Celebrating 150 Years Of Braintree's Thayer Public Library

News release from Thayer Public Library.

BRAINTREE, MA — Thayer Public Library staff and trustees are excited to announce a month-long celebration in September, commemorating the library’s 150th anniversary of serving, educating, and connecting the Town of Braintree. A wide range of special events and activities are planned, offering something for all ages as the library reflects on its rich history and looks forward to the future.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 150 years of service to the Braintree community,” said Library Director Terri Stano. “This anniversary is a testament to the enduring importance of public libraries, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our events.” Throughout September, children are invited to make a birthday card for the library in the Children’s Room. Additionally, all visitors are encouraged to share their favorite library memories on the Community Board that will be set up in the library.

The celebration begins on Saturday, September 7, with a Meet and Greet with the Library’s Board of Trustees at 10:00 am. Drop in to enjoy light refreshments and chat with the elected officials who volunteer their time to ensure the library fulfills its mission. Later that same day, at 2:00 pm, adults, teens, and older children are invited to help create a Community Mural that will commemorate this milestone. Prepared by teen volunteers, the mural design is ready to be filled in and completed by other members of the library community.

On Wednesday, September 11, at 6:30 pm, adults and teens aged 13 and up have another opportunity to unleash their creativity by making a Felted Owl to take home. Instructors from Pop-Up Art School will guide participants through the process. Symbolizing wisdom, the owl is a reminder of the educational resources available to all ages at the library.

Saturday, September 14, will feature a Library Birthday Party at 3:00 pm, complete with special guest readers and a big birthday cake. Max, the library’s new T-Rex mascot, will read a children’s picture book with the help of Children’s Librarian Elisabeth Strachan, and will be available to pose for photos during the party.

On Thursday, September 19, at 6:30 pm, Mary Frazier of the Braintree Historical Society will give a talk, "From Battlefields to Bookshelves", exploring the life and legacy of General Sylvanus Thayer, the library’s namesake and a key figure in the establishment of the library. This event will be recorded and aired later by BCAM-TV, for those who are unable to attend in person.

Friday, September 20, brings Local Food Trivia at 2:00 pm, hosted by Therapy Gardens and the library's reference librarians. See if you can outsmart the librarians with your local food knowledge!

Music lovers will not want to miss a performance by renowned soprano soloist Megan Bisceglia on Saturday, September 21, at 3:00 pm. This event also marks the start of the library's Fall Concert Series.

A special table display showcasing the Library’s history and resources will be set up on Tuesday, September 24. All are invited to visit between 3 and 4 pm to view the exhibit in the main lobby, enjoy light refreshments, and explore the library’s journey through the years with Library Director Terri Stano.

On Wednesday, September 25, at 3:30 pm, Historic New England educators will present a program on children's pastimes from long ago, offering hands-on activities for children ages 5+.

Thayer Public Library is celebrating not only 150 years of service to Braintree, but also 25 years in its new building. Family Retro Games on Saturday, September 28, from 1:00-4:00 pm, will give families a chance to revisit favorite video games from back in 1999. Registration is required for this nostalgic event. Adults will be able to show children and teens how gaming was done, back in the day.

The calendar of events concludes with Women in Mystery, a Sisters in Crime panel discussion featuring area authors Leslie Meier of Braintree, Joanna Schaffhausen of Canton, and Marcy McCreary of Hull on Monday, September 30, at 6:30 pm. These three successful mystery authors will talk about the strong women investigators they have created for their various series. This hybrid event can be attended in person or virtually; registration is only required to attend via Zoom.

For more information about the Thayer Public Library’s 150th anniversary events, please visit www.thayerpubliclibrary.org or contact the library by phone or email at (781) 848-0405, x4417, referencedesk@braintreema.gov.