Events Calendar / November 2016

Teen Tuesdays: Mixed Up Toys thumbnail Photo

Teen Tuesdays: Mixed Up Toys

Did you see Toy Story and find yourself fascinated by Sid and his collection of mutant toys? Did you ever want to make your own, but didn't want to destroy your favorite toys to do so? Then do we have the event for you. We have a ton of old toys, from animals, to action figures, to dolls, cars, plastic guitars, and more, and their only purpose is to be rebuilt into whatever crazy configuration you want.

A Sustainable Lifestyle: Simple Ideas for a Healthy Planet and a Healthy You thumbnail Photo

A Sustainable Lifestyle: Simple Ideas for a Healthy Planet and a Healthy You

Claudia Gustafson is a Social Communicator, Photographer and owner of The Happy Bee Blog, a blog about environmental issues and green living. She will share practical ideas that her family has implemented in the last year to live in a more sustainable way, with care and respect for our planet. Refreshments.
Co-sponsored by the Framingham Public Library and Transition Framingham.

Main Library Book Club: Their Promised Land: My Grandparents in Love and War by Ian Buruma thumbnail Photo

Main Library Book Club: Their Promised Land: My Grandparents in Love and War by Ian Buruma

Their Promised Land: My Grandparents in Love and War by Ian Buruma
A family history of surpassing beauty and power: Ian Buruma’s account of his grandparents’ enduring love through the terror and separation of two world wars. Woven from their correspondence, this labor of love brings to life not just a remarkable marriage, but a class and an age. Led by Liz Fideler.

Poetry Workshop thumbnail Photo

Poetry Workshop

Led by Alan Feldman, Professor Emeritus at Framingham State University

This drop-in class welcomes serious poets of all ages and levels of experience who would like to participate for one or more sessions. Each session begins with a discussion of a topic in poetry leading to a brief in-class assignment. Poets who wish to have their work discussed need to provide copies to distribute during the session.

Congratulations to Alan Feldman, recipient of this year’s Massachusetts Book Award for Poetry for his collection Immortality.

Stories for Scooters thumbnail Photo

Stories for Scooters

Ages 0-3.
Twenty fun-filled minutes of tiny tales and tunes in interactive fashion for little library-goers and their adults, with playtime afterward!  

LVM Literacy Unlimited Information Session thumbnail Photo

LVM Literacy Unlimited Information Session

Are you interested in teaching a student to read or write (Basic Literacy student)?  Are you interested in helping a student learn to speak English (English for Speakers of Other Languages)?  Come to an information session to find out more about the Literacy program. Open to all. No registration needed.

Game Night! thumbnail Photo

Game Night!

Back by popular demand! Ever play Settlers of Catan? How about Balderdash? Join our own game aficionado Thomas Samblanet and play old favs like Scrabble and Monopoly or try something new! Bring friends and family. All ages are welcome. Refreshments.

“Come Write In” for NaNoWriMo thumbnail Photo

“Come Write In” for NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month. "Come Write In" to the Framingham Public Library and join fellow "Wrimos" in their creative pursuit.  We will have a dedicated writing space where you will find inspiration and support.

Additional quiet areas are located throughout the library.
For more info about National Novel Writing Month visit: nanowrimo.org

From Realism to Impressionism: William Merritt Chase thumbnail Photo

From Realism to Impressionism: William Merritt Chase

GUEST SPEAKER: Erika Schneider, Associate Professor, FSU
In connection to the MFA’s fall exhibit, the lecture focuses on Chase’s career. In painting and pastel, Chase examined subjects from bohemian to Brahmin, fish to fruit, and marsh to meadow, while his style reflected Realism, Impressionism, and Japonism.

LIFELONG LEARNING LECTURE SERIES, Fall 2016
This free Thursday night 7:00pm lecture series is a partnership between
Framingham State University (FSU) and Framingham Public Library (FPL).
All lectures take place in the Main Library Costin Room.

Brown Bag Learning Series: Achieving Work / Life Balance thumbnail Photo

Brown Bag Learning Series: Achieving Work / Life Balance

Presented by Deborah R.S. Hurowitz, MSW

Often times we get caught up in the daily minutia of life. We tend to do so much for others and forget about our own needs and interests. At the same time, our families need our support socially, physically and mentally. There is always so much to be done but learning to organize your home and empowering kids to prepare for daily activities can help make households run more smoothly. Whether you are a parent or grandparent, join Deb as she addresses how to better juggle all the aspects of your busy life as well as your child’s/grandchild’s in order to achieve work/life balance.

About Deborah Hurowitz, MSW:
Deborah graduated from Boston College with a Masters degree in Social Work. She enjoys many aspects of her work, particularly assisting parents in creating a healthy family environment. She is an involved member of the Framingham community.

Brown Bag Learning Series (Brown Bag Brain Boost)
Join us from 12-1:00pm one Friday a month for an informal lunch time program featuring speakers from local businesses and organizations. A wide range of topics will be discussed that are educational and entertaining. The Brown Bag Learning Series is free to the public. Guests are welcome to bring their lunch; refreshments will be provided.

Friday Night Film: Cafe Society (2016) 96 min PG-13 thumbnail Photo

Friday Night Film: Cafe Society (2016) 96 min PG-13

In the 1930s, a young Bronx native moves to Hollywood, where he falls in love with the secretary of his powerful uncle, an agent to the stars. After returning to New York, he is swept up in the vibrant world of high society life. Join us as Woody Allen conjures up a 1930s world that has passed to tell a deeply romantic tale of dreams that never die.

Dads & Donuts thumbnail Photo

Dads & Donuts

All ages.
Bond with your dad (and with donuts) through stories and songs and fun. Mothers, siblings and other family members welcome! Volunteer readers and donut donators needed; contact the Children’s Room, 508-532-5570 x4, for details.

Movie Matinee- Alice through the Looking Glass (PG) thumbnail Photo

Movie Matinee- Alice through the Looking Glass (PG)

All ages at parents’ discretion.
Alice through the Looking Glass (Rated PG for fantasy action/peril and some). Alice travels to the magical world of Underland to find the Hatter in a horrible state. Alice and friends must travel through time to save the Mad Hatter and Underland from the evil clutches of the Red Queen and a clock-like creature known as Time.

Sunday Concert Series: Matthew Graybil and Rhiannon Banerdt thumbnail Photo

Sunday Concert Series: Matthew Graybil and Rhiannon Banerdt

Pianist Matthew Graybil and violinist Rhiannon Banerdt perform the works of Catoire, Dvorak, Schubert and Tchaikovsky. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance. Refreshments.

The series is sponsored in part by the The Saul B. and Naomi R.
Cohen Foundation, Cumberland Farms, Roche Brothers, Metro
Credit Union, Hammond Residential Real Estate, Morton Shuman
Law Offices and Friends of the Framingham Library.

Poetry Workshop thumbnail Photo

Poetry Workshop

Led by Alan Feldman, Professor Emeritus at Framingham State University

This drop-in class welcomes serious poets of all ages and levels of experience who would like to participate for one or more sessions. Each session begins with a discussion of a topic in poetry leading to a brief in-class assignment. Poets who wish to have their work discussed need to provide copies to distribute during the session.

Congratulations to Alan Feldman, recipient of this year’s Massachusetts Book Award for Poetry for his collection Immortality.

Stories for Scooters thumbnail Photo

Stories for Scooters

Ages 0-3.
Twenty fun-filled minutes of tiny tales and tunes in interactive fashion for little library-goers and their adults, with playtime afterward!  

Sci-Fi Book Club: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood thumbnail Photo

Sci-Fi Book Club: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Jimmy, a.k.a “Snowman,” appears to be the last man alive in a world ravaged by plague and now inhabited by a mysterious humanoid species. Jimmy ruminates on the world as it was: genetic engineering gone amok, and a sharp socioeconomic divide between the rich and the desperately poor. Haunting his thoughts are the memories of a beautiful woman named Oryx and his childhood friend Crake, the brilliant but misanthropic geneticist who drives the chain of events that ultimately leads to worldwide destruction.

Globalization and Social Justice thumbnail Photo

Globalization and Social Justice

GUEST SPEAKER: Kaan Agartan, Assistant Professor, FSU
This talk presents clashing views on the question of “global justice”, and further discuss what it means for Americans in times of global turbulence.

LIFELONG LEARNING LECTURE SERIES, Fall 2016
This free Thursday night 7:00pm lecture series is a partnership between
Framingham State University (FSU) and Framingham Public Library (FPL).
All lectures take place in the Main Library Costin Room.

Both Libraries Closed

Both Libraries will be closed for Veterans Day.

Art Lovers Book Club thumbnail Photo

Art Lovers Book Club

Book Discussion: The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal
Join us for a discussion of this award winning family memoir. A beautifully written investigation into the history of a family collection of 264 tiny Japanese wood and ivory carvings, called netsuke, and how they were hidden from the Nazis.

Artwork Slide Presentation & Discussion
A look at family stories as seen in a selection of artwork from the collection of Danforth Art Museum.

A collaborative program organized by the Framingham Public Library and Danforth Art Museum\School

KEVA Plank Building thumbnail Photo

KEVA Plank Building

All ages. Explore your artistic nature, problem solve and engage in play with the deceptively simple KEVA planks. Come amaze us with your creations!

Teen Tuesdays: Mixed Up Toys thumbnail Photo

Teen Tuesdays: Mixed Up Toys

Did you see Toy Story and find yourself fascinated by Sid and his collection of mutant toys? Did you ever want to make your own, but didn't want to destroy your favorite toys to do so? Then do we have the event for you. We have a ton of old toys, from animals, to action figures, to dolls, cars, plastic guitars, and more, and their only purpose is to be rebuilt into whatever crazy configuration you want.

Poetry Workshop thumbnail Photo

Poetry Workshop

Led by Alan Feldman, Professor Emeritus at Framingham State University

This drop-in class welcomes serious poets of all ages and levels of experience who would like to participate for one or more sessions. Each session begins with a discussion of a topic in poetry leading to a brief in-class assignment. Poets who wish to have their work discussed need to provide copies to distribute during the session.

Congratulations to Alan Feldman, recipient of this year’s Massachusetts Book Award for Poetry for his collection Immortality.

Stories for Scooters thumbnail Photo

Stories for Scooters

Ages 0-3.
Twenty fun-filled minutes of tiny tales and tunes in interactive fashion for little library-goers and their adults, with playtime afterward!  

Films Around the World: The Lady in the Van (2015) 103 min PG-13 thumbnail Photo

Films Around the World: The Lady in the Van (2015) 103 min PG-13

Discussion Leader: Dr. Arthur Nolletti, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Framingham State University

An adaptation of Alan Bennett’s play stars the magnificent Maggie Smith as a repressed indigent who sleeps in her Bedford Van and develops a complex relationship with the man whose house she parks in front of. Refreshments. Part of the Films Around the World Series.

McAuliffe Branch Book Discussion: Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart

Join us for a discussion on an enthralling novel based on the forgotten true story of Constance Kopp, one of the nation’s first female deputy sheriffs. Quick-witted and full of madcap escapades, Girl Waits with Gun is a story about one woman rallying the courage to stand up for and grow into herself— with a little help from sisters and sheriffs along the way. Led by Carole Pozmanter.

Easter, 1916: W.B. Yeats and Irish Independence thumbnail Photo

Easter, 1916: W.B. Yeats and Irish Independence

GUEST SPEAKER: Kelly Mathews, Associate Professor, FSU
In this centennial year of the Rising rebellion, we will discuss Yeat’s friendships with the leading rebels and his role in Irish cultural and political movements.

LIFELONG LEARNING LECTURE SERIES, Fall 2016
This free Thursday night 7:00pm lecture series is a partnership between
Framingham State University (FSU) and Framingham Public Library (FPL).
All lectures take place in the Main Library Costin Room.

Library Mini Golf thumbnail Photo

Library Mini Golf

Mini golf in the library?! What madness is this?! You'll be provided with enough supplies to build your own course, and then you'll have plenty of time to play it.

“Come Write In” for NaNoWriMo thumbnail Photo

“Come Write In” for NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month. "Come Write In" to the Framingham Public Library and join fellow "Wrimos" in their creative pursuit.  We will have a dedicated writing space where you will find inspiration and support.

Additional quiet areas are located throughout the library.
For more info about National Novel Writing Month visit: nanowrimo.org

Thanksgiving Open Crafts thumbnail Photo

Thanksgiving Open Crafts

All ages.
Drop in and make some decorations to complete your Thanksgiving table. Instructions and materials provided; you bring the clever hands!

BOOK SALE! thumbnail Photo

BOOK SALE!

9:30-10:00am: Friends Members Only
10:00am-3:00pm: Open to the public

Our November sale will feature cookbooks, art books and children’s books. Also, with an eye to the upcoming holidays, please check in the Book Room for ideas for gifts with crafts and decorating tips.

Congratulations to Diane Birstein of Marlborough, the winner of the $100 VISA gift card drawing.

Check the Friends website for an up to date list of our corporate sponsors.

Book donations are gratefully accepted during the sale.

Poetry Workshop thumbnail Photo

Poetry Workshop

Led by Alan Feldman, Professor Emeritus at Framingham State University

This drop-in class welcomes serious poets of all ages and levels of experience who would like to participate for one or more sessions. Each session begins with a discussion of a topic in poetry leading to a brief in-class assignment. Poets who wish to have their work discussed need to provide copies to distribute during the session.

Congratulations to Alan Feldman, recipient of this year’s Massachusetts Book Award for Poetry for his collection Immortality.

Stories for Scooters thumbnail Photo

Stories for Scooters

Ages 0-3.
Twenty fun-filled minutes of tiny tales and tunes in interactive fashion for little library-goers and their adults, with playtime afterward!  

Both Libraries Close at 5:30pm

Both Libraries will close at 5:30pm on Wednesday November 23 and will be closed on November 24 for Thanksgiving.

Open Building Fun

All Ages.
Come in and get creative. Keva Planks will be set up for ages 4 and up. We have Duplo Legos for the younger crowd.

On the Go Storytime Workshops with the Danforth Art Museum thumbnail Photo

On the Go Storytime Workshops with the Danforth Art Museum

Ages 4+.
Join Museum staff as they look at an art reproduction from their permanent collection, read a thematically related book and finish with a simple art-making activity. This month: Space Man, West End by Jules Aarons and Not a Box by Antoinette Portis.

Open Lego thumbnail Photo

Open Lego

Grades K+.
Drop in and make something creative with our supplied LEGOs. Look through our LEGO idea books to make something super exciting or design your own structure! Leave your name with the creation, and we’ll display it on top of our shelves for a month!

Commemorate Christa! Christa McAuliffe Branch Library Celebrates thumbnail Photo

Commemorate Christa! Christa McAuliffe Branch Library Celebrates

Join us as we unveil a memorial installation of images and words honoring the life of Christa McAuliffe, teacher – astronaut – hero.
The exhibition is designed by David Bernitz Williams and funded by the Framingham Public Library Foundation. Meet Christa’s sister Lisa Bristol, and David Bernitz Williams. Light refreshments.
(Snow date: Sunday December 4)

Poetry Workshop thumbnail Photo

Poetry Workshop

Led by Alan Feldman, Professor Emeritus at Framingham State University

This drop-in class welcomes serious poets of all ages and levels of experience who would like to participate for one or more sessions. Each session begins with a discussion of a topic in poetry leading to a brief in-class assignment. Poets who wish to have their work discussed need to provide copies to distribute during the session.

Congratulations to Alan Feldman, recipient of this year’s Massachusetts Book Award for Poetry for his collection Immortality.

Stories for Scooters thumbnail Photo

Stories for Scooters

Ages 0-3.
Twenty fun-filled minutes of tiny tales and tunes in interactive fashion for little library-goers and their adults, with playtime afterward!  

A Verye Dangerous Woman: Anne Hutchinson thumbnail Photo

A Verye Dangerous Woman: Anne Hutchinson

Arriving in Boston from England in 1634, Anne Hutchinson settled into life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Deeply religious and a skilled midwife, Hutchinson was embraced by the Puritan community. However, she began to question the minister’s sermons. When she refused to remain silent, Boston clergymen together
with Governor John Winthrop condemned Hutchinson as “a Verye Dangerous Woman” who stubbornly refused to recant her “fowle and Damnable Herisies.”

Lifelong Learning Lectures – Late Fall 2016
A collaboration with Framingham State University, Framingham Public Library and Shillman House. The two lectures take place at the Christa McAuliffe Branch Library, Community Room, on Wednesdays at 7:00pm. Guest Speaker: Dr. Gary Hylander, Professor Emeritus.

Coming Wednesday, December 7: Traitorous Ladies: Tokyo Rose and Axis Sally