Monday, April 29, 2024

Wayland Free Public Library Events — Week of March 18, 2024

ADULT SERVICES

Irish Music in America

From traditional ballads and folk songs, to pop ditties and movie themes, scholar and teacher John Clark surveys the breadth of Irish American music and tells the stories behind the tunes. This festive program features recordings by John McCormack, Bing Crosby, the Clancy Brothers, and more.  Register.  Monday, March 18 at 7 p.m.

Author Talk: Eric B. Schultz and King Philip’s War

It began in 1675 as an Indian raid on several farms, but quickly escalated into a full-scale war engulfing all of southern New England.  At once an in-depth history of this pivotal war and a guide to the historical sites where the ambushes, raids, and battles took place, King Philip’s War expands our understanding of American history.  The author of four books, Schultz is a Director Emeritus and former Chairman of the New England Historic Genealogical Society/American Ancestors.  Register.  Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m.

Virtual Author Talk: Madeline Miller

In what promises to be a fascinating, exploratory conversation, the bestselling author of Circe and The Song of Achilles will discuss her body of work and the process of transforming Greek classics into modern epics in fiction.  Register.  Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.

The Private Jet Climate Threat at Hanscom

A private jet emits 4-15 times as much carbon per person as a commercial jet.  Thus the planned expansion of private jet hangars at Hanscom Airfield in Bedford could dramatically increase local air pollution.  Sabine von Mering—Wayland resident, Brandeis professor, and climate activist—provides details about the expansion and the opposition to it.  Register.  Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m.  

Great Presenters: Building Comfort with Uncomfortable Conversations–A Conversation for Parents

We often face situations in life where we have to have uncomfortable conversations with our children, family, friends, and others.  Building capacity and developing tools and tactics to conduct these conversations forthrightly with grace and compassion should be our goal.  Jason Verhoosky, Director of Youth & Family Services for the Town of Wayland, will offer interactive communication exercises, answer questions, and provide you with new tools and perspectives to help find comfort in these challenging times.  Register.  Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The Typewriter is Back

Sit down at the table in our exhibit alcove on the main floor and revisit the past—or explore an exotic technology.  Our sturdy Royal portable typewriter has returned to help you share your thoughts.  We’ve provided some prompts to prime the creative pump, or you can wander wherever your fingers take you.  You’ll connect with a great literary tradition, and maybe have a little fun, too.

Welcome our new Assistant Children’s Librarian, Abby McBride

Abby has extensive experience working with children, families, children’s books, and art. She has a Masters of Education/Art from Lesley University, as well as a Masters of Education Curriculum Development from Caldwell University. In addition, she is certified to teach Elementary Education, and Visual Art (Pre-K to 8).   Abby was Manager of Family Programs at the MFA. She will be a great addition to our staff, starting Monday, March 11.

A24 Films Now on Hoopla

A24 is one of the most adventurous film producers and distributors in the world.  Now a rich selection of their innovative, award-winning movies comes to Hoopla, including such titles as Past Lives, The Whale, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Aftersun, Minari, Zola, and The Humans.  Always available, always free with your library card.  Just install the app on your device, or create an account at hoopladigital.com.

YOUTH SERVICES

FOR BABIES, TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS

Music, Story, Fun! with Ms. Janet

Join Ms. Janet for a musical storytime. She’ll bring her ukulele, rainbow bells, and puppets! We will meet in the Children’s Room. For ages birth through age 4, with caregivers. Please register. Saturday, Thursdays, March 21 and March 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Baby & Toddler Storytime

This storytime encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions with lively songs and rhymes, bounces, books, and body-awareness. Best for babies and toddlers, with caregiver.

Please register. Tuesdays, March 19 and March 26 at 10:30 a.m. 

Chinese Storytime

Children will listen to stories and rhymes, and sing songs in Mandarin and in English. We will also make Dragon Puppets in celebration of the Year of the Dragon. Led by Isabelle Ren, director of Wonderwhiz Academy. For ages 2 to 5, with caregivers. Please register HERE. Saturday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m.

Sing, Move, and Story!

Haley Kulow from Family ACCESS Community Connections will lead children in songs and movement, and will share a story! For ages 0-3. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 27, at 9:30 a.m.

FOR ELEMENTARY AGE CHILDREN

Maker Wednesday! Make a Mobile

Have you ever wondered about the person who invented the mobile? Have you ever wanted to make one yourself? Join Ms. Wendy to learn about the work of sculptor Alexander Calder and then design and make a mobile using craft materials. For children ages 5 and up. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 20, at 2:30 p.m.

Beginning Ballet Class for Kids

Come dance with us! Wayland High School student Eyssa Grillo will teach beginning ballet. Wear comfortable clothes. For ages 4 to 6, with caregiver. Registration is required. Please register HERE. Saturday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m. For ages 4 to 6, with caregiver.

4th/5th Grade Book Club

This book discussion group is for 4th and 5th graders. We will be discussing Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston. We will meet in the Teen Loft. Questions or to get a copy of the book, contact Pam McCuen at pmccuen@minlib.net. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m.

What is a Solar Eclipse?

Join real scientists to learn about the total solar eclipse happening in our part of the world on April 8, 2024. Children will see what causes an eclipse and perform hands-on activities about the Sun and the Moon as we prepare for the eclipse. Workshop led by Dr. Lisa Bless and Dr. Sandra Pearl from SEED. For ages 5 and up. Registration is required. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 27, at 4:00 p.m.

Pokémon Card Trading Day

Kids are invited to a Pokémon card trading day at the library. Come with cards you are willing to trade! For ages 7 to 11. Please register HERE. Thursday, March 28, at 4:00 p.m.

FOR TEENS

Magic the Gathering for Teens

Teens! Play Magic the Gathering with your friends! Bring your own Magic Cards or use ours. Experienced players and newbies welcome. For teens in grades 6 and up. Please register HERE. Friday, March 22, at 4:30 p.m.

Teen Crafternoon: Dragon Eye

Teens! Sculpt a Dragon Eye that’s fierce or friendly using a glass eye, air dry clay and metallic paint. If time allows we’ll also make a Dragon Egg. This program will be presented by Pop Up Art School. Registration required. Please register HERE. Thursday, March 28 at 4 p.m. For teens ages 11 and up. We will meet in the Teen Loft.