The Watertown Library sent out the following information:
WFPL is pleased to announce Matt Haig’s novel, The Humans as our selection for One Book, One Watertown 2021!
This year, we faced the task of selecting a title during this time of great uncertainty, isolation, and hardship in our community, our country and around the world. Despite the challenges we all face, we have also observed wonderful demonstrations of bravery, selflessness, and kindness. We wanted to find a book to help us celebrate the good we see around us.
Matt Haig’s book is a laugh-out-loud, heart-filled exploration of what it truly means to be human. We believe this is the kind of story we all need to read right now. Learn more at watertownlib.org/OneBook.
This month on Zoom, prove your Seinfeld TV knowledge, start your Genealogy Scavenger Hunt, or stitch a cozy set of fleece hand warmers. Join us from the comfort of your living room.
WFPL REMINDERS
Homebound Delivery | If you are stuck at home due to a medical necessity, we can deliver books to you. Sign up here: watertownlib.org/delivery
Print From Home | Don’t have a printer? You can send up to 10 pages to us and pick up the next day at WFPL. Learn more: watertownlib.org/print
Online Classes Library | We’ve recorded some of our most popular virtual classes and guest programs. Head to: watertownlib.org/onlineclasses
Curbside Pickup | You can now place holds and schedule a curbside pickup time online. Learn how it works here: watertownlib.org/pickup.
Call Ahead Ordering | Want something today? No problem. Call us at 617-972-6431 and we can have in stock items ready for same day contactless pickup.
EVENTS
21ST ANNUAL WATERTOWN UNITY BREAKFAST
MLK Day, 1/18 | 10 AM | Virtual Event | Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of social, racial, and economic justice while recommitting yourself to the urgent work yet to be done. Presented by World in Watertown with keynote speaker Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, and honorary host Michael Bobbit. Stream the event at worldinwatertown.org/ub21.
GENEALOGY SCAVENGER HUNT
Looking for a fun and educational family activity this winter? Try WFPL’s Genealogy Scavenger Hunt! Designed as a family activity for kids (and adults!) 8+, this scavenger hunt will introduce your family to the basics of genealogy research using Ancestry.com Library Edition.
Print out the scavenger hunt form or pick up a copy in the Children’s Room starting the last week in January. Return completed hunts to the Children’s Room or Adult Reference Desk for a fun prize!
Genealogy Scavenger Hunt: Ancestry.com At Home
Tuesday, 1/26 | 6 PM | via Zoom | Don’t know where to start? Tune in for a short Zoom session to learn the basics of Ancestry.com, then use what you’ve learned to complete the Genealogy Scavenger Hunt!
FOR CHILDREN
New: Brainfuse HelpNow
Does your student need a little extra help with homework? WFPL is now offering live tutoring through HelpNow. Tutors are available daily from 2 PM to 11 PM EST.
Scholastic Teachables
Support your student’s learning with printable lesson plans, learning games, and skills sheets for children up through grade 8. Access is now free with your library card!
Take and Make
Do you have a creative kid at home? Pick up a take and make bag in the Children’s Room! Through the month, we’ll continue adding more crafts, games, and DIY fun.
Story Time (via Facebook Live)
Monday at 12 PM | Tuesday at 10:30 AM | Thursday at 11 AM | For families with Children of all ages.
Book a Children’s Librarian
Need some book recs for your child? Send us a request! We can meet via Zoom, Google Meet, email, and phone. To start the process, email Emily (emiranda@watertown-ma.gov) or click the link to fill out our online form.
FOR TEENS
Coming Soon: Take and Make Bags for Teens
Teen Make and Takes will return in February! Make Your Own Zine will be our first project. Look out for more information and how to register in the next eNewsletter and the Teen Take and Make page. We will also send out a notification if you are on the Teen Department email list.
New: Brainfuse HelpNow
Preparing for SAT, ACT, or AP tests? Need some extra help with your homework? WFPL is now offering tutoring and asynchronous learning through HelpNow. Live tutors are available daily from 2 PM to 11 PM EST.
FOR ADULTS
Community Yoga
Wednesdays | 9:15 AM | via Zoom | Follow the link to join the class on Wednesday mornings.
Wednesday Book Group: Angle of Repose
Wednesday, 1/6 | 7 PM | via Zoom |This month, we’ll be talking about Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner. Next month, we’re reading If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin. Join us!
Mad About the Movies: A Taste of Honey
Monday, 1/11 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Watch the BAFTA award winning film A Taste of Honey on Kanopy or DVD, then join our discussion group on Zoom.
Take and Make for Adults: Body Butter & Lip Balm
Tuesday, 1/12 | 6 PM | via Zoom | Treat yourself and learn how to make body butter and lip balm! Pick up your “take and make” kit at the Library, then join us on Zoom.
Mystery Lovers Group
Tuesday, 1/12 | 7 PM | via Zoom | We’ll discuss recent books, favorite authors, and anything related to the mystery genre. Make yourself a cup of tea and hop on with us.
Increase Resilience with Mindfulness
Tuesdays, 1/12-2/2 | 4 PM| via Zoom | This 4-week virtual class will teach you basic mindfulness strategies while helping you understand your emotions and triggers.
Superfan Saturday Trivia: Seinfeld
Saturday, 1/23 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Are you a Seinfeld superfan? We’ll thoroughly test your knowledge of the Seinfeld gang, including their antics and the actors who played them. Play solo or as a team.
Coming Soon: Don Quixote Read and Watch Along
Tuesdays, 2/2-3/23 | 2 PM | via Zoom | First, we’ll listen to BBC podcasts and watch short videos to put Don Quixote in context, then we’ll read Miguel Cervantes’ classic and discuss weekly.
Coming Soon: New England Love with Barbara Delinsky
Thursday, 2/18 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Join seven libraries in welcoming New York Times Bestselling author Barbara Delinsky! Barbara will discuss her life, works, and New England. Come enjoy this special opportunity for an intimate program with a beloved local author.
HATCH MAKERSPACE
Hatch is Open For Appointments
Hatch Makerspace is open for prescheduled appointments. Book time on our sewing machine, vinyl cutter, laser cutter, soldering station, or multipurpose workbench.
Customize Your Phone’s Home Screen
Monday, 1/4 | 6 PM | via Zoom | Learn how to customize the icons on your home screen using widgets, recently popularized by videos on TikTok. This can be done on both Android and iOS devices.
Fleece Hand Warmers
Friday, 1/15 | 6 PM | via Zoom | Materials Provided | Learn basic hand stitching techniques to create a cozy set of fleece hand warmers.
Intro to 3D Design
Wednesday, 1/20 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Learn the basics of 3D Design using Onshape to create original 3D prints and prototypes. Once your design is complete, get it printed for free!
Advanced Arduino
Monday, 1/25 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Materials Provided | Arduino 201 is for those that have some experience with Arduinos and programming and want to take the next step.
Finishing 3D Prints
Tuesday, 1/26 | 6 PM | via Zoom | Materials Provided | Learn how to refine your 3D prints by removing excess material, smoothing out ridges, and filling in gaps. “Finishing” kits provided!
EXPLORE THE eLIRARY
Spotlight on: Creativebug
Is learning a new crafting skill one of your resolutions? Creativebug has video tutorials for all of your favorite crafts, including knitting, crocheting, papercrafts, and more. Classes are available for all ages, and material lists/patterns are provided.
What else is in eLibrary? Your library card gives you access to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and more. Click the button below to see what’s available.