Author Susan Orlean Coming to Town, Other One Book One Watertown Events

The following announcement came from the Watertown Library:

In March and April, Watertown Free Public Library will offer a wide range of special events inspired by The Library Book by Susan Orlean. The Library Book is WFPL’s 2019 pick for One Book, One Watertown, an annual reading event designed to bring the community together. On April 4, 2019, Orlean will visit the library for an author talk and book signing. WFPL staff chose to read and promote The Library Book this year partly as a nod to the library’s 150th anniversary, which falls on March 31. Librarian Kerrianne Mcquown writes: “We chose The Library Book as our community read because it is a beautiful ode that amply illustrates the importance and vitality of libraries in our current age. Author Susan Orlean will visit Watertown to speak about her book “The Library Book.”

The Kelly Girls Will Perform Celtic Music at Library’s Winter Concert Series

The Kelly Girls will perform as part of the Watertown Library’s Winter Concert Series. The Watertown Library provided the following announcement:

The Watertown Free Public Library’s final Winter Concert features the Celtic sounds of The Kelly Girls. The group will perform at the Library on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. The performance is free and open to the public. The Celtic band the Kelly Girls have quickly gained recognition as one of the most entertaining Celtic Bands in New England.

Watertown Library Hosts President James Madison at Next Democracy Talks

Historical interpreter Bil Lewis will portray President James Madison at the Watertown Free Public Library. Former U.S. President James Madison will be the guest at the next Democracy Talks at the Watertown Free Public Library. Historical interpreter Bil Lewis will present, in character, “James Madison and the Coming of Age of the U.S.” on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room.

LETTER: A Tribute to the Watertown Public Library

Watertown Free Public Library. As we near the 150th anniversary of the Watertown Public Library, I wanted to pay tribute to this invaluable institution that has had a profound impact on my life. When we think of libraries, often the first thing we think of is books. While the Watertown Library has a great selection of books and is also connected to the Minuteman Network catalogue, the library is so much more than books. In middle school, high school, and as an undergrad in college, I did not have a computer, so I relied on the library computers and internet to do my school work.

Watertown Library Hosts Showing of Black History Month Film ‘More Than a Month’

The movie More Than A Month will be shown at the Watertown Free Public Library followed by a discussion, as part of the celebration of Black History Month. The screening will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. The organizers of the event provided the following description:

Can Black history be contained in a single month? Should the U.S. eliminate Black History Month?

Event at Library Focuses on African Americans’ Experience in Mass. in the Past and Today

The latest event in the Watertown Free Public Library’s Democracy Talks series will focus on The African American Trail Project. The event will be held Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. The Library provided the following information:

The African American Trail Project is a city-wide organizational network and community-based archive that maps African American and African-descended public history sites across greater Boston. Housed at Tufts University, the project aims to develop African American historical memory and intergenerational connections through research, exhibits, and community engagement.

Free Lecture on the Social Life of Black Bears at the Library

Dr. Ben Kilham will speak about the social life of black bears at the Watertown Library. The following information was provided by the Appalachian Mountain Club:

A free lecture on The Social Life of Black Bears will be presented presented by the Boston Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club at the Watertown Free Public Library on Jan. 5, 2019. Dr. Ben Kilham will present a program on the social life of black bears and what they can teach us about being human. Ben Kilham, Ph.D. is a wildlife biologist based in Lyme, NH.