Meet New Wayland Library Director: Library Week | Sept. 4, 2023

WAYLAND, MA — Here's what's happening at the Wayland library over the week of Sept. 4, 2023.

ADULT SERVICES

Welcome to Our New Director, Christopher Lindquist

The Trustees of the Wayland Free Public Library are pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Lindquist as its next Library Director effective September 5, 2023. Mr. Lindquist has worked as a professional librarian in public libraries in Massachusetts and Connecticut since 1989, following his graduation from the Columbia University School of Library Service, where he received his Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. He received a BA in English from Trinity College in Hartford in 1985.

His executive experience includes positions leading the Sturgis Library in Barnstable, MA, the Westfield Athenaeum in Westfield, MA, the Northborough Free Library in Northborough, MA and the Farmington Libraries in Farmington, CT. Prior to becoming a Library Director, Mr. Lindquist was a Reference and Media Services Librarian at the West Hartford Public Library (CT) and a Reference and Young Adult Librarian at the Windsor Public Library (CT). He began his library career while still in High School as a Library Page at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library in Newington, CT, where he was born and raised.

Aida Gennis, the Chair of the Library’s Board of Trustees, who helped lead the search committee that reviewed applications from candidates for the Library Director position, commented:

“We are very excited to welcome Chris Lindquist as the next Director of the Wayland Free Public Library. With his deep managerial experience at different types of libraries; his appreciation for historic buildings, his collaborative and outgoing personality, Chris will engage and bring new perspectives to share with our staff and public. We are looking forward to supporting his work as Chris develops an innovative and inclusive vision for the Wayland Free Public Library.

The Board of Library Trustee’s mission is to provide a place for lifelong learning and community, offering a welcoming, environment to inform, inspire and enrich all in the Town of Wayland. We believe Chris Lindquist is the person who will bring this mission forward to our Wayland community.”

The Board of Library Trustees engaged Consultant Jennifer Harris, former Director of the Plymouth Public Library in Plymouth, MA, who has been an integral part of the search process since last May, to consult with the Library Director Screening Committee to find the most qualified candidates with the right mix of skills and experience to lead the institution.

Ms. Harris commented: “The process to search for the next Library Director began with a review of the Library facility, staff, Trustees and Friends. Once the nature of the historic building as well as its challenges were understood; it was apparent a director with a keen interest in history was essential as well as one with strong communications skills and a collaborative style of management. The Wayland community will benefit with a public facing Director, bringing new ideas and energy to the Wayland Free Public Library. Mr. Lindquist displayed all those characteristics and more.”

The Library celebrated its 175th anniversary this spring, tracing its roots back to 1848, when it was successfully established as one of the first free public libraries in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In assuming its leadership, Mr. Lindquist expressed his deep appreciation to everyone involved in his introduction to the Library, including Assistant Director Andrew Moore, who has been Acting Director since Sandy Raymond, former Library Director, retired on June 30, 2023. “I am indebted to Aida, Jennifer, the Library Director Screening Committee, the Board of Library Trustees, for the time and effort they took to carefully review my qualifications and interest in the position. Thanks to Andy and the library staff for keeping the Library running smoothly during this time. I am deeply impressed with the care and thoughtfulness with which the Library carried out the search and I am honored to serve as the Library’s next Director.”

Mr. Lindquist commented “The Wayland Free Public Library combines everything I was looking for in my next position, including an engaged and committed Board of Library Trustees, a talented and well-trained Library staff, including many long-serving professional and support staff, a Library with rich historical roots dating to the 19th and 20th centuries, a progressive, forward-looking community which clearly treasures its Library and takes pride in its distinguished history.”

Trustees & Friends will host an Open House to welcome Mr. Lindquist in the Round Room at the Library on Sunday, October 15 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm., all are invited. More details will be announced soon.

For more information, visit the Wayland Free Public Library at www.waylandlibrary.org or call 508-358-2311.

Virtual Author Talk: Lidia Bastianich and My American Dream
The beloved, Emmy award-winning host of “Lidia’s Kitchen” on PBS and the author of 15 cookbooks shares her life story. Her family fled a communist regime on the Istrian peninsula to Trieste, where she began her love affair with Italian cooking. Lidia will also chat about her newest cookbook, From Our Family Table to Yours. Register. Thursday, September 7 at 7 p.m.

Author Talk: Dan Gray and Crooked River Saga
In his first novel, Wayland resident Dan Gray has blended fact and fantasy into a spellbinding tale of the Pacific Northwest, a mystery that spans generations and continents. He’ll read from and discuss his book at the Library. Register. Tuesday, September 12 at 7 p.m.

Virtual Author Talk: Heather Wolf and Find More Birds
In this gorgeously photographed trove, Wolf shares 111 ingenious tips for spotting more birds wherever you are, from fan favorites like hummingbirds and owls, to species you’ve never seen before. Wolf works at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a web developer and teaches birding classes at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Presented by the Ashland Public Library in collaboration with several other Massachusetts libraries. Register. Wednesday, September 13 at 7 p.m.

Cookbook Club
CC is back to meeting in person, sharing dishes from the month’s selection. For September, we’re celebrating the last days of summer with Master of the Grill from America’s Test Kitchen. We’ll meet on the back lawn of the Library, weather permitting. Mark your calendar and don your apron! Contact dwinn@minlib.net for details. Thursday, September 14 at 5:30 p.m.

Crafters Circle
Do you enjoy creating things with your hands? Bring your project to the library for some crafting camaraderie. We'll work on our pieces and share advice, projects and social time during this casual get-together. Every second Thursday, September-May, 2:00-3:30 PM. Register to be reminded via email, or just show up! First session: Thursday, September 14.

Dystopian/Sci-Fi Book Group
Winner of the 1993 Hugo Award, Vernor Vinge’s A Fire on the Deep is a contemporary classic. Contact ekatz@minlib.net for the Zoom link. Thursday, September 21 at 7 p.m.

Get a Library Card and Win a Prize! (Maybe!)
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. The next time you’re in the Library, pick up some free tickets at the Circulation Desk or in the Children’s Room. Give them to friends who don’t have a card. When they sign up for a card and turn in the ticket, both you and they will be entered to win a gift certificate for our Friends’ Book Sale Room. Take as many tickets as you want. Maybe you’ll make some new friends!

Exhibit: "Proposed Plantings and Other Improvements for Wayland Village, 1911"
Our September foyer exhibit will bring to life – in color – designer John Nolen’s 1911 plan for plantings to improve Wayland’s Historic District. Nolen was one of Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.'s early landscape students at Harvard. Visitors will have access to related items in our collection, including books, photographs, videos, activities, as well as lists of plants in Nolen's plan. Special thanks to volunteer Sandy Coy for her many hours of work on this exhibit.

YOUTH SERVICES

FOR BABIES, TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS

Outdoor Baby & Toddler Storytime with Ms. Carly
This storytime encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions with lively songs and rhymes, bounces, books, and body-awareness. Best for babies and toddlers, with caregiver.
Weather permitting, we will meet outdoors on the green lawn. Please register. Tuesdays, September 5, September 12, September 19, and September 26 at10:30 a.m.

Outdoor Storytime with Ms. Pam
Join Ms. Pam for stories, songs, puppets, and activities. For ages 2.5 to 5 years with an adult. Weather permitting, we will meet outdoors on the green lawn. Please register. Thursdays, September 7, September 14, and September 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Storytime with Obie the Dog
Children will listen to dog stories and have a chance to visit with Obie, a beautiful Samoyed. Obie will be accompanied by his owner Helen. For ages 3 and up, with an adult. Please register HERE. Thursday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m.

Storywalk: Lena’s Shoes are Nervous
Walk the storywalk of Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous: A First Day of School Dilemma by Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina, at Hannah Williams Park Playground. Pick up a scavenger hunt at the library, encourage your child to find the items as you read the story together, and return the scavenger hunt to the library for a sticker! This storywalk is for preschoolers, with their caregivers. Jodi Levin from Family ACCESS Community Connections installed the storywalk, which will be up through September. Hannah Williams Playground, 71 Main Street, Wayland.

Yoga with Little Beats
Join Little Beats for 30 minutes of yoga-inspired movement. For ages 1 to 5, with caregiver. Please register HERE. Friday, September 8, at 10:30 a.m.

Sing, Move, and Story!
Jodi Levin from Family ACCESS Community Connections will lead children in songs and movement, and will share a story! For ages 0-3. Please register HERE. Wednesday, September 13, at 9:30 a.m.

Storywalk: A Perfect Day
Walk the storywalk of A Perfect Day by Lane Smith, installed by recent WHS graduate Erica O’Donnell, at the Wayland Community Gardens, 60 Old Sudbury Road, Wayland. This storywalk is perfect for preschoolers, with their caregivers. Pick up a scavenger hunt at the library, encourage your child to find the items as you read the story together, and return the scavenger hunt to the library for a sticker! (Erica installed the storywalk as a part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project.)

FOR ELEMENTARY AGE CHILDREN

Lego Club
Children will make fabulous creations out of legos. This month we will work together to create a town out of legos. We will meet in the Raytheon Room. For ages 5 and up, with caregivers. Please register HERE. Wednesday, September 6, at 3:30 p.m.

Basic Camping Skills for Kids
Get ready for the fall camping season! Members of Girl Scout Troop 84326 will run a program on Basic Camping Skills as part of their Bronze Award project. Kids can drop in and participate in hands-on stations of Knot Tying, Using a Compass, First Aid, Plant and Animal Identification, and Campfire Recipes featuring…SMORES! For children in grades 1 and up. Please register HERE. Monday, September 11, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Bluey Party
It’s a Bluey Party, for real life! Drop in for simple crafts, dramatic play, and activities inspired by the popular character Bluey. For kids ages 5 and up, with their caregivers. Please register HERE. Wednesday, September 13, at 3:30 p.m.

Read a Story; Solve a Problem
Children will read aloud Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming, talk about the problems in the story, and brainstorm solutions. Kids will then craft solutions to one of the problems, using an assortment of recycled/craft materials. For ages 6 and up. Please register HERE. Wednesday, September 20, at 3:30 p.m.

FOR TEENS

Teen Craft: No-Sew Felt Cup Cozy
Teens! Come make felt cup cozies! This customizable craft will keep your hands comfy while holding your favorite steaming hot (or icy cold) drink. Make one for yourself or as a gift. For teens in grades 6 and up. We will meet in the Teen Loft. Please register HERE. Thursday, September 21, at 3:30 p.m.