The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:
On Thursday, March 18, the New Repertory Theatre, the Pigsgusset Initiative, and the Watertown Free Public Library invite you to a dynamic community conversation with culture keepers about local Indigenous history.
In May, the New Rep will premiere their second Moving Play, written by Mwalim Morgan J. Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag), and directed by Jaime Carrillo (Aymara). This event is a unique opportunity to hear from the playwright and director as they discuss challenging narratives that attempt to erase them. We hope you will join us, virtually, for an inspired, interactive, dialog moderated by Dr. Mishy Lesser of The Upstander Project.
Also this month, celebrate your humanity with One Book, One Watertown virtual programs, get pandemic advice from doctors during our COVID-19 Town Hall, learn about mental health support in Watertown, or take and make with Hatch.
Keep scrolling for a full list of virtual programs…
Library eNewsletter
March, 2021
“Moving Play” Playwright Mwalim Morgan J. Peters and Director Jaime Carrillo
On Thursday, March 18, the New Repertory Theatre, the Pigsgusset Initiative, and the Watertown Free Public Library invite you to a dynamic community conversation with culture keepers about local Indigenous history. In May, the New Rep will premiere their second Moving Play, written by Mwalim Morgan J. Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag), and directed by Jaime Carrillo (Aymara). This event is a unique opportunity to hear from the playwright and director as they discuss challenging narratives that attempt to erase them. We hope you will join us, virtually, for an inspired, interactive, dialog moderated by Dr. Mishy Lesser of The Upstander Project.
Zine Month: What’s Next?
Did you enjoy Zine Month as much as we did? If so, sign up for our Zine Interest List to hear about WFPL’s future zine programs and initiatives! If you missed the Zine Roundtable, you can now watch the recording on our website.
WFPL REMINDERS
Call-Ahead Ordering | Want something today? Call us at 617-972-6431. We can offer same-day pickup for materials that are currently available at WFPL.
Curbside Pickup | You can now place holds and schedule a curbside pickup time online. Learn how it works here: watertownlib.org/pickup.
Online Classes Library | We’ve recorded some of our most popular virtual classes and guest programs. Head to: watertownlib.org/onlineclasses
Take the WFPL Accessibility Survey
WFPL is committed to making our building and materials accessible to all. If you use the Watertown Free Public Library or Hatch Makerspace, please take a moment to complete our accessibility survey. Responses will be collected through March 3.
FOR CHILDREN
Story Time (via Facebook Live)
Monday at 12 PM | Tuesday at 10:30 AM | Thursday at 11 AM | For families with children of all ages.
Brainfuse HelpNow
Does your student need a little extra help with homework? WFPL is now offering live tutoring through Brainfuse HelpNow. Tutors are available daily from 2–11 PM.
Scholastic Teachables
Support your student’s learning with printable lesson plans, learning games, and skills sheets for children up through grade 8. Accesss is now free with your library card!
Take and Make
Do you have a creative kid at home? Pick up a take and make bag in the Children’s Room! Through the month, we’ll continue adding more crafts, games, and DIY fun.
Take and Make Bags for Teens
This month, we’re making newspaper baskets, slime, and candy aquariums. Follow the link to reserve your bag of free project materials. Quantities are limited!
New: Teen Planning Group
Beginning Friday, 2/26 | Time TBD | Students in grades 6–12 are invited to help us brainstorm for the Library’s full reopening (date TBD). This fun, casual “focus group” could be a good opportunity for volunteer and community service hours! Teens or parents can email libraryteendepartment@watertown-ma.gov to sign up.
New: Creative Writing Club for Teens
April | Time TBD | Join our fun, flexible, writing group! Writers of all skill levels are welcome. Teens or parents can email libraryteendepartment@watertown-ma.gov or call 617-972-6437 to learn more.
Brainfuse HelpNow
Preparing for SAT, ACT, or AP tests? Need some extra help with your homework? WFPL is now offering free, online tutoring through Brainfuse HelpNow.
We’ve Been There: Conversations About Stress, Fatigue, Depression, Coping, and Everything in Between
Thursday, 2/25 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom | Learn what help is available locally to work through difficult experiences. Click the link to join the meeting
Black Balloon Day 2021
Saturday, 3/6 | Black balloons will be flown throughout Watertown to remember those who have lost their lives to overdoses. Pick up a balloon in the curbside pickup tent behind the Library beginning on 2/25.
Co-sponsored by Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, the Watertown Police Department, Watertown Community Foundation, and WFPL.
Community Yoga
Wednesdays | 9:15 AM | via Zoom | Registration is now required for this program. Follow the link to register.
Don Quixote Read and Watch Along
Tuesdays, 2/2–4/13 | 2 PM | via Zoom | First, we’ll listen to podcasts and videos to put Don Quixote in context, then we’ll read Cervantes’ classic and discuss weekly.
ONE BOOK, ONE WATERTOWN
Community Book Discussion
Wednesday, 3/3 | 7 PM | via Zoom |This month, WFPL’s regular Wednesday Book Group will discuss our community read, The Humans by Matt Haig. Join us!
“Among Us” Community Play
Friday, 3/5 and 3/19 | 7 PM | See if you can find the alien among us in this popular online game of deduction. Register for March 5 or March 19.
The Humans Pet Parade
All Month Long | What does your pet think about humankind? We’ll post your photos and captions on social media this month. Click the link to submit a photo!
Digital Community Board: What Makes You Human?
All Month Long | What gives you hope for humanity? What do you love most about being human? Click the link to submit your thoughts. We’ll share all the submissions on a Google jamboard later this month.
Learn more at watertownlib.org/onebook
Mad About the Movies: Logan Lucky
Monday, 3/8 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Watch the 2017 heist comedy on Kanopy or DVD, then join our discussion group on Zoom.
Take and Make for Adults: Waxed Cord Bracelets
Tuesday, 3/9 | 6 PM | via Zoom |These next-level friendship bracelets make great gifts! Pick up your “take and make” kit at WFPL, then join us on Zoom.
Mystery Lovers Group
Tuesday, 3/9 | 7 PM | via Zoom | We’ll discuss recent books, favorite authors, and anything related to the mystery genre. Make yourself a cup of tea and hop on with us.
Eat Well Watertown: Growing and Cooking With Herbs
Thursday, 3/11 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom | Join us for recipes, tips and tricks, and nutrition information. Sponsored by Live Well Watertown and WFPL.
A Conversation With Culture Keepers About Local Indigenous History
Thursday, 3/18 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom | In May, the New Rep Theater in Watertown will debut premiere their second Moving Play, centering on local Indigenous history. Join us for a dynamic conversation withplaywright Mwalim Morgan J. Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag) and director Jaime Carrillo (Aymara), moderated by Dr. Mishy Lesser. Co-sponsored by the Pigsgussett Initiaitve, WFPL, and the New Rep Theatre.
Superfan Saturday Trivia Night: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Saturday, 3/20 | 7 PM | via Zoom | We will thoroughly test your knowledge of Mr. Miranda’s shows, roles, life and music. Play solo or as a team.
Ask the Docs: A COVID-19 Town Hall
Wednesday, 3/24 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Ask Brown University’s Dr. Philip A Chan and Mass General’s Dr. Robin Schoenthaler your questions about the virus, the vaccine, and public health in general. Questions will be collected in advance.
WE’VE BEEN THERE: WATERTOWN MENTAL HEALTH SERIES
Coping with Grief
Thursday, 3/25 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom | With local therapist Liz Brenner
Question, Persuade, Refer Training: A Suicide Awareness and Prevention Workshop
Wednesday, 4/7 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom | Learn proven prevention measures
Family Strategies: Stress, Isolation, Coping, and More
Thursday, 4/22 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom | With local therapist Liz Brenner
Mental Health First Aid Training: Interfacing with Adults
Saturday, 5/8 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Registration information coming soon.
Mental Health First Aid Training: Interfacing with Youth
Saturday, 5/22 | 9 AM – 3 PM | Registration information coming soon.
Co-sponsored by Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, the Watertown Police Department, Watertown Community Foundation, and WFPL.
EXPLORE THE eLIBRARY
Spotlight on: Creativebug
In between take and make programs, you can stay crafty with Creativebug! View video tutorials for drawing, papercrafts, crochet, knitting and more.
What else is in eLibrary? Your library card gives you access to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and more. Click the button below to see what’s available.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Watertown Mutual Aid Network: In these fast-moving and uncertain times, it’s important that we show up for each other and build strong connections with our neighbors here in Watertown. We all have something to offer and we all have something we need. Please use Watertown’s Mutual Aid Network to get help when you need it, help others when you can, and stay connected with our community.
Immigrants Like Us: Based in Allston, MA, Immigrants Like Us is a non-profit that provides free assistance with naturalization, green cards, and DACA renewal forms.