“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” is a novel by Sherman Alexie that has been the topic of recent discussion in our community. Frequently found on “Banned Books Lists,” it is also a National Book Award Winner, and is found in libraries and on high school reading lists around the country. What’s the deal with this book? Why does it offend some people? Why do other people love the book? Let’s read the book and talk about the story, the characters, the themes and the concerns about it. We will have a civil conversation about a sometimes controversial book. Pick up a copy of the book at the Main Desk of the Library in advance, and join us Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7pm!
Registration for this discussion group is appreciated, but not required.
Jigsaw Puzzle
Swap & Race!
It’s time for another Jigsaw Puzzle Swap at the Nevins Library, and this time we’re going to kick it off with a Puzzle Race on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 10am! Sign up your team of up to 4 people for this fun and family-friendly race. Each team will get the same 500-piece puzzle, and will race to finish it first. There will be prizes for the first 3 teams to finish. Make sure to sign up your team on our online Calendar of Events or by calling (978) 686-4080.
Not interested in racing, but very interested in swapping your jigsaw puzzles? Stop by and drop off the puzzles you’re finished with (as long as they have all their pieces!) anytime the library is open between Nov. 8 and 15, and take home some new-to-you puzzles just before the colder weather settles in. Come more than once as the selection is constantly changing! All we ask is that any puzzle you place into the swap be complete and in a taped box or have the pieces in a Ziploc Bag inside the box.
A family story
of tragedy
As Veterans Day is upon us, Nevins Library and The Bridge Club of Greater Lowell welcome Brent and Paula AuCoin as they share their story Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6:30pm. After the tragic loss of their son Christopher, a Marine, and his long battle with the PTSD, they started a mission to help others going through this fight. This program is offered to all wanting to learn more about the struggles of PTSD and the effects on families. Save your seat by registering through our online Calendar of Events or by calling (978) 686-4080.
Watch Yo-Yo Ma’s
sold-out show!
Join us Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30pm for a very special event – We the People: Yo-Yo Ma plays Bach’s Cello Suites. Together we will watch world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma bring a powerful message of music and community to Boston. Be part of this sold-out event via live simulcast free and open to all! Make sure to save your seat by registering on our Calendar of Events or by calling (978) 686-4080.
Kick-off to the
Holidays Concert
Local pianist Dan Kennedy returns to the Nevins Library on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 2pm to kick off the holiday season playing piano versions of popular holiday favorites as well as a few classically tinged compositions of his own. An artist meet-and-greet will follow and his CD, “An Enchanted Noël,” will be available for sale. Register for this free concert through our online Calendar of Events or by calling (978) 686-4080.
Library hours
Nevins Library will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Also, the library will close at noon Wednesday, Nov. 26, remain closed Nov. 27 and 28, then reopen Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9am-5pm.
Friends’ fund-raiser
at The Chateau
The Friends are holding a fund-raiser at The Chateau on Thursday, Nov. 13. Grab a flyer from the library’s Main Desk, then go to The Chateau for a delicious lunch or dinner and the restaurant will donate a portion of your check to the Friends of the Nevins Library!
After-School clubs
for teens
Book Babble: Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 4pm. This month we’ll be discussing “A Tempest of Tea” by Hafsah Faizal. Arthie Casimir, a criminal mastermind, transforms her tearoom into an illegal bloodhouse for vampires, but when her establishment is threatened, she forms an unlikely alliance and assembles a misfit crew to infiltrate vampire society and uncovers a world-threatening conspiracy. Pick up your copy at the Main Desk.
Teen Anime Club: Thursday, Nov. 6 at 4pm.
Teen Arts & Crafts Club: Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 4pm.
Teen Gaming Club: Thursday, Nov. 13 at 4pm.
Teen Movie Club: Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 4pm.
From the Children’s Room
Now that the spooky fun of October is gone by, we look ahead to a busy November – even with several holiday closures for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, we’re chock-full of fun this month. We’ll be offering our usual array of storytimes, book groups, history and craft programs, and baby/toddler programs, of course, but we also have some new programs for kids to enjoy: Page Turners Book Group (ages 8-11), DIY Designs (ages 10-13), Beads & Baubles (ages 10-13) and Hygge Hour (ages 11-14)!
November also leads into a lot of holiday activity, of course, including our yearly tradition of sponsoring a gift drive to benefit homeless children in the Merrimack Valley who are served by Emmaus Inc. Did you know that the average age of a homeless person in Massachusetts is 8 years old? Through its shelters and housing programs, Emmaus has served thousands of children since 1985, and on any given night 300 adults and children call Emmaus home. Please help ensure that these children have a happy holiday by donating gifts through our Giving Tree – last year our wonderful patrons were able to meet every child’s wish, and we hope to match that success this year! If you’d like to help, just drop by the Children’s Room between Nov. 21 and Dec. 11, choose a Wish List item to purchase and put it unwrapped under our tree by Dec. 12. Thank you!
Keep an eye on the Youth Services calendar and Facebook page to learn the latest about upcoming programs, fund-raisers and special events – there’s always something interesting going on!
Happy November, and Happy Reading!
For an extensive list of Nevins Memorial Library happenings, check out nevinslibrary.org.
