The Watertown Free Public Library previewed the events coming up in February:
Here’s one of the more delightfully quirky programs we’ve ever hosted: On Tuesday evening, 2/8, join WFPL for Watertown Where?! — the first-ever Watertown, USA summit. We’ll meet up virtually to swap local history stories and share what makes our Watertown unique. Watertowns represented include MA, NY, SD, CT, MN, and TN.
Also coming up: Jerald Walker will join us virtually to discuss his award-winning essay collection, How to Make a Slave, and the acclaimed Illstyle & Peace ensemble will present The History of Hip Hop at the Library for children grades K and up!
Library News
We’re wishing happiness, good health, and relaxation to Library Director Leone Cole as she retires from WFPL after 27 years. The Library as you know it today wouldn’t be possible without Leone’s steadfast commitment to providing exceptional library service. As she embarks on her next adventure, Library Staff and Trustees want to thank her for sharing her talent, vision, and time with us.
Thank you, Leone!
FOR CHILDREN
Family Story Time on Facebook Live
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2/1 – 2/10 | 11 AM | via Facebook Live | A librarian will lead songs and share stories at facebook.com/watertownfpl. All ages.
Patio Story Time
Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 2/15 – 2/23 | 11 AM | Library Patio | Outdoor story time is back beginning Tuesday, 2/15! Story Time will be canceled when the temperature is below 35 or when there is precipitation. All ages.
Music with Matt Heaton
Saturday, 2/19 | 10 AM | at WFPL | Kid-friendly, original folk with a few re-worked hits. Registration required. Best for children ages 5 and under.
History of Hip Hop
Wednesday, 2/23 | 4 PM | at WFPL | The acclaimed Illstyle & Peace ensemble will showcase a funky blend of locking, breaking, popping, tap, and house dancing, vocal percussions, DJ-ing, and modern and traditional dance forms. Registration required. Grades K and up.
FOR TEENS
Magic the Gathering
Monday, 2/28 | 6 PM | Bring your MtG decks and battle to win booster pack prizes. Arrive early if you’d like to trade cards!
Watertown Collective Memory Project
Help us tell the story of Watertown! Starting this February, we invite all Watertown community members to contribute up to three photographs to the Watertown Collective Memory Project. There are two ways to contribute:
Drop-In Digitization Days (for physical photos)
Wednesday, 2/23 | 5 – 7:30 PM | WFPL Local History Room
Sunday, 2/27 | 2 – 4:30 PM | WFPL Local History Room
Upload Online (for digital photos)
Digital snapshots, Instagram pics, and flip phone photos can all help tell the story of your experience in Watertown. Preserve your favorites for the future!
Collective Memory Project Webpage
FOR ADULTS
Linotype Printing with Interrobang Letterpress
Thursday, 2/3 | 7:30 PM | via Zoom | An illustrated talk with Interrobang Letterpress proprietor Michael Babcock. With a live demonstration of the last Mergenthaler Linotype hot-metal linecaster in the Boston Cambridge Area!
Watertown, Where?!
Tuesday, 2/8 | 7 PM | via Zoom | WFPL is hosting a Watertown, USA summit! Join our call with six other Watertowns across the country. Registration required.
Wait Wait, What?! Tools for Info Literacy, NPR Style
Wednesday, 2/16 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Come explore ways to critically analyze your news and media outlets. We will cover what to look for in reliable sources, how to evaluate bias, and more. For the last half of the call, we will play “Bluff the Listener!” Registration required.
Coffeehouse Concert: Jeff Snow
Sunday, 2/27 | 2 PM | Come listen to stories and the softer side of Irish, Scottish, and English Celtic music with Jeff Snow. Registration required.
Author Talk: How to Make a Slave with Jerald Walker
Monday, 2/28 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Jerald Walker is a National Book Award finalist and a 2020 Massachusetts Book Award winner. Presented with the Ashland, Newton, and Tewksbury Public Libraries. Registration required.
Conceptos Básicos de Informática: Hardware (en Español)
Lunes, 2/28 | 5:30 PM | Si quieres aprender a usar una computadora por primera vez, únete a nosotros para conocer los conceptos básicos de hardware, software e Internet de una manera sencilla y fácil de entender. Estas clases son para hispanohablantes. Se requiere registro. Llame al 617-972-6436.
Book Groups at WFPL
Monthly meeting times vary | via Zoom | Join the Senior Center, the Mystery Lovers, or the Wednesday Book Group once a month!
Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint
Thursday, 2/17 | 6:30 PM | Registration required.
Drop-In Tech Help
Weds | 2/16, 7–9 PM | 2/23, 11 AM–12 PM | Bring your device and questions!
AT HATCH
DIY Fabric Forms
Monday, 2/7 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Raid your closet! Local artists will share ways to use fabric for your upcoming YardArt display. Registration required. All ages.
Bluebird of Happiness with Cheryl
Monday, 2/14 | 5 PM | via Zoom | This denim bird may be stitched by machine or by hand. Free kits available to registrants. Registration required. Ages 12+.
Ask a Maker: RPG Game Design with Ben
Monday, 2/14 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Join us for an interactive conversation with cartoonist and game designer Ben Doane! Registration required. Ages 12+.
YardArt Fabric Printing at the Mosesian Center
Tuesday, 2/15 | 6 PM | Mosesian Center | This in-person printmaking workshop will teach you colorful techniques to use in your YardArt display. Open to anyone who lives or works in Watertown. Registration required. All ages.
Build a PC with Marcus
Monday, 2/28 | 7 PM | via Zoom | Build a PC computer from scratch, virtually! We will use an online PC building simulator. Registration required. Ages 12+.
Community Events at the Library
- 2/5 & 2/12| Kingian Nonviolence Community Course
- 2/6 | Off-Kendrik
- 2/10 | The Story of My Experiments with Freedom
- 2/16 | Boston Kimono Academy
- 2/26 | Deaf Blind Contact Center
- 2/26 | Estelle Disch Artist Reception