ADULT SERVICES

• Juliette Fay Book Launch at W Gallery. Wayland resident Fay is the bestselling author of six novels.  Her latest, Catch Us When We Fall, is a heartbreaking and humorous story of human connectedness and hope.  Celebrate its publication with Juliette at an in-person event at the W Gallery at 57 Andrew Avenue in Wayland.  If you’re not vaccinated, please wear a mask.  Thursday, September 16 at 7 p.m.
• Alice’s Ordinary People. Craig Dudnick’s film, Alice’s Ordinary People, tells the story of Chicago-area activist Alice Tregay, whose life and work reflect the story of the civil rights movement and emphasize the essential work of “ordinary people” towards change.  You can watch the film through Kanopy, a streaming movie service free to Wayland Library cardholders, then join us for the conversation with Craig.  Look for the Kanopy logo at waylandlibrary.org and register on our Events page.  Tuesday, September 21 at 7 p.m.
• Isabel Wilkerson Watch Party & Conversation. Watch: Pulitzer Prize-winner Isabel Wilkerson, author of Caste, in a video recorded for the National Book Festival.  Participate: in a conversation led by former Massachusetts state representative Byron Rushing and Prof. Roopika Risam of Salem State U.  This is a Library of Congress/ National Book Festival event with virtual conversation made possible by the Massachusetts Center for the Book in collaboration with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.  Register on our Events page.  Wednesday, September 22 at 7 p.m.
• How to Prepare for Climate Change. Bestselling author and CBS Sunday Morning science and technology correspondent. David Pogue discusses his latest book, a practical and comprehensive guide to surviving the greatest disaster of our time.  Sponsored by the Massachusetts Library System.  Register on our Events page.  Friday, September 24 at 2 p.m.
• No More Overdue Fines. The Board of Library Trustees has approved the elimination of overdue fines for most Wayland library materials, effective immediately.  The library will continue to levy fines for overdue items from outside the Minuteman network, museum passes, and items from our Library of Things.  We will also charge replacement fees for lost items.  When the Belmont Library eliminated fines last month, their director wrote: “Studies have shown…that late fines on library materials create a barrier to service, do not actually bring materials back any faster, and overall are a cost-negative effort…. [They also] disproportionately affect citizens living on a fixed income.”  We’re happy to join the ever-growing number of libraries that have made this decision.  We hope you’re happy about it, too.
• Calling All Amateur Archivists. The Wayland Public Library has recently digitized four volumes of handwritten Wayland Library Trustee Records from 1870-1945 that are now available on the Internet Archive.  We need to have about 700 pages transcribed into type to make them searchable and easier to read.  We’re hoping to find 10-20 volunteers to help with this project, perhaps staggered throughout the year.  It’s an opportunity to view historic documents and get a close-up look at the library’s early days.  If interested, please contact M.J. Wright at 508-358-2311 or mwright@minlib.net. 

YOUTH SERVICES

FOR BABIES, TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS

• PLAY! Kits for toddlers and preschoolers. The Children’s Room is launching a set of themed PLAY! Kits to check out and enjoy at home with your toddlers and preschoolers. Each kit contains 6 to 7 new books, an educational toy, as well as an activity sheet and a song sheet to inspire at home learning and fun. Language-rich, child-centered play fosters early literacy, social emotional growth, problem solving skills, and the confidence to take on new challenges. Developing these skills now will help your child be ready for school. The PLAY! Kits are funded by the Mind in the Making Grant, federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Commissioners.
• *Outdoor Storytimes with Ms. Carly. Join Ms. Carly for an outdoor storytime! Children and their caregivers will listen to stories, sing songs, and perform fun rhymes and movements. We will meet on the green lawn behind the library. For babies through preschool age children, with caregivers. Registration required.  Face masks are required for children ages 2+. We encourage attendees to bring along a picnic blanket or a lawn chair. This event is weather permitting. You can register here or from our online eventkeeper calendar. Tuesdays, Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m.
• *Outside Storytimes with Ms. Pam! Join Ms. Pam for stories, songs, puppets, and activities OUTSIDE on the lawn behind the library. For ages 2.5 to 5 years with an adult. You can register here or from our online eventkeeper calendar. Thursdays, Sept. 9, Sept. 23 and Sept. 30 at 9:30 a.m.

FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

• September is Library Card Sign Up Month! We will have an outdoor scavenger hunt where kids can search for favorite book characters, as well as a bingo sheet that celebrates libraries! What can you do with your library card? A lot! Children who register for their FIRST library card this month will get a prize.
• Sculpture Naming Contest. There’s a new sculpture in the Friends’ Garden at the library entry, and we want YOU to help us name her. The bronze sculpture was created by local sculptor Janice Corkin Rudolf, and is in memory of longtime Wayland resident and Wayland Garden club member Pat Jones. The gift was made possible through the generosity of the Pat’s family and friends as well as the Wayland Garden Club. Send name ideas to Youth Services Librarian Pam McCuen at pmccuen@minlib.net or enter into the Naming Contest box in the Children’s Room. Library staff will post the top five contenders on the Wayland Facebook page in mid September and everyone can vote!
• *Outdoor Family Concert with Thomas Meunier. Join local musician Thomas Meunier for an outdoor family concert! He will get everyone singing with his repertoire of original songs and old favorites. We will meet on the green lawn behind the library. A great way to reconnect with friends at the beginning of the school year! For all ages. Register HERE or from our Eventkeeper calendar. Saturday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. (Rain date is 9/25 at 11 a.m.)
• *The Moon and Nighttime: Outdoor Storytime with Ms. Elise. Ms. Elise will read picture books that feature the Moon and Nighttime. For ages 4 and up with an adult. Please register HERE or online from our Eventkeeper calendar. Wednesday, September 22 at 3:00 p.m.
• *The Sun and Daytime: Outdoor Storytime with Ms. Elise. Ms. Elise will read picture books that feature the Sun and Daytime. For ages 4 and up with an adult. Please register HERE or online from our Eventkeeper calendar. Wednesday, September 29 at 3:00 p.m.

*Outdoor programs meet on the green lawn behind the library. Face masks are encouraged for all participants. We will assist in maintaining social distancing but encourage attendees to bring along a picnic blanket or a lawn chair. Registration is required. Outdoor programming is weather permitting. Call or follow us online for updates.