ADULT SERVICES
Virtual Author Talk: Paula Johnson and Smithsonian American Table
Curator Paula Johnson of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History discusses the book Smithsonian American Table: The Foods, People, and Innovations That Feed Us. It’s a sweeping history of food and culture that summons everyone to the table for a fresh look at some of the people, ingredients, events, and movements that have shaped how and what we eat. Register. Tuesday, April 2 at 2 p.m.
Great Presenters: Building Comfort with Uncomfortable Conversations–A Conversation for Parents
We often face situations in life where we have to have uncomfortable conversations with our children, family, friends, and others. Our goals should be to develop ways to conduct these conversations forthrightly, with grace and compassion. Jason Verhoosky, Director of Youth & Family Services for the Town of Wayland, will offer interactive communication exercises, answer questions, and provide you with new tools and perspectives to help find comfort in these challenging times. Register. Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Breaking Down Silos with Callie Crossley
Join renowned journalist Callie Crossley for an examination of the news and community
silos that isolate us, prevent the productive exchange of ideas, and hinder the growth of an
inclusive, diverse democracy. Ms. Crossley is the host of GBH’s Under the Radar with Callie Crossley and her weekly commentaries air on GBH’s Morning Edition. A light reception will follow the program. Register if you wish to attend remotely. Made possible by the Gossels Fund for Human Dignity. Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m.
Virtual Author Talk: Colum McCann and Diane Foley
Seven years after her son, journalist James Foley, was murdered by ISIS, Diane Foley spent three days in a Virginia courthouse with his killer. That encounter led to her collaboration with famed author McCann (Let the Great World Spin), who was moved to tell this tale of resilience, courage, and radical empathy. Register. Tuesday, April 9 at 2 p.m.
Music Exchange Listening Room
It’s Open Mic Night at the Library! Settle into a comfortable seat in our beautiful Round Room and enjoy the lightly amplified efforts of whichever brave souls have signed up to share their music. Or come a little early and sign up yourself to play two or three numbers. Tuesday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Elvis Ukulele Strum-Along
Bring your ukes and stands, we’ll bring Elvis! Join Marisa and Jerry of the A&W Ukulele Players for a fun, instructional jam session. We’ll share 8-10 songs (beyond “Blue Hawaii”) and plenty of uku-cameraderie. Players should have basic skills, know how to tune, and be able to play 6-8 chords. BYOUke. Props and costumes are welcome, too. Registration requested but not required. Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m.
Solar Eclipse Glasses Available
Get ready for the April 8 solar eclipse by picking up some special glasses here at the library. Looking at an eclipse with the naked eye can cause severe ocular damage or even blindness. It’s imperative to have good eye protection so you can fully enjoy this rare astronomical phenomenon. Available to Wayland residents only, two per family.
The Typewriter is Back
Sit down at the table in our exhibit alcove on the main floor and revisit the past—or explore an exotic technology. Our sturdy Smith Corona portable typewriter has returned to help you share your thoughts. We’ve provided some prompts to prime the creative pump, or you can wander wherever your fingers take you. You’ll connect with a great literary tradition, and maybe have a little fun, too.
BOOK GROUPS
Noon
The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste. In person and remote. Contact amoore@minlib.net for more information. Friday, April 12.
Cookbook Club
Noon by Meike Peters. Contact dwinn@minlib.net for more information. Thursday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Dystopian/Sci-Fi
Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini. Online only. Contact ekatz@minlib.net for the Zoom link. Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
YOUTH SERVICES
FOR BABIES, TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS
Storytime with Obie the Dog
Children will listen to dog stories and have a chance to visit with Obie, a beautiful Samoyed. Obie will be accompanied by his owner Helen. We will meet in the Raytheon Room. For ages 2 and up, with adult. Please register HERE. Tuesday, April 2, at 10:30 a.m.
Music, Story, Fun! with Ms. Janet
Join Ms. Janet for a musical storytime. She’ll bring her ukulele, rainbow bells, and puppets! We will meet in the Children’s Room. For ages birth through age 4, with caregivers. Please register. Thursdays, April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25 and Saturday, April 6 at 10:30 a.m.
Baby & Toddler Storytime
This storytime encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions with lively songs and rhymes, bounces, books, and body-awareness. Best for babies and toddlers, with caregiver.
Please register. Tuesdays, April 9, April 16, April 23, and April 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Movement with Little Beats
Join Little Beats for 30 minutes of music, movement, and fun! For ages 1-5, with caregiver. Please register HERE. Friday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m.
Chinese Storytime
Children will listen to stories and rhymes, and sing songs in Mandarin and in English. We will also make a craft. Led by Isabelle Ren, director of Wonderwhiz Academy. For ages 2 to 5, with caregivers. Please register HERE. Saturday, April 13, at 10:30 a.m.
FOR ELEMENTARY AGE CHILDREN
Art Club for Kids: Your Hand in 3D
Art Club is for kids in Grades 2-5 who love to draw and paint! This club led by Wayland parent Emily Kristofek, will meet the first Monday of each month. In this session, each child will draw an optical illusion. Registration required. Please register HERE. Monday, April 1, at 4:00 p.m.
Lego Club
Children will make fabulous creations out of Legos. This month’s theme is Playgrounds. For ages 5 and up, with caregivers. Please register HERE. Wednesday, April 3, at 3:00 p.m.
Feather Your Nest
Did you know that bowerbirds are also artists? Join Ms. Wendy to learn about the bowerbird and then design and create a nest using a variety of craft, recyclables, and natural materials. For ages 4 and up. Please register HERE. Wednesday, April 10, at 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Eid-al Fitr
Join your Wayland Muslim neighbors for a joyful celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of fast breaking. Children will celebrate with stories, crafts, henna and snacks! For ages 4 and up, with caregiver. Please register HERE. Thursday, April 11, at 4:00 p.m.
SCHOOL VACATION SPECIALS
Professor Bugman’s Arthropod Petting Zoo
Professor Bugman brings his Arthropod Petting Zoo to Wayland! Kids learn all about Arthropods, the most diverse group of animal life on the planet, during this exciting show-and-tell-and touch program! For ages 3 and up, with caregiver. Please register HERE. Tuesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day with Ms. Abby!
Join Ms. Abby in a celebration of our Earth! Children will listen to a few celebratory stories about our Earth, and then make their own sculptural masterpieces out of recycled materials. For ages 4 and up. Please register HERE. Wednesday, April 17, at 3:00 p.m.
Pet Peeves Comic Workshop
Cartoonists Dave London and Pete Chianca, creators of the comic strip Pet Peeves, will guide children through the creation process! Topics include inventing characters, drawing expressions, and devising gags & jokes. Tweens will leave with a completed comic strip to take home. For ages 9 and up. Please register HERE. Thursday, April 18, at 3:30 p.m.
FOR TEENS
Magic the Gathering for Teens
Teens! Play Magic the Gathering with your friends! Bring your own Magic Cards or use ours. Experienced players and newbies welcome. For teens in grades 6 and up. Please register HERE. Fridays, April 12 and April 26, at 4:30 p.m.
Teen Crafternoon: Miniature Goal Box
Teens! Do you have a dream or goal you want to accomplish in the next few years? Perhaps it is learning to knit, travelling to another country, or scoring a soccer goal? Create your own miniature goal box made out of a mints tin and collage supplies. Take home your creation and use it as inspiration to achieve your goal. We will meet in the Teen Loft. For teens in grades 6 and up. Please register HERE. Thursday, April 25, at 4:00 p.m.
