Trustees Narrowing List of Candidates for Next Library Director, Planning Interviews

Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. When thinking about what would make a great library director for Watertown, being involved in the community is one of the most valuable aspects, says Chair of the Board of Library Trustees, Leanne Hammonds. “We’re looking for someone that is comfortable being sort of the face of the Library in the community trying to get out to different community members that maybe don’t use the library as much … we’d like the library director to be known in the community,” said Hammonds. The Board of Trustees has been working to find a new library director since the spring when they found out their current director, Caitlin Browne, was resigning. The process to hire a new director consists of two members of the Board of Trustees to review resumes, cover letters and interview the candidates.

Watertown Library Wants to Share Your Story in Collective Memory Project

The following information was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

What’s your Watertown? The Watertown Free Public Library is embarking on a mission to collect photos and stories from your lifetime to preserve in our permanent digital collection. The story of Watertown lives in its people, and that means you—your family, your memories, and your experiences. 

Call for Nominations: Do you, or does someone you know, have a strong connection to Watertown? Nominate them for a Collective Memory Project interview! We are looking for people who are involved in our community in all sorts of ways – as residents, volunteers, employees, friends, and neighbors – and have something to say about their life in—and connection to—Watertown. Self-nominations are encouraged! 

See how to nominate someone and more information by clicking here.

Film About Women Who Keep Haitian Markets Running to be Shown at Watertown Library

A film about the women who worked to keep markets in Haiti stocked and operating will be show followed by a Q&A at the Watertown Free Public Library on Saturday, May 27, at 4:30 p.m.

The documentary, Madan Sara, was created by Haitian journalist Etant Dupain to highlight the lives and struggles the Madan Saras face in Haiti. The film’s director and one of the co-producers will be on hand to speak with attendees of the screening. The event announcement said:

The women known as Madan Sara in Haiti work tirelessly to buy, distribute, and sell food and other essentials in markets through the country. The documentary tells the stories of these indefatigable women who work at the margins to make Haiti’s economy run. Join co-executive producer Lulaine Childs and director Etant Dupain following the film!

Watertown Pride Extravaganza Returns to Saltonstall Park in June

The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

“Be yourself, change the world!” That’s the theme of the Watertown Pride Extravaganza, which returns for a second year on Saturday, June 3rd. 

Jointly hosted by the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) and the City of Watertown, this free, all-ages event has grown since its inception in 2022. This year, attendees can look forward to live music, dancing, acrobatics, food trucks, crafts, and fun for all ages, plus, a unique chance to connect and learn from LGBTQIA+ organizations and advocacy groups in Watertown. “All of Watertown is welcome to the Extravaganza, to celebrate the strength that such diversity brings to our community” says WFPL Teen Services Supervisor and Pride team co-leader Carey Conkey-Finn. “Aside from all that, it is the party of the year!”

Want to take part in the day’s festivities? On the morning of June 3, attendees are invited to dress up and rally on the Library’s front lawn, 123 Main Street, beginning at 10:45 a.m. At 11 a.m. sharp, the activist brass band JP Honk will lead the crowd from the Library to the main stage at Saltonstall Park.

May at the Library: Learn to Tell Your Story, Read to a Dog, Cooking Demo

Watertown LibraryThe Watertown Free Public Library. The Watertown Free Public Library has plenty going on in May. Here are some of the upcoming events provided by the Library. Multicultural Fest — Call for Performers and Artists!The Watertown Free Public Library and the New Rep Theatre are teaming up to host a brand-new event this summer — Multicultural Fest at Noche de Dominó! On Thursday evening, 8/3, we’ll meet outside under the lights of Saltonstall Park for dominoes, music, dancing, food, and more!

Watertown Seeking New Library Director After Current One Announced Her Resignation

City of WatertownCaitlin Browne announced she will be resigning as Watertown Library Director. After just over a year working as permanent Director of the Watertown Free Public Library, Caitlin Browne announced her resignation at the Board of Trustees meeting on May 2. Browne was appointed the new Library Director in April 2022, succeeding longtime director Leone Cole. Prior to that, she worked as assistant director at the Library for many years, and served as interim director after Cole retired. At the May 2 Trustees meeting, Browne publicly announced her resignation, which she had already sent to the board.

Watertown Author to Talk About His Book on a Woman Who Helped Win WW2 & Shape America

Watertown author Christopher Gorham will appear at the Watertown Library to discuss his book about a woman who was influential in the New Deal, the Cold War and beyond. Gorham will be at the Library, 123 Main St., on Saturday, April 8, from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. The event is free and open to the public. The Watertown Library provided the following information:

The Confidante: the Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America tells the story of Anna Marie Rosenberg, whose influence on American history, from the New Deal to the Cold War and beyond, has never before been told. Her life ran parallel to the front lines of history — and her story, though forgotten for too long, is extraordinary, inspiring, and uniquely American.