Lunenburg Public Library


MAY 2024

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Notes from our Director


Greetings Library Community,

Today, I do have some unfortunate news. Although it was a small case, library staff recently discovered some vandalism in our facility. Unfortunately, this kind of activity hurts everyone in the community. The library is a space to be shared by all. It is provided for the community, by the community, and sometimes that dynamic can be convenient to take for granted.


It is easy to forget that the library is owned by our local government and paid for by taxes. Those circumstances make an act of vandalism a crime. Even more serious, the mark that was made was a hate symbol. An embarrassing stain for any community to have in its midst, and even worse to have it at the library.


Damaging shared property and messages of intolerance are both antithetical to the mission of the library. Hate has no place, especially not at the library. I hope we can all return to working together to make the library a space welcoming to all, and a comfortable and safe environment for our community to meet, work, and play.

You can help us do that in two ways. When you are at the library and you see something wrong, let a staff person know, so that we can ensure a safe, welcoming experience for all who visit the library. And talk to your children, your neighbors, or even yourself, about what we aspire to be as a community, about how selfish, disrespectful, and inappropriate it is to undermine the generosity of our community by vandalizing the library. And spread a message of love and welcome, support and inclusion! Hope to see you at the library soon!



Muir Haman, Director LPL

LOCAL BOOK CLUBS


Love reading and a good book discussion? Click here to find book clubs to join in at the library and our local area.

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICES

The Libby App


Thousands of e-books, audiobooks, and magazines — hand-selected by your public library — are available for free. From NYT best-sellers to classics, you're sure to find something great to read!

 

To learn more about how to use Libby to download e-books, audiobooks, and magazines to your mobile device, contact us at the circulation desk.

MAY ADULT PROGRAMS

Saturday, May 4th 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Saturday Music Clinic & Performance Series

Saturday, May 4th

11:00 AM - 12:30PM



Join us on the first Saturday of the month for an interactive performance and clinic series with local music teacher and performer Jason Graham. Each session will cover a variety of musical topics and techniques ranging from beginner basics to more advanced concepts. 


This series is intended for music lovers and musicians of all levels and will include performances of a variety of songs designed to demonstrate different techniques and compositional elements. The format will allow for questions and discussion, with the first hour focused on the performance and educational elements, followed by an additional shorter session designed around group interaction. 


Attendees are welcome to bring their guitar for the shorter session following the performance where we will explore and examine any questions or concerns they have regarding their instrument or skills, and enjoy an opportunity to jam together on a song or two! 


Registration encouraged, but not required. The clinic series will meet at 11:00 am on the first Saturday in January, February, April and May 2024. Potential future dates will be announced in late spring. 

Baking Book Club at Lunenburg Adult Activity Center!

Monday, May 6th

5:30 - 6:30 PM


Join us at the Lunenburg Adult Activity Center at Eagle House (25 Memorial Drive, Lunenburg, MA 01462) for a collaborative monthly program: Baking Book Club!


At our May meeting, bring a pie you baked using a recipe from your cookbook. We'll share samples and discuss what we liked and didn't like about our cookbooks, what we learned about baking pies, and everyone will choose a new cookbook to bake from during the month of May. 

Future themes will include breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, and more. We will explore different international foods, food sensitivity friendly baking, and historical/literary themes too!


********(To comply with safe food sharing policies, please do not bring samples from recipes that must be reheated or use meat products - including any crockpot items)*********


Registration is not required. Cookbooks can also be picked up at the Library if you cannot make an in-person meeting.  

"100 Books Bucket List" Club

Tuesday, May 7th

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM


Join us for a monthly morning book club at the Library!


In May we're reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

 Our inspiration for this book club is a "100 Books Bucket List" scratch-off poster. We'll use the poster to choose our next title every month by drawing a number and scratching off that space to reveal our read. Titles range from epic classics, to short stories, and modern masterpieces both fiction and nonfiction. Challenge yourself with some books you may have never thought to read before, or revisit an old favorite to discuss with our group. 

No Registration Required.

Armchair Travel Book Club!

Wednesday, May 8th

6:30 - 7:30PM


For our final meeting, we are reading Lands of Lost Borders by Katie Harris. Copies will be available at the circulation desk. 

Adult Manga Book Club

Thursday, May 9th

6:30 - 7:30PM



Dive into amazing manga with fellow fans! Our adult manga book club is the place to discuss your favorite stories, make new friends, and explore the world of manga and graphic novels.

There is no manga for our first meeting. We will be discussing our group expectations and what type of manga we will be reading. 

No registration needed, all are welcome.  

The always popular puzzle swap is coming back this spring!

Starting on Monday April 29th, you can exchange your completed jigsaw puzzles for swap vouchers. Bring your puzzle donations to the front desk and ask for swap voucher tickets in return. Don't lose those tickets because they can be exchanged for new-to-you puzzles on the day of the swap! Stop by anytime during the Library open hours on Saturday May 11th to shop the selection of donated puzzles. Our past swaps have had over 300 puzzles to pick from!

Seen by the Sea: An Appreciation of the New England Coast by Alison O'Leary

Wednesday, May 15th

6:00 - 7:00PM



Travel from Providence, Rhode Island to Bar Harbor, Maine to enjoy the sights and histories of New England's many scenic ports in this photo presentation by author Alison O'Leary. 

This was the route of the author's 700-mile summer sailing adventure on her 25-foot sailboat, Esmeralda. In this program she provides insight into industries, immigrants, and traditions that shaped our coastal towns while narrating humorous and interesting points, such as:

  • The uncrowded and spectacularly beautiful portion of Acadia National Park on Isle Au Haut, accessible by mailboat
  • Visiting Isles of Shoals to see the graves of shipwrecked Spanish sailors
  • Getting caught in a mock firefight between Navy seals and invaders off Portsmouth NH
  • Zipping through the Cape Cod Canal at peak current
  • The visit from a SHARK that cost $500!

Author Alison O'Leary is a longtime journalist who has worked for newspapers from Austin, Texas to Reno, Nevada; Bath, Maine and suburban Boston.Visit her website to learn more: www.alisonoleary.com/general-7

Registration is encouraged to help with room setup, but is not required.

The Angst Appreciation Society

(AYA Book Club for Adults)

Tuesday, May 21st

6:30 - 7:30PM


Admit it, you secretly still love a good YA tearjerker (or action-packed thriller)! We're a book club for adults who refuse to grow up (at least when it comes to reading).

Join us every 3rd Tuesday, at 6:30pm for lively discussions about young adult fiction with Teen Librarian Kaitee! No registration required, for patrons 18+. 

There is no book for our first meeting. We will be discussing what types of YA we will be reading and setting group expectations. 

Monthly Music Series Presents:

Jazz Guitarist Abe Ovadia

Friday, May 24th

6:00 - 7:00 PM


Join renowned jazz guitarist Abe Ovadia on a musical journey through the American Songbook like you've never experienced before. With his modern take on jazz standards, Abe will captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds, bringing new life to classic tunes that have stood the test of time.

In this exciting program, Abe not only performs jazz standards but also delves into the process of improvisation, sharing insights on the creative and spontaneous nature of jazz music. He'll also explore the rich history of jazz and its evolution over time, shedding light on the genre's cultural significance and impact. Visit his website to learn more: https://www.abeovadia.com/


Registration is encouraged to help with room setup, but is not required.

This concert is sponsored in part by funding for The Lunenburg Public Library Monthly Music Series, supported by North End Subaru.

Mortgage Basics with Leominster Credit Union

Wednesday, May 29th

7:00 - 8:30PM



Mortgage specialists from Leominster Credit Union will give an informational session on homebuying basics. General topics related to the financial aspects of homeownership will be covered in this presentation. 

Stitchcraft
Tuesdays 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Join us on Tuesday afternoons to socialize while we work on knit or crochet projects. This group is open to any skill level. No registration is required. This group is drop in so come by any time.
NOTES FROM THE CHILDREN'S ROOM

For all of MAY programs - check out the Children's CALENDAR!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR MANY OF OUR PROGRAMS SO THAT WE CAN BE ADEQUATELY PREPARED FOR ALL OUR ATTENDEES!  IF REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY, PLEASE ACCESS OUR EVENTS CALENDAR, TO SIGN UP. 

Little Listeners Storytime

Ages 0-4

Mondays 11:00 AM

Children ages 0-4 can meet with Miss Debbie outside on the library patio to read some fun stories, learn some new songs and rhymes, dance a little, make a craft and share a few laughs!

Pre-K Storytime

Ages 4-5

Wednesdays 10:00 AM

Join us for this lively story time that incorporates lots of sensory experiences for 4- and 5-year-olds.

Book In A Bag

For 1ST And 2ND GRADERS


Kits contain a library book to read and return, a simple book review form to fill out, activity sheets with games and coloring pages, a snack, and a surprise item!

Popcorn and a Book

FOR 3RD AND 4TH GRADERS


Kits contain a book, fun game and coloring sheets, a surprise treat and, of course, popcorn!

LPL KIDS BOOK CLUB FOR 3RD- 5TH GRADERS

Wednesday, May 8th

4:00-5:00 PM


Kids in grades 3-5 meet once a month to discuss some thoughtfully chosen books from a wide variety of genres. We discuss our current read, have a snack, play some games and just chat about what's happening! Registration is on-going so sign up today! Click here for a list of dates and this year's titles.

Food Explorers Cooking Program: Three Cheese Pizza Bites & Fruit Cobbler

Tuesday, May 7th

4:00 - 5:30 PM

Ages 9-12


Join Food Explorers for a delicious cooking program! You’ll be making Three Cheese Pizza Bites and Fruit Cobblers. You’ll be following the three step process for breaking your mozzarella, making cake from scratch, creating your own trifles and more! Recipes are nut free but do contain eggs, dairy and gluten. Registration required!

 Mother's Day Planting with Robin

Thursday, May 9th

4:00-5:00 PM


Looking for a great gift for Mom for her special day coming up? Stop by the library this afternoon after 4:00 to decorate a pot and then choose one of our plants to repot. We had a very successful seed planting program last month so we have many plants for you to choose from! REGISTRATION REQUIRED 

Children's Music and Movement Series with Monument Square Music School

Monday, May 13th

11:00-11:45 AM


Join us in the Community Room for a monthly music and movement series for children. These group classes are for children ages 1-5 This class will be held once per month from February through May .

In this interactive “Kiddie Music Time” children’s music class toddlers and young children can get their first taste of music through songs, games, and dance. This fun-filled 45-minute sessions is the perfect way for parents and children to bond over a mutual love of music. No Registration Required.

Escape Room

Friday, May 17th

3:30-4:30 PM

Ages 8-11


Escape from the Rogue Planet! with Wicked Fun Games. You and your group have crash landed on a Rogue Planet. Repair the ship, plot a return course, & survive the journey home!

Please register for this event. Check out the tween and teen section for timeslots for this age group.


Ecotarium Presents: Two STEM Programs:




Mission: Earth and Space Tuesday, May 14th 6:00-7:00 PM Ages 6+

Think you need a billion-dollar telescope to be an astronomer? Think again! Uncover the mysteries of the grandest science of them all through hands-on experiments and demonstrations. Build a star, design a satellite, or maybe even create a cosmic catastrophe! Then head outside and peer through a traveling telescope (weather permitting). Registration Required!


Turtle Travels Saturday, May 18th 11:00 AM -12:00 PM Grades 3+/Ages 8+

How do turtles survive in different habitats? How might their behavior change when humans move in? Meet a live turtle, handle real turtle biofacts, and gather information about turtle adaptations and life cycles in this interactive program! Kids will also take on a real-world conservation issue as they work with classmates to develop a parcel of land while still keeping the needs of local turtles in mind. Registration Required!

May Drop-in Craft:

Jellyfish with Miss Joslyn

Monday, May 20th

4:00-5:00 PM 

All Ages



Join Miss Joslyn in the Story Craft Room anytime between 4 and 5 to prepare for the summer by making a hanging jellyfish! Registration is encouraged to make sure we have enough supplies for all our jellyfish!

 Cruise Night

Wednesday, May 22nd

4:00-8:00 pm 

Join the Lunenburg Library, the Lunenburg PTO, Boys and Girls Club, Friendly Seniors and the Lions Club for a fun filled evening of classic cars, food, games and activities for all ages! This event will take place on Memorial Drive from the Boys and Girls Club to the T C Passios Building.  

Legos At the Library

Tuesday, May 28th

6:00 PM 

All Ages


Calling all Lego builders- join us in the Story Craft Room at the Library to spend an hour building with our Legos! We will have a Lego challenge for you to do with a variety of random Legos- or you can just build! At the end of the hour, your creation will be put on display here in the library for everyone to see and admire! Registration needed.

Check the Teen info page to see some great “tween” programs that are happening in May for kids ages 10+

TWEEN & TEEN PROGRAMS

Tweens & Teens Craft:

Succulent Nightlights

for Grades 4-8

Thursday, May 2nd

4:00-5:00 PM


Tweens and teens can join Mandy Roberge (from Wicked Good Henna) and get crafty making their own succulent nightlight! Participants will be painting plaster succulents and placing them in a mason jar ring, then adding some sparkly lights! Registration required.

Video Game Night

Friday, May 3rd

6:00-9:00 PM


Come to the Library after hours to play video games! One Up Games will provide a variety of consoles and games - including VR headsets! Open to tweens & teens in grades 5-12 (ages 11-18).


Registration in advance is appreciated. Participants can also register at the door, so if you didn't sign up but still want to drop in, that's ok too!

A New Chapter Book Club

for Grades 5-7

Wednesday, May 8th

4:00-5:00 PM


A New Chapter Book Club is perfect for readers who are ready to move up from our LPL Book Club for 3rd - 5th Graders (or maybe who are just starting to look for books in the Teen Room) to check out as well. At this meeting we'll be discussing The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln.


This club is open to tweens & teens in grades 5-8. Please sign up ahead of time so that we can make sure to have enough snacks for everyone! You are more than welcome to come to book club even if you did not sign up in advance as long as we still have space available. Sign up here for May's meeting.



Teen Craft Club: Crochet

Thursday, May 16th

Thursday, May 30th

4:00-5:00 PM


Join us for the Teen Craft Club! (ages 12 - 18)

We meet in the Library's conference room every other week on Thursdays from 4:00-5:00pm for a fun time learning and exploring different crafts. All skill levels welcome! Our first few meetings will be focused on crochet.

Escape Room

Friday, May 17th


Escape from the Rogue Planet! with Wicked Fun Games. You and your group have crash landed on a Rogue Planet. Repair the ship, plot a return course, & survive the journey home!

Please register for this event for your specific age group.


3:30 — 4:30 PM Ages 8-11


5:00 — 6:00 PM Ages 10-13


6:30 — 7:30 PM Ages 13-18

Tween/Teen Intro to DnD:

Character Creation

Wednesday, May 22nd

4:00 — 5:30 PM


This series dives deep into the world of Dungeons & Dragons, guiding you through the creation and mastery of every aspect of the game! Each class will be a one-stop shop for aspiring adventurers, covering:



Character Creation: We'll explore the unique strengths, abilities, and specialties of each class, helping you craft a powerful and personalized hero.


World-Building: Unleash your imagination! Learn how to create your own fantasy world, creating a truly immersive experience.


Campaign Crafting: For Dungeon Masters, this program will provide guidance on building engaging campaigns that cater to each player's strengths and weaknesses.


Basic Gameplay: Whether you're a seasoned player or a nervous newbie, we'll break down the fundamentals of combat, spellcasting, and roleplaying for each class.


Get ready to conquer dungeons, vanquish foes, and forge your own legend – one class at a time! Register here.

Library Hours

Monday - Thursday 10:00 - 8:00

Friday 2:00 - 6:00

Saturday 10:00 - 2:00

For more information about hours and holiday closings, visit our website!

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Lunenburg Public Library | 978-582-4140 | 1023 Massachusetts Ave. | www.lunenburglibrary.org
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