The Library has continued to be a busy place! The following are some highlights!

Staffing
We have a few PT job postings open, including several Custodian positions. Go to the Town of Winchester’s website for any Library job postings! 

Wireless Upgrade
In June, LCN will be recabling the entire building as part of a wireless upgrade. We will advertise as soon as we know when there will be wireless outages, and when parts of the building will be off limits! We are looking forward to providing wireless that keeps up with our patrons!

Reading
I am reading two books right now and have built a substantial list for the summer! Below are a few suggestions for your next book!

Siege at the State House: the 1879 Coup That Nearly Plunged Maine into Civil War by Mac Smith, 2022
I have read and owned many books, articles, and artifacts about Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a hero Union commander of Gettysburg, professor and President (1871-1873) at Bowdoin College, and Governor of Maine (1867-1871). He was an inspiring person who overcame tremendous obstacles outside of Civil War battles (taught himself Greek to be able to get into Bowdoin College and overcame a stutter and taught at Bowdoin and served in politics in Maine in the mid to late 19th century)! During his time as commander of the State militia, there was a conflict that I do not recall reading about, a “siege” as the author of the book above describes it.

The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela Kelley, 2023
I like reading novels set in other parts of the country as well as New England, and novels where books and bookshops and libraries are central to the story are even better! I have not started reading this book, but the cover depicts someone laying on the beach reading a book, and that thought sounds wonderful right now! 

Happy Place by Emily Henry, 2023.
I have read Emily Henry’s other books, including Beach Read (2020), The People We Meet on Vacation (2021), and Book Lovers (2022).  Of course I added Happy Place to my summer list! If you’re looking for a new author, like romance novels that you don’t have to think about as you read, but love stories whose characters and the storyline are memorable and keep you wanting to read ‘one more chapter’, Emily Henry may be the author for you! 

All Roads Lead to Gettysburg by Troy Harman, 2022.
2023 is the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg! I was able to visit the battlefield in April this year. The American Civil War is one of the most written about topics. Even if your ancestors immigrated after the mid 19th century, as most of mine did, visiting the battlefield is worth the trip. Of course, reading a few books before you go is something this librarian will always encourage! Troy Harman is a longtime National Park Service Ranger and guide on the battlefield, making this book essential to all who want to know more about the battle. The perspective the narrative takes is different than many past works, and looks at the battle with the focus on transportation and logistics (as the mid 19th century armies would have). 

Click here to search the Minuteman catalog and reserve the titles you want to read! 

If one of these titles is not listed in the Minuteman Catalog or available through Libby or Hoopla Digital, you can request an interlibrary loan through the Commonwealth Catalog. Ask an Info Services Librarian if you need assistance!

Holiday Hours

The library will be closed on Monday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

Free Online Homework Help & Tutoring

Brainfuse HelpNow is a unique tutoring, homework help, and studying suite designed to assist students of all ages. Get help with writing assignments, take practice tests, prep for the GED, SAT, or the U.S. citizenship test, and much more. Live tutors are available every day from 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM EDT.

- Appointments for Study Room use

- LitLoot for Teens (Grades 6-12)

- Museum Passes for Winchester residents

- Subscribe to one of our Newsletters

Yarnies
2nd Tuesday of the Month at 10:00 AM
3rd Thursday of the Month at 12:00 PM

Do you knit or crochet? Do you want to work on a project and talk with other crafters? Then this group is for you! Bring along your current project, or join us to gather ideas from your fellow crafters. No registration required.

Board Game Afternoon
Friday afternoons at 3:30 PM

Teens, drop in to the Large Meeting Room on Friday afternoons to play board games and hang out with your friends! We'll provide a variety of games and snacks for this unstructured game time. No Registration Required

Goats & Giggles
Saturday, June 3 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Join us on Town Day!! Families with children ages 2-11 sign up for Goats & Giggles, an opportunity to cuddle and play with baby Fainting and Nigerian Dwarf goats! Registration is required. Visit our Event Calendar to register for a session.

A child may only sign-up for one session. Each session will allow 25 children in with the goats for 15 minutes. Please be sure to fill out the entire form when you register or we may not be able to guarantee a spot for your child. Following registration you will be contacted by a member of the Winchester Children's Services staff to confirm your time slot.

In Transition Conversation Series
Monday, June 5 10:00 AM

Join us for our monthly drop-in conversations about how to successfully navigate disruptions in our lives. Research and proven techniques from the field of transition serve as our guide and inspiration! Hosted by author and creator of the podcast, Destination Unknown, Linda Rossetti. This meeting will be in person with a Zoom option for those who cannot attend physically.

Click here for Zoom meeting link.

Music Pups
Saturday, June 10 11:00 AM

Children ages infant through four years old join Jennifer from Powers Music School for Music Pups!  Music Pups is a playful, creative music & movement program guaranteed to spark a love and enjoyment of music in your child - and you! Your child will enjoy singing, dancing, wiggling, observing and exploring instruments and musical props. As a parent, you'll gain musicality and learn new songs in a relaxed and pressure-free atmosphere full of fun and silliness. Register online.

Children's Summer Reading Program Kickoff!!
Wednesday, June 14 All Day

Kids ages 4-12 come in, stop by our Show Your Selfie station, and and sign up for our Find Your Voice Summer Reading Program! Summer Reading runs from June 14 - August 17! Sign up in the Children's Room starting today! Questions? Email [email protected], call (781) 721-7171 x326, or visit the Children's Room for more information. No Registration Required.

Craftyspace
Tuesday, June 20 2:30 PM

Kids ages 4-12 join us for an artsy afternoon! We'll supply the materials, you supply the creativity! No registration required.

Kids Graphic Novel Book Club
Tuesday, June 13 5:00 PM

If you enjoy reading graphic novels, and you are in grades 3-5, this is the perfect book club for you! We will meet and discuss a different graphic novel once a month. Register online. This month we'll be reading Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

Second Tuesday Women's Reading Group
Tuesday, June 13 7:30 PM

This month's book is The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. For questions and the Zoom link for remote attendance, please contact Sarah Levinson at [email protected]. No Registration Required.

WPL Book Group
Tuesday, June 20 7:00 PM

This month's book is When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. For questions, contact Colleen at [email protected]. No Registration Required.

Hot Reads
Thursday, June 22 7:30 PM

Calling all young professionals, recent college grads, and stay at home parents (just to name a few!) for a group dedicated to reading and discussing buzz worthy and scintillating books! This month's book is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

Itsy Bitsy Readers
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM

Parents and caregivers of infants, join us in the Storytime Room for songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and stories perfectly geared toward our littlest readers and their grown-ups. You’ll learn ways to develop your child’s early literacy skills, and we'll leave a little time at the end of each session for participants to chat with each other.

Pattycake Place
Thursdays at 11:00 AM

Join us for songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and stories geared toward little readers. We will continue to develop your child’s early literacy skills, and you’ll get to meet other parents and caregivers. For children ages 2 and under. Meet in the Large Meeting Room. 

Click Here to view the Winchester Public Library Lines For June 1, 2023