Woburn Public Library Happenings Newsletter - May 2023

From: Woburn Public Library
May 2, 2023

Library Newsletter

May 2023

View All Upcoming Library Events

Nature Talk: Beautiful Butterflies

Saturday, May 6.  2:30-3:30 PM.

From the large Eastern tiger swallowtail and colorful monarch to the tiny spring azure, there is a huge range of size, color and patterns in New England butterfly species. What makes a good butterfly habitat? How do you attract more of these beautiful animals? Find out more about our local butterflies and what brings them to our neighborhoods. Experience the sights of some of our most beautiful seasonal creatures! 

This program is offered as part of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area’s Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History.

Register for Beautiful Butterflies

Woburn's Road to Revolution: A Reenactment

Saturday, May 13.  3-4 PM or 4-5 PM.

In the City of Woburn, MA, we are fortunate to have a section of the ancient road used by the Woburn Militia, led by Major Loammi Baldwin, as they marched toward Lexington on April 19, 1775, answering the alarm and call to arms. In celebration of this historical site, and to raise awareness of the project to restore and preserve it, the Woburn Historical Commission, in partnership with Freedom's Way Hidden Treasures Festival, will present "Woburn's Road to Revolution" in the Richardson Gallery at the Woburn Public Library (a National Historic Landmark).

Register for Woburn's Road to Revolution (3-4 PM)

Register for Woburn's Road to Revolution (4-5 PM)

Pizza Talk & Tasting

Monday, May 22.  7-8 PM.

Did you know there’s a Pizza Hall of Fame? Neither did we! Learn about the different types of pizza and how they are made, including Massachusetts own “South Shore Bar Pizza”. We will also review pizza recipes, healthier alternatives, and pizza history, including pictures of past and current hidden gems of the pizza world. If you like pizza, don’t miss this presentation!

Register for Pizza Talk

Improv Workshop

Tuesday, May 23.  7-8 PM.

In this workshop, participants will learn and practice improvisation activities and techniques that will help to improve expressive language skills as well promote faster thinking and decrease stress. No experience necessary.

Register for Improv Workshop

Book, Schmook! Genre Discussion

Friday, May 26.  1-2:30 PM. & Wednesday, May 31.  7-8:30 PM.

Book, Schmook! - We're Doing the Whole Genre!

Welcome to the monthly Book, Schmook! Discussion. In this group, rather than reading and discussing a specific book, each time we will focus on the ins and outs of a different literary genre. Share your thoughts and opinions on the genre in general, as well as books & authors within that genre, and recommend titles you’ve enjoyed. This program is geared toward adults, and will, of course, come with snacks.

This will be a hybrid meeting meaning we will meet in the Program Room at the Library and others can join from home via Zoom.

Register for Genre Discussion (Daytime Edition)

Register for Genre Discussion (Evening Edition)

Walkabout Book Club

Saturday, May 20.  9:30-10:30 AM.

Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra

Combine your love of the outdoors with your love of reading and you have The Woburn Walkabout Book Club!  On the 3rd Saturday of every month, we'll meet at Horn Pond to discuss the current month's selection while we walk around the pond and admire it's beauty.

Register for Walkabout Book Club

Yoga with Kat

Thursdays, May 4-25.

6:30-7:30 PM.

Register for Yoga 

Novel Ideas Book Club

Monday, May 8.  7-8 PM.

Crying in H Mart: a memoir by Michelle Zauner.

No registration required.

Adult Virtual Programs

*Virtual Event* How I Used Genealogy Research & DNA Testing To Find My Birth Parents

Monday, May 1.  7-8 PM.

With almost no information of her genetic heritage, adoptee Rebecca Daniels followed limited clues and used DNA testing, genealogical research, thoughtful letter writing, and a willingness to make awkward phone calls with strangers to finally find her birth parents. Daniels will offer a presentation based on her new book, Finding Sisters: How One Adoptee Used DNA Testing and Determination to Uncover Family Secrets and Find Her Birth Family.

Register via Zoom 

*Virtual Event* Inside FDR's Banking Reforms with The FDR Presidential Library

Tuesday, May 2.  2-3 PM.

When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933, the nation was on the verge of financial collapse. This session explores the dramatic actions taken by FDR to prevent the collapse of America’s banking system during his first week as president. Led by Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. 

Register via Zoom 

*Virtual Event* Retired ATF Agent Recounts Explosive True Crime Gun, Bombing & Arson Cases

Tuesday, May 2.  7-8 PM.

Retired ATF Special Agent Wayne M. Miller will give a presentation based on his new book, BANG BOOM BURN---Explosive True Crime Gun, Bombing and Arson Cases from a Federal Agent’s Career.

Register via Zoom 

*Virtual Event* First City on Mars -- An Urban Planner’s Guide to Settling the Red Planet

Thursday, May 11.  12-1 PM.

Award-winning author and Tufts University Professor Justin Hollander will give a presentation based on his new book, First City on Mars: An Urban Planner’s Guide to Settling the Red Planet, in this ZOOM webinar. Hundreds of novels, films, and TV shows have speculated about what it would be like for us Earthlings to build cities on Mars. To make it a reality, however, these dreamers are in sore need of additional conceptual tools in their belt -- particularly, a rich knowledge of city planning and design.

Register via Zoom 

*Virtual Event* In the Newsroom with NBC10Boston/NECN's Susan Tran

Monday, May 15.  5-6 PM.

Meet Susan Tran, on-air reporter for NBC10Boston/NECN! We'll be discussing how Susan got to where she is, her experiences in TV media, especially as an Asian American woman, and how local news impacts our perceptions of the world around us. Bring your questions, this is sure to be a fascinating and enlightening conversation!

Register for In the Newsroom

*Virtual Event* Afternoon Tea with The Librarian Author Valerie Keogh

Thursday, May 18.  2-3 PM.

It's a Book Birthday and we're celebrating with Afternoon Tea. Join author Valerie Keogh as she discusses her new book The Librarian, her other amazing crime and thriller books, her path to publishing, and her favorite tea blends. There's really something for everyone.

Register for Valerie Keogh Author Talk

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group (Virtual)

1st and 3rd Wednesdays every month. 9:30-11:30 AM.

2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month. 6-8 PM.

Job seekers can join at anytime!

More than 60 Massachusetts public libraries have partnered to offer the 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group program to support people fifty years and older looking for a new job, a new career direction, or a Second Act career. Take advantage of these free biweekly skillbuilding and networking group meetings. A new topic will be covered at each meeting. Attendance at each session is not necessary – but highly recommended!

Register for 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group

Leran a New Skill

Teach yourself a new language anytime with Pronunciator.

Library card required.

Improve Your Grades or Get Career Advice

Live tutors available everyday with Tutor.com.

Library card required.

Adult Maker Space Programs

Adult Coloring

Every Monday from 10 AM-1 PM.

No registration required.

Parent & Tween Crafting Night

Thursday, May 4.  7-8:30 PM.

Parent & Tween Crafting Night 

Adult Maker Space Craft Classes: Book Clocks

Thursday, May 11.  7-8:30 PM.

Register for Book Clocks  

Adult Maker Space Craft Classes: Citrus Coasters

Friday, May 12. 1-2 PM.

Register for Citrus Coasters 

Introduction to Laser Cutting for Adults

Thursday, May 18.  7-8:30 PM.

Register for Intro to Laser Cutting 

Adult Maker Space Craft Classes: Block Print Cards

Thursday, May 25.  7-8:30 PM.

Register for Block Print Cards 

Fiber Arts Club

Monday, May 1.  6-8 PM.

No registration required.

Sewing Bees Sewing Club

Monday, May 15.  6-8 PM.

No registration required.

Teen Programs

Teen Mural Painting

Mondays. 5-6 PM.

Join Social Capital Inc. (SCI) to create a mural that will be displayed in the library's Teen Room. No registation necessary; drop in when you can!

Teen Journaling Corner

Tuesdays.  4-5 PM.

Each session will feature a different journaling style in a fun, coffee shop inspired atmosphere. We will try out dream journaling, bullet journaling, travel journaling, and journaling for emotional expression. You do not have to check your angst at the door!

Bring your own beloved journal or decorate a brand new one during our first session.

No registration required.

Teen Chess Club

Tuesdays.  5:30-6:30 PM.

Want to learn to play chess? Know the basics, but want to improve your skills? Already know how to play, but have no one to play with? Stop by Chess Club! Boards provided. All skill-levels welcome!

No registration required.

Teen Movie Nights

Wednesday, May 3, 17, 31.  6-8:30 PM.

5/3: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

5/17: Moana

5/31: Crazy Rich Asians

No registration required.

Teen Room Sensory Wall Project

Saturday, May 6.  All day.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To create a safe, relaxing space, we are transforming a regular, boring wall into an amazing sensory wall!

What is a sensory wall? It's a space that uses a variety of different tactile sensations to sooth and ground you in the present.

No registration required.

Teen Boba Tea Cafe

Saturday, May 13.  2:30-3:30 PM.

Do you love boba tea? Have you ever wanted to try boba tea? Do you have no idea what boba tea is, but open for a fun new experience? Come to the Boba Tea Cafe in the Maker Space to make and enjoy a simple boba milk tea recipe.

Boba tea, also called bubble tea, is a sweet Taiwanese drink made with chewy tapioca pearls. It can be made in hundreds of different flavors with different toppings and sweeteners.

Register for Boba Tea Cafe  

Teen Advisory Board (TAB)

Monday, May15.  4-5 PM.

Help decide what happens at YOUR library! (and get snacks & volunteer hours).  Concerns, comments, or ideas for Teen events and programming? Join the monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting to have your voice heard.

Register for the Teen Advisory Board

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