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What’s New For Fall?

But when fall comes,…it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed. It settles in the way an old friend will settle into your favorite chair and take out his pipe and light it and then fill the afternoon with stories of places he has been and things he has done since last he saw you.
(Stephen King, ‘Salem’s Lot)

Well, dear readers, I think it’s safe to say that it’s officially fall!  There’s a briskness to the morning air, and a chill note in the breeze.  There are caramel apples for sale, and apples by the peck to be had over at Brooksby Farm (they are scrumptious!).  There is pumpkin-spice…everything, and maple sugar candy.

So, in the spirit of the season, why not think about turning over a new leaf at the Library this month, and take part in some of our fantastical programming?  Get it?  Leaf…?  …Anyways, we’ve got some great learning opportunities, creative outlets, and artistic adventures on tap this month–and every single one of them are free!  Take a look at the events calendars on our website and register for some of our super-terrific offerings, or give us a call and we can assist you with registration.

To whet your appetite, here is a highlight of some of the events scheduled for the coming weeks:

Intro to Fiction Writing: 4-Week Class

Beginning: Friday, October 6, 9:30am

Everyone has a story (or two…or three…) to tell.  But it can be difficult to find the time, the motivation, or the tools to get that story out into the world.  There are still a few spots left in our four-week beginners’ writing class, designed to help you outline, plot, and begin the process of writing a piece of fiction.
We will begin by discussing forms and genres, in order to help participants frame their work, and then we will discuss writing methods and practices, so that your writing can continue to flourish long after the class is completed.  Each class will feature some free-writing time as well as group critiques and discussions.  Some work in between classes will be expected, especially as your fiction begins to develop.  Bring something with which to write–a notebook and pen, laptop, tablet, whatever works best for you!
No experience is necessary—first time writers are welcomed and encouraged!
Registration for this workshop will sign you up for all (4) weeks of the series.

West Branch: Drift Wood, Stone Circles, Three Canoes, a Lost Lighthouse and a Piano: Stories of Collaboration and Engaging the Public

Tuesday, October 10, 7:00pm

This presentation will be given by Victor Mastone, Director and Chief Archaeologist of the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources of Massachusetts…When the public thinks about underwater archaeology, they generally picture intact shipwrecks, pirate treasures and mystery. I have never dealt with the first, unfortunately had to deal with the second, but constantly court the third. As archaeologists and resource stewards we are all familiar with mystery. We nearly always face that when we first approach a shipwreck site. ‘What ship is this? I don’t know. I need to investigate.’ At various points, we turn outward to colleagues and the public to find answers. The process of addressing this question becomes a form of collaboration and means to engage the public.  While Massachusetts waters hold about 3,500 shipwrecks, we have a diverse range of submerged cultural resources encompassing now submerged Native American sites, maritime industry structures, bridges, and aircraft. The Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources depends on the active involvement of and collaboration with the public to identify, evaluate, and protect these non-renewable resources. This presentation describes the state’s diversity of archaeological resources and various ways the public is engaged in their study.

Film Screening: I Am An American Dream

Tuesday, October 24, 6:30pm

A film by A Light Storm Studios, I Am An American Dream shines a light on the collective misunderstanding of differences among Americans while also highlighting our collective American Dream. This program will include a full screening of the film followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Andrew DeCola.
Andrew DeCola, founder of A Light Storm Studios, prides himself on works of art that serve not just his own personal creativities but also a larger social purpose. Through both music and film Andrew aims to both enlighten and educate.

South Branch: Bay State Phantoms

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Just in time for Halloween, join us at the South Branch for a talk about the phantoms of Massachusetts. New England folklorist John Horrigan provides an amusing historical overview of paranormal events, sightings of odd creatures and strange happenings from 1630-2010. Topics include (but not limited to): Bridgewater Triangle, Red-Headed Hitchhiker of Rt. 44, Dover Demon, Bridgewater Bigfoot, Gloucester Sea Serpent, UFO sightings and the Lady in Black.  John Horrigan is a historian, 5-time Emmy (TM) winner and host of the TV show, The Folklorist and has been called a ‘vanguard of the new popular public history.’
This program is free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. To reserve your free spot, please register online, in person, or by calling 978-531-3380.