American Library Association

Watertown Library Wins American Library Association Award

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Watertown LibraryThe staff of the Watertown Free Public Library was honored for their promotion of ‘Zine Week by the American Library Association. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

The American Library Association has named the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) as a winner of the 2022 John Cotton Dana Award for marketing and public relations excellence. Called “the most prestigious award of the American Library Association” the honor comes with a prize of $10,000. WFPL won the award for the “Copy and Resist!” marketing campaign promoting the Library’s first-ever Zine Fest, held on Oct. 2, 2021.

Around Town

Youngsters Visit Brigham House for Teddy Bear Picnic

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Brigham HouseA group of young people listen to a story during the Teddy Bear Picnic at Brigham House, which was also sponsored by Watertown Families Together, Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Watertown Library. The following piece was provided by the Brigham House:

COVID has certainly disrupted our social programs. With the nice weather and the ability to be outside, Watertown Families Together and Church of the Good Shepherd are trying to reinstate intergenerational programming with Brigham House in Watertown. Brigham HouseResidents of Brigham House enjoy the Teddy Bear Picnic. Just recently we were able to bring together the residents of Brigham House and families with young children for a Teddy Bear Picnic. Residents and families were treated to music with Ruth Rappaport, stories with Kathleen from the Watertown Library, yummy treats, crafts andsurprises.

Around Town

Bookmobile Arrives at Watertown Library, See When it Will Debut

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Watertown Free Public LIbraryThe new Watertown Library Bookmobile has arrived and will soon make its debut. The Watertown Free Public Library’s new bookmobile has arrived, and is charging up to get ready to make its debut in coming weeks. The vehicle will allow the Library to bring books to community events, go out into neighborhoods, and reach people outside of the library’s doors. The first event for the bookmobile will be the Watertown Arts Market on Aug. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. at Arsenal Park.

Around Town

July at the Watertown Library: Author Talks, Yoga, Dominos and More

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Watertown Free Public LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. The following information was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

Summer is the perfect season to learn something new or get lost in a great story. This year, WFPL has summer reading programs, prizes, and more for children, teens, and adults! Get started at watertownlib.org/summer. Coming up in July, practice Yoga for Stress Relief, join ¡Noche deDominó en la Biblioteca! (in English and Spanish), or sew a Bluebird of Happiness.

Entertainment

Farm Life Captured in Photo Exhibit at Watertown Library

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Patricia Sampson-Weiler”Picking Tomatoes, Gaining Ground, Concord, MA”

Watertown photographer Patricia Sampson-Weiler spent the last few years capturing life at farms around Massachusetts, and her images will be on display at the Watertown Free Public Library. “Farm Photos” featuring photographs of local farm life in Concord, Lincoln, Acton, and other places. The exhibit can be seen from July 2 to 30, 2022 in the Library’s T. Ross Kelly Family Art Gallery. The library is located at 123 Main St. in Watertown.

Around Town

Watertown Hosting First Pride Extravaganza Featuring Parade, Music, Crafts & More

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Community members are invited to don colorful outfits, and come out and enjoy a parade, music, dancing, crafts, games, and more during Watertown’s first Pride Extravaganza. The celebration of Pride Month will take place on June 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St. The all-ages event is hosted by the Watertown Free Public Library and the City of Watertown, and will have something for everyone, said Marissa Monteiro, the Library’s Outreach Librarian. “There will be music, there will be frivolity, there will be dancing, there will be bubbles, there will be kazoos, there will be flags,” Monteiro said. “I really hope that everybody comes in their most colorful outfits because I feel like during Pride Month it is not just about showing your true colors, it is about showing every color!” 

Teen Librarian Carey Conkey-Finn said she hopes people will come and have a good time.

Around Town

Free Financial Wellness Event at the Watertown Library

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Social Services Resources Specialist:

The Watertown Free Public Library and Watertown Social Services Resources Specialist (SSRS) Program invite you to a financial literacy presentation and resource clinic. The event is Wednesday, May 25th, 6:30 pm to 8 pm in the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room of the Library, 123 Main St. Financial Literacy Presentation (6:30-7 pm):Representatives from the East Savings Bank and Arsenal Financial will share financial literacy basics, such as building credit and avoiding financial scams.Financial Resource Clinic (7-8 pm):Following the presentation, representatives from local banks and financial advisors will be available to meet one-on-one with attendees to advise on financial needs such as budgeting, dealing with debt, taking out loans and paying for college, etc. There will be pizza for all, translation services, a gift card raffle, and coloring pages for kids. Registration is recommended.

Around Town

Board of Trustees Appoints New Watertown Library Director

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City of WatertownCaitlin Browne was named the Watertown Library Director by the Board of Trustees. Previously she served as the Assistant Director. The Watertown Board of Library Trustees voted to appoint Caitlin Browne the new Director of the Watertown Library. The decision was made Monday night after a 3.5 hour meeting in which the trustees debated between Browne and another finalist, Maria Palacio. The appointment is contingent on successful contract negotiations with the City of Watertown.