Library Chooses Best Selling Author’s Title for One Book, One Watertown

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

This year, the Watertown Free Public Library’s One Book, One Watertown selection invites us to consider what happens when we reject hostility and dread to embrace compassion and curiosity. Our Missing Hearts by bestselling author Celeste Ng is a poignant tale of family survival, and a powerful refusal to abandon hope. All community members are invited to check out the book from the Library, and join in themed programs during the month of March. This year’s community read will culminate in “An Evening with Celeste Ng” on Thursday, March 21 at the Watertown Free Public Library, free to all. Registration begins on March 1st. Our Missing Hearts can be reserved in the Library catalog at watertownlib.org.

Watertown Artist Shares Artwork & Artist Books at Library Exhibit

The T. Ross Kelly Gallery at the Watertown Free Public Library is hosting “Constructed” – an exhibit featuring artwork and artist books by Watertown resident, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, January 3, 2024, through February 28, 2024. All of the artworks in this exhibit were constructed – from the literal forming of flat paper into three-dimensional books, to the careful placement of shape, line, and color in the abstract work on display. Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Balzer shares her perspective on the creative process, stating, “For me, the process of making art is the process of bringing together various elements and discovering how they change each other once in combination. These visual constructions are similar to the experience of forming a lively dinner party, where you must consider how to seat guests.” Art enthusiasts, patrons, and the community are all invited to visit “Constructed,” now through February 28, 2024

A bathroom cabinet with stone basin byJulie Fei-Fan Balzer.

Long Lost Book Returned to Watertown Library After Nearly 90 Years

This book was retuned to the to the Watertown Library after being checked out for the better part of a century. (Courtesy of the WFPL)

If you’ve been waiting for that travel guide to Italy, it’s back at the Watertown Free Public Library … after nearly 90 years! “Hill Towns of Italy,” a book by Egerton R. Williams Jr. that was first published in 1903 recently came back to the Library. It was checked out on Jan.

Kids & Parents Martial Arts Classes at the Watertown Library

The following announcement was provided by Coach Sean Martial Arts Fitness:

Sean Stefaniak, owner of Coach Sean Martial Arts and Fitness, will be hosting free martial arts classes for children and their parents at the Watertown Free Public Library. On Saturday, Dec. 30. Children ages 4-7 will have class at 9:30 a.m. and children ages 8-12 will be at 10:15 a.m. Parents will accompany their children during class. There is no registration required, however there is limited space available so it is better to show up early.

Winter Concert Series Coming to Watertown Library Hosting

The following information came from the Watertown Library:

WFPL & the Watertown Public Arts & Culture Committee present the Winter Concert Series. The Winter Concert Series runs from December through March and happens the first Sunday of the month! As in previous years, our concert series features talented, local artists. Performances are free and open to all. Let the music begin!

Artists Featured in Watertown’s Edible Plants Exhibit to Discuss Their Work

The Public Arts & Culture Committee announced it will host a Panel Discussion with the artists of Edible Plants 2023 exhibition on the evening of Nov. 29. The discussion will be held in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown, on Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. The art and writings are on display in the gallery on the second floor of the library. Now retitled “Edible Plants,” the second iteration of Plants of Our Past invites writers and visual artists to create work about ten more species of local wildly growing plants that are edible. Here are the our 20 participants and the plants:

1.

Watertown Closings and Trash Collection Delays for Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday will impact Watertown City facilities, as well as trash collection this week. See details in the City of Watertown’s announcement:

Watertown City Hall and Senior Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24, 2023 and the Library will be closing at 5 PM on Wednesday, November 22 and will be closed on Thursday, November 23, 2023 for Thanksgiving. 

Please be aware that there is NO trash or recycling pickup on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2023. The holiday postpones pickup by one day to Friday, November 24, and Friday’s pickup will be on Saturday, November 25, 2023.