Government

Trustees Impressed by New Watertown Library Director’s Experience and Vision

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Kim Hewitt was chosen to be the next director of the Watertown Free Public Library. (Courtesy photo)

The new director of the Watertown Library impressed the Board of Trustees with her knowledge of libraries, her experience dealing with difficult situations, and her vision for the library. Thursday night, the Board of Library Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Kim Hewitt as the next Director of the Watertown Free Public Library. The vote came two days after the board interviewed Hewitt, who is currently the director of the Needham Free Public Library, and the other finalist, Dan  Brower, Library Director of the Cass County Public Library in Missouri. All the trustees said the two candidates were very well qualified, but Hewitt stood out with her experience dealing with a range of challenges that face public libraries these days.

Entertainment

New Rep Theatre & Watertown Library to Host City’s First ‘Multicultural Fest’

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library and New Rep Theatre:

New Repertory Theatre and the Watertown Free Public Library are pleased to continue their history of collaboration, to present the first ever Multicultural Fest at Noche de Dominó, on Thursday, August 3rd from 4-8 p.m. The event will take place at Saltonstall Park in Watertown, MA. 

The Multicultural Fest will feature an eclectic range of performances, artisans/vendors, domino tables, crafts, a short Zumba session, pick-up soccer in the field, and delicious eats by food vendor Flavor Boom! It is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome! The Multicultural Fest Planning Team is comprised by Maria Hendricks (Resident Artist for New Rep), Cal Callahan (New Rep Education Coordinator ), María Mayobre (WFPL Volunteer/Dominoes Teacher) and Allie Fry (Programming Librarian for Watertown Free Public Library.) 

Multicultural Fest reflects New Repertory Theatre’s ongoing commitment to community outreach initiatives and collaborations, and to presenting diverse talent from underrepresented communities. Building on the recent success of Watertown Zine Fest and the Watertown Pride Extravaganza, the Watertown Free Public Library aspires to help create City-wide events that reflect and amplify the diverse voices of the Watertown community.

Around Town

Trustees Narrowing List of Candidates for Next Library Director, Planning Interviews

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Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. When thinking about what would make a great library director for Watertown, being involved in the community is one of the most valuable aspects, says Chair of the Board of Library Trustees, Leanne Hammonds. “We’re looking for someone that is comfortable being sort of the face of the Library in the community trying to get out to different community members that maybe don’t use the library as much … we’d like the library director to be known in the community,” said Hammonds. The Board of Trustees has been working to find a new library director since the spring when they found out their current director, Caitlin Browne, was resigning. The process to hire a new director consists of two members of the Board of Trustees to review resumes, cover letters and interview the candidates.

Around Town

Watertown Library Wants to Share Your Story in Collective Memory Project

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

What’s your Watertown? The Watertown Free Public Library is embarking on a mission to collect photos and stories from your lifetime to preserve in our permanent digital collection. The story of Watertown lives in its people, and that means you—your family, your memories, and your experiences. 

Call for Nominations: Do you, or does someone you know, have a strong connection to Watertown? Nominate them for a Collective Memory Project interview! We are looking for people who are involved in our community in all sorts of ways – as residents, volunteers, employees, friends, and neighbors – and have something to say about their life in—and connection to—Watertown. Self-nominations are encouraged! 

See how to nominate someone and more information by clicking here.

Around Town

Film About Women Who Keep Haitian Markets Running to be Shown at Watertown Library

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A film about the women who worked to keep markets in Haiti stocked and operating will be show followed by a Q&A at the Watertown Free Public Library on Saturday, May 27, at 4:30 p.m.

The documentary, Madan Sara, was created by Haitian journalist Etant Dupain to highlight the lives and struggles the Madan Saras face in Haiti. The film’s director and one of the co-producers will be on hand to speak with attendees of the screening. The event announcement said:

The women known as Madan Sara in Haiti work tirelessly to buy, distribute, and sell food and other essentials in markets through the country. The documentary tells the stories of these indefatigable women who work at the margins to make Haiti’s economy run. Join co-executive producer Lulaine Childs and director Etant Dupain following the film!

Around Town

Watertown Pride Extravaganza Returns to Saltonstall Park in June

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

“Be yourself, change the world!” That’s the theme of the Watertown Pride Extravaganza, which returns for a second year on Saturday, June 3rd. 

Jointly hosted by the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) and the City of Watertown, this free, all-ages event has grown since its inception in 2022. This year, attendees can look forward to live music, dancing, acrobatics, food trucks, crafts, and fun for all ages, plus, a unique chance to connect and learn from LGBTQIA+ organizations and advocacy groups in Watertown. “All of Watertown is welcome to the Extravaganza, to celebrate the strength that such diversity brings to our community” says WFPL Teen Services Supervisor and Pride team co-leader Carey Conkey-Finn. “Aside from all that, it is the party of the year!”

Want to take part in the day’s festivities? On the morning of June 3, attendees are invited to dress up and rally on the Library’s front lawn, 123 Main Street, beginning at 10:45 a.m. At 11 a.m. sharp, the activist brass band JP Honk will lead the crowd from the Library to the main stage at Saltonstall Park.

Around Town

May at the Library: Learn to Tell Your Story, Read to a Dog, Cooking Demo

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Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. The Watertown Free Public Library has plenty going on in May. Here are some of the upcoming events provided by the Library. Multicultural Fest — Call for Performers and Artists!The Watertown Free Public Library and the New Rep Theatre are teaming up to host a brand-new event this summer — Multicultural Fest at Noche de Dominó! On Thursday evening, 8/3, we’ll meet outside under the lights of Saltonstall Park for dominoes, music, dancing, food, and more!