Election 2019

Watertown Library Seeking Candidates to Fill Vacancy on Board of Trustees

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The historic facade of the Watertown Free Public Library. The Watertown Free Public Library will accept applications from residents interested in serving on the Library Board of Trustees. On Tuesday, the Town Council voted to appoint someone to fill the vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees. The opening occurred when one of the winners of the most recent election, Mara Dolan, resigned before being sworn in because she moved out of town. The Council could have voted to hold a special election to fill the spot, but they decided to seek another option.

Entertainment

Library Hosting Emmy Winning Film, Discussion on Indigenous Child Removal

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Watertown Free Public Library

Winner of a 2019 Emmy Award for Outstanding Research, Dawnland offers the untold story of Indigenous child removal in Maine, capturing moments of truth telling and healing among the Wabanki people. On Wednesday, January 29, The Watertown Free Public Library will offer a screening of this powerful documentary, beginning at 7 p.m. Following the screening, Watertown resident Dr. Mishy Lesser will facilitate a discussion. Dr. Lesser is Learning Director for the Upstander Project and conducted some of the original (award-winning) research for Dawnland locally, at the Watertown Free Public Library. As recently as the 1970s, one in four Native children nationwide were living in non-Native foster care, adoptive homes, or boarding schools. Many of these children experienced emotional and physical harm by adults who mistreated them and tried to erase their cultural identity.

Around Town

Library Announces 2020 One Book, One Watertown Selection

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The Watertown Free Public Library is pleased to announce Lara Prescott’s debut novel, The Secrets They Kept as our selection for One Book, One Watertown 2020. Copies of the book, including large print, playaway, ebooks, and e-audiobooks will be available at the Library in January, across from the Reference Desk. A full schedule of March programs will follow. “A gorgeous and romantic feast of a novel anchored by a cast of indelible secretaries.” – The New York Times

“Enthralling… This is the rare page-turner with prose that’s as wily as its plot.” – Vogue

During the cold war, the CIA pursued an initiative known as “cultural diplomacy.” Operating on the premise that “great art comes from true freedom”, the agency seized on painting, music, and literature as powerful tools for promoting the western world’s values behind the Iron Curtain. In 1955, the CIA recruited secretaries from the typing pool, and charged them with acquiring the manuscript for Boris Pasternak’s controversial Doctor Zhivago, ensuring it was published in the West, and then translated into Russian and leaked back into the Soviet Union.  

The Secrets We Kept is the thrilling tale of secretaries turned spies, of love and duty, and of sacrifice–inspired by the true story of the CIA plot to infiltrate the hearts and minds of Soviet Russia, not with traditional propaganda, but with a timeless love story: Doctor Zhivago.

Around Town

January at Hatch: Binding, Laser Cutters, and Many More Workshops

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See what’s happening in January at the Watertown Library’s makerspace — Hatch. Hatch sent out the following information:

Hatch Makerspace is located at 20 Summer Street in Watertown, MA. An extension of the Watertown Free Public Library, it is a public workshop with space, equipment, and materials available for your use. Hatch hours: Monday-Thursday, 1-9 p.m. | Friday-Sunday 1-4 p.m.

Hatch will close at 5pm on 12/31/2019 for New Year’s Eve

Hatch will be closed on 1/1/2020 for New Year’s Day

Hatch will be closed on 1/20/2020 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Hours are updated regularly online: watertownlib.org/hatch

Workshop spotlight

Art Studio – Stab Binding Learn how to make a stab binding, starting with the basic pattern, then advance to other variations! More about the artist: www.yibinliang.com

Upcoming Workshops & Events

1/5, Laser Cutter 101

1/6, Tools For Makers

1/10, Art Studio: Stab Binding

1/11, Sewing Basics: Soup Bowl Cozy

1/13, Vinyl Cutter 102

1/13, Intro to 3D Printing

1/15, Laser Cutter 101

1/18, Intro to the Sewing Machine

1/20, Intro to 3D Modeling for Kids 1/20, Intro to 3D Modeling for Adults

1/25, Inkscape 101

1/27, Arduino 102

1/30, Intro to Soldering

Visit wfpl.eventbrite.com to register >>

Drop-Ins

Drop-ins are weekly themed sessions that are designed to give you insight into the subject matter.

Around Town

Hatch Has Holiday Craft Workshops, a Creature Creation Lab, and Drop In Classes

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See what’s happening at the Watertown Free Public Library’s Hatch Makerspace in December. Hatch provided the following information:

Holiday Craft Drop-InsNeed some last-minute holiday gifts or stocking stuffers? We’ll have three Saturday sessions in December to make gift tags, votives and more! Come anytime during 1-3PM on 12/8, 12/15, or 12/22

Workshop spotlight: Art Studio – Creature LabBring your imaginary creature to life! Whether it’s a cute critter or a terrifying monster, all are welcome. More about the artist: www.smrth.net

Drop-Ins

Drop-ins are weekly themed sessions that are designed to give you insight into the subject matter.

Entertainment

Watertown Library Hosting Four Free Winter Concerts

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The historic facade of the Watertown Free Public Library. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

The Watertown Free Public Library’s Winter Concert Series kicks off on Sunday, Dec. 8. This year, the library has booked an eclectic lineup featuring a string trio, a banjo virtuoso, a singer/songwriter, and a local swing and blues band. Concerts are free and open to all.

Around Town

Watertown Library Seeks Volunteers to Help Create Strategic Plan

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Watertown Free Public Library

The Watertown Free Public Library announced that it seeks Strategic Planning Volunteers to be part of the creation of the latest strategic plan. Libraries across Massachusetts are required to have a 3-5 year strategic plan on file with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to be eligible for construction or Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants. An integral part of this process is to get input from the community. To do this, the Watertown Free Public Library has four opportunities for you to participate. First, and easiest, is by filling out a quick, four minute survey, available online at watertownlib.org/survey.