Lunar New Year Celebration for All Ages at Watertown Library

The Watertown Free Public Library and the Chinese American Association of Watertown will host a Lunar Near Year celebration on Feb. 28. See details provided by the library below. Come to the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Watertown Free Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 1 p.m., at 123 Main Street. The Watertown Free Public Library and the Chinese American Association of Watertown welcome Wu An Martial Arts for a special Lion Dance.

Watertown Library Offering Free Digital Access to The Boston Globe

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

The Boston Globe and Minuteman Library Network, which includes the Watertown Free Public Library, recently announced a partnership providing their cardholders with access to Boston Globe digital content. This new collaboration continues The Boston Globe’s extensive work with library systems across Massachusetts. Through the partnership, Minuteman Library Network cardholders can sign up for a 72-hour digital pass to Globe.com, accessing Boston Globe journalism, puzzles and games, podcasts, videos, Globe Magazine, and more. A maximum of 500 passes are available on a first come first serve basis, allowing cardholders from across more than 40 member libraries to access Boston Globe content and the Globe E-Paper, as well as an archive of articles extending back through The Boston Globe’s 153-year history. 

Just last year, The Boston Globe announced an expanded partnership with Boston Public Library. With the Globe’s collaboration with Minuteman, MetroWest communities outside Boston, including Westwood, Natick, Cambridge, and Newton, will be able to offer free access to The Boston Globe to library members. 

“At Boston Globe Media, we are always exploring new ways to deepen our connection with the communities we serve in Massachusetts,” said Josh Russell, Vice President of Print Operations at Boston Globe Media.

WEEKEND FUN: Galentine’s Donut Decorating, “Little Women” on Stage, Olympics Watch Party, Valentine’s Dining

Have you heard of Galentine’s Day? Feb. 13th is now a day to celebrate women’s friendships, and in town you can take your friends to a Galentine doughnut decorating party at Blackbird Doughnuts. Fun! This is the week of the winter Olympics, and the library is offering a place to watch with others on a few days this week including Friday afternoon.

WEEKEND FUN: Cello Concert, Yoga Open House, Armenian Winter Ball, Landscapes Exhibit

You might all be feeling the need for some meditative time this weekend after last weekend’s doozy of a snow storm. If so, head over to Artemis Yoga on Saturday afternoon for a few free introductory classes. They can help you work out the kinks in your back from too much shoveling. Taking in an exhibition of art with the theme Contemporary Landscapes, might also be calming. The opening reception is on Thursday, but the show will be up until March, so it will be there for your enjoyment this weekend.

Weekend Fun: River of Light, Dance, 1800s Fashion, New Seafood Restaurant, Seed Packing

This winter weekend starts off with two events that highlight bringing more light to our winter days. On Friday night at the Watertown Center for Healing there is a special dance called a Biodance which is about bringing together music, movement and positive feelings. Then on Saturday afternoon, the River of Light Lantern Parade is happening at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. It was so beautiful last year. I highly recommend going to see it or even better, bringing your own lantern to join in the parade.

Watertown Library Invites Public to Join the Cook the Books Group

The Watertown Free Public Library. (Courtesy of WFPL)

Cooking enthusiasts are wanted to join the Watertown Free Public Library’s cooking group. See details in the announcement from the Library, below. The 2025 Cook the Books group celebrated a delicious year of recipe swapping with a cookie exchange at the Watertown Free Public Library! 

Once a month, the Cook the Books Group meets in the Library café to share favorite cookbooks, recipes, and food. Members share cooking tips and tricks while bonding over great food and great company.

WEEKEND FUN: Guitarist Performs, Inauguration, Tour of Mt. Auburn Cemetery, New Movie

It is the first weekend of the new year; many of us may be thinking about simply relaxing at home, reading a book, doing a puzzle or catching up on our laundry. But there are some events of note that could get you to put on your coat and step outside. On Friday evening, there is an inauguration party for all our newly elected town representatives. Let’s go celebrate with them! Saturday afternoon, you could go stretch your legs at Mount Auburn Cemetery’s introductory tour. Even if you have walked there before, the tour can be informative.

Charles River Watershed Association Hosting Screening of Dam Removal Documentary at Watertown Library

Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The following announcement was provided the Charles River Watershed Association:

Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) will host a free premiere screening on Jan. 8 at the Watertown Free Public Library of its new short documentary, Reconnecting Rivers. 

Produced by CRWA and Turnaround Films, the documentary delves into the challenges posed by defunct dams on the Charles River – with a particular focus on Watertown Dam – and what is being done to address them. 

A panel discussion on the documentary and defunct dams on the Charles will follow the screening. Panelists include Watertown Councilor At-Large John Gannon; Beth Lambert, Director of the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration; Brad Chase, the Diadromous Fish Project Leader at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries; and CRWA Indigenous Consultant Hartman Deetz.