Tewksbury Public Library Events, Week Of May 20, 2024

Information via Tewksbury Public Library

Event Registration

Please register online using our Calendar of Events at www.tewksburypl.org or by calling 978- 640-4490. We strongly recommend registration for programs that are marked *RR. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for generously sponsoring our programs.

Adult Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Spring Community Roundtable (*RR)

Monday, May 20, 6:30pm

Representatives from Tewksbury-based non-profit organizations are invited to network at the library's Spring Community Roundtable. Attendees are encouraged to share information about their respective organization's programs, services and upcoming events and fundraisers. Each organization will be given five minutes to share with the group.

IN PERSON: Becoming An Indie Author -- Steps To Self-Publishing Success (*RR)

Tuesday, May 21, 7pm

Whether you're writing your first book or your fifteenth, you're bound to learn something helpful from this panel discussion on self-publishing. These three area writing experts will talk about how to prepare, publish, and promote your work: novel writing coach Jeff Deck; Mystery Writers of America board member Tilia Klebenov Jacobs; and Dale T. Phillips, author of “How To Be A Successful Indie Author.”

IN PERSON: AFTERNOON MOVIE -- One Life (*RR)

Friday, May 24, 1:30pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “One Life.” Sir Nicholas 'Nicky' Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued over 600 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Starring Anthony Hopkins. Biographical Drama. PG. 1 Hour, 49 Minutes. Doors will open at 1:15pm. Candy & water will be served. A $1 donation is suggested.

Adult Events (Virtual Only)

VIRTUAL: How To Find Love When You're Weird (*RR)

Monday, May 20, 7pm

Author Camilla Evergreen will discuss her brand new romance-comedy novel, How to Find Love When You're Weird. The book is a grumpy/sunshine satirical romance with a neurodivergent lead on the road to self-acceptance. The book makes clear that people on the spectrum (in fact, ALL people) are worthy of love and an HEA (happily ever after). Camilla Evergreen is an alias of USA Today bestselling author Anne Stryker.

VIRTUAL: The Audacious Adventures of Nellie Bly (*RR)

Tuesday, May 21, 7pm

In late 1889, a young reporter named Nelly Bly set out to accomplish what others had only dreamed of, to make the fantasy of Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days a reality. 72 days after departing Hoboken, she arrived back in New Jersey on January 25th, 1890 as the first person -- man or woman -- to circle the globe with such speed. But Bly’s story is even more remarkable: As one of Joseph Pulitzer’s prize reporters, she spent years documenting the lives of America’s underclass. The first story to put her in the forefront was a remarkable account of her experience in a “madhouse.” Posing as a mentally unstable woman, Bly spent ten harrowing days in the most infamous asylum in New York City. Her expose of the horrors she witnessed and experienced shook the city and America to the core. This would be the first of many stories Bly would write as a covert reporter, single-handedly creating a whole new genre of journalism: Underground investigative reporting. Led by Dr. Bill Thierfelder, a retired college professor who taught a variety of Arts and Humanities courses for 32 years at several New York universities and colleges, including St. John's University and Dowling College. He holds a Ph.D. in English, with minors in theater, art history and music history.

VIRTUAL: Inside The Prison Book Program -- Access To Books & Mass Incarceration (*RR)

Tuesday, May 21, 7pm

Kelly Brotzman, Executive Director of the Prison Book Program, will discuss mass incarceration in the United States, the role of education in reducing recidivism, the critical role books play for people in prison, and Prison Book Program's role in getting reading material to folks behind bars. The Prison Book Program is a 50-year old nonprofit devoted to sending free, high-quality books and reading materials to people in prisons and jails across the country. Under her leadership, the program has grown tremendously, holding nearly 200 volunteer sessions per year and expanding to serve incarcerated readers in all 50 states. Her passion for supporting people in prison comes from her experiences teaching college classes in prisons and volunteering as an academic mentor to incarcerated college students.

VIRTUAL: A History Of Dance In Movies (*RR)

Wednesday, May 22, 7pm

The movies and dancing are a partnership born in heaven. From its very beginnings, the new medium of motion pictures turned toward dance as one of best ways to showcase its unique ability to make movement come alive. And through the decades, it’s been dancing on the big screen that has provided some of the most ecstatic moments in film history—whether it’s Fred Astaire gliding on the ceiling in Royal Wedding, the Nicholas Brothers leaping down a staircase in Stormy Weather, Moira Shearer pirouetting through the dreamscape of The Red Shoes, or John Travolta burning up the dance floor in Saturday Night Fever. Employing more than 75 video clips, this talk will survey 130 years of thrilling movie dance performances and discuss how the cinema helped change the nature of dance. Led by Brian Rose, a professor emeritus at Fordham University, where he taught for 38 years in the Department of Communication and Media Studies. Rose has written several books on television history and cultural programming, and conducted more than a hundred Q&A’s with leading directors, actors, and writers for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the Screen Actors Guild, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and the Directors Guild of America.

VIRTUAL: Combatting AI Deep Fakes (*RR)

Thursday, May 23, 1pm

Delve into the intricate world of combating AI deep fakes, exploring the challenges and solutions in preserving the integrity of digital content. From examining examples of deep fakes to ethical considerations, uncover the multifaceted strategies and innovations that are shaping the battle against malicious AI-generated misinformation. Navigate the evolving landscape of digital authenticity and learn how you can safeguard yourself in not being deceived by fake images and news. Led by Jennifer Gehly He, an expert in Artificial Intelligence, a successful tech entrepreneur, and founder of WebGlow AI.

VIRTUAL: Foods of New York (*RR)

Thursday, May 24, 6:30pm

New York is synonymous with food! Have you ever wondered about how potato chips were created; how Nathan’s hot dogs became an American staple; why pizza is red, white and green; how immigrants preserved their foods without refrigeration; and the origins of many of flavorful foods we eat today that were brought from all over the world? This presentation will answer these questions and many others. Whether or not you are a “foodie," you will enjoy this look back at New York's food history. Led by Art & Sue Zuckerman, who are licensed tour guides, radio talk show hosts, college professors, historians, lecturers and world travelers. They are the authors of It Happened in New York City: Remarkable Events That Shaped History, and have appeared on TV programs for The History Channel and The Travel Channel.

Teen Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Anime Club (*RR)

Wednesday, May 22, 3:30pm

Join Kate for snacks and anime at our Anime Club meeting in person. This month we'll be watching “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (Live Action). “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is rated TV-PG. This event is open to grades 6-12. A young boy known as the Avatar must master the four elemental powers to save the world, and fight against an enemy bent on stopping him.

Children’s Events (In-Person)

IN PERSON: Tiny Tykes Story Time

Monday, May 20, 11am

Tiny Tykes Storytime is designed for young children ages 0 to 18 months. Older siblings are always welcome to join in. Join us for a fun session of stories, songs, fingerplays, instruments, and gentle movement that help build early literacy skills. Babies experience the sounds and structure of language through rhythm, rhyme and repetition.

IN PERSON: Barks & Books with Diamond (*RR)

Monday, May 20, 4pm-5pm

Kids (especially those struggling with reading) are invited to sign up for a one-on-one session with our service dog Diamond on Monday afternoons. Each session lasts for 15 minutes in private - just you, Diamond, and her human Mom, Suzanne. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours to read. This is a great way to build literacy confidence and fluency with a non-judgmental canine reading partner! For students reading independently in Grades K to 5.

IN PERSON: Barks & Books with Benny (*RR)

Tuesday, May 21, 4:30pm-5:30pm

Kids (especially those struggling with reading) are invited to sign up for a one-on-one session with our service dog Benny on Tuesday afternoons. Each session lasts for 15 minutes in private - just you, Benny, and his human Mom, Melanie. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours to read. This is a great way to build literacy confidence and fluency with a non-judgmental canine reading partner! For students reading independently in Grades K to 5.

IN-PERSON: Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, May 23, 11am

Preschool Playgroup is a weekly group where kids can meet, play, and learn. Pick up some literacy skills and have some fun while you're at it! This program is hosted by Community Teamwork.

IN PERSON: Haitian Creole Bilingual Story Hour (*RR)

Thursday, May 23, 3pm

The Community Teamwork Family Resource Network is here weekly! Practice using your home language with us! Our staff will be here with an interpreter speaking Haitian Creole. At our playgroup we will work on Early Literacy skills and more! Ask CTI about any resources they can help provide for you and your family. This program is for children aged 0-5. The Family Resource Network is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.