VIRTUAL: 50 Job Seekers Networking Group -- Career Story & Elevator Pitch

The Library 50 Job Seekers Networking Group meets via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30am to 11:30am. Informal networking takes place from 9am to 9:30am and 11:30am to noon. If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a n......More

The Library 50 Job Seekers Networking Group meets via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30am to 11:30am. Informal networking takes place from 9am to 9:30am and 11:30am to noon. If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your "Encore Career," this networking group program is perfect for you! Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking!Join us in a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help in your career transition. Each meeting features a new topic. Meetings include a presentation and interactive workshop on topics relevant to career transition, guest speakers, access to hiring managers, small group breakout rooms to network, and 1-on-1 coaching guidance. Participating on a regular basis will give job seekers the many tools and strategies needed for a successful job search.Each biweekly meeting is facilitated by Deborah Hope, MBA, PCIC, an experienced executive career coach. Deborah is a former Fortune 500 executive, investment banker and entrepreneur. She transitioned to executive coaching over 12 years ago. Deborah has coached with Harvard Business School Executive Education programs and the Massachusetts Conference for Women. She has been trained or certified in a variety of coaching models and assessment tools. Deborah has facilitated 50 job seekers networking groups since 2016. This week's topic (February 4) is Career Story & Elevator Pitch. Register directly on Zoom HERE. This group is sponsored by approximately 30 Massachusetts public libraries.RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: The Tewksbury Public Library does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing a reasonable modification to participate in our events, services or documentation. Contact Director Diane Giarrusso at 978-640-4490 or [email protected] at least two weeks before an event to arrange for modification, or at any time you need accessible documents.

Online - Partner Organization

Sensory Storytime - Registration Required

Join Ms. Marty in the McCarthy Meeting Room for a Sensory Storytime, designed for neurodivergent children and caregivers. We will read, sing, and do some sensory play activities together. In order to keep the group small, registration is required. Children are welcome t......More

Join Ms. Marty in the McCarthy Meeting Room for a Sensory Storytime, designed for neurodivergent children and caregivers. We will read, sing, and do some sensory play activities together. In order to keep the group small, registration is required. Children are welcome to bring or wear headphones, fidget toys, chews, and other comfort objects with them to storytime.If you have any questions about the storytime and whether it will be a good fit for your family, please email Marty at [email protected]

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Singalong (All Ages)

Join Marty for a morning of movement and song for the whole family! Enjoy favorite tunes and discover new songs you will love in English and a variety of world languages.

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Beginner English

ESL learners can stop by for basic lessons in English with an instructor. The instructor has taught for many years in both local schools and abroad. Please bring a notebook and your questions about English and its challenges. Materials will also be provided for partici......More

ESL learners can stop by for basic lessons in English with an instructor. The instructor has taught for many years in both local schools and abroad. Please bring a notebook and your questions about English and its challenges. Materials will also be provided for participants. This is a weekly meeting, every Wednesday afternoon. Students are not obligated to come for meetings each week and are welcome to drop in on the weeks they are able. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jianna Christopher at [email protected] or 978-256-5521 ext. 1107

Conference Room

Crafty Kids Club: No Sew Sock Snowmen: Grades K-4

Join Miss Stephanie to make crafts at the Chelmsford Public Library in the McCarthy Meeting Room. This craft will take place every month of the following Wednesdays.February 4March 11April 1May 6Questions about this event? Email Stephanie at [email protected]......More

Join Miss Stephanie to make crafts at the Chelmsford Public Library in the McCarthy Meeting Room. This craft will take place every month of the following Wednesdays.February 4March 11April 1May 6Questions about this event? Email Stephanie at [email protected].

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

VIRTUAL: An Evening For People Who Love Animals -- Melanie Kaplan & E.B. Bartels Discuss Their Books

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**Authors Melanie Kaplan (Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research) and E.B. Bartels (G......More

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**Authors Melanie Kaplan (Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research) and E.B. Bartels (Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter) will discuss their new books on important topics of interest to pet owners and animal lovers.In Lab Dog, author Melanie Kaplan investigates the breeding and use of beagles for biomedical research, drug and product testing, and education. She takes readers on a journey, peeking behind laboratory doors and visiting with researchers, activists, ethicists, veterinarians, lawmakers, and innovators. Along the way, she finds thoughtful and caring humans on all sides of the debate, explores promising developments in nonanimal testing, and discovers puzzle pieces from her own beagle's past. Equal parts journalism and love story, Lab Dog offers a nuanced view on our relationship with a species that we both love and exploit, and a reason to hope for a better future for all. Kaplan is a longtime independent journalist whose travel and science writing has appeared in The Atlantic, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and National Parks magazine. In Good Grief, author E.B. Bartels has had a lot of pets—dogs, birds, fish, tortoises. As varied a bunch as they are, they’ve taught her one universal truth: to own a pet is to love a pet, and to own a pet is also—with rare exception—to lose that pet in time. But while we have codified traditions to mark the passing of our fellow humans, most cultures don’t have the same for pets. Bartels takes us from Massachusetts to Japan, from ancient Egypt to the modern era, in search of the good pet death. We meet veterinarians, archaeologists, ministers, and more, offering an idiosyncratic, inspiring array of rituals -- from the traditional (scattering ashes, commissioning a portrait), to the grand (funereal processions, mausoleums), to the unexpected (taxidermy, cloning). The central lesson: there is no best practice when it comes to mourning your pet, except to care for them in death as you did in life, and find the space to participate in their end as fully as you can. Bartels is a nonfiction writer, a teacher, an editor, and a former bookseller with an MFA from Columbia. Her essays and interviews have appeared in Salon, Slate, WBUR, Literary Hub, and Catapult, among others.Register directly on Zoom HERE. RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

Online - Partner Organization

PlaySpace (Ages 2-3)

Join our PlaySpace program for twos and threes to enjoy a story and then bring it to life with activities, crafts, and play! (Drop in, registration is not required.)

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Tween/Teen Crafternoon: Thumb Tack Art: Grades 5-12

Please join us for a tween craft each month on the following days from 1-2. These are Chelmsford Public School half days. Open to grades 5-12. This week we will be making art using thumbtacks. Thursday, February 5thWednesday, March 11thTuesday, April 5thRegistration......More

Please join us for a tween craft each month on the following days from 1-2. These are Chelmsford Public School half days. Open to grades 5-12. This week we will be making art using thumbtacks. Thursday, February 5thWednesday, March 11thTuesday, April 5thRegistration is required and opens two weeks in advance.

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Visit and read with Friday the Dog!

Do you love animals? Would you like to practice reading out loud? Come visit the Library on Chelmsford Public School's half days and read to Friday the Dog - he's a really good listener!Each reader gets 15 minutes to visit and read to Friday. Sign ups are on a first com......More

Do you love animals? Would you like to practice reading out loud? Come visit the Library on Chelmsford Public School's half days and read to Friday the Dog - he's a really good listener!Each reader gets 15 minutes to visit and read to Friday. Sign ups are on a first come, first-serve basis, so be sure to get here early!

Main Library - Children's Room

Homework Cafe Grades 9-12

Come to the library after school on Thursdays from 3 to 5 to hang out and be productive! The homework cafe is a perfect place to work on group projects, study, collaborate, and have fun while doing schoolwork. Enjoy snacks and drinks to fuel your brain and lofi beats to......More

Come to the library after school on Thursdays from 3 to 5 to hang out and be productive! The homework cafe is a perfect place to work on group projects, study, collaborate, and have fun while doing schoolwork. Enjoy snacks and drinks to fuel your brain and lofi beats to study and relax to.

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Teen Volunteer Shelf Reader Training

Are you detail oriented? Do you love books? Are you looking for community service hours? Our volunteer shelf reading program might be just for you! Register here to complete our brief in-person training to be a volunteer shelf reader. Our volunteer shelf readers serve a......More

Are you detail oriented? Do you love books? Are you looking for community service hours? Our volunteer shelf reading program might be just for you! Register here to complete our brief in-person training to be a volunteer shelf reader. Our volunteer shelf readers serve an essential purpose - helping to keep our shelves neat and organized! In this training, library staff will walk teens through the library and show them how to sign in for shelf reading, how our collection is organized, and answer any questions that may come up.Volunteers will need to complete an application and have it signed by a parent or guardian before registering for this training and earning service hours.If you have any questions, please email Marty Mason at [email protected].

Main Library - Children's Room

Chelmsford Friends of the Library

Join the Friends of the Library to become more involved in your community! The Friends meet on the first Thursday of each month. Their support makes possible educational, cultural, art and music programs for adults and children, as well as museum passes, computer workst......More

Join the Friends of the Library to become more involved in your community! The Friends meet on the first Thursday of each month. Their support makes possible educational, cultural, art and music programs for adults and children, as well as museum passes, computer workstations, equipment, and furniture for both the Anna C. MacKay Branch and the Main Library. Learn more about the Friends of the Library and what they do on their website: https://www.chelmsfordlibraryfriends.org/.This meeting will be a hybrid meeting. The options are to join the meeting through using the zoom link or to attend in-person. Please email the Friends of the Library for the zoom information at [email protected]

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

VIRTUAL: Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley

This February, our online author talks are taking a look at history from many angles. We’re starting the month with Vanessa Riley’s newest book, Fire Sword & Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. We’ll meet philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart......More

This February, our online author talks are taking a look at history from many angles. We’re starting the month with Vanessa Riley’s newest book, Fire Sword & Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. We’ll meet philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart and her book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, exploring the legacy of America’s founding Black women. Finally, we’ll close the month with Smithson's Gamble as Tom D. Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, shares how the Smithsonian Institution became the world's largest museum and research complex during its first 60 years and helped to shape the nation's developing identity. Submit questions to the author when you register or during the live event online!https://libraryc.org/chelmsfordlibrary/upcomingAward-Winning Author of Island Queen and Murder in WestminsterJoin us for an unforgettable experience as we chat online with Vanessa Riley about her newest book, Fire Sword and Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye.The Caribbean Sea, 1675. Jacquotte Delahaye is the mixed-race daughter of a wealthy tavern owner on the island of Tortuga. Instead of marriage, Jacquotte dreams of joining the seafarers and smugglers whose tall-masted ships cluster in the turquoise waters around Tortuga. In Haiti she becomes Jacques, a dockworker, earning the respect of those around her while hiding her gender.Jacquotte discovers that secret identities are fairly common in the chaotic world of seafaring, which is full of outsiders and misfits. As Jacques, Jacquotte falls in love with Lizzôa d'Erville, a beautiful courtesan who deals in secrets and sex. While others see their work clothes as a disguise, Lizzôa’s true self is as a woman.For the next twenty years, Jacquotte raids the Caribbean, making enemies and amassing a fortune in stolen gold. When her fellow pirates decide to increase their profits by entering the slave trade, Jacquotte turns away from piracy and the pursuit of riches. Risking her life in one deadly skirmish after another, she instead begins to plot a war of liberation.Don’t miss out on this exciting discussion! Register now to embark on a seafaring journey of self discovery and reclamation of personal power.About the Author: Vanessa Riley is an award-winning author and proud recipient of the 2024 Georgia Mystery/Detective Fiction Author of the Year. She writes Sagas and Book Club Fiction that brings to life the hidden narratives of Black women and women of color in novels like Island Queen and Queen of Exiles. Her stories celebrate strong sisterhoods, diverse communities, and resilience across historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres.Her work has been featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and The New York Times. The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chelmsford Public Library.

Online - Partner Organization

Baby Storytime (0 to walking)

Join Deborah and fellow parents for a wonderful introduction to early literacy. Caregivers share parenting experiences with one another and bond with their babies through lap bounces, nursery rhymes, songs, and board books. Registration is not required--drop in for some......More

Join Deborah and fellow parents for a wonderful introduction to early literacy. Caregivers share parenting experiences with one another and bond with their babies through lap bounces, nursery rhymes, songs, and board books. Registration is not required--drop in for some fun!

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

All Ages Storytime

Join Deborah for a fun morning of stories, songs, and rhymes! Registration is not required--drop in for some fun!

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Novel Conversations Book Group

In February 2026, the group will be meeting to discuss All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker"From the New York Times bestselling author of We Begin at the End comes an epic novel about a man fixated on finding a missing woman and the FBI agent on his tail, who mi......More

In February 2026, the group will be meeting to discuss All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker"From the New York Times bestselling author of We Begin at the End comes an epic novel about a man fixated on finding a missing woman and the FBI agent on his tail, who might be even more obsessed than he is"-- "1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing. When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges--Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake. Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another. A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope."Copies of the book are available at the Main Library's circulation desk.New members are always welcome! This group meets in-person at the Main Library downstairs in the Conference Room.

Conference Room

Construction Zone: come build with us! Drop in for all ages

Come build with our giant collection of Legos, Duplos, and other construction toys! Drop in for all ages. Note: Legos have very small pieces; please use caution if attending with very young children!

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Teen DnD One-Shot Adventure!

Casually interested in D&D? Looking to get a taste of play without committing to a group or campaign? Grab your dice and join us for a fun, action-packed one-shot encounter! No experience is necessary, and character sheets are available at the library. Please create a c......More

Casually interested in D&D? Looking to get a taste of play without committing to a group or campaign? Grab your dice and join us for a fun, action-packed one-shot encounter! No experience is necessary, and character sheets are available at the library. Please create a character ahead of time, and contact us with any questions. This program is for grades 7 - 12.Contact Julia Sullivan (978) 256-5521 ext. 1123, [email protected] with any additional questions

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Toddler Storytime (Ages 1-2)

Join us for shorter books, lots of rhymes, and songs with movement perfect for wiggly toddlers and their caregivers!

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Big Kid Storytime (Ages 3-5)

Drop in for books, songs, and fun for children ages 3-5! We will read three or four books, with songs and activities between each. If you prefer a storytime with fewer books and more movement, try the Toddler Storytime on Mondays at 10am.

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Writer's Group

Stop by the library on the second and fourth Monday of each month for this participant led group. Aspiring and seasoned writers can use this time to work on their writing, discuss their work with other writers or bring copies of your work to get feedback. This is a spac......More

Stop by the library on the second and fourth Monday of each month for this participant led group. Aspiring and seasoned writers can use this time to work on their writing, discuss their work with other writers or bring copies of your work to get feedback. This is a space to use how you need as you start out or continue your writing career and allows participants to network with other local writers.

Conference Room

Virtual - Cooking Demo with Heidi McIndoo: Mini Cheesecakes with Raspberry Sauce

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.** Just in time for V-Day, something for you and your loved ones! Learn how to make Mini Cheesecakes with Yummy Raspberry Sauce wi......More

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.** Just in time for V-Day, something for you and your loved ones! Learn how to make Mini Cheesecakes with Yummy Raspberry Sauce with our favorite chef, Heidi McIndoo! Recipes will be sent out prior to the program so you can cook along if you'd like. Register directly on Zoom HERE. When you register, you'll receive a link to access the recipe in the confirmation and reminder emailsRecording Note: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.Heidi Reichenberger McIndoo, M.S., R.D., L.D.N. is a nutrition consultant, spokesperson, author and freelance writer with 25 years experience as a registered dietitian. She loves helping people realize that eating nutritiously doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor and pleasure. And, that giving up favorite foods is not a must.She currently works with Hannaford Supermarkets and in corporate wellness. She’s the author of When to Eat What and the co-author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to 200-300-400 Calories Meals. In addition, she has written for several magazines including, All You, Today’s Diet & Nutrition, Parents, Family Circle, Self, Prevention, Fitness, Shape and Woman’s Day; and newsletters such as Environmental Nutrition and Women’s Nutrition Connection. As a former national media spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) she’s been quoted as an expert in hundreds of magazines articles and television broadcasts. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Ms. McIndoo lives in the metro Boston area with her husband, and their daughter and son. Please register for this event and you'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, the email will be coming from Zoom.This program is brought to you in collaboration with a multitude of MA & NH libraries, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library.

Little Learners Playgroup; drop in for ages 0-5

Come and join us for Little Learners Play Group! Every week we will explore a new topic. We'll read a story, and then enjoy a related hands-on activity. Everyone from age 0-8 is welcome to attend with their caregiver. We can't wait to see you there!This week's program ......More

Come and join us for Little Learners Play Group! Every week we will explore a new topic. We'll read a story, and then enjoy a related hands-on activity. Everyone from age 0-8 is welcome to attend with their caregiver. We can't wait to see you there!This week's program theme will be Buildings!Presented by Chris Cole, CFCE Coordinator for Community Teamwork Incorporated. The Family Resource Network is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Homeschool Hangout

Drop in at the Main Library to play some board games, hang out, and meet other homeschooling families! Also, get to know our Youth Services librarians and let us know if you need any help with library programs or resources! Homeschool Hangout meets on the 1st and 3rd ......More

Drop in at the Main Library to play some board games, hang out, and meet other homeschooling families! Also, get to know our Youth Services librarians and let us know if you need any help with library programs or resources! Homeschool Hangout meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Open to all ages.

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Intermediate English Conversation Circle

Join our small informal group to practice speaking English. Come for 2 hours or drop in for a little while. We talk about anything and everything. There is no homework, and our conversations range from world issues to personal stories. Come listen, and talk if you want......More

Join our small informal group to practice speaking English. Come for 2 hours or drop in for a little while. We talk about anything and everything. There is no homework, and our conversations range from world issues to personal stories. Come listen, and talk if you want to!

Conference Room

Zoom Book Club for Grades 3-5

Please join us for a Book Club for children in grades 3 - 5. Each week kids will be expected to read several chapters from a chosen book. Each book will be completed over the course of several weeks. Books will be available at the Circulation Desk at the Chelmsford P......More

Please join us for a Book Club for children in grades 3 - 5. Each week kids will be expected to read several chapters from a chosen book. Each book will be completed over the course of several weeks. Books will be available at the Circulation Desk at the Chelmsford Public Library. Each week participants will engage in discussions, games and fun activities related to the book that the group is reading. A good time is had by all! Registration is required. The Zoom link will be emailed in the early afternoon on Tuesday. For more information feel free to reach out to Deborah in the Children's Room at [email protected] will being exploring Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller. For today's meeting, participants are encouraged to read through page 61 before the meeting,

Online - Zoom (Chelmsfordlibraryzoom)

PJ Storytime!

Wear your jammies and bring a stuffie for storytime with Ms. Julia in the Library! We will meet in the window seat area of the Children's Room.

Main Library - Children's Room

Between the Sheets: A Romance Book Group

Did you know that romance novels generate over $1.4 billion in revenue--making romance the highest earning genre of fiction? Romance novels sold more than 39 million print copies in 2023, which represents a 52% increase over the previous year. Sales of romance novels ......More

Did you know that romance novels generate over $1.4 billion in revenue--making romance the highest earning genre of fiction? Romance novels sold more than 39 million print copies in 2023, which represents a 52% increase over the previous year. Sales of romance novels MORE THAN DOUBLED over 2021 sales, and last year was the third consecutive year of increasing romance sales. Meaning: romance readers, we know you're out there, and we've got the book club for you! Join Julie Iatron, romance devotee, for "Between the Sheets: A Romance Book Group." We'll gather on Tuesday, February 10th at 6:30 PM in the conference room to discuss "Tusk Love" by Thea Guanzon. "As the daughter of an ambitious merchant, Guinevere's path has been predetermined: marry into a noble house of the Dwendalian Empire, raise her family's station, and live quietly as a lordling's obedient wife. But Guinevere longs for a life unbounded by expectations, for freedom and passion and adventure. Those distant dreams become a sudden reality when her caravan is beset by bandits, leaving her guards slain and Guinevere stranded alone on the dangerous Amber Road. Her only chance of survival is to travel alongside Oskar, the aloof half-orc who saved her during the attack.Unlike Guinevere, Oskar's path is not so set in stone. With his mother dead and his apprenticeship abandoned, all that's left is a long, lonely walk to a land he's never seen to find family he's never met. The last thing he needs is a spoiled waif like Guinevere slowing him down--even if the spark between them sizzles with promise.Despite his cold exterior, Oskar is brave and thoughtful and unlike anyone Guinevere has ever met. And while Guinevere may be sheltered, she brings out a softness in him that he has never dared to feel before. As the flames of their passion grow, they realize that soon they'll need to choose between their expected destinations or their blossoming romance."Thea Guanzon is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of the "Hurricane Wars" series. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, with a specialization in International Politics and Peace Studies. Aside from being a writer, she is an avid traveler, an enthusiastic fangirl, a Dungeon Master, and an iced coffee junkie. Born and raised in the Philippines, she currently resides in Metro Manila. Join Julie to unpack this saucy monster romantasy and talk characters, happily ever afters (or happily for now), and alllllll the romance tropes! Copies of "Tusk Love" are available at the Borrower Services desk and as an eBook on the Libby app. For more information or questions, email [email protected]. See you on February 10th at 6:30 PM!

Conference Room

VIRTUAL: Classical Masterworks: Bizet's Carmen with Clint Edwards

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**Bizet's Carmen. Exploring the life of composer Georges Bizet and the music he created for his operatic masterpiece "Carmen." REC......More

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**Bizet's Carmen. Exploring the life of composer Georges Bizet and the music he created for his operatic masterpiece "Carmen." RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.Made possible, in part, by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust. Presented in cooperation with a variety of other area libraries.Sign up directly via Zoom HERE!

Online - Partner Organization

Sensory Storytime - Registration Required

Join Ms. Marty in the McCarthy Meeting Room for a Sensory Storytime, designed for neurodivergent children and caregivers. We will read, sing, and do some sensory play activities together. In order to keep the group small, registration is required. Children are welcome t......More

Join Ms. Marty in the McCarthy Meeting Room for a Sensory Storytime, designed for neurodivergent children and caregivers. We will read, sing, and do some sensory play activities together. In order to keep the group small, registration is required. Children are welcome to bring or wear headphones, fidget toys, chews, and other comfort objects with them to storytime.If you have any questions about the storytime and whether it will be a good fit for your family, please email Marty at [email protected]

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Singalong (All Ages)

Join Marty for a morning of movement and song for the whole family! Enjoy favorite tunes and discover new songs you will love in English and a variety of world languages.

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Beginner English

ESL learners can stop by for basic lessons in English with an instructor. The instructor has taught for many years in both local schools and abroad. Please bring a notebook and your questions about English and its challenges. Materials will also be provided for partici......More

ESL learners can stop by for basic lessons in English with an instructor. The instructor has taught for many years in both local schools and abroad. Please bring a notebook and your questions about English and its challenges. Materials will also be provided for participants. This is a weekly meeting, every Wednesday afternoon. Students are not obligated to come for meetings each week and are welcome to drop in on the weeks they are able. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jianna Christopher at [email protected] or 978-256-5521 ext. 1107

Conference Room

VIRTUAL: The Art Spy -- The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**Author Michelle Young will discuss her new book, The Art Spy: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland......More

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**Author Michelle Young will discuss her new book, The Art Spy: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland. A riveting and stylish saga set in Paris during World War II, The Art Spy uncovers the true story of how an unlikely heroine infiltrated the Nazi leadership to save the world's most treasured masterpieces. The book was longlisted for the 2025 American Library of Paris Book Award. Young, an award-winning journalist and author, is a graduate of Harvard College in the History of Art and Architecture and holds a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, where she is a Professor of Architecture. She is also the founder of the publication Untapped New York. Register directly on Zoom HERE. RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

Online - Partner Organization

Board of Library Trustees Meeting

Monthly meeting of the Board of Library Trustees. Meetings are open to the public and agendas can be found on the Town website at: https://tinyurl.com/u7zsmm4z.Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85308745880?pwd=36DWgASe4FIJHpfMAz4N2q9UtFIJDn.1. Please copy and paste i......More

Monthly meeting of the Board of Library Trustees. Meetings are open to the public and agendas can be found on the Town website at: https://tinyurl.com/u7zsmm4z.Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85308745880?pwd=36DWgASe4FIJHpfMAz4N2q9UtFIJDn.1. Please copy and paste into your browser to attend.

Conference Room

PlaySpace (Ages 2-3)

Join our PlaySpace program for twos and threes to enjoy a story and then bring it to life with activities, crafts, and play! (Drop in, registration is not required.)

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

VIRTUAL: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women's Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart, Award-Winning Author and Professor of Philosophy

This February, our online author talks are taking a look at history from many angles. We’re starting the month with Vanessa Riley’s newest book, Fire Sword & Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. We’ll meet philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart......More

This February, our online author talks are taking a look at history from many angles. We’re starting the month with Vanessa Riley’s newest book, Fire Sword & Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. We’ll meet philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart and her book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, exploring the legacy of America’s founding Black women. Finally, we’ll close the month with Smithson's Gamble as Tom D. Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, shares how the Smithsonian Institution became the world's largest museum and research complex during its first 60 years and helped to shape the nation's developing identity. Submit questions to the author when you register or during the live event online!https://libraryc.org/chelmsfordlibrary/upcomingFeminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart’s book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, tells the stories of Negro Mammies of slavery; the Voodoo Queens and Blues Women of Reconstruction; and the Granny Midwives and textile weavers of the Jim Crow era. These women, in secrecy and subterfuge, courageously and devotedly continued their practices and worship for centuries and passed down their traditions. Conjure informs our lives in ways remarkable and ordinary—from traditional medicines that informed the creation of Vicks VapoRub and the rise of Aunt Jemima’s Pancake Mix, to the original magic of Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023), and the true origins of the all-American classic blue jean. From the moment enslaved Africans first arrived on these shores, conjure was heavily regulated and even outlawed. Now, Stewart uncovers new contours of American history, sourcing letters from the enslaved, dispatches from the lore of Oshun and other African mystics. The Conjuring of America is a love letter to the real magic Black women used, their herbs, food, textiles, song, and dance, used to sow rebellion, freedom, and hope. Join us to take part in the magic and celebrate the legacy of America’s founding Black women. Register for free today!About the Author: Lindsey Stewart is a Black feminist philosopher and an Associate Professor of philosophy at the University of Memphis. She is the author of The Politics of Black Joy. Her work has been featured in Blavity, Signs, Hypatia, and the British Journal for the History of Philosophy, and she holds a 2021 Michael Beaney Prize. She lives in Memphis, Tennessee.

Online - Partner Organization

Homework Cafe Grades 9-12

Come to the library after school on Thursdays from 3 to 5 to hang out and be productive! The homework cafe is a perfect place to work on group projects, study, collaborate, and have fun while doing schoolwork. Enjoy snacks and drinks to fuel your brain and lofi beats to......More

Come to the library after school on Thursdays from 3 to 5 to hang out and be productive! The homework cafe is a perfect place to work on group projects, study, collaborate, and have fun while doing schoolwork. Enjoy snacks and drinks to fuel your brain and lofi beats to study and relax to.

Conference Room

Dungeons and Dragons Jr (Grades 3-6)

PLEASE NOTE: This program is only for children in grades 3 - 6.Join in for an hour of adventure! Hone storytelling and collaboration skills through the game Dungeons and Dragons. All skill levels welcome. All characters should be at Level 3.Contact Julia Sullivan at jsu......More

PLEASE NOTE: This program is only for children in grades 3 - 6.Join in for an hour of adventure! Hone storytelling and collaboration skills through the game Dungeons and Dragons. All skill levels welcome. All characters should be at Level 3.Contact Julia Sullivan at [email protected] with any questions.

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

French Conversation Circle

For intermediate speakers looking to dust off their skills, the French Conversation Circle meets in the Conference room every second Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm. Please register if you are attending virtually to receive the zoom link.

Conference Room

VIRTUAL - Declutter series with Jamie Novak: Treasures You Love – an easy step to appraise

Please note this is a VIRTUAL event. Please CLICK HERE to register on zoom and receive the link.Log on for the February Declutter Program when professional organizer Jamie Novak shares how to use your smartphone to identify and appraise items. Optional: have an item or......More

Please note this is a VIRTUAL event. Please CLICK HERE to register on zoom and receive the link.Log on for the February Declutter Program when professional organizer Jamie Novak shares how to use your smartphone to identify and appraise items. Optional: have an item or a photo of one to use during the program.About Jamie:You may have seen her on morning TV, read her newest book Keep This Toss That, listened to her 10 Minute Podcast, or watched her YouTube Show. Jamie spends most days presenting virtual programs on how to de-stress and de-clutter, with a humorous twist. When not on the computer Jamie is clipping out recipes she never prepares. Check out her website for more information: https://jamienovak.com/ Program provided by the Chelmsford Public Library and sponsored by the Friends of the Library. This program is brought to you in collaboration with the Ashland, Groton, and Tewksbury Libraries.

Online - Zoom (AAdams)

Baby Storytime (0 to walking)

Join Deborah and fellow parents for a wonderful introduction to early literacy. Caregivers share parenting experiences with one another and bond with their babies through lap bounces, nursery rhymes, songs, and board books. Registration is not required--drop in for some......More

Join Deborah and fellow parents for a wonderful introduction to early literacy. Caregivers share parenting experiences with one another and bond with their babies through lap bounces, nursery rhymes, songs, and board books. Registration is not required--drop in for some fun!

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Knit-Lit Book Group

In February, the group will meet to discuss The Tiffany Girls by Shelley NobleSummary: "It's 1899, and Manhattan is abuzz. Louis Comfort Tiffany, famous for his stained-glass windows, is planning a unique installation at the Paris World's Fair, the largest in history. A......More

In February, the group will meet to discuss The Tiffany Girls by Shelley NobleSummary: "It's 1899, and Manhattan is abuzz. Louis Comfort Tiffany, famous for his stained-glass windows, is planning a unique installation at the Paris World's Fair, the largest in history. At their fifth-floor studio on Fourth Avenue, the artists of the Women's Division of the Tiffany Glass Company are already working longer shifts to finish the pieces that Tiffany hopes will prove that he is the world's finest artist in glass. Known as the "Tiffany Girls," these women are responsible for much of the design and construction of Tiffany's extraordinary glassworks, but none receive credit. Emilie Pascal, daughter of an art forger, has been shunned in Paris art circles after the unmasking of her abusive father. Wanting nothing more than a chance to start a new life, she forges a letter of recommendation in hopes of fulfilling her destiny as an artist in the one place where she will finally be free to live her own life. Grace Griffith is the best copyist in the studio, spending her days cutting glass into floral borders for Tiffany's religious stained-glass windows. But none of her coworkers know her secret: she is living a double life as a political cartoonist under the pseudonym of G.L. Griffith--hiding her identity as a woman. As manager of the women's division, Clara Driscoll is responsible for keeping everything on schedule and within budget. But in the lead-up to the most important exhibition of her career, not only are her girls becoming increasingly difficult to wrangle, she finds herself obsessed with a new design: a dragonfly lamp that she has no idea will one day become Tiffany's signature piece. Brought together by chance, driven by their desire to be artists in one of the only ways acceptable for women in their time, these "Tiffany Girls" will break the glass ceiling of their era and for working women to come"--Language: EnglishGenre: Novels.Geographic Term: New York (N.Y.) -- Fiction.Subject Term: Stained glass industry -- Fiction. Glass trade -- Fiction. Secrecy -- Fiction. Women artists -- Fiction.Copies of the book will be available at the main library circulation desk.This group meet will now be meeting in person only in the fireplace room. Bring yourself, your discussion points, your crafting project or just to listen! All are welcome. Any questions? Contact Jill Kenny, [email protected]

Main Library - Fireplace Area

Virtual - Presidential Series with Doodler Heather Rogers: John Adams

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.** Welcome to our yearlong series in which “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, Heather Rogers, shares facts, factoids, an......More

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.** Welcome to our yearlong series in which “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, Heather Rogers, shares facts, factoids, and fun illustrations about the presidents of these United States. This month we're all about John Adams: His vice presidency was the only time the president and VP were from different parties. He was the first POTUS to live in the White House; and he never enslaved anyone. Don't you want to know more? In 2026, journey through Heather's sketchbooks as she shares some of her favorite tidbits, doodles, observations, and resurrection stories about the first 12 presidents. Register directly on Zoom HERE. You can sign up for one session or for all! RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.About Heather: Heather Rogers isn’t a historian, an academic, or an impartial storyteller… but she has read more than one book about every U.S. president. Out of spite. She was dubbed “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler” by one of her favorite biographers and she’s been repeating it ever since. When she’s not reading or doodling history books, she’s a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, and content creator.To keep her interest during her accidental spite project, Heather Rogers filled hundreds of sketchbook pages doodling her way through presidential biographies. Doing so heightened her curiosity and turned her into an insufferable presidential nerd. Along the way, she discovered unexpected threads connecting seemingly unconnected people, times, and events. She can’t get enough of the weird trivia, coincidences, and quirks. Like the fact that English wasn’t the first language of the first president born in the U.S. Or that a three-part plan was proposed to bring George Washington back to life. Don’t even get her started on William Henry Harrison – he was only president for a month, but she could talk about him for hours.*All illustrations for this series have been created by Heather Rogers and are her property therein. Please register for this event and you'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, the email will be coming from Zoom.This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and is in collaboration with a multitude of MA and NH libraries.

Online - Partner Organization

All Ages Storytime

Join Deborah for a fun morning of stories, songs, and rhymes! Registration is not required--drop in for some fun!

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Art w/J&J- a drop in art program--Paper Crafting

Come join Jianna and Jill for a drop in art program.Get creative with paper! Make a card, collage, artist rendition all with paper.We will have a variety of paper, glue sticks, scissors, etc for your creations.Drop in to get crafty with us!

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Morning Munchkin Storytime! (Formerly Dads & Donuts) Drop in for all ages

Children are invited to bring their favorite grownups to enjoy this special storytime! Munchkins, juice, and coffee will be provided.This event is generously sponsored by the Family Resource Network. The Family Resource Network is funded by the Coordinated Family andCo......More

Children are invited to bring their favorite grownups to enjoy this special storytime! Munchkins, juice, and coffee will be provided.This event is generously sponsored by the Family Resource Network. The Family Resource Network is funded by the Coordinated Family andCommunity Engagement Grant from the MA Department of Early Education and Care.It is managed by Community Teamwork.

McCarthy Meeting Room (Entire Room)

Genealogy: Irish SIG

For those interested in Irish Genealogy, please stop by for the monthly meeting of the Irish SIG group. Bring in your research to share or questions you have for others on how to approach genealogical research on your Irish ancestors.

Conference Room

Visit with Calvin the Therapy Dog!

Come to the Children's Room and meet Calvin the therapy dog! He loves to hang out with people of all ages, likes getting gentle pats, and is an all-around good boy.

Main Library - Children's Room

Real Reads: Consumed by Aja Barber

Real Reads is our non-fiction reading discussion group. We will explore excellent authors and world-changing ideas on urgent issues affecting the globe and our own back yards.February's Real Reads title is Consumed: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate C......More

Real Reads is our non-fiction reading discussion group. We will explore excellent authors and world-changing ideas on urgent issues affecting the globe and our own back yards.February's Real Reads title is Consumed: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism by Aja Barber. Consumed investigates the global supply chains bringing us everyday consumer goods and the interlocking damages that come with it. Barber unpacks the environmental hazards and labor exploitation underpinning the fast fashion system, which builds on the foundational injustices of the textile industry of old. She holds a mirror to our "first world' consumption habits and how we are exploited as consumers in turn, and suggests ways we can unlearn habits in favor of a more just and sustainable world.The book is a companion to the Films for Futures documentary film selection, A Killer Bargain. You can watch A Killer Bargain on Kanopy. It's free with your library card, and completely optional for the book conversation.Print copies of Consumed will be available at the Borrower Services desk beginning mid-January. You can also find e-book and audiobook versions with Libby. Contact Todd Bowser with any questions or for help with the resources.

Conference Room