Please join us as we screen a classic comedic summer movie Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 1pm. In this 1988 film, a Chicago man and his family go camping with his obnoxious brother-in-law and hilarity ensues! Can you guess which movie this is?
We’ll have snacks and a big screen. Just like the movie theater, but free! This movie is rated PG. Make sure you save your seat by registering through our Calendar of Events or by calling (978) 686-4080.
Mystery Making with
Sisters in Crime
Join us Thursday, Aug. 7 at 7pm for a special “Mystery Making” program featuring 3 talented local mystery writers from the Sisters in Crime Panel. In this interactive workshop, the authors Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day, J.A. McIntosh and Bonnar Spring will brainstorm on their feet to create a brand-new mystery using suggestions provided by the audience.
Fun, fast-paced and fascinating, this improv game offers important insights into mystery writers’ minds and the conventions of the genre. Come be a part of the fun! Reserve your free seat through our Calendar of Events or by calling (978) 686-4080. Seating is limited!
Virtual programs
Join us via Zoom on Monday, Aug. 4, at 7pm as bestselling historical romance authors Shana Galen & Mimi Matthews discuss their books, writing and the state of historical fiction in publishing. Shana’s most recent book is “21 Days with the Lyon” and Mimi’s upcoming one is “Rules for Ruin” – different but amazing! Learn more about this program and sign up for the Zoom link using our Calendar of Events.
Enjoy reading Science Fiction or Fantasy, but aren’t sure what to read next? Join Kristen of the Fantasy Cafe on Zoom Thursday, Aug. 21 at 6:30pm for the latest book recommendations in the Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Kristen’s many enthusiastic reviews. Get your link to this online event through our Calendar of Events.
For Teens
Learn a new board game or play a familiar favorite at Board Game Day. Bring your own board game from home or try one of the library’s games Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 3-5pm. And for a different kind of game, come play Capture the Flag at the library! The library’s Capture the Flag game will take place Monday, Aug. 11 at 4pm. Make sure to register for either (or both!) of these programs through the Calendar of Events on our website, or by calling (978) 686-4080 ext. 27. Don’t forget to log your reading time too – you may win prizes!
Volunteer opportunities
The Teen Services Department is looking for teen volunteers to help with the End of Summer Carnival on Friday, Aug. 15 from 10am-noon. If you are available and interested in helping with the carnival, please e-mail nevinsteens@nevinslibrary.org. It’s a lot of fun!
The Friends of the Nevins Library are looking for volunteers to help with the September Book Sale. There is so much to do in order to prepare for this huge and very popular event! If you have any questions or are interested in helping out, please e-mail Sarah Sullivan at ssullivan@nevinslibrary.org, and she will get your inquiry directly to the Friends group!
From the Children’s Room
July was a busy month, packed full of fantastic programs – and we have more in store for August! We’re thrilled to welcome back best-selling children’s author and illustrator Raúl the Third, who charmed and inspired our audience when he visited last year; whether or not your children have read any of his books, they’re sure to enjoy his interesting life story, entertaining accounts of his creative process and even some on-the-spot illustrating! This program is funded by The Methuen Cultural Council (a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council).
And be sure to come to the lively “Didgeridoo Down Under” show this month! The didgeridoo, usually a hollow tree trunk, is a musical instrument that has been played by Aboriginal Australians for at least 1,500 years and is known for its otherworldly sound. But this program is more than music – it’s a high-energy, interactive show that also features comedy, science, Aussie culture and audience participation!
Other special programs cover quite a range of topics, including tie dye and rock painting, as well as a board game session and Capture the Flag for older kids (and of course Murphy the Dog will be visiting, too). And for parents and caregivers of pre-teens, we’ll have another session with mental health counselor Ashley Abesamar, this time presenting a Zoom version of her workshop “Empowering Caregivers: Supporting your Pre-teen through Big Emotions.”
As the summer winds down and we wrap up our series of special summer programs, we’d like to celebrate with our young patrons – so be sure to bring your kids to our “End-of-Summer Carnival” featuring games, contests, treats and loads of fun (funded by the Friends of the Library). And if you have a child entering kindergarten in September, you won’t want to miss our “Kickoff to Kindergarten” community fair, which helps children and their families prepare for starting off in the Methuen Public Schools: hear a story, meet the superintendent, learn about local agencies and organizations, and more!
Last but not least, don’t miss our final “Little Bookworms” programs at the Nevins Farm MSPCA on Aug. 1 and 8 – a wonderful collaboration where kids listen to stories and meet friendly animals who live at the farm. Also, throughout August kids can still bring in their gameboards to show us their summer reading progress and enter the prize raffles we’ll hold at the end of the summer. And as usual, we’ll be presenting lots of our regular programs and storytimes; just keep an eye on the Youth Services calendar and Facebook page to learn the latest about upcoming events – we’d love to have you join us!
Happy August, and Happy Reading!
For an extensive list of Nevins Memorial Library happenings, check out nevinslibrary.org.
