Weekly Updates
Nov. 19 - Dec. 2, 2021
The Main Library and the Fowler Branch will be closed at 6:00 p.m. on 11/24 and all day 11/25 and 11/26. Regular hours resume on 11/27.

Wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday! The next issue of our Weekly Updates will be published on 12/3.
Welcome Aboard: New Library Director Emily Smith
From the Town Manager's Office -

The Town of Concord is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Director of the Concord Free Public Library, Emily Smith. Emily’s appointment comes after an extensive search that yielded many highly qualified candidates. Her enthusiasm for the position and library services was evident from her interviews and we are excited to see her continue the tradition of high-quality library services across the Main Library and Fowler Library branches.

After initially working as a computer consultant, Emily Smith has worked in public libraries for the past 15 years. She started her career as the Technology Librarian at the Belmont Public Library, managing the library’s technology infrastructure. For the past eight years she has worked as the Deputy Library Director at the Cary Memorial Library in Lexington.

Regarding her appointment, Emily stated that “I'm honored to become a part of the next chapter in the library's history. In the 148 years of the Concord Free Public Library's history, it has earned a distinguished reputation for supporting lifelong learning and personal enrichment through excellence and innovation. I look forward to working with the staff, the Friends, the Committee, and the Corporation to continue to realize that vision of lifelong learning in the newly expanded and renovated spaces. It is a very exciting time to get to know the staff and to serve this wonderful community and all those who support the library.”

Emily holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, and a Master of Science from the University of Michigan’s School of Information. Emily is also an active community volunteer, leading a troop of local Brownie Girl Scouts and directing the overall Concord Carlisle Girl Scout program.

Town Manager Stephen Crane said, “We are pleased and excited that we have found a dynamic new leader for the Concord Free Public Library; we believe Emily can take this beloved community institution to new heights. Her passion for libraries and her boundless energy will be a great benefit to the staff and patrons.”

Emily Smith will begin her work as Concord’s next Library Director December 13, 2021. Please join us in welcoming her to the Concord Free Public Library.
Virtual Poetry at the Library
Poets Balancing On the Edge Between Light and Dark: Christopher Jane Corkery and Cammy Thomas
Sunday, November 21, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Zoom

Join us for the poetry of Christopher Jane Corkery and Cammy Thomas who will read and engage in a Q & A about their writing lives. [Please register here for the Zoom Link]

“Love took the words right out of my mouth.” So begins the first line of Corkery’s poignant and unforgettable new collection, Love Took the Words (Slant Books, 2020). The occasions for her poems are often domestic: the thrill of youthful romance, of marriage and family, of children inventing new worlds. Yet here also are a poet’s acts, psychological and spiritual, in a life which, like every reader’s life, contains plenty and its absence all at once. Corkery’s first book, Blessing, was chosen for the Princeton Series of Contemporary Poetry. The winner of a Pushcart Prize, she has received fellowships from the Ingram Merrill Foundation, the St. Botolph Club Foundation, and the MA Artists Foundation. During the 90s and 2000s she lived in Concord, raising a family with her husband —teacher, editor, and literary agent Tom Hart (1944-2012). 
 
Thomas reads from her third collection, Tremors (Four Way Books, 2021), whose short, musical poems make stops in the terrains of childhood, difficult and somewhat violent; middle life, with parents breaking down and children moving away into their own lives; and later life when memory falters but passion does not. Poet Alan Shapiro calls these poems “a coherent, insightful, and very moving arc from the wrong beginnings of a childhood marked by privilege and abuse... to a complex, mature and at times visionary grasp of the intricacies and inextricabilities of beauty and loss, desire and separation, without either side of the equation diminishing the power (for good or ill) of the other." Thomas’ first book, Cathedral of Wish, received the 2006 Norma Farber First Book Award from the Poetry Society of America.  She has taught literature and creative writing for many years, including at Concord Academy.

Special Collections Highlights: Upcoming Events
Robert A. Gross: American Independence and Transcendentalism: a 2-Session Online Class on His Books
Thursdays, December 2 & December 9
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)

We invite you to join us for a unique, two-part series on Concord’s “two revolutions:” the beginning of the War of Independence at Concord’s North Bridge on April 19, 1775 and the assertion of American intellectual independence in the Transcendentalists movement of the 1830s and 1840s. These classes will be filmed at the Concord Free Public Library.

In the year of the nation’s bicentennial, Robert A. Gross published The Minutemen and Their World, which won the prestigious Bancroft Prize and became a perennial bestseller. Forty years later, Gross returns to Concord to explore the rise of Transcendentalism in The Transcendentalists and Their World as an equally crucial moment in the American story, when Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne and the Alcotts challenged a world of inherited institutions with a new premium on autonomy and choice. “Gross contextualizes the transcendental thinking of Emerson and Thoreau. Their insights—on nature, on resisting the status quo, on being—endure, and this work by Gross will endure as well," writes Ken Burns.

This class is presented in collaboration with New York City’s 92nd Street Y. Founded 147 years ago to serve the Jewish people, 92nd Street Y promotes individual and family development and participation in civic life within the context of Jewish values and American pluralism. As a nonprofit community and cultural center, 92nd Street Y seeks to create, provide and disseminate programs of distinction that foster the physical and mental health of human beings throughout their lives, their educational and spiritual growth and their enjoyment. 92nd Street Y reaches out beyond its core constituency of American Jews to serve people of diverse racial, religious, ethnic and economic backgrounds, seeking partnerships that leaven our programs and broaden our influence.

Click here to register for the class. Please enter the code MINUTEMAN upon checkout. The class is half-price with this discount.
Remarks and Book Signing with Robert A. Gross, author of The Transcendentalists and Their World
Monday, December 6, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Main Library

In the year of the nation’s bicentennial, Robert A. Gross published The Minutemen and Their World, a paradigm-shaping study of Concord, during the American Revolution. It won the prestigious Bancroft Prize and became a perennial bestseller. Forty years later, in this highly anticipated work, Gross returns to Concord and explores the meaning of an equally crucial moment in the American story: the rise of Transcendentalism.

“Gross has delivered a second harvest of his career-long work. It is a measured, beautiful volume that brings warm life, accuracy, and complexity to local history, swooping between the bird’s-eye view and the tracery of many individual destinies...Absorbing...Illuminating.” – Mark Greif, The Atlantic

A perfect holiday gift for anyone who loves Concord and history!
Adult Events
Stitch Circle at Fowler
Tuesdays, November 23 & 30, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Large Meeting Room, Fowler Branch
Join fellow knitting, crocheting, needlework, etc. enthusiasts for an hour of social crafting. Help each other out of tough spots, share patterns and tips, and enjoy crafting together. We will meet in the backyard, weather permitting; or in the large meeting room if necessary. Face masks are required if we meet indoor. No registration required.
Fowler Art Swap!
Tuesday, November 30, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Large Meeting Room, Fowler Branch
Calling all artists! Bring your art pieces to Fowler and exchange for work by other local artists. Perfect to prepare for the holidays! Weather permitting, we will provide hot chocolate outside. No registration required.
FREE Online Group Meditation with Be Well Be Here
Thursday, December 2, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Zoom
Join Be Well Be Here for a 30-minute morning meditation practice with the CFPL, 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]
Author Talk with Lynne Reeves Griffin
Thursday, December 9, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zoom
Join author Lynne Reeves Griffin for a discussion of her new novel The Dangers of an Ordinary Night. This twisty and affecting thriller combines a meticulously constructed crime story with a devastating domestic drama about the blind spots in our most precious relationships. Lynne Reeves Griffin, RN, MEd, is Executive Director of Proactive Parenting. She is a lecturer, writer, and consultant to parents, teachers, and health care professionals regarding child development, behavior management, and issues affecting today’s families. [Register for Zoom Link]
Tuesday Book Discussion
Tuesday, December 14, 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Zoom
Each month, join other readers to discuss a range of books, from classics to contemporary. For December, we will discuss Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibson. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Circulation Desk. [Register for Zoom Link]
Children's, Tween & Teen Events
Outdoor Storytime at the Main, Ages 5 and under
Mondays, November 22 & 29, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Sudbury Road Garden, Main Library
Join us on the Sudbury Street garden of the Main Library for an in-person storytime. We will enjoy stories, songs & rhymes! In the case of poor weather, outdoor programs may be canceled. No registration required.
Fowler Baby Time, Ages 0-12 months
Mondays, November 22 & 29, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Labyrinth Garden at West Concord Union Church
Join Fowler Branch Librarian Dorrie at the labyrinth garden at the West Concord Union Church (1317 Main St), across the street from Fowler, for an in person Baby Time! We will share stories, songs, and bouncing rhymes. Bring a blanket or something comfortable to sit on. If anyone in your group is experiencing Covid-like symptoms, please do not attend. In case of inclement weather, we will have a blast in Fowler's Lower Level Meeting Room! Masks required regardless of vaccination status.. Please check the Library website or social media for updates, or call Fowler at 978-318-3350. No registration required.
Read to Luna at Fowler!
Monday, November 22, 4:30- 5:30 p.m.
Backyard, Fowler Branch
Luna is now visiting Fowler, too! Come boost your reading skills with some one-on-one reading time with this lovable yellow lab. When you arrive, sign in with library staff and Luna will see you in the order that you arrive. Each participant will have 10-15 minutes to read to Luna. This event is held outside. We will contact registrants with any weather-related updates! [Register]
PJ Storytime on Zoom, Ages 5 and under
Mondays, November 22 & 29, 5:00- 5:30 p.m.
Zoom
Get a jumpstart on bedtime with songs, stories, and rhymes. Registration is required for this event. If this event is cancelled, we will use the contact information you enter here to get in touch with you. [Register for Nov. 22 Zoom link] [Nov. 29]
Outdoor Storytime by Fowler
Tuesdays, Nov. 23 & 30, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. & 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Labyrinth Garden at West Concord Union Church
Join Fowler Branch Librarian Dorrie at the labyrinth garden at the West Concord Union Church (1317 Main St), across the street from Fowler, for an in-person storytime. We will share stories, songs, and rhymes and do a simple craft. If anyone in your group is experiencing Covid-like symptoms, please do not attend. In the case of poor weather, storytime may be canceled.
Crafty Tuesdays
Sudbury Road Garden, Main Library
Registration not required
November 23, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Let's get ready for Thanksgiving with these fun Thanksgiving turkeys! We will use corks and paint to stamp beautiful colors on our turkey's tails. This project is perfect for ages 5 and under. We will provide the supplies and you bring the creativity to make your own masterpiece.
November 30, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Come make your own egg carton chicken. Or make a whole flock! Join us for a fun craft project that is perfect for ages 5 and under. Supplies will be provided.
Alphabet Storytime
Wednesday, November 24 & December 1, 10:30- 11:00 a.m.
Sudbury Road Garden, Main Library
Join in the fun learning the alphabet with stories, songs and crafts. Each week we will focus on a different letter of the alphabet. Recommended for ages 5 years and below. No registration required.
Craft Lab at Fowler, Ages 12 and under
Wednesday, November 24 & December 1, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Backyard, Fowler Branch
Drop by Fowler to craft, experiment, and create. Join us each week for hands-on artistic exploration. In case of inclement weather, we will have a blast in Fowler's Lower Level Meeting Room. Masks will be required regardless of vaccination status. Please note -- we will not meet on the third Wednesday of each month! No registration required.
Saturday Studio, Ages 5 and under
Saturday, November 27 & December 4, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Backyard, Fowler Branch
Join Fowler staff each week for a mix of stories, crafting, and other hands-on activities. In case of inclement weather, we will have a blast in Fowler's Lower Level Meeting Room. Masks will be required regardless of vaccination status. No registration required.
Storytime on Zoom, Ages 5 and under
Thursday, December 2, 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Zoom
Join storytime from the comfort of your own home. Share stories, songs, and rhymes in this weekly virtual program. [Register for Zoom link]
Story Time - Picture Books 101
Thursday, December 2, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Hunt Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room, 90 Stow St.
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.
Messy Fun at Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Thursday, December 2, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fowler Backyard, Fowler Branch
What's more fun than getting messy? Getting messy somewhere that isn't in your house! Drop by the Fowler backyard 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. In case of inclement weather, we will have a blast in Fowler's Lower Level Meeting Room! Masks will be required regardless of vaccination status. No registration required.
Interviewing for College and College Scholarships
Thursday, December 2, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Lower Level Meeting Room, Main Library
Many students are afraid of interviewing and, therefore, opt out of interviewing. Others fail to prepare adequately in the mistaken belief that they are great interviewees. This presentation, by Richard Montauk, the author of College Interviews: The Definitive Guide, will show you, step-by-step, how to ace your interviews, including how to anticipate the most likely questions, handle key questions, tell your most important stories, optimize your appearance and behavior, make the most of practice interviews, and impress your interviewers (subtly). We will also discuss how parents can best support their children, before and after interviews. Audience participation and questions are encouraged. Face masks are required of all participants. No registration required.
Concord Puppet Theatre: Live!
Friday, December 3, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Hunt Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room, 90 Stow St.
Join us on Fridays for Concord Puppet Theatre: Live! Each week will feature different puppets, new songs to learn and sing along to, and occasional crafts, all under the blue tents. Feel free to bring your own puppet (sock or otherwise) or instruments from home to join in on the fun. No registration required.
Fowler Origami Club, Ages 10 and up
Friday, December 3, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Large Meeting Room, Fowler Branch
Join us every Friday at Fowler Library for a drop-in origami club! Learn how to make a wide variety of fun projects. All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.
Holiday Book Drop Reminder
A gentle reminder -

Due to the two-day Thanksgiving holiday closure, items do not need to be returned until we are back open again on Saturday, November 27. If you attempt to return your items during the closed period and find the book drops are full, please wait to return the items until it is convenient for you when the Library has reopened the following week. Any late fines from this period are waived.
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