Bacon Free Library Weekly Newsletter - May 1, 2023

Schools and Libraries

May 3, 2023

Monday, May 1 at 10:00 am

Muri and her human Cheryl will be visiting the BFL for a fun and furry storytime! Join us for dog-approved stories and a chance to pet this calm, sweet, and soft therapy dog. If it is 55 degrees or warmer, this program will be held outside on the library lawn, so bring a blanket or chair. Look for us around back! If it is rainy or less than 55 degrees, the storytime will be moved indoors.

Colorful Storytime

Tuesdays at 10:00 am

It’s fun to learn about the beautiful colors in the world! Join us for stories, rhymes, and songs highlighting a different color each week. Kiddos (and their grownups!) are encouraged to bring or wear something that goes with the color of the week. If it is 55 degrees or warmer, this program will be held outside on the library lawn, so bring a blanket or chair. If it is rainy or less than 55 degrees, the story time will be moved indoors. This week's color is black.

Virtually Explore the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Wednesday, May 3 at 12:00 pm on Zoom

In collaboration with the Tewksbury Public Library, join us for this virtual lecture! In the 1600’s, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened — the birth of the American Iron and Steel Industry! Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. Saugus Iron Works is a twelve-acre National Historic Site that includes working waterwheels, forges, mills, a historic 17th century home, and a lush river basin. Learn about this National Historic Site with Supervisory Park Ranger Andrew Donovan. Please register here to receive the Zoom link. This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program.

Mystery Book Club

Thursday, May 4 at 1:00 pm on Zoom

Join us for a virtual Zoom discussion of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson. Copies available at the library, or borrow digitally. Please email [email protected] to register and receive the Zoom link.

Baby Time

Fridays at 10:00 am

Join us for a cozy storytime filled with lap bounces, rhymes, songs, and simple stories. Geared toward infants and young toddlers with their grownups.

Seed Library Open for 2023 Growing Season

Come browse through our seeds and take whatever interests you! You may take an entire packet or just a few seeds. Now is the time to start "thinking spring" and sowing your seeds for this year's growing season.

Jammin With You

Wednesday, May 10 at 10:30 am

Be prepared to laugh, dance, sing, and jam your way through 30 minutes of non-stop family fun! This performance is geared toward kids ages 1–7, but fun for the whole family. If the weather is 55 degrees or warmer, the program will be held outdoors behind the library, so bring a blanket or towel for sitting on the grass. If it’s rainy or under 55 degrees, we’ll meet indoors and space will be available on a first come, first served basis. Sponsored by the Friends of the Bacon Free Library.

Read to a Dog

Saturday, May 13, 10:00 to 11:15 am *registration required

Build confidence and practice your reading skills by reading out loud to a registered therapy dog! Children ages 5 and up can sign up for a 15 minute reading session with Sophie, a gentle golden retriever who loves belly rubs, stories, and cuddles. Registration is required. Please register for each child attending. Visit our website to sign up for a time slot.

In the Newsroom with NBC10 Boston/NECN’s Susan Tran

Monday, May 15 at 5:00 pm on Zoom

Meet Susan Tran, on-air reporter for NBC10Boston/NECN! We’ll be discussing how Susan got to where she is, her experiences in TV media, especially as an Asian American woman, and how local news impacts our perceptions of the world around us. Bring your questions - this is sure to be a fascinating and enlightening conversation! Please visit our website to register and receive the Zoom link. In collaboration with the Ashland Public Library.

Art Opening Reception: Shannon Slattery

Tuesday, May 16, 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Join us for a reception to welcome Shannon Slattery and to view her stunning artwork, semi abstract landscape paintings inspired by mid-coast Maine on display from May 4 through June 14 at the BFL. These works are painted in acrylic paint on reclaimed masonite panels. Inspired by the woods and coastline of the mid coast, they exist in the space between drawing and painting, representation and abstraction. Shannon is an artist and a teacher, serves on the Board of the Newton Art Association, and has been teaching Fine Art at Newton North High School for the last 24 years. She is an avid birder, hiker, and enjoyer of the outdoors. To learn more about Shannon and to see her work, visit her website.

Museum Passes

The BFL is happy to offer our patrons free or reduced-price passes for a selection of great local organizations! Visit our website to learn more.

Join One Of Our Book Clubs!

Visit our website or click below to learn more about our book clubs. Copies of book club titles are set aside at Bacon Free Library, and often also available to borrow digitally. Pick up a copy today so you're ready for the next meeting. New members always welcome!

History Book Club
Thursday, May 11 at 11:00 am
Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand

Environmental Book Club
Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00 pm
Fen, Bog & Swamp by Annie Proulx

Nonfiction Book Club
Saturday, May 20 at 10:00 am
Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang

Tuesday Book Club
Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30 pm
Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin

Cinéphile Mondays

Monday, May 29 @ 4:00 pm on Zoom

Cinephiles, join us for our film series! Watch a movie at home and then join Film History & Media studies Professor MV for a virtual discussion on the last Monday of the month. Join us this month for a discussion of Jean Renoir's La Règle du jeu, available on Kanopy. Please visit our website to learn more and email [email protected] to register for the Zoom meeting.

Around the web...

Here are some online materials we've seen recently:

- Have you waited in line at this bakery?

- The enduring power of Judy Blume

- The illustrator behind the Baby-Sitters Club books

- Enjoy some sweet, cold treats this spring and summer

Stay Connected With Us!

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- Librarian On Call