Wayland Library 7/15/22: Focus Group Help Needed! Library History. Weds, Aug 3, 7:00 pm – Help Us Prepare for the Library’s 175th Anniversary!

The Wayland Free Public Library was founded in 1848, and represents one of the oldest public libraries in the United States. To commemorate WFPL’s 175th anniversary in March, 2023 our librarians are working together with three History PhD students from Brandeis to investigate the history of our library. We will present our findings through an interactive website, a printed pamphlet, and an in-person celebration at the library.

In our research, we are asking questions about the intersections between our community library and major themes of American history: race, class, gender, family, education, and war. We would like to know what present-day library patrons think of WFPL as a community space so we can bring our history into the 21st century.

We are looking for patrons of the library to participate in a focus group for the WFPL anniversary event! The focus group will be held on Wednesday, August 3 from 7:00-8:30pm, and is open to anyone who is interested in joining! Register to attend in person or via Zoom: tinyurl.com/wfpl-focus