Meet the Bookmobile Team at Heritage Park!

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Heritage Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! Second and Fourth Fridays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetintera......More

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Heritage Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! Second and Fourth Fridays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/meet-the-bookmobile-team-at-heritage-park-2/

Bookmobile

PUZZLE RACE!

On your marks... get set... GO! We welcome teams of 2 or more to compete in our first annual PUZZLE RACE! No team? No problem! We will find a team for you, or you can be the grand champion solo speed-puzzler. We really do not have any strict rules about team size. We ......More

On your marks... get set... GO! We welcome teams of 2 or more to compete in our first annual PUZZLE RACE! No team? No problem! We will find a team for you, or you can be the grand champion solo speed-puzzler. We really do not have any strict rules about team size. We are making this up as we go along. We DO have the puzzles though.  Each team will have 3.5 hours to complete a 500 piece puzzle. Everyone will be completing the same 500 piece puzzle of an outer space image. We will provide the puzzles!  What do you win? Bragging rights, of course! ** wait! there is a prize now!  You are welcome to take the puzzle home afterward.  https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/puzzle-race/

Ground Floor Community / Meeting Room Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Lowell: A City of Cotton in the time of Anti-Slavery

Professor Robert Forrant of UMASS Lowell will lead a historical walk and discussion of the places of importance in the Anti-Slavery Movement here in the City of Lowell. Locations will include The Boott Cotton Mill and Agent’s House, St. Anne’s Church, Apprentice Hall,......More

Professor Robert Forrant of UMASS Lowell will lead a historical walk and discussion of the places of importance in the Anti-Slavery Movement here in the City of Lowell. Locations will include The Boott Cotton Mill and Agent’s House, St. Anne’s Church, Apprentice Hall, Old City Hall and more. Come hear the fascinating story of the Anti-Slavery movement in the heart of a city driven by the cotton industry. Participants, please meet in Memorial Hall (Floor 2 of the Library) as the starting location of the walking tour.  Sponsored by the Lowell Historical Society https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/lowell-a-city-of-cotton-in-the-time-of-anti-slavery/

Memorial Hall - 2nd Floor Reference Room Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

The Book was Better? Book & Movie Club

The Book Was Better? Book & Movie Club meets on the last Sunday of each month at 10:00 am at Nibbana Café located in the Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. It is not required that you read the book and watch the movie. You can do either one or both - I......More

The Book Was Better? Book & Movie Club meets on the last Sunday of each month at 10:00 am at Nibbana Café located in the Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. It is not required that you read the book and watch the movie. You can do either one or both - It's up to you! Book and movie are available for FREE with your library card. This Month's Selection: Book: Maurice by E.M. Forster Movie: Maurice (R) https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/the-book-was-better-book-movie-club-8/

Nibbana, Western Ave. Studios

Children’s Graphic Novel Book Club

Do you love graphic novels? Meet other graphic novel fans and talk about our popular book club picks!  This program will meet every other month for children in grades 4-6. Snacks will be provided. *Please let us know if you have any food allergies.   https://pollar......More

Do you love graphic novels? Meet other graphic novel fans and talk about our popular book club picks!  This program will meet every other month for children in grades 4-6. Snacks will be provided. *Please let us know if you have any food allergies.   https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/children-s-graphic-novel-book-club-2/

Ground Floor Community / Meeting Room Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Virtual - Who REALLY Wrote Shakespeare? with Author and Historian David Kruh

Who Really Wrote Shakespeare? The doubts have been around for over 300 years. How could William Shakespeare - a man who never sailed - have written with such accuracy about sailing in The Tempest? Or how - without studying law - could he have written with such insight......More

Who Really Wrote Shakespeare? The doubts have been around for over 300 years. How could William Shakespeare - a man who never sailed - have written with such accuracy about sailing in The Tempest? Or how - without studying law - could he have written with such insight about lawyers, courts and legal issues, in plays such as Henry IV? Or how - without ever serving in the military - written so splendidly of the rigors and technical aspects of war as he did in Hamlet? That he couldn't and didn't is a fascinating concept that has amused many, tantalized others, and consumed the lives of a few, including a Boston man who, in 1916, went to court to prove that someone other than Shakespeare wrote all those great works. Before you laugh… he won the case. Hear the story of one man's search for the "real" author of the works attributed to William Shakespeare and how - in a stunning piece of historical irony - that search played a role in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor! Register by clicking HERE. RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. About the Author: David Kruh is a former New Yorker and a 1978 graduate of the University of Maryland. While earning his Masters in Computer Engineering at Boston University, David worked as an engineer at WRKO Radio. He has also worked full time as a copywriter, computer programmer, radio producer, radio engineer and, for a few years in the mid-1990s, as a spokesman and web master for the Big Dig. He retired a few years ago from a semiconductor manufacturer, where he was the Direct Marketing Manager. He is also the author of several other books, notably two on Boston's Scollay Square and Building Route 128. David's most recent book is Inseparable. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and we're thrilled to be collaborating with a multitude of MA Libraries to bring this program to our communities. https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-who-really-wrote-shakespeare-with-author-and-historian-david-kruh/

Virtual Programming - Register to receive participation information

Mother Goose on the Loose

This storytime is designed for children age 3 and younger but big siblings are always welcome! Join us for stories, rhymes, songs, and more! https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/mother-goose-on-the-loose-145/

Ground Floor Community / Meeting Room Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Virtual - Hayes Prize 2025: Tommy Kha, Other Things Uttered

Join curator Rachel Vogel on Zoom to explore the work of contemporary photographer Tommy Kha, the second recipient of the Addison’s Bartlett H. Hayes, Jr. Prize in this Zoom webinar.  Kha examines how we construct belonging and otherness through photography, inventin......More

Join curator Rachel Vogel on Zoom to explore the work of contemporary photographer Tommy Kha, the second recipient of the Addison’s Bartlett H. Hayes, Jr. Prize in this Zoom webinar.  Kha examines how we construct belonging and otherness through photography, inventing new models for self-portraiture with a critical eye toward the medium’s long history of absences and erasure. Other Things Uttered, his first museum solo exhibition, introduces viewers to the distinctive vocabulary and grammar of his photographic practice. The exhibition will be on view at the Addison Gallery of American Art September 2 - December 31, 2025. This program will be recorded. A link to the recording will be shared with everyone who registers. Register by clicking HERE. Image caption: Tommy Kha, Mine VII, Twentynine Palms, California, 2017. Archival pigment print. © Tommy Kha https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-hayes-prize-2025-tommy-kha-other-things-uttered/

Virtual Programming - Register to receive participation information

Chess Club

Want to learn how to play chess or are you an expert who's looking for others who enjoying playing? Join Lowell Chess enthusiasts on Tuesdays in the Pollard Memorial Library Meeting Room. All levels welcome. Bring a chess set if you have one, but come anyhow, we have ......More

Want to learn how to play chess or are you an expert who's looking for others who enjoying playing? Join Lowell Chess enthusiasts on Tuesdays in the Pollard Memorial Library Meeting Room. All levels welcome. Bring a chess set if you have one, but come anyhow, we have some spare sets. For more information about Chess in Lowell like the Facebook page or email [email protected]! https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/chess-club-205/

Ground Floor Community / Meeting Room Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Virtual - Writing Advice From Author & Screenwriter Steven Womack

Are you a writer -- or an aspiring writer -- looking for some support? The Tewksbury Writing Group is open to everyone who's interested in writing -- all genres, all skill levels. Each meeting -- which will take place via Zoom -- features a guest speaker (typically a ......More

Are you a writer -- or an aspiring writer -- looking for some support? The Tewksbury Writing Group is open to everyone who's interested in writing -- all genres, all skill levels. Each meeting -- which will take place via Zoom -- features a guest speaker (typically a published author or editor) offering some tips of the trade. The September 2025 guest speaker is award-winning author and screenwriter Steven Womack. Steven Womack began his first novel when he was eighteen-years-old. A short eighteen years later, he finally sold one. His first published novel, Murphy's Fault, was the only debut mystery on the 1990 New York Times Notable Book List. Since then, Steven has published ten more novels, winning both the Edgar and Shamus Awards, as well as receiving multiple nominations for major mystery awards. A scriptwriter as well, he co-wrote the screenplays for Proudheart, which was nominated for the CableAce Award, and Volcano: Fire on the Mountain, an ABC television movie that was one of the most-watched television movies of the year. Steven lives in Nashville, where for 25 years he anchored the screenwriting program at the Watkins Film School of Watkins College of Art. The group is facilitated by author Dale T. Phillips, who has published novels, story collections, poetry, non-fiction, and over 80 short stories. Stephen King was Dale's college writing teacher, and since then, Dale has found time to appear on stage, television, radio, in an independent feature film, and compete on Jeopardy (losing in a spectacular fashion). He's a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Sisters in Crime. He's traveled to all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and through Europe. Register directly on Zoom HERE. Sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Library. RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/writing-advice-from-author-screenwriter-steven-womack/

Virtual Programming - Register to receive participation information

Family Storytime

All children and their grownups are welcome to come for stories, music, movement, and more! https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/family-storytime-98/

First Floor Reference Desk Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Virtual - NEW DATE! Addison Gallery Tour; Making Their Way: The Florida Highwaymen Painters

Join curator Gordon Wilkins for this webinar to explore the work of the Florida Highwaymen The Florida Highwaymen was a loosely affiliated group of 26 African American landscape painters who sold their vivid and expressive tropical scenes door-to-door and out of the ......More

Join curator Gordon Wilkins for this webinar to explore the work of the Florida Highwaymen The Florida Highwaymen was a loosely affiliated group of 26 African American landscape painters who sold their vivid and expressive tropical scenes door-to-door and out of the trunks of their cars along the coastal roads of Eastern Florida from the 1950s through the 1980s. This exhibition will be on display at the Addison Gallery of American Art from September 9, 2025-January 4, 2026. This program will be recorded. A link to the recording will be shared with everyone who registers. Register by clicking HERE. Image caption: Alfred Hair, Trio, c. 1965. Oil on Upson board. 24 x 32 in. Collection of Jonathan Otto (PA ’75, P ’24 and ’27) https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-addison-gallery-tour-making-their-way-the-florida-highwaymen-painters/

Virtual Programming - Register to receive participation information

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Muldoon Park!

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Muldoon Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! First and Third Wednesdays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetintera......More

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Muldoon Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! First and Third Wednesdays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/meet-the-bookmobile-team-at-muldoon-park-3/

Bookmobile

One-on-One Tech Help at PML

One-on-One Tech Help is a free opportunity for you to get help from our IT Specialist with your personal technology-related questions. Bring your device or questions and our IT Specialist will answer questions, show you how to use your device and direct you to additio......More

One-on-One Tech Help is a free opportunity for you to get help from our IT Specialist with your personal technology-related questions. Bring your device or questions and our IT Specialist will answer questions, show you how to use your device and direct you to additional resources.  Registration is REQUIRED. Please sign up down below or call Adult Reference at 978-674-1544. For questions please contact Khalid Noori at 978-674-1547 or [email protected].  https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/one-on-one-tech-help-at-pml-141/

First Floor Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

One-on-One Tech Help at PML

One-on-One Tech Help is a free opportunity for you to get help from our IT Specialist with your personal technology-related questions. Bring your device or questions and our IT Specialist will answer questions, show you how to use your device and direct you to additio......More

One-on-One Tech Help is a free opportunity for you to get help from our IT Specialist with your personal technology-related questions. Bring your device or questions and our IT Specialist will answer questions, show you how to use your device and direct you to additional resources. Registration is REQUIRED. Please sign up down below or call Adult Reference at 978-674-1544. For questions please contact Khalid Noori at 978-674-1547 or [email protected].  https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/one-on-one-tech-help-at-pml-90/

First Floor Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Great Reads MA: Stamped from the Beginning Discussion

We’re happy to announce that Pollard Memorial Library is a Great Reads MA 2025 participating partner! This year’s featured book is Stamped from the Beginning: A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi, adapted and illustrated by Joel Christian Gil......More

We’re happy to announce that Pollard Memorial Library is a Great Reads MA 2025 participating partner! This year’s featured book is Stamped from the Beginning: A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi, adapted and illustrated by Joel Christian Gill. We'll be hosting two discussion sessions and a virtual Q+A with Joel Christian Gill this fall. Pollard Memorial Library Foundation member Jacquelynn Coles will be facilitating the discussion. The first 20 participants to register will receive a copy of the book to keep, and we'll have other copies available to borrow. If you are one of the first 20 to register, we will notify you when your book is ready for pickup. This opportunity is open to teens 13+ and adults. Our first discussion session will be on Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:00 PM. This gives enough time for participants to read the first half of the book. Our second discussion session will be on Wednesday, October 1st at 6:00 PM. This gives enough time for participants to read the second half of the book. Refreshments will be served.  https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/hold-for-claire-day-5/

Ground Floor Community / Meeting Room Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Virtuales - Noche de Libros, Tertulia y Café: Club de Libros en Español

This program is run by the Nevins Library in Methuen. Please click HERE to register for the program. ¡Bienvenidos al Club de Lectura Mensu......More

This program is run by the Nevins Library in Methuen. Please click HERE to register for the program. ¡Bienvenidos al Club de Lectura Mensual! Nos reunimos el primer miércoles de cada mes para sumergirnos en las páginas de libros fascinantes y explorar juntos nuevos mundos literarios. Diseñado para adultos de 18 años en adelante, nuestro club ofrece una experiencia enriquecedora para todos los amantes de la lectura. Con tu tarjeta de biblioteca, puedes tomar prestado el libro seleccionado para el mes, lo que te permite sumergirte aún más en la historia y participar activamente en nuestras discusiones. ¿No puedes asistir en persona? ¡No hay problema! También ofrecemos reuniones virtuales a través de Zoom, lo que significa que puedes unirte desde la comodidad de tu hogar y participar en nuestras conversaciones sin importar dónde te encuentres. Cada mes, exploramos una variedad de géneros y autores. Nuestras discusiones son animadas, estimulantes y llenas de perspectivas diversas, ¡así que prepárate para expandir tus horizontes literarios! Únete a nosotros en nuestra próxima reunión y descubre la alegría de compartir tus pensamientos y reflexiones sobre la literatura con una comunidad apasionada de lectores. ¡Te esperamos en el Club de Lectura Mensual! This program was funded in part by a grant from the Methuen Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtuales-noche-de-libros-tertulia-y-caf-club-de-libros-en-espa-ol-4/

Virtual Programming - Register to receive participation information

Delayed Opening - Library Hours 11AM - 9 PM

The Pollard Library has a delayed opening the first Thursday of every month for a staff training. Library hours are 11 AM - 9 PM https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/delayed-opening-library-hours-11am-9-pm-105/

Children's Reference Desk (Ground Floor) Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Meet the Bookmobile Team at the Senior Center

Meet the Bookmobile at the Senior Center Branch! Borrow books and other materials, ask questions, and say hi to the team! Please note: When the Bookmobile is set up outdoors, the stop is open to the public. When the bookmobile is set up indoors, the stop is only avai......More

Meet the Bookmobile at the Senior Center Branch! Borrow books and other materials, ask questions, and say hi to the team! Please note: When the Bookmobile is set up outdoors, the stop is open to the public. When the bookmobile is set up indoors, the stop is only available to seniors.  https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/meet-the-bookmobile-team-at-the-senior-center-12/

Great Room Senior Center Branch, 276 Broadway St. , Floor 2, Lowell, MA, 01850

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Armory Park!

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Armory Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! First and Third Thursdays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetinteract......More

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Armory Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! First and Third Thursdays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/meet-the-bookmobile-team-at-odonnell-park-9/

Bookmobile

Try a Fiber Art! - Needle Felting

Join Gwen and other volunteer crafters once a month to try a fiber art! Each month we'll try a different fiber art. The library will provide what you need to try the fiber art (for example - needles, yarn, a take home explanation of what you learned). Bring your sens......More

Join Gwen and other volunteer crafters once a month to try a fiber art! Each month we'll try a different fiber art. The library will provide what you need to try the fiber art (for example - needles, yarn, a take home explanation of what you learned). Bring your sense of humor and willingness to make mistakes! We will meet for an hour before the Weekly Fiber Arts Group. If you want to stay and participate in the group from 6-7:30 PM, please do!! This Month's Fiber Art - Needle Felting Registration required to ensure enough supplies. https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/try-a-fiber-art-22/

First Floor Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Weekly Fiber Arts Group

Meeting on the first floor in the Alcove. Calling all fiber artists - bring your latest work in progress and join us for conversation! Crafters are welcome to stay longer than 7:30, but please note the library closes at 9PM. Please contact Gwen with any questions: ......More

Meeting on the first floor in the Alcove. Calling all fiber artists - bring your latest work in progress and join us for conversation! Crafters are welcome to stay longer than 7:30, but please note the library closes at 9PM. Please contact Gwen with any questions: [email protected] . https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/weekly-fiber-arts-group-148/

First Floor Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Armchair Genealogy Group

Are you looking to fill out your family tree? The Community Planning Librarian from the Pollard Memorial Library is teaming up with local armchair genealogists to demonstrate how to use genealogy databases, vital records, census records, city directories and maps to ......More

Are you looking to fill out your family tree? The Community Planning Librarian from the Pollard Memorial Library is teaming up with local armchair genealogists to demonstrate how to use genealogy databases, vital records, census records, city directories and maps to fill out your family story. Basic computer knowledge is helpful, but even the non-tech savvy can join us to gather tips! All are welcome to this casual group meeting! The Armchair Genealogy Group will meet on the first Friday of each month at 11:00 AM in the Ground Floor Meeting Room of the Pollard Memorial Library The Group also meets on the third Friday of the month in the Computer Lab at the Lowell Senior Center. https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/armchair-genealogy-group-14/

Ground Floor Community / Meeting Room Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Fort Hill Park!

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Fort Hill Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! First and Third Fridays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetinterac......More

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Fort Hill Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! First and Third Fridays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/meet-the-bookmobile-team-at-fort-hill-park-3/

Bookmobile

Meet the Bookmobile Team at the DIY Lowell Open Streets of Lowell Event!

Meet the Bookmobile at the DIY Lowell Open Streets of Lowell Event! Get information about library services! Apply for a FREE library card!  For more information about the Open Streets of Lowell Event, go to the DIY Lowell......More

Meet the Bookmobile at the DIY Lowell Open Streets of Lowell Event! Get information about library services! Apply for a FREE library card!  For more information about the Open Streets of Lowell Event, go to the DIY Lowell website. https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/meet-the-bookmobile-team-at-the-diy-lowell-open-streets-of-lowell-event/

Bookmobile

Curious about Raptors? A Mass Audubon Event

Join Mass Audubon to learn about these incredible live birds of prey and discover the unique adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You'll learn what they eat, how they hunt, and the challenges they face. Learn how you can help protect these powerful predator......More

Join Mass Audubon to learn about these incredible live birds of prey and discover the unique adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You'll learn what they eat, how they hunt, and the challenges they face. Learn how you can help protect these powerful predators and support a healthy environment right in your own backyard! Sponsored by Mass Audubon, Lowell Loves Wildlife, and the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust.  https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/mass-audubon-visit/

Ground Floor Community / Meeting Room Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Clemente Park!

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Clemente Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! First and Third Mondays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetinteract......More

Meet the Bookmobile Team at Clemente Park! Borrow and return books, sign up for a free library card, and get questions answered by the bookmobile team! First and Third Mondays - weather permitting - through the end of October 2025 https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/meet-the-bookmobile-team-at-clemente-park-2/

Bookmobile

Maker Mondays: Bat Keychain

Stop by the YA Space to make a bat keychain to keep your keys safe! For grades 5-12.  https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/maker-mondays-bat-keychain/

Young Adult (YA) Area - First Floor Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Creative Writing Group

Are you working on a writing project? Looking for advice on overcoming writer’s block? Want a space to focus on writing for a few hours? Join us for discussions about writing and quiet writing time. We aim to be a supportive group of local authors for inspiration, fee......More

Are you working on a writing project? Looking for advice on overcoming writer’s block? Want a space to focus on writing for a few hours? Join us for discussions about writing and quiet writing time. We aim to be a supportive group of local authors for inspiration, feedback, encouragement and bouncing around ideas. We hope you join us.  https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/creative-writing-group-22/

Ground Floor Community / Meeting Room Main Branch, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA, 01852

Virtual - Authors Mansi Shah and Weina Dai Randel Discuss: "Saving Face" and "The Master Jeweler"

We are so excited to welcome authors Mansi Shah and Weina Dai Randel to our virtual stage! They will be discussing Mansi's new book, "Saving Face" (People love a rags-to-riches story but hate a woman who lied to get ahead) and Weina's latest release "The Master Jewele......More

We are so excited to welcome authors Mansi Shah and Weina Dai Randel to our virtual stage! They will be discussing Mansi's new book, "Saving Face" (People love a rags-to-riches story but hate a woman who lied to get ahead) and Weina's latest release "The Master Jeweler" (the epic story of a brilliant young woman’s dangerous rise to fame in the perilous world of jewelry in 1920s Shanghai—and the power of love and friendship). Although very different in content, we'll be discussing the importance of their stories, how they delve into diaspora issues, the impact on their books on our thoughts and understanding of the world, and their path to publishing. It's guaranteed to be a fascinating conversation and we hope you can join us for it! Register by clicking HERE. Note: This program will be recorded and a link will be sent to all registrants soon after the program. It will be available on YouTube for one month. About Saving Face: Ami Shah is on the brink of life-changing success. Her skin-care empire, Amala, is set for acquisition by a Fortune 500 company, and she has just been nominated for the Global Changemakers Award, the most revered entrepreneurial honor. There’s just one problem: she’s a complete and utter fraud. Twenty years ago in Singapore, abandoned orphan Monica Joseph made a decision to steal her wealthy classmate’s identity and move halfway around the world to build her life on someone else’s name. For twenty years, she’s managed to hide in plain sight…until an ambitious fledgling journalist sets out to write the inaugural full-length profile on her. With her carefully constructed persona and life’s work now in jeopardy, Monica is left with no other choice: she must return to the scene of the crime—and the one place she vowed never to revisit. About Mansi: Born in Toronto to Indian immigrants, Mansi Shah is the author of Saving Face, A Good Indian Girl, The Taste of Ginger, and The Direction of the Wind, which center on Gujarati characters and speak to generational differences across the Indian diaspora. Now based in Los Angeles, Mansi left her long-time career as an entertainment attorney in Hollywood to travel the world and write full time. She loves to cook, and food often plays a prominent role in her books. About The Master Jeweler: Harbin, China, 1925. Fifteen-year-old Anyu Zhang discovers a priceless Fabergé egg in the snow and returns it to the owner, Isaac Mandelburg, a fugitive and former master jeweler for Russia’s imperial palace. In gratitude, he leaves her his address in Shanghai and a promise of hospitality, forever altering her fate. A dazzling world of jewelry shrouded in secrecy and greed awaits, when later Anyu arrives at Mandelburg’s jewelry shop as an orphan. Single-minded and relentless, Anyu will stop at nothing until she masters the craft of jewelry making. But she soon finds herself entangled in the treacherous underbelly of the city, where violent gangsters stalk the streets, vicious rivals seek to exploit her, and obsessive collectors conspire to destroy the people she loves. From snow-crowned land to diamond-sparkling showrooms to a pristine island on the brink of war, The Master Jeweler chronicles an exciting journey of a bold prodigy artisan—including her losses and triumphs—in a glamorous yet perilous world of treasure. About Weina: Weina Dai Randel is the acclaimed author of five historical novels, including The Last Rose of Shanghai, a Wall Street Journal bestseller, and Night Angels, longlisted for the Massachusetts Book Awards. She is the winner of the RWA RITA® Award, a National Jewish Book Awards finalist and a two-time Goodreads Choice Awards Best Historical Fiction nominee. Her novels have been translated into seventeen foreign languages, including French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Hebrew. Her fifth novel, The Master Jeweler, about a gifted Chinese orphan’s dangerous quest to become a master jeweler in charge of a legendary diamond, will be released in June, 2025. The first Asian American novelist who intertwined Chinese history with the Jewish diaspora in Shanghai during WWII, Weina was frequently invited to speak at universities, libraries, conferences, book festivals, orthodox and reformed synagogues, and other organizations in the US. Born in China, Weina came to the United States at twenty-four, when she switched to English and began to speak, write and dream in her second language. She holds an MA in English from Texas Woman’s University in Texas. She has worked as the subject-matter expert for Southern New Hampshire University’s MFA program and as an adjunct professor. Interviews with Weina have appeared on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas and in such publications as World Literature Today, Texas Jewish Post, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and Los Angeles Review of Books. After living in Texas for years, Weina now resides in Boston with her family. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and is in collaboration with the Chelmsford, Groton, and Tewksbury Libraries and is in partnership with a multitude of MA & NH libraries. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Ashland Senior Center for this event.  https://pollardml.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-authors-mansi-shah-and-weina-dai-randel-discuss-saving-face-and-the-master-jeweler/

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