Come hear Investigative Journalist Joshua Prager for a virtual talk on his book, The Family Roe: An American Story.

It offers extraordinary insight into the Supreme Court’s most divisive case and its plaintiff, Norma McCorvey.

Join local French and Indian war historian Thomas Spitalere as he discusses the life and times of Methuen born Major Robert Rogers.

The lecture will focus on his early life from his birth in Methuen to heroic battles at Rogers Rock, to St Francis and ending with his demise and unkown death location.

This lecture is presented as part of Trail & Sails, 10 days of Free Heritage Events in the Essex National Heritage Area, Visit TrailsandSails.org for additional events.

Join us in welcoming Methuen native Jamie Blanco to the Nevins Library to celebrate her book, "Hope for the Hopeless", a book about miraculous survival in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis.

It is a multigenerational story of resilience, holistic treatment, and self-advocacy that inspires the seriously ill to never lose hope.

September means that book clubs are back at the library! There are several different groups to choose from depending upon your availability and your interests. New members are always welcome at all of our book groups for adults!

We have the Thursday Evening Book Discussion that reads a variety of books on different themes. Stranger Than Fiction, our Non-Fiction book group. WORDS, which stands for We Only Read Diverse Stories. Our LGBTQ+ Book Group for those interested in reading quality fiction, non-fiction and biography on LGBTQ+ topics and themes or by authors who identify as LGBTQ+. Forever Young-ish, a book group for those adults who enjoyr reading Teen Fiction. Our new group Noche de Libros, Terlulia, y Café that will discuss libros en español.

And, of course we have the best book group here at Nevins, because it's more than a book group, Sociable Seniors. A group that's for seniors who wish to meet up and talk about whatever they are enjoying reading or watching. There is no assigned reading (so, how young can you be and still join?....)

It is with gratitude that the Nevins Library announces the retirement of Kathy Moran-Wallace after 27 years of service to the children of Methuen as our Children's Librarian.

Kathy began her career at the Nevins Library as a Children's Library Assistant in July of 1995, and after earning her Master's in Library Science at Simmons College was promoted to Head of Children's Service in 1999.

Kathy has been committed to providing excellent and innovative library services to children of all ages, and has fostered the growth of reading and early literacy programs, partnerships with the public and private schools, and the promotion of STEM learning in libraries. A familiar face around the community, she has for many years dedicated time and effort to bringing library services to the children of the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, reading stories at dozens of community events each year, and conducting StoryWalks in the local schools. In 2016, Kathy received the “Unsung Heroine” award from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women honoring her commitment to the community. She built the Library's collection to reflect the needs and interests of our children, and was a strong advocate for equity in library service to children.

We ask the community to join with the Trustees and staff in thanking Kathy for her work here at the Library, and wishing her many happy new adventures!

The Children’s Department had a great time enjoying summer programs with our young patrons – not to mention all the beads and badges we handed out to kids all summer long! Thank you to all the children, families, and caretakers who joined us for the fun.

Now it’s time to start up our school-year programming, and we’ll slowly rev up in September. We’ll be continuing our regular programs that we held throughout the summer, such as “Family Storytime,” “LEGO Block Party,” “Books & Bubbles,” “Story & Craft,” and “On the Move!”; and we’ll restart our Saturday programming with “Donuts with Dad.” We’ll also introduce a new monthly “Drop-In Craft Club” for ages 8-11, where kids can put their imaginations to work using crafting materials that we’ll supply – it will be fun to see what they create!

Book clubs for different age groups will resume this fall: “Surviving Book Club” (ages 7-9) will focus on selections from the popular “I Survived” and “Girls Survive” series; and the “Story Crime Book Club” (ages 9-11) will focus on mysteries.

Last but not least, once again we’ll offer the popular 26-week “Alphabits” program series for ages 2-5: each week’s session will focus on a different letter, and even if your children already know the alphabet they’ll enjoy the stories, crafts, and company of other preschool children. (When you sign up for the first session on Sept. 29, you’ll automatically be registered for all 26, which will take place Thursday mornings.)

Keep an eye on the Children’s Department calendar and Facebook page to learn the latest about upcoming programs, fundraisers, and special events – there’s always something interesting going on!

Happy September, and Happy Reading!