Monday, April 29, 2024

Wayland Free Public Library Events — Week of March 25, 2024

ADULT SERVICES

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.  

Virtual Author Talk: Paula Johnson and Smithsonian American Table

Curator Paula Johnson of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History discusses the book Smithsonian American Table: The Foods, People, and Innovations That Feed Us.  It’s a sweeping history of food and culture that summons everyone to the table for a fresh look at some of the people, ingredients, events, and movements that have shaped how and what we eat.  Register.  Tuesday, April 2 at 2 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.  Our goals should be to develop ways to conduct these conversations forthrightly, with grace and compassion.  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.

Breaking Down Silos with Callie Crossley

Join renowned journalist Callie Crossley for an examination of the news and community silos that isolate us, preventing the productive exchange of ideas and hindering the growth of an inclusive, diverse democracy.  Mark your calendar to take part in the conversation.  Ms. Crossley is the host of GBH’s Under the Radar with Callie Crossley and her weekly commentaries air on GBH’s Morning Edition.  A light reception will follow the program.  Register if you wish to attend remotely.  Made possible by the Gossels Fund for Human Dignity.  Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m.

Solar Eclipse Glasses Available 

Get ready for April 8 solar eclipse by picking up some special glasses here at the library.  Looking at an eclipse with the naked eye can cause severe ocular damage or even blindness.  Thus, it’s imperative to have good eye protection so you can fully enjoy this rare astronomical phenomenon.  Available to Wayland residents only, two per family.

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 Smith Corona 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.

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.

BOOK GROUPS

Evening

The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson.  In person and remote.  Contact btuttle@minlib.net for more information.  Monday, April 1 at 7 p.m.

Noon

The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste.  In person and remote.  Contact amoore@minlib.net for more information.  Friday, April 12.

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. Thursdays, March 28, April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25 and Saturday, April 6 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 26, April 9, April 16, April 23, and April 30 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 a craft. 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.

Storytime with Obie the Dog

Children will listen to dog stories and have a chance to visit with Obie, a beautiful Samoyed. Obie will be accompanied by his owner Helen. We will meet in the Raytheon Room. For ages 2 and up, with adult. Please register HERE. Tuesday, April 2, at 10:30 a.m.

FOR ELEMENTARY AGE CHILDREN

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.

Art Club for Kids: Your Hand in 3D

Art Club is for kids in Grades 2-5 who love to draw and paint! This club led by Wayland parent Emily Kristofek, will meet the first Monday of each month. In this session, each child will draw an optical illusion. Registration required. Please register HERE. Monday, April 1, at 4:00 p.m.

Lego Club

Children will make fabulous creations out of Legos. This month’s theme is Playgrounds. For ages 5 and up, with caregivers. Please register HERE. Wednesday, April 3, at 3:00 p.m.

Feather Your Nest

Did you know that bowerbirds are also artists? Join Ms. Wendy to learn about the bowerbird and then design and create a nest using a variety of craft, recyclables, and natural materials. For ages 4 and up. Please register HERE. Wednesday, April 10, at 3:00 p.m.

FOR TEENS

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.