VIRTUAL: Author Alexis Prescott Discusses “The First Witches"

Please join us as author Alexis Prescott discusses her recent release, The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World, a book which provides a readable overview of how the Western witch originated. So profound was the impact of the classical witch upon Weste......More

Please join us as author Alexis Prescott discusses her recent release, The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World, a book which provides a readable overview of how the Western witch originated. So profound was the impact of the classical witch upon Western thought and literature that she even lives on today as a prototype of the gruesome woman found in folklore, horror stories and movies. If you are a lover of literature and the history of witches, this talk is for you! Please register The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World takes you on a journey into the world of Classical literature, from the adventurous Homeric epic of the Odyssey to the grim warfare of Lucan’s De Bello Civili. In doing so, you will be introduced to a handful of powerful women who will later be labelled as “witches”. The chapters focus upon two specific groups of women from the Graeco-Roman world: the divine Hecate and the formidable yet beautiful Circe, who first feature in Greek texts, and the nefarious Thessalian witches and Erictho, who become marked antagonists in Roman literature. Both Hecate and Circe are fundamentally divine, yet early in their mythologies, they harbour characteristics that will become distinct tropes of witchcraft from being associated with the underworld, lunar lore and dangerous transformative powers. With the onset of increased social tensions in the late Roman Republican to early imperial periods, these divine women become increasingly more demonised within the literature, culminating in Hecate becoming a consort for witches and Circe a seductress and the epitome of the femme fatale. Simultaneous to these representations, Roman writers adopted a stock character within prose and verse of the hag-witch who was shocking in both appearance and character, displaying many elements of moral turpitude and a disturbing penchant for bestial activities such as cannibalism and the kidnapping and killing of infants. Thus, the hag-witch, most commonly associated with the world of the modern witch hunts and within the pages of modern fairy tale, was born. This book, therefore, provides a readable overview of how the Western witch originated. So profound was the impact of the classical witch upon Western thought and literature that she even lives on today as a prototype of the gruesome woman found in folklore, horror stories and movies. This is why the studying and reading of classical works is so relevant today as it was for our forebears since the literature contains the very ingredients that help to captivate our imaginations and our fears. The authors of the literature and the characters within it will continue to serve as powerful reminders of how the Western world came to be. Alexis holds a BA and MA in Ancient History and PGCE in Classics from King's College London. After her masters, she worked as a cataloguer of Roman Republican coins at the British Museum for three years before moving into teaching. Alexis has since been a Classics teacher for over 16 years and has specialized in the teaching of Ancient Greek and Roman epic poetry, Greek tragedy, the Athenian democratic system, Roman Republican history and early Roman imperial history. Alexis has a passionate interest in the representation of folkloric figures in the Classical world and the influences these representations have had upon western thought, literature and film. These interests will be explored in her forthcoming book "The First Witches: Women of power in the Classical World" to be published in spring 2025. Thanks to the Ashland Public Library for sharing this program! https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-author-alexis-prescott-discusses-the-first-witches/

Virtual locations

Cardinal Cushing Centers Zumba

Zumba for adults with disabilities https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/meeting-and-study-rooms/cardinal-cushing-centers-zumba-27/

Large Meeting Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339

VIRTUAL: Women in Jazz

Women have been involved in jazz since the early 1920s, not just as vocalist, but as instrumentalists, composers and arrangers. An understanding of jazz would not be complete without  highlighting the influence and contributions of women—women such as Bessie Smith, Va......More

Women have been involved in jazz since the early 1920s, not just as vocalist, but as instrumentalists, composers and arrangers. An understanding of jazz would not be complete without  highlighting the influence and contributions of women—women such as Bessie Smith, Valaida Snow, Mildred Bailey, Mary Lou Williams, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughn.  The goal is to provide an understanding particularly of their personal lives, their ability to read music, perform and survive in a time when jazz was considered “a man’s world”. It also covers the full spectrum of years, genre, recordings, and recognized achievements. Galen Abdur-Razzaq studied at the Berklee College of Music and holds a Master's Degree in Performing Arts and Education from Rutgers University. Please register https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-women-in-jazz/

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Story Time for 3- and 4-year-olds

Listen to a picture book, then do a simple craft.   Three-and-four-year-olds are not accompanied by caregivers. https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/story-time-for-3-and-4-year-olds-10/

Storytime Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339

Patty-Cake for Babies

Nursery rhymes with movement, board books, big books, finger plays and more for babies newborn to 17 months with a parent/caregiver.  https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/patty-cake-for-babies-25/

Storytime Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339

Children's Yoga Class

Miss Christine from Little Bee Yoga Co. is excited to share the magic of yoga with John Curtis Library families!! Partner with your little yogi in super fun poses, games, music, stories, breathing exercises, meditation, and guided relaxations that help to strengthen t......More

Miss Christine from Little Bee Yoga Co. is excited to share the magic of yoga with John Curtis Library families!! Partner with your little yogi in super fun poses, games, music, stories, breathing exercises, meditation, and guided relaxations that help to strengthen their bodies, minds and souls... We'll bark in downward dog, meow in cat pose and roar in lion pose while we take a yoga journey that you and your child will never forget! This fun class provides a beautiful bonding experience between the adult and child. Each class is 45 minutes. The class is geared toward children ages three to six years, but all ages are welcome to participate. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/childrens-yoga-class-25/

Large Meeting Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339

VIRTUAL: Behind The Headlines -- The History of Measles & Measles Vaccination

Join Professor Elena Conis, author of Vaccine Nation: America's Changing Relationship with Immunization and Acting Dean of UC Berkeley’s School of Journalism, for a discussion about the history of measles and the development of its vaccine. She’ll be joined by Hillary......More

Join Professor Elena Conis, author of Vaccine Nation: America's Changing Relationship with Immunization and Acting Dean of UC Berkeley’s School of Journalism, for a discussion about the history of measles and the development of its vaccine. She’ll be joined by Hillary Johnson, MHS, Senior Epidemiology Advisor to Local Health for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, who’ll discuss what measles is and public health preparedness around it. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Louis Fazen, III, MPH, pediatrician and founder of the Global Health Committee at the Massachusetts Medical Society, former faculty member at UMass Chan Medical School, and Sturbridge Board of Health member. Please register.  Sponsored by the Public Health Museum, presented with support from the Tewksbury Public Library.  RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. Thanks to the Tewksbury Public Library for sharing this program! https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-behind-the-headlines-the-history-of-measles-measles-vaccination/

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VIRTUAL: Armchair Travel To Lithuania

Enjoy a photographic journey of Lithuania. Appreciate photos, video clips and discussion of the history and culture of this wonderful country. Led by Oonagh Williams, an award-winning chef, cooking instructor, cookbook author and professional speaker, who enjoys trave......More

Enjoy a photographic journey of Lithuania. Appreciate photos, video clips and discussion of the history and culture of this wonderful country. Led by Oonagh Williams, an award-winning chef, cooking instructor, cookbook author and professional speaker, who enjoys traveling and sharing her travel experiences when she's not busy in the kitchen. Williams spent several years studying in Lithuania, and specializes in cooking Lithuanian cuisine. Please register.  RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. Thanks to the Tewksbury Public Library for sharing this program! https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-armchair-travel-to-lithuania/

Virtual locations

Lego Day

Build with Lego for an hour.  Finished creations may be put on display in the children's room. For age four years and older. https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/lego-day-17/

Storytime Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339

VIRTUAL: Historical Fiction Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Kerri Maher

Love Historical Fiction but not sure what to read next? This month Jane Healey is on book tour so guest author, Kerri Maher, is pinch hitting for her! Join Kerry for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - the best of historical fiction out there! We're so grateful ......More

Love Historical Fiction but not sure what to read next? This month Jane Healey is on book tour so guest author, Kerri Maher, is pinch hitting for her! Join Kerry for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - the best of historical fiction out there! We're so grateful to Kerri for stepping in with what we expect will be fabulous book recs! Kerri's first novel, The Kennedy Debutante, came out in 2018, and her second in 2020: The Girl In White Gloves: A Novel of Grace Kelly.  The third, The Paris Bookseller, about trailblazing entrepreneur Sylvia Beach and the original Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, came out this year. It spent four weeks on the Indie Bestseller List, and got some great buzz! In 2023, her book All You Have to Do Is Call was released. If you want to know more about those years, check out her memoir This Is Not a Writing Manual: Notes for the Young Writer in the Real World (Writer’s Digest Books) under the name Kerri Majors. I am also the founder of an award-winning journal of YA literature, YARN. Please register Thanks to the Ashland Public Library for sharing this program! https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-historical-fiction-book-recs-with-bestselling-author-jane-healey-5/

Virtual locations

Toddler Time

Simple picture books, big books, finger plays, songs and movement for children 18-35 months with a parent/caregiver. Drop-in, no registration needed. https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/toddler-time-23/

Large Meeting Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339

Hanover Women's Club, Jrs.

Monthly meeting of the Hanover Woman's Club, Juniors.  Thry are a community service Women's organization founded in 1968.  The main purpose of the club is to enrich the quality of life within our community through civic, cultural, educational and charitable activities......More

Monthly meeting of the Hanover Woman's Club, Juniors.  Thry are a community service Women's organization founded in 1968.  The main purpose of the club is to enrich the quality of life within our community through civic, cultural, educational and charitable activities. MEETING MOVED TO THE HANOVER FOOD PANTRY https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/hanover-womens-club-jrs-7/

Large Meeting Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339

Watercolor Painting Workshop: At the Beach

FOR ADULTS Paint a beautiful beach scene in this beginner's watercolor class. To sharpen your muscle memory and build your confidence you will paint a trio of mini beach vistas. Capture fluffy clouds, turquoise waters and swaying seagrass with layers of translucent w......More

FOR ADULTS Paint a beautiful beach scene in this beginner's watercolor class. To sharpen your muscle memory and build your confidence you will paint a trio of mini beach vistas. Capture fluffy clouds, turquoise waters and swaying seagrass with layers of translucent watercolor paint. To add small details you'll explore how to use colored pencils to finish your masterpiece. Come and learn watercolor painting in a friendly, supportive environment, with instruction provided by Pop-Up Art School!! https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/watercolor-painting-workshop-at-the-beach/

Large Meeting Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339

Council on Aging Book Club

The Council on Aging Book Club meets monthly. https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/council-on-aging-book-club-20/

Trustee Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339

VIRTUAL: "A History of Women's Work: The Evolution of Women's Working Lives" with Author Janet Few

Please join us as author Janet Few discusses her new book A History of Women's Work: The Evolution of Women's Working Lives. It explores the often overlooked contributions of women throughout history, particularly in a patriarchal society where men have dominated the ......More

Please join us as author Janet Few discusses her new book A History of Women's Work: The Evolution of Women's Working Lives. It explores the often overlooked contributions of women throughout history, particularly in a patriarchal society where men have dominated the historical record. While men were more likely to leave traces – through wills, leases, and civic duties – women labored behind the scenes, performing crucial yet unpaid tasks for their families and communities. In many households, women supported their husbands’ work, ran home-based industries, or sought paid employment despite societal restrictions.   Delving into three main areas of women’s work: household tasks, home industries, and paid employment outside the home, the title encourages us to view how our own contributions to the work force affect our own sense of self and effect on the world at large. It also asks us to look back and see the profound impact women have had on the "working" world - stories that should not be lost to the annals of time. We hope you can join us for this fascinating discussion! Please register Janet is a history interpreter, writer, speaker, and researcher. Although she has a reputation as an academic historian, she believes good history is for everyone, and aims to bring history alive in a variety of ways. She is passionate about encouraging young people to become interested in the past, especially through living history or family history.  Thanks to the Ashland Public Library for sharing this program! https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-a-history-of-womens-work-the-evolution-of-womens-working-lives-with-author-janet-few/

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VIRTUAL: A History Of Stained Glass -- Chasing The Light In Times Of Darkness

Explore the history of stained glass, and learn the stories told through some of the best known windows in the world, including the Charlemagne Window (Chartres), Bishop Suger offering the church to Saint Louis (San Denis), and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Windows (Arlin......More

Explore the history of stained glass, and learn the stories told through some of the best known windows in the world, including the Charlemagne Window (Chartres), Bishop Suger offering the church to Saint Louis (San Denis), and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Windows (Arlington Street Church in Boston). Led by artist Meg Black, past Chair of the Art Department at Salem State University. Please register.   RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. Thanks to the Tewksbury Public Library for sharing this program! https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-a-history-of-stained-glass-chasing-the-light-in-times-of-darkness/

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Virtual - Mystery/Thriller Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Joseph Finder

Love Mysteries and Thrillers but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author, Joseph Finder, for this quarterly session of his recommendations of some of the best of mystery/thrillers out there! We're sure you'll find something to like from Joe's many enthusia......More

Love Mysteries and Thrillers but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author, Joseph Finder, for this quarterly session of his recommendations of some of the best of mystery/thrillers out there! We're sure you'll find something to like from Joe's many enthusiastic reviews.  You can sign up for one session or for all! Please register  Joseph Finder is the New York Times bestselling author of 17 suspense novels, most recently The Oligarch’s Daughter. His last novel House On Fire is the fourth featuring “private spy” Nick Heller. His books have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics Award for Best Novel for Buried Secrets (2011), the International Thriller Writers Award for Best Novel for Killer Instinct (2006) and the Barry Award for Best Thriller for Company Man (2005). The Boston Globe has called him a “master of the modern thriller.” Two of his novels have been made into major motion pictures, including High Crimes, adapted into the hit 2002 movie starring Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman; and Paranoia, the 2013 film starring Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, and Liam Hemsworth. A founding member of the International Thriller Writers, as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. Joe is a graduate of Yale and the Harvard Russian Research Center. He lives in Boston. Thanks to the Ashland Public Library for sharing this program! https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-mystery-thriller-book-recs-with-bestselling-author-joseph-finder-2/

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Virtual - Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @sometimesleelynnreads

Looking for the best books with BIPOC/LGBTQ+/Neurodivergent/Disabled etc. characters or by representative authors but not sure what to read next? Join bookstagrammer, Leelynn Brady (aka @sometimesleelynnreads), monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - any......More

Looking for the best books with BIPOC/LGBTQ+/Neurodivergent/Disabled etc. characters or by representative authors but not sure what to read next? Join bookstagrammer, Leelynn Brady (aka @sometimesleelynnreads), monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - any genre as well as YA and Middle Grade books, as long as they are by diverse authors or have inclusive storylines! We're sure you'll find something to like from Leelynn's many enthusiastic reviews. Please register.   You can sign up for one session or for all! Leelynn (she/they) is a book blogger and bookstagrammer at @sometimeleelynnreads . She is an avid reader and supporter of diverse books. She has been talking about her favorite books and authors on Instagram for 10 years and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Her love of reading was fostered at an early age, when her mom told her how much she loved reading and wanted to be just like her. She also participates in a few book clubs that continue to expand her reading, and is a huge library and indie bookstore supporter. Coming from the beautiful state of Hawaii, she is excited to continue to share her love of books and hopes to bring some new and amazing books to your radar. Image credit: Graphics by Waffley Cute Designs Thanks to the Ashland Public Library for sharing this program! https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-inclusive-and-diverse-book-recs-with-bookstagrammer-sometimesleelynnreads-5/

Virtual locations

Cardinal Cushing Centers Zumba

Zumba for adults with disabilities https://johncurtislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/meeting-and-study-rooms/cardinal-cushing-centers-zumba-28/

Large Meeting Room John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA, 02339