Our new monthly Cultural Cookbook Club invites participants to explore new flavors and traditions from around the world through food. Each month features a different cuisine, with participants preparing and sharing a homemade dish inspired by that culture. Participants are required to provide a list of ingredients with their dish. Sampling is optional, and the library is not responsible for monitoring or managing food allergies or sensitivities. The first meeting is Monday, Jan. 5 at 6:30pm and the theme is: Family Favorites – Bring a dish inspired by your favorite family recipe. Sign up for this program using the online Calendar of Events or by calling (978) 686-4080.

Local author
Julie Masis

Join us Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7pm to hear journalist Julie Masis talk about her new book, “How My Grandfather Stole a Shoe and Survived the Holocaust in Ukraine.” The Haverhill-based author tells the story of her grandfather, a native of Moldova, who survived the Holocaust under Romanian occupation and eventually immigrated to Massachusetts where he lived to the age of 102. Save your seat by registering through our online Calendar of Events or by calling (978) 686-4080.

Belt Out
Broadway

Join us Friday, Jan. 23 at 6pm as we live out all of our Broadway dreams! During this karaoke program for new adults (ages 20-39), we will sing along to all our favorite musical hits! Enjoy themed mocktails and a fun night with friends and fellow musical enthusiasts. Sign up for this program using the online Calendar of Events or by calling (978) 686-4080.

Virtual programs

We know that it can be hard to leave our houses when it gets cold outside. So why not attend a Virtual Library Program? We have some great virtual programs lined up for January – please register in advance with our Online Calendar of Events so that you receive to link to participate in your e-mail.
Author Event: Heather B. Moore: Log in to your registration link Monday, Jan. 12 at 7pm to attend a discussion with Historical Fiction author Heather B. Moore about her recent release, “Julia,” the untold story of Julia Child before she became a worldwide cooking sensation!
Superspy Science: Science, Death & Tech in the World of James Bond: Join us online Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 2pm to meet Dr. Kathryn Harkup who will be discussing her book “Superspy Science: Science, Death and Tech in the World of James Bond.” Learn all about the science behind James Bond’s exploits – armaments, tactics, plots and enemy tech.
Agents of Change — The Women Who Transformed The CIA: Join us online Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7pm when author Christina Hillsberg will discuss her new bestselling book, “Agents of Change: The Women Who Transformed the CIA.” Explore the pioneering women who changed the insulated world of international espionage — from the barrier-crashing challenges of the 1960s to the present-day reckoning — told through the eyes of a former intelligence operative herself.
The Dudleys and the Howards with Authors Joanne Paul and Nicola Clark: Join us online Thursday, Jan. 29 at 10am with authors and historians Joanne Paul and Nicola Clark as they discuss their books, “The House of Dudley” and “The Waiting Game: The Untold Story of the Women Who Served the Tudor Queens.”

Library hours

The library will be opening at 1pm on Tuesday, Jan. 13 as we will be having a Staff Meeting in the morning.
The library will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day and Monday, Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Day.

Friends of the
Library news

The Friends are excited to announce that landscaping work began surrounding the Heron Statue just before the snow arrived, and it is now ready for plantings in the spring. This has been part of the overall Gardens project that the Friends have been working on for the past few years, and we look forward to the finished garden.
The Friends are hosting a fund-raiser at Texas Roadhouse in Methuen on Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 4pm-closing. Have a great meal and let the staff know you are there to support the Friends of the Library, and 20% of your bill will be donated back to the Friends!
The Friends will start to accept donations for the Spring Book Sale on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Please bring in any like-new used books, DVDs, music CDs, jigsaw puzzles or games to the donation cart by the Main Desk! We always appreciate the generosity of our patrons, and look forward to another fantastic Book Sale in March!

Letters About Lit
statewide contest

On Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 3pm, students aged 12-18 will have the chance to come to the library to write or submit a letter for the Letters About Literature contest. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, Letters About Literature is a statewide contest that invites students to read a book of their choice, reflect on it and write a personal letter to its author that explains the impact this work had on them. Monetary prizes will be awarded to three winners along with Honorable Mentions for other participants – and they’ll all be recognized at an awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House! Finalists will also receive certificates of recognition by mid‐May, just in time for end-of-school recognition ceremonies. There is no registration required for this event. Just drop in!

From the
Children’s Room

First, a huge heartfelt thank-you to all the wonderful patrons and staff who donated to our Giving Tree! You made Christmas so much merrier for homeless children served by Emmaus Inc., and we are deeply moved by your incredible generosity.
Now that the holidays are over, the Youth Services Department is starting the new year with some special events and programs! We’ll be hosting a Local Children’s Book Authors Fair where you can meet four local children’s book authors who will read aloud from their books, talk about how they work and answer kids’ questions – and maybe even inspire some budding writers in the audience! (Books will be available for purchase to be signed by the authors.)
For new (or new-ish) parents, we have “New Parent Meet-Up” every week: Join us with your little ones (up to 18 months old) for a relaxed get-together with other parents and caretakers – connect with others in the community, share experiences and build your support network in a friendly, welcoming space. On select Thursdays, we’ll also host guest speakers who will share information on topics relevant to new parents, from early literacy and child development to self-care and local resources. Registration is requested by not required. This program is part of our Growing Readers initiative, funded by the Edwin J. Castle Fund.
Parents of young readers might also enjoy our newest book group, “Book Bonding,” where caretakers and children (aged 5-7) read a book of their choice together, then come to the book group to tell others about their book and hear about what other participants have read! And speaking of reading together, Murphy the Dog is back this month to listen to kids read aloud to him – a fun way to build kids’ enjoyment and confidence in reading.
As ever, we’ll also have our usual variety of preschool programs, storytimes (including bilingual programs), science and history programs, crafting, teen activities, “Dinner & a Movie” and more – keep an eye on the Youth Services Department calendar and Facebook page to keep track of what’s in store!
Happy New Year, and Happy Reading!

For an extensive list of Nevins Memorial Library happenings, check out nevinslibrary.org.