Events Calendar / December 2020

Take & Make Kit: Snowman Snow-globe Craft thumbnail Photo

Take & Make Kit: Snowman Snow-globe Craft

Using construction paper and a paper tube, create a winter wonderland scene with a snowman inside of a snow-globe. All materials (except glue) are provided in a kit available for curbside pickup starting December 1. Supplies are limited. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/SnowmanSnowGlobeCraft and schedule a time to pick up your kit. (Ages 4-8)

We'd love to see and share your creations! If you're comfortable, please send us photos of your kids building the kit or after for us to share on our social media.

Main Library Book Discussion: The Friend, by Sigrid Nunez thumbnail Photo

Main Library Book Discussion: The Friend, by Sigrid Nunez

When a woman unexpectedly loses her lifelong best friend and mentor, she finds herself burdened with the unwanted dog he has left behind. Her own battle against grief is intensified by the mute suffering of the dog, a huge Great Dane traumatized by the inexplicable disappearance of its master, and by the threat of eviction: dogs are prohibited in her apartment building. Isolated from the rest of the world, increasingly obsessed with the dog's care, determined to read its mind and fathom its heart, she comes dangerously close to unraveling. But while troubles abound, rich and surprising rewards lie in store for both of them. (Excerpt from Minuteman Library Network catalog.)

Please email framinghamlibrarybookgroups2@gmail.com for the Zoom link to join.

Request the book from the Minuteman catalog, ebook from Overdrive/Libby, digital audiobook from Overdrive/Libby.

Stretch and Relax thumbnail Photo

Stretch and Relax

Join this class to maintain body flexibility, improve balance and reduce stress.

If you have NEVER attended this class, please register at this link: http://bit.ly/FPL-Exercise-Classes. If you HAVE attended any of our online exercise classes in the past, we already have your information, and you do not need to register again. 

Lifelong Learning Lecture Series: Living on the Edge – Art and Culture of Ancient Armenia thumbnail Photo

Lifelong Learning Lecture Series: Living on the Edge – Art and Culture of Ancient Armenia

GUEST SPEAKER: Dr. Christina Maranci, Professor and Department Chair, Art and Architecture, Tufts University

Why is it that some artistic periods and artists appear in art history textbooks, and others do not? Is it about beauty, historical importance, or some inherent worth of one region/group over another? We will ponder these questions while exploring Armenian art, a tradition that is virtually absent from art history textbooks.

Please email framinghamlibraryevents@gmail.com to join our Fall 2020 mailing list and receive Zoom links to these lectures.
Information on all lectures in the series can be found on our Lifelong Learning Lecture Series webpage.

Online Poetry Workshop with Alan Feldman thumbnail Photo

Online Poetry Workshop with Alan Feldman

PLEASE NOTE NEW DAY AND TIME.

Led by Alan Feldman, Professor Emeritus at Framingham State University

This class welcomes serious poets of all ages and levels of experience who would like to participate for one or more sessions. We begin with a discussion of a topic in poetry. Poets may discuss their work. If you are new to the group and would like to participate, please email FPLpoetryworkshop@gmail.com. 

Weekly Zoom Baby Lapsits with Joanne and Lucy thumbnail Photo

Weekly Zoom Baby Lapsits with Joanne and Lucy

Come sing and play with words, rhyme, and puppets at Baby Lapsit. Break up your shelter in place time or take a break from your work from home time with some fun time with your little one, catch a glimpse
of your friends on the gallery screen, and keep adding to your child’s 1000 books before Kindergarten (retroactive sign up when we reopen)!

Email us at mcauliffechildrensroom@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join us on Zoom.

Ages 0-2 and their caregivers, all welcome.

Brown Bag Learning Series: The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut’s Kid thumbnail Photo

Brown Bag Learning Series: The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut’s Kid

Presented by: Patrick Mullane
Join Patrick Mullane, Framingham resident and author of The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut’s Kid in the Glorious 80s, as he discusses what it was like to experience the early days of America’s space shuttle program from a perspective few have experienced. Patrick will talk about his time growing up on military bases around the world until the moment when his father was selected in the first group of space shuttle astronauts in 1978.

 

ABOUT PATRICK MULLANE:
Patrick Mullane grew up a military brat and the son of an astronaut. He is the author of The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut’s Kid in the Glorious 80s. When not writing books, Patrick runs an online education organization and authors articles for Fortune, Entrepreneur, and CNBC.

Please email brownbagprogram49@gmail.com by 9am on December 4 to receive an invitation to the Zoom session.

Creepy Christmas with Jeff Belanger thumbnail Photo

Creepy Christmas with Jeff Belanger

Based on Jeff Belanger’s New England Legends “Creepy Christmas” special that aired on PBS!
From the origins of the holiday to the monsters like Krampus, the Belsnickel, and Gryla, to the ghosts that lurk in the red and green shadows, Jeff will take you on a multi-media journey of this haunting holiday!

Please note that this program is NOT suitable for young children.

Email framinghamlibraryevents@gmail.com for an invitation and Zoom link.

Book Buddy Reading to Dogs thumbnail Photo

Book Buddy Reading to Dogs

Improve your reading skills the fun way by reading aloud to your new Book Buddy. Certified Reading/Therapy Dog Lilah listens as children read aloud from a book of their choice. Register by sending an email to McAuliffeChildrensroom@gmail.com; leave your email, your child’s name, and your preferred time for the appointment.  *10 minute appointments every 15 minutes*

You will receive the Zoom link and the time of your appointment in a response email.
 

Puzzle Swap is back! thumbnail Photo

Puzzle Swap is back!

Request a puzzle to pick up at McAuliffe through http://bit.ly/Puzzle_Swap_Request and then take it home! Choose how many pieces you'd prefer the puzzle to contain and bring home some fun. Just like with our in-person Puzzle Swap, you can choose to return it to the Branch when you are finished, or bring back a completely different puzzle (or any extra puzzles you wish to join the swap!).

Tone and Stretch thumbnail Photo

Tone and Stretch

A variety of functional fitness exercises to tone core, upper and lower body muscles followed by stretches. This is a low impact class designed to be adaptable to participants’ different levels.

If you have NEVER attended this class, please register at this link: http://bit.ly/FPL-Exercise-Classes. If you HAVE attended any of our online exercise classes in the past, we already have your information, and you do not need to register again. 

Online Book Discussion: The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore thumbnail Photo

Online Book Discussion: The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore

Paper Daughters were young Chinese girls given false papers to come to America believing they would become wives or workers and forced into prostitution and slavery instead.  Donaldina Cameron, a real-life pioneer for social justice, fights corrupt officials and violent gangs to rescue thousands of enslaved women. This is based on true events in nineteenth century San Francisco.

Led by Linda Goldberg. Please email lgoldberg@minlib.net for the Zoom link to join. Available in our catalog, and as an ebook on Hoopla.

The title for our January 12th, 2021 discussion will be My America by Jose Antonio Vargas.

Stretch and Relax thumbnail Photo

Stretch and Relax

Join this class to maintain body flexibility, improve balance and reduce stress.

If you have NEVER attended this class, please register at this link: http://bit.ly/FPL-Exercise-Classes. If you HAVE attended any of our online exercise classes in the past, we already have your information, and you do not need to register again. 

Jazz Concert: Trio-logy thumbnail Photo

Jazz Concert: Trio-logy

Jazz musician, bass player and music educator, Tal Shalom-Kobi performs with fellow Trio-logy members, pianist and vocalist Reed Cournoyer and drummer Renato Malavasi.
Trio-logy features repertoire ranging from jazz standards, to world music and pop songs. With unique arrangements and dynamic dialogue, the trio presents a blend of familiar favorites with fresh interpretations, playing Swing , Samba, Tango and Latin music.

Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/framinghamlibrary
YouTube Live: www.youtube.com/framinghampubliclibrary

Sci-Fi Book Group: The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal thumbnail Photo

Sci-Fi Book Group: The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal

Elma York’s experience as a WASP pilot and mathematician earns her a place in the International Aerospace Coalition’s attempts to put man on the moon, as a calculator. But with so many skilled and experienced women pilots and scientists involved with the program, it doesn’t take long before Elma begins to wonder why they can’t go into space, too. Elma’s drive to become the first Lady Astronaut is so strong that even the most dearly held conventions of society may not stand a chance against her.

Led by Lucy Loveridge. Please email lloveridge@minlib.net to receive the Zoom invitation.

The title for our January 13 discussion is A Door into Ocean by Joan Slonczewski.

Online Poetry Workshop with Alan Feldman thumbnail Photo

Online Poetry Workshop with Alan Feldman

PLEASE NOTE NEW DAY AND TIME.

Led by Alan Feldman, Professor Emeritus at Framingham State University

This class welcomes serious poets of all ages and levels of experience who would like to participate for one or more sessions. We begin with a discussion of a topic in poetry. Poets may discuss their work. If you are new to the group and would like to participate, please email FPLpoetryworkshop@gmail.com. 

Weekly Zoom Baby Lapsits with Joanne and Lucy thumbnail Photo

Weekly Zoom Baby Lapsits with Joanne and Lucy

Come sing and play with words, rhyme, and puppets at Baby Lapsit. Break up your shelter in place time or take a break from your work from home time with some fun time with your little one, catch a glimpse
of your friends on the gallery screen, and keep adding to your child’s 1000 books before Kindergarten (retroactive sign up when we reopen)!

Email us at mcauliffechildrensroom@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join us on Zoom.

Ages 0-2 and their caregivers, all welcome.

Pop-up Browsing for Seniors and Adults* thumbnail Photo

Pop-up Browsing for Seniors and Adults*

Browse carts of books, movies and music set up in our Learning Yard at the Main Library. Staff will be on hand to help you check out your books. Please be advised that masks are required to enter the Learning Yard and social distancing guidelines will be in place.

Special browsing hour for Seniors only (60 years+) from 9-10am.

*Weather permitting--please check our website and our social media for updates.

Red Vectors by Vecteezy
Among Us Game Time! thumbnail Photo

Among Us Game Time!

Let’s play Among Us! We’ll hunt down imposters and attempt to survive together.

Registration required. Click here to sign up. We'll email you the week before the event with the Zoom link to play. Please have a copy of the game ready beforehand. If you don't have it already, you can download it for free on iOS or Android devices, or it's $5 on Steam.

Grades 6-12

Virtual Bookworm Book Club with Max! thumbnail Photo

Virtual Bookworm Book Club with Max!

Join us for Bookworm Book Club with Max! Sundays at 2:00 pm for Grades 3-6. Email us to receive an invite to join on Zoom at framinghamlibrarybookgroups@gmail.com.

Sunday, December 13 will discuss The Polar Express By Chris Van Allsburg.

Sunday, December 27 will discuss Mr. Popper's Penguins By Florence and Richard Atwater.

These books are available on Overdrive/Libby as an ebook and audiobook for Mr. Popper's Peguins, or eBook for The Polar Express, or request a copy at the McAuliffe Branch.

Tone and Stretch thumbnail Photo

Tone and Stretch

A variety of functional fitness exercises to tone core, upper and lower body muscles followed by stretches. This is a low impact class designed to be adaptable to participants’ different levels.

If you have NEVER attended this class, please register at this link: http://bit.ly/FPL-Exercise-Classes. If you HAVE attended any of our online exercise classes in the past, we already have your information, and you do not need to register again. 

Meet the Black Composers: Singing for Freedom: The Power of African American Spirituals thumbnail Photo

Meet the Black Composers: Singing for Freedom: The Power of African American Spirituals

MEET THE BLACK COMPOSERS: a Deep Dive Series with Castle of our Skins Part III.

Join the Framingham Public Library and Ashleigh Gordon for a deep dive into the Black composers who have influenced classical music.

View recordings for The Power of Her Voice (Part 1) and Giving Thanks (Part II) of this series on our YouTube Channel. Click here to view presentation slides from The Power of her Voice (Part I)  & Giving Thanks (Part II).

Please email framinghamlibraryevents@gmail.com for an invite and link to the Zoom session.

ALL KITS RESERVED: Take & Make Kit: Snowflake Craft thumbnail Photo

ALL KITS RESERVED: Take & Make Kit: Snowflake Craft

ALL KITS ARE CURRENTLY RESERVED. IF WE HAVE EXTRAS, THE REGISTRATION FORM WILL OPEN UP AGAIN.

Create a fun snowflake out of popsicle sticks and craft materials to hang up anywhere in your home! Materials (except glue) are provided in a kit available for curbside pickup starting December 15. Get creative! Imagination of what you can do to design and build your snowflake has no limits! Supplies are limited. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/Snowcraftkit and schedule a time to pick up your kit.  (Ages 4-12)

We'd love to see and share your creations! If you're comfortable, please send us photos of your kids building the kit or after for us to share on our social media by emailing us at mcauliffechildrensroom@gmail.com.  

Book Discussion: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey thumbnail Photo

Book Discussion: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart--and in a moment of levity during the season's first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone--but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees. This little girl seems to be a child of the woods. As Jack and Mabel struggle to understand this child who could have stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, they come to love her as their own daughter. But in this beautiful, violent place things are rarely as they appear, and what they eventually learn about Faina will transform all of them.  


Led by Jillian Holmberg. Please email framinghamlibrarybookgroups@gmail.com for the link to join. Available to borrow by eBook or audiobook on Overdrive, or request a copy being held at McAuliffe.

The title for our January 19 discussion is Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver.

Stretch and Relax thumbnail Photo

Stretch and Relax

Join this class to maintain body flexibility, improve balance and reduce stress.

If you have NEVER attended this class, please register at this link: http://bit.ly/FPL-Exercise-Classes. If you HAVE attended any of our online exercise classes in the past, we already have your information, and you do not need to register again. 

A Christmas Carol: A Dramatic Reading thumbnail Photo

A Christmas Carol: A Dramatic Reading

Performed by: Dr. Helen Heineman, President Emerita, Framingham State University

This reading has become an annual tradition. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Charles Dickens’ masterpiece come to life! Dickens prepared a special reading version of A Christmas Carol that he used during reading tours in England and America, ending in Boston. Dr. Heineman will perform a dramatized reading of this version, enhanced by a slideshow of over 250 illustrations.

Please email framinghamlibraryevents@gmail.com for an invitation and Zoom link, and include the program name.
 

Relax and Reinvigorate with Meditation thumbnail Photo

Relax and Reinvigorate with Meditation

Start your week off right with a half hour of guided meditation and other opportunities for care free relaxation techniques!

Join us the third Thursday of each month as Leslie teaches us valuable techniques to relax and reinvigorate before the stresses of the week take hold. With Love and Gratitude is a nonprofit organization dedicated to service and education.

Email framinghamlibraryevents@gmail.com for an invitation and link to the Zoom session.

About Leslie Gabriele:

Leslie founded With Love and Gratitude in 2001. Leslie is a clairaudient, clairsentient, clairempath "energetic catalyst” who is trained in multiple healing modalities.  Leslie’s work is guided in the moment, done without attachment.

Online Poetry Workshop with Alan Feldman thumbnail Photo

Online Poetry Workshop with Alan Feldman

PLEASE NOTE NEW DAY AND TIME.

Led by Alan Feldman, Professor Emeritus at Framingham State University

This class welcomes serious poets of all ages and levels of experience who would like to participate for one or more sessions. We begin with a discussion of a topic in poetry. Poets may discuss their work. If you are new to the group and would like to participate, please email FPLpoetryworkshop@gmail.com. 

Weekly Zoom Baby Lapsits with Joanne and Lucy thumbnail Photo

Weekly Zoom Baby Lapsits with Joanne and Lucy

Come sing and play with words, rhyme, and puppets at Baby Lapsit. Break up your shelter in place time or take a break from your work from home time with some fun time with your little one, catch a glimpse
of your friends on the gallery screen, and keep adding to your child’s 1000 books before Kindergarten (retroactive sign up when we reopen)!

Email us at mcauliffechildrensroom@gmail.com to receive an invitation to join us on Zoom.

Ages 0-2 and their caregivers, all welcome.

AstroNights Live: Home for the Holiday (Skies): A Framingham State University Event thumbnail Photo

AstroNights Live: Home for the Holiday (Skies): A Framingham State University Event

Framingham State University logoAstroNights LIVE is a live, family-friendly exploration of your night sky that you can join from the comfort of your home. View live on YouTube or join the Zoom Webinar for extra interactive features! Our educators leave audiences with simple advice for observing your real night sky when the program is over. Click HERE for more information. 

For ages 7+.

Winter Holiday Pop Up Browsing for Kids (All Ages) thumbnail Photo

Winter Holiday Pop Up Browsing for Kids (All Ages)

CANCELED DUE TO SNOW AND WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Celebrate the light that books bring to your life while maintaining social distancing, keeping your masks on, and disinfecting your hands on entering. Joyfully look through shelves of Children’s Books and AV—Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Easy Readers, Chapter Books, holiday books, books in other languages, movies, even nonfiction for school reports--and pick your own!! Library staff will be on hand to answer questions and help you make selections. Once you've picked an item (or more!!), check the book out using our mobile library setup or our new mobile checkout app.

 

*All ages welcome*

Book Buddy Reading to Dogs thumbnail Photo

Book Buddy Reading to Dogs

Improve your reading skills the fun way by reading aloud to your new Book Buddy. Certified Reading/Therapy Dog Lilah listens as children read aloud from a book of their choice. Register by sending an email to McAuliffeChildrensroom@gmail.com; leave your email, your child’s name, and your preferred time for the appointment.  *10 minute appointments every 15 minutes*

You will receive the Zoom link and the time of your appointment in a response email.
 

Puzzle Swap is back! thumbnail Photo

Puzzle Swap is back!

Request a puzzle to pick up at McAuliffe through http://bit.ly/Puzzle_Swap_Request and then take it home! Choose how many pieces you'd prefer the puzzle to contain and bring home some fun. Just like with our in-person Puzzle Swap, you can choose to return it to the Branch when you are finished, or bring back a completely different puzzle (or any extra puzzles you wish to join the swap!).

That’s eEntertainment! Discover the World of Digital Books, Movies, Music and More! thumbnail Photo

That’s eEntertainment! Discover the World of Digital Books, Movies, Music and More!

Do you want to read eBooks, download digital music or watch a movie online—but without paying fees or signing up for a subscription? Learn how Framingham Public Library and the Minuteman Library Network provide you access to thousands of digital books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and music titles—all for free and with no late charges ever. Join Framingham Public Library librarians Marcy and Chris for one or both sessions:

Session One: Monday, December 21, 2-3pm: eBooks and Digital Audiobooks

Learn to use Libby and Overdrive for accessing eBooks and digital audiobooks.

Session Two: Monday, December 28, 2-3pm: Movies and TV shows, Digital Magazines and Newspapers, Online Language Learning

Learn about Hoopla for digital music and movies, Kanopy for indie and foreign movies off the beaten path, Mango for online language learning and how to access digital magazines and digital newspapers such as The New York Times.

 

We will set aside some time after each presentation for questions, and to book individual appointments with people who would like a one-on-one session.

To register for one or both sessions, please call the Callahan Center: 508-532-5980, ext. 0

This program is co-sponsored by the Callahan Center and the Framingham Public Library.

 

Image by Pexels from Pixabay
Tone and Stretch thumbnail Photo

Tone and Stretch

A variety of functional fitness exercises to tone core, upper and lower body muscles followed by stretches. This is a low impact class designed to be adaptable to participants’ different levels.

If you have NEVER attended this class, please register at this link: http://bit.ly/FPL-Exercise-Classes. If you HAVE attended any of our online exercise classes in the past, we already have your information, and you do not need to register again. 

Stretch and Relax thumbnail Photo

Stretch and Relax

Join this class to maintain body flexibility, improve balance and reduce stress.

If you have NEVER attended this class, please register at this link: http://bit.ly/FPL-Exercise-Classes. If you HAVE attended any of our online exercise classes in the past, we already have your information, and you do not need to register again. 

Virtual Bookworm Book Club with Max! thumbnail Photo

Virtual Bookworm Book Club with Max!

Join us for Bookworm Book Club with Max! Sundays at 2:00 pm for Grades 3-6. Email us to receive an invite to join on Zoom at framinghamlibrarybookgroups@gmail.com.

Sunday, December 13 will discuss The Polar Express By Chris Van Allsburg.

Sunday, December 27 will discuss Mr. Popper's Penguins By Florence and Richard Atwater.

These books are available on Overdrive/Libby as an ebook and audiobook for Mr. Popper's Peguins, or eBook for The Polar Express, or request a copy at the McAuliffe Branch.

That’s eEntertainment! Discover the World of Digital Books, Movies, Music and More! thumbnail Photo

That’s eEntertainment! Discover the World of Digital Books, Movies, Music and More!

Do you want to read eBooks, download digital music or watch a movie online—but without paying fees or signing up for a subscription? Learn how Framingham Public Library and the Minuteman Library Network provide you access to thousands of digital books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and music titles—all for free and with no late charges ever. Join Framingham Public Library librarians Marcy and Chris for one or both sessions:

Session One: Monday, December 21, 2-3pm: eBooks and Digital Audiobooks

Learn to use Libby and Overdrive for accessing eBooks and digital audiobooks.

Session Two: Monday, December 28, 2-3pm: Movies and TV shows, Digital Magazines and Newspapers, Online Language Learning

Learn about Hoopla for digital music and movies, Kanopy for indie and foreign movies off the beaten path, Mango for online language learning and how to access digital magazines and digital newspapers such as The New York Times.

 

We will set aside some time after each presentation for questions, and to book individual appointments with people who would like a one-on-one session.

To register for one or both sessions, please call the Callahan Center: 508-532-5980, ext. 0

This program is co-sponsored by the Callahan Center and the Framingham Public Library.

 

Image by Pexels from Pixabay
Tone and Stretch thumbnail Photo

Tone and Stretch

A variety of functional fitness exercises to tone core, upper and lower body muscles followed by stretches. This is a low impact class designed to be adaptable to participants’ different levels.

If you have NEVER attended this class, please register at this link: http://bit.ly/FPL-Exercise-Classes. If you HAVE attended any of our online exercise classes in the past, we already have your information, and you do not need to register again. 

​​Tea & Talk Tuesdays: TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story, by Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie thumbnail Photo

​​Tea & Talk Tuesdays: TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story, by Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie

As a child in Nigeria, the internationally renowned author Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie was a voracious reader. One day, she realized that most of the children in the books she read were blond, blue-eyed, and played in the snow on Christmas Day, and wondered where were the books that featured children who looked like her? Years later, as a student at a prestigious American university, Adichie felt shocked and diminished by other students’ narrow perceptions of her native country, and while traveling in Mexico, Adichie was embarrassed to discover her own single story about the Mexican people. In this expressive and moving talk, Adichie discusses the dangers that arise from the unquestioned and unexamined single stories we unconsciously narrate about ourselves and each other. 

Let’s discuss the single stories we have heard about ourselves and with a bit of courage and honesty, examine those we harbor about others.

Watch the TED Talk here. Email us at framinghamlibraryevents@gmail.com to receive an invitation and link to the Zoom session.

Stretch and Relax thumbnail Photo

Stretch and Relax

Join this class to maintain body flexibility, improve balance and reduce stress.

If you have NEVER attended this class, please register at this link: http://bit.ly/FPL-Exercise-Classes. If you HAVE attended any of our online exercise classes in the past, we already have your information, and you do not need to register again.