Wayland Public Library Events, Activities: Week Of March 6

WAYLAND, MA — Here's what's going on at the Wayland Free Public Library the week of March 6, 2023.

ADULT SERVICES

Great Presenters: Serious Fun for Global Change
In this intensely interactive workshop, we will explore new modalities of learning and dialogue, integrating creativity and innovation, and opening difficult conversations that matter--to Wayland and our world. Janot Mendler de Suarez and Pablo Suarez are Visiting Research Fellows at Boston University’s Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, and frequently serve as consultants with the World Bank Group, numerous governments, and UN agencies. Register to attend in person or online. Tuesday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Author Talk: Jan Brogan and The Combat Zone
Subtitled “Murder, Race, and Boston’s Struggle for Justice,” the latest from veteran journalist Brogan examines a brutal killing, two flawed trials, and the not-so-delicate balance between justice and revenge when three Black men are charged with first-degree murder in a racially divided city. Co-sponsored by the Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Register to attend in person or online. Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m.

Hidden Figures & Other Women of NASA
Celebrate Women’s History Month with NASA/JPL Solar Ambassador Pat Monteith as she explores the lives some of the women who made their career dreams come true at NASA. Online only, hosted by the Wellesley Free Library, co-sponsored by Wayland and others. Register. Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m.

Author Talk: David Epstein and Range
What's the most effective path to success in any domain? David Epstein discovered that in most fields, generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, juggling many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see. Register to learn more online from this New York Times-bestselling author. Monday, March 13 at 1 p.m.

The Fascinating Life of Gertrude Bell
She was able to ride a camel as well as any Bedouin trader. She was a skilled archaeologist, linguist, cartographer, photographer, and diplomat. She served as a spy for the British and, at the end of WWI, played a major role in the Arab quest for self-government. Bob Begin recounts the story of a dauntless woman who defied the limitations of her time. Register to attend in person or online. Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m.

175 Years of the Wayland Free Public Library: Our History. Your Stories.
Founded in 1848, the WFPL is one of the oldest public libraries in the United States. It played a pivotal role in the passage of legislation that authorized the use of public funding to support public libraries. In the past 175 years, the Library has come to be not only a place where residents can borrow books, but a hub of programs for all ages, art exhibits, and community gatherings, as well as a refuge in stressful times.

Our library history program will feature a number of illuminating speakers:

1. Jane Sciacca will discuss her experience as a Wayland resident and de facto town historian.

2) Brandeis History Dept. doctoral students Rafael Abrahams, Elizabeth Simms, and Joseph Weisberg will present their research on highlights from the WFPL’s past in a roundtable discussion.

3) UConn Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Gross will give a talk titled “The Public Library and the Community: Reflections on Wayland’s Experiences,” reflecting on the WFPL’s unique history as a pioneering library and its place in the broader contexts of Massachusetts, New England, and the nation at large.

Please register to help us plan, but drop-ins are welcome. Join us in person in the North Wing or online. Sunday, March 19 at 2:30 p.m.

We Have Tax Forms
Specifically, 1040 forms and instructions, and Massachusetts Form 1. Get them while they last.

Indigenous Peoples Display
There’s still time to catch the fascinating exhibit in our sparkling new vitrine acknowledging local indigenous peoples, past and present. The display features books, tools, and a reproduction of the second Sudbury deed, circa 1648. There’s also a video showing the smudging ceremony for the new Wayland Police badge honoring the Nipmuc people. Presented in collaboration with the Wayland Archaeology Research Group and others.

YOUTH SERVICES

FOR BABIES, TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS

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. We will meet in the Raytheon Room. For ages 3 and up, with an adult. Please register HERE. Thursday, March 9, at 10:30 am.

Sing, Move, Story!
Jodi Levin from Family ACCESS Community Connections will lead children in songs and movement, and will share a story! We will meet in the Children’s Room. For ages 0-3. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 15, at 9:30 a.m.

Babytime with Ms. Carly
This lapsit storytime encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions with lively songs and rhymes, gentle tickles, bounces, and body-awareness. Best for babies birth to 18 months. Please register. Tuesdays, March 7, March 14, March 21 and March 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Toddler Stem with Ms. Leslie
Join Ms. Leslie for some fun, hands-on science activities. This month we are exploring magnets. Registration required. For ages 2-4 years with a caregiver. Wednesdays, March 8 and March 22 at 10:30 a.m.

Storytime with Ms. Pam
Join Ms. Pam for stories, songs, puppets, and activities. For ages 2.5 to 5 years with an adult. Please register. Thursdays, March 16, March 23, and March 30 at 10:30 a.m.

FOR ELEMENTARY AGE CHILDREN.

Pokemon Card Trading Day
Kids are invited to a Pokemon card trading day at the library. Come with cards you are willing to trade! We will meet in the Raytheon Room. For ages 7 to 11. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 8, at 4:00 p.m.

Build a Leprechaun Trap
Have you ever caught a leprechaun? It isn’t easy. Children will build leprechaun traps with Ms. Stephanie in this hands-on workshop. For ages 4 and up, with caregiver. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 15 at 3:30 p.m.

4th/5th Grade Book Club
This month we will be discussing The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera. We will meet in the Teen Loft. Questions or to get a copy of the book, please email Pam at pmccuen@minlib.net. For 4th and 5th graders. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 22, at 7:00 p.m.

Get Crafty with Ms. Pam
Children will explore color and texture while creating their own collage art out of torn paper. For ages 4 and up, with caregiver. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 22 at 3:30 p.m.

Sophisticated Stories: Book Club for Grades 2 and up
You are never too old for picture books! Ms. Janet will lead this book club that features fantastically fractured fairy tales. There will also be a craft. For children in grades 2 and up. Please register HERE. Thursday, March 23 at 4:00 p.m.

Dog Man Afternoon
Celebrate the newest Dog Man book! Drop in to create comics, play games, and attempt to foil Petey’s latest scheme by following the clues in a scavenger hunt. For ages 5 and up. Please register HERE. Wednesday, March 29, at 3:30 p.m.

FOR TEENS

Magic the Gathering for Teens
Teens! Play Magic the Gathering with your friends! Bring your own Magic Cards or use ours. Experienced players and newbies welcome. For teens in grades 6 and up. We will meet in the Teen Loft. Please register. Fridays, March 10 and March 31, at 4:30 p.m.

Teen Crafternoon: Mini Piñatas
Looking to freshen up your space with some funky décor? Stop by the Teen Loft to make a mini piñata. For teens in grades 6 and up. Please register HERE. Thursday, March 16, at 4:00 p.m.

Switch Tournament
Teens are invited to compete in our Mario Kart & Smash Bros. Switch tournament. There will be prizes! For teens in grades 6 and up. Please register HERE. Friday, March 24, at 4:00 p.m.

Comics Making Workshop Series with Jonathan Todd
In this 4-part Comics Making Workshop, tweens will learn how to create and design characters for a graphic novel story, how to develop a story arc, how to turn a true event into a graphic narrative, how to create thumbnail sketches and drawings, as well as how to correct errors. Workshop series led by Jonathan Todd. Registration required. Please register for the series HERE. Meets Tuesdays, March 28, April 11, April 25, and May 9, from 4 to 6 pm. For ages 9 and up. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Wayland Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.