suitcase
Wednesday, August 10, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Join us as we celebrate the culmination of Summer Reading with an enthralling, whimsical celebration of the imagination. From Kevin O’Keefe’s suitcase an entire circus emerges: tent, band, lights, the boisterous ringmaster Steve Fitzpatrick, the officious Mervin Merkle, the incredible Bumbilini Family, the Magician to the Stars Clyde Zerbini, and Keefer–an innocent trying to runaway and join the circus. However, the most important performers emerge from the audience. Thank you to The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library for generously sponsoring this program. No registration required.
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Nature Connection
Wednesday, August 10, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Children's Garden, Main Library
On the second Wednesday of each month the Concord Free Public Library teams up with The Nature Connection to invite children to explore plants and animals, geek out over nature, and connect with self and others in new ways – all through nature-based stories and poems! The Nature Connection offers accessible and inclusive programs, incorporates mindfulness, and facilitates social connection for people of all backgrounds and abilities. The program is geared for children ages 5 - 8 years old. [ Register] |
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Storytime-Picture Books 101
Thursday, August 11, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Children's Activity Room, Main Library
Come enjoy our favorite new picture books! And learn how you can participate in our early literacy campaign called 101 Picture Books Concord Free Public Library Loves! These storytimes will feature our favorite new picture books and promote early literacy skills to newborns, infants, toddlers and preschoolers. No registration required.
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Concord Puppet Theatre
Friday, August 12, 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 |
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Fowler Baby Time, Ages 0-12 months
Monday, August 8, 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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Read to Xena at Fowler
Monday, August 8, 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Did you know that reading to dogs boosts reading skills & emotional & social skills for children? Read to a good listener who loves stories. Children ages 5 years and older are invited to register for their own 10 - 15-minute session with Xena. Bring along a favorite book or find one in our collection. Xena is a 7-year-old rescue dog, adopted from Buddy Dog. She is referred to as a “Sato dog” because she came from Puerto Rico. She loves to be scratched behind her ears and on her neck, and if she is really relaxed she will ask you to rub her belly. She runs very fast outside but usually sleeps inside the house. Sometimes she will relax by chewing a bone or toy. Her favorite food is bacon. Xena is a certified therapy dog through Pets and People Foundation. Weather permitting, we will meet in the backyard. Otherwise, we will meet in the Meeting Room. [ Register] |
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PJ Storytime on Zoom, Ages 5 and under
Monday, August 8, 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Zoom
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In Person Fowler Storytime
Tuesday, August 9, 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). Indoor: In the case of poor weather, storytime will be held in the large meeting room. Please wear a face mask.
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Wednesday, August 10, 10:15 - 10:45 a.m.
Fowler Branch Large 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 Jasmine Wang engages the children in songs and reads stories in Mandarin. The program is funded through a Concord-Carlisle Community Chest grant. Space is limited. Register for the 6-week session by emailing Linda Jensen, LSWA, of First Connections. [ Read More About the Story Teller] [ Register via Email] |
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Craft Lab at Fowler
Wednesday, August 10, 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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ZOOM Storytime from Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Thursday, August 11, 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Zoom
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Messy Fun at Fowler, Ages 5 & under
Thursday, August 11, 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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Preschool Play at Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Thursday, August 11, 4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Drop by the Fowler backyard weekly for mellow music, relaxing art, and bubbles. Enjoy a soothing atmosphere and free-form play with other preschool children and their caregivers. Rain location: Fowler Branch Large Meeting Room. No registration required.
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Summer Studio at Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Friday, August 12, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Fowler is closed on Saturdays in July and August, so our usual Saturday Studio will be held on Fridays. Join Fowler staff each week for a mix of stories, crafting, and other hands-on activities. Rain location: Fowler Branch Large Meeting Room, face masks required.
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Lego Club at Fowler, Ages 12 and under
Friday, August 12, 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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Special Collections Highlights: "ay the skin itself": Ice -Harvesting in Concord |
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During these extremely hot days, we often find ourselves reaching for ice cubes to put in our beverages. Yet, before modern refrigeration and freezers, ice was only available in the winter. In the 1820s, ice became a commercially traded product, treated like a crop, harvested primarily in January and February at ponds and lakes across New England.
The first major business to work in the ice trade was by a Bostonian named Frederic Tudor, beginning in 1805. His business was headquartered in Cambridge, but the ice came from many ponds across the greater Boston area including Walden Pond. In the winter of 1846-47, when Henry David Thoreau was wintering at his cabin at Walden, he described a scene in which “a hundred Irishmen…came from Cambridge every day to get out the ice.” They systematically took thousands of tons of ice from Walden, a feat described by Thoreau as taking “off the only coat, ay the skin itself, of Walden Pond in the midst of a hard winter.” Walden’s ice was then shipped by Tudor to the American South as well as to Europe and Asia.
Ice harvesting was difficult work, done in the cold with horse-drawn plows to score the straight lines and then with hand saws to cut through the ice. Once cut, ice had to be sent via a channel to the shore. A ramp or run was fitted into the channel for loading the ice onto sleds or wagons, which delivered the ice to a storage facility, where the ice was separated by layers of sawdust. Ice also had to be at least eight inches thick to be cut but many preferred it be nearly 20 inches deep, making weather reports a necessity. Near Concord, the Ice House Pond, which was created in 1797 by the damming of Nashoba Brook, first saw ice harvesting in 1886 by the Mason Ice Company. This was sold to John Forbes and William Grace in 1921, who named it the Concord Ice Company. They sold it to Everett Dillman in 1947, but his business did not last long with the rising availability of home refrigerators.
So, as you enjoy your cool beverage, think of Thoreau watching the ice lifted from Walden Pond and raise your glass.
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