- The Concord Free Public Library will be closed on Monday, October 10.
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Watch a Climate Prep Week video recording: Wildfires in Massachusetts: A Hot Topic by Concord Fire Chief & Assistant Chief
- Be sure to scroll down to the end to read highlights from the Library's Special Collections.
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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 Newbery 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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2022 Ruth Ratner Miller Award for Excellence in American History | |
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2022 Ruth Ratner Miller Award for Excellence in American History
Saturday, October 15, 7:00—9:00 p.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library & Live on Zoom
Join us to honor the 2022 Ruth Ratner Miller Award for Excellence in American History Winner, Dr. Sean Wilentz, Professor of American History at Princeton University. Professor Wilentz will be introduced by Maya Jasanoff, Professor of History, Harvard University (in a pre-recorded video).
Sean Wilentz is the George Henry Davis 1886 Professor of American History at Princeton University. His primary research interests include U.S. social and political history in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He has written numerous award-winning books and articles including The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln, which was honored with the Bancroft Prize and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. His writings on American music have earned him two Grammy nominations and two Deems-Taylor-ASCAP awards. Professor Wilentz is currently at work on The Triumph of American Antislavery, a companion volume to The Rise of American Democracy, which will offer a comprehensive political history of the antislavery movement from its seventeenth-century origins to the eradication of slavery in 1865.
The Ruth Ratner Miller Memorial Award for Excellence in American History was established in 1998 by Richard Miller, and is sponsored by her four children, to honor the life of their mother Ruth Ratner Miller. It has been presented by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library since 2001.
Tickets for the in-person event are $15 ($5 for students). They can be purchased (cash or check only) at the Barrow Bookstore or (using cash, check or PayPal) at the Main Library's Circulation Desk. Tickets will be available on/after October 1.
The event can also be watched live on Zoom free of charge. [Register here after 9:00 a.m. on 10/1 to receive the Zoom link]
The event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
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Conversation Circle for English Language Learners at Fowler
Tuesday, October 4, 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. Rain location: Meeting Room. No registration required.
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Stitch Circle at Fowler
Tuesday, October 4, 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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FREE Online Group Meditation with Be Well Be Here
Thursday, October 6, 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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Cookbook Club
Wednesday, October 12, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard or Large Meeting Room
Weather permitting we will meet in the Fowler Branch backyard.
This month we will make recipes from the Half Baked Harvest cookbooks. Books will be available at both the Main Library and Fowler circulation desks. [To Learn More and Register]
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Fowler Afternoon Tea Book Club
Friday, October 28, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard or Large Meeting Room
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. This month we will discuss The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. Copies of the selected book are available at Fowler and through OverDrive/Libby. We will discuss the book and Austrian recipes. Weather permitting, we will meet outside in Fowler's backyard. Please feel free to bring in food related to the recipe theme. [Register]
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Zoomorphics by Shelby Meyerhoff
October 3 - 31, 2022
Art Gallery, Main Library
In her Zoomorphics series, Shelby Meyerhoff paints her face and body, and photographs herself as creatures inspired by the natural world. The resulting images draw attention to our interconnection with all living things.
Through her work, Meyerhoff explores both the joy and the vulnerability that come with being alive on this planet. Zoomorphics is not only about radical empathy for other species, but about recognizing our commonalities and our shared peril in a time of environmental destruction. In the midst of climate change and other crises, humans are not only a threat to life on earth, but also an integral part of the solution.
While some of the creatures alluded to in Meyerhoff’s work are from faraway places, others are inspired by what she encounters on her walks in the woods near her home. Being present to our surrounding ecosystems, and all that lives within them, is an important part of Meyerhoff’s practice and message.
[Read More About the Exhibition and the Artist]
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The College Essay Studio
Tuesday, October 4, 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, October 5, 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 - Sean Gaskell
Monday, October 3, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Music of the West African kora comes to Concord! Sean Gaskell joins us from Asheville North Caroline and demonstrates the West African kora, a 21-22 string harp. This program is geared for children 0 - 6 years old. He will feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the kora’s musical repertoire. Sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. No registration required.
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ADOPT A READING PAL Week 1 Adoption Ceremony
Monday, October 3, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Children's Activity Room, Main Library
It will be the first Week of Our Adopt a Reading Pal Program. Come to meet your reading pal, collect your adoption papers and dog care diary. [Register]
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Virtual Author Visit: Lisa Fipps (Author of Starfish)
Tuesday, October 4, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zoom
Join Reading Public Librarians and author Lisa Fipps for a virtual discussion of her award-winning debut novel in verse, Starfish. The event will begin with prepared questions and there will be time for a live Q&A. Sign up your whole family to discuss this ground-breaking novel. [Register for Zoom Link]
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Paper Mache Vegetable Workshop
Wednesday, October 5, 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. Join us to make giant paper mache vegetables which we will 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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Goats and Giggles
Thursday, October 6, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Children's Garden, Main Library
Bouncing baby goats are coming to the Children's Garden! Children ages 0 - 5 and their caregivers are invited for a hands-on playtime with baby goats from Chip-In Farm. There will be with plenty of time for goat cuddles and photo ops. The folks from Chip-In Farm will set up a large pen to mix and mingle with their friendly Nigerian Dwarf x Fainting Goat kids. While you wait for your turn to pet the goats, enjoy some goat stories with our librarians. No registration required.
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Fowler Branch Children's Events | |
Fowler Baby Time, Ages 0-12 months
Monday, October 3, 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, October 3, 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, October 3, 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, October 4, 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, October 5, 10:30 - 11:15 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, October 5, 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. Please call the Fowler Branch at 978-318-3350 for an update in case of bad weather. No registration required.
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Zoom Storytime from Fowler, Ages 5 and under
Thursday, October 6, 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, October 6, 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, October 6, 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, October 7, 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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An Author Visit with Jessica Dolber at Fowler, Ages 10 and under
Saturday, October 8, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Fowler Branch Backyard
Local author Jessica Dolber will share her picture book Abigail Ababuddle, What Will You Be? Hear the story and learn about her process and then do a hands-on activity. Abigail Ababuddle, What Will You Be? is "a rhyming, alphabet skill building book of exploration and self acceptance." Abigail's adventures can be shared and enjoyed by children long after they have mastered the alphabet. Rain location: Fowler Meeting Room. No registration required.
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Special Collections Highlights: The Concord Antiquarian Society Collection | |
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Perhaps no materials in Special Collections spans a greater breadth and depth of time and history than the collection of the Concord Antiquarian Society. The Society was founded in 1886 by a group of Concordians dedicated to preserving and promoting local history. The nucleus of the collection was accumulated by Cummings Davis, which consisted of mostly colonial artifacts with local histories. He displayed his collections in rented rooms in the old courthouse. In 1886, the Concord Antiquarian Society acquired Davis’ collection, which numbered about two thousand artifacts. The next year, the Society bought the Reuben Brown House to display the collection. In the first decade of the twentieth century, the Society organized its holdings into period room groupings. In 1911, it published a catalog of its collection, prepared by its Secretary George Tolman, a local historian and genealogist.
In 1930, the Society moved to its current location at the intersection of Lexington Road and Cambridge Turnpike with a building designed by Harry B. Little. The collection began to focus on objects and early American furniture. By the 1970s, the Concord Antiquarian Society had amassed a large collection of manuscripts, ephemera, and pamphlets. Since the focus of the Society was interpretation and presentation of material culture, the access to these collections was limited. In the early 1970s, the Society decided to deposit, and ultimately gift, these materials to the Concord Free Public Library. Today, the Concord Antiquarian Society is known as the Concord Museum.
The Concord Antiquarian Society Collection is a diverse assemblage of manuscript papers, records, ephemera, and publications. Items from the collection date between 1422 and 1957, with the bulk of the collection dating between 1676 and 1957. Several coherent sub-collections were removed and turned into discrete collections of their own including the Frank Thayer Merrill illustrations for the 1880 edition of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and the Stow Family Papers.
Other interesting highlights include 28 WWII posters, a large collection of materials related to the Dakin family, and additional number of Sanborn papers. Numerous families are represented including Alcott, Hancock, Hosmer, and Wheeler. The breadth of document types is exceptional. There are wills, apprenticeship documents, deeds, stock certificates, sermons, and lectures, among many others. For anyone researching Concord history, the Concord Antiquarian Society Collection will no doubt be of great interest.
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