WFL Blog - Wellesley Free Library

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HYBRID: Navigating Artistic Perils with Leslie Graff – September 20 at 6:30pm

  Navigating Artistic Perils with Leslie GraffWednesday, September 206:30 PM – 8:30 PMWakelin Room & ZoomRegister here. Leslie will speak to frequent struggles encountered by artists like deciding what to paint, “finding your voice/style”, and getting unstuck. She will share helpful practices that support everything from ideation to building sophistication into your work and getting […]

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WFL Book Report: Episode 6 – Fiction with Megan

Comments? Questions? Send us an email! wflbookreport@minlib.net Guest Librarian: Megan Flynn Interview Notes: Our book recommendation this week is from librarian Megan Flynn, our fiction selector. She talks to us about Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.   Questions? Comments? Recommendations? Email us at: WFLBookReport@minlib.net Reader’s Report ADULT FICTION   The personal librarian by Marie […]

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Episode 1: Beach Read with Megan

Guest Librarian: Megan Flynn This week we’ll introduce the podcast, the Wellesley Reader’s Report, and speak with Information Services librarian Megan Flynn about her summer book pick in Adult Fiction, The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner. Interview Notes In today’s episode, Megan and I discuss Novelist, a Reader’s Advisory service that you can access through […]

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WellesleyESL Quarantine Journals

                                                Wellesley ESL Quarantine/Coronavirus Journal Wellesley ESL students were asked to share their thoughts, comments and experiences about the quarantine and coronavirus pandemic.  The entries below are organized by date of submission. All are anonymous and none have been edited.  Karen Evans, Program Coordinator 4/28/20 To Wear a Mask or not to Wear To wear […]

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In-Person Express Holds Pickup

  Come to the Main Library for in-person, self-checkout Express Holds Pickup!  Monday – Friday: 9 am – 10 am Reserved for seniors and at-risk Children’s Room closed   Monday – Friday: 2 pm -3 pm Closed for cleaning   Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 2 pm and 3 pm – 8 pm Friday: […]

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Mobile Movie Nights

Watch movies safely from your car in the Wellesley Square Tailby commuter rail lot beginning in late July and running through late August. Movies are appropriate for families, teens and senior citizens. Coming attractions are: Knives Out, Minions, Mean Girls, Trolls, Shrek, The Hunger Games, Missing Link, Sing, Jurassic Park, The Great Escape, and Harriet.  […]

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Library Phased Reopening Plan

Welcome back to the Library! Our phased reopening plan for the Wellesley Free Library is carefully managed to prioritize the safety and well-being of staff and patrons. Our goal is to bring back the things you love while ensuring the health of our community. Masks are required in all Wellesley municipal buildings and offices for […]

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Play WFL Bingo!

  Use the free resources from the library to learn, read and win a prize!   Fill a row across, down, or diagonally.    Redeem your completed card for a Wellesley Free Library-themed prize when the buildings reopen.  

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How to Read, Play, & Learn from Home

WFL’s e-Library has links to downloadable and streaming e-books, magazines, music, movies, audiobooks and more, for adults and children – all available 24/7.  Click here if you need a library card.   You can reach a librarian Monday through Friday from 9am-8pm Mon-Thurs; 9am-6pm Fri; 10am-3pm Sat through chat or email. An easy way to […]

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Town of Wellesley Coronavirus Information

THIS IS THE CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS BRIEFING FOR THE ENTIRE TOWN OF WELLESLEY AND IS SHARED ACROSS ALL COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORMS   CORONAVIRUS BRIEFING: MAY 8, 2020   Visit Wellesley’s new Coronavirus Information Hub at www.wellesleyma.gov/coronavirus   Health Department COVID-19 Case Update. Total confirmed cases in Massachusetts: 75,333     New Cases Today: 1,612 Total cases in Norfolk County: […]

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A Message from the Director

Dear Patrons, The Coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve. Our phased reopening plan prioritizes the safety and well-being of staff and patrons. Our goal is to bring back the things you love while ensuring the health of our community. We are taking a careful and measured approach in order to meet stringent new health and safety […]

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Make the Connection: Follow Us!

The Library has always served as a community gathering place for Wellesley.  Although we cannot safely provide that during a time when social distancing is imperative, librarians will continue to serve patrons remotely via email and with enhanced e-content, online story-times, facebook live streaming and more. Please connect with us on the Library’s social media […]

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Need a Library Card?

You have access to a FREE “Virtual Branch Library” from our website.  Click on the E-Library menus for links to downloadable and streaming e-books, music, movies, audiobooks and more, for adults and children – all available 24/7.   Click here if you need a library card. You can reach a librarian Monday through Friday from […]

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Turn Old Media Into New

Every Wednesday morning, Open Lab in Jackie’s Room (10 AM – 1 PM) includes a Memories Digitization Lab where you can bring in your old photos, slides, VHS or cassette tapes, and digitize them for posterity. Library staff will help you save your memories in digital format. Call Information Services for details: 781-235-1610 x 1117. […]

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Introducing Wowbrary!

Here is an easy and exciting new way to learn about the most recent items that the Wellesley Free Library has to offer —  a weekly newsletter that sends a list of the library’s most recent acquisitions to you directly in an email or RSS feed.  The WFL buys many thousands of new books, movies, […]

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Happy Re-new Year!

Here is cause for celebration: starting on January 1, your eligible checked out items will automatically renew two days before the due date!   Items are eligible to auto-renew if: There are no holds on the title. The item has not reached its maximum allowed renewals. Your patron card is not blocked or expired.   […]

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Flash Fiction Contest Results!

This contest was open to teens and adults. It ended December 1, 2019. Congratulations to all the writers! All the stories listed below will be available from the Short Story Dispenser through a button labeled “Homegrown Stories.” First place: A Length of Linen by Penny Post Second place: Woosh by Steve Grossman Third place: Beachcomber […]

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Short Story Dispenser!

Discover the library’s new Short Story Dispenser, a simple device with three illuminated buttons: 1 minute, 3 minute, 5 minute.  Press one and out rolls a strip of paper randomly generated by the machine from its online bank of original and classic stories and poems.   The dispenser is located in the lobby of the main […]

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Wellesley Yearbooks Go Digital

Wellesley High School alumni from 1931-2014 can now reminisce about their formative years with access to digitized WHS yearbooks!  The Wellesleyans can be found on Internet Archive. Even if you are not a WHS grad, you will have fun checking out the fashions and hairstyles!  This digitization project was generously sponsored by the Wellesley Free […]

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Get Tech Help at Open Computer Labs

There’s no need to be confused or unable to utilize the resources available to you. At the library, you will find librarians, technology instructors, and knowledgeable volunteers available to assist you in using your computer, tablet, or smart phone. (Please note that hardware repair is not offered.)  Simply drop in to the main library (Jackie’s […]

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Fells Branch Library Now Open!

  The renovation of Wellesley’s Fells Branch Library is complete! Fells Branch is located at 308 Weston Road. Regular open hours for Fells Branch are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM – 5 PM. Click here for information about Fells Branch story-times and learning activity programs . Click here to learn more about how the […]

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June 10: Duo Anime

Sunday June 10, 2018 2:00 PM Wakelin Room   Violinist Barbara Englesberg and pianist Esther Ning Yau will perform.  The program will include Bach’s Sonata in E Major for Violin and Harpsichord  and Ethel Barns’ Sonata No. 2 in A Major.  Free and open to the public.  Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.

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Author visit: Julia Glass

Monday May 7, 2018 7:00 PM  Main Library, Wakelin Room The Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries  present best-selling author Julia Glass in conversation with journalist and author Nichole Bernier.  Glass is the author of six works of fiction, including Three Junes, winner of the National Book Award, and I See You Everywhere, winner of the Binghamton University […]

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Free Financial Savvy

Want to keep up with how your investment portfolio is doing?  Need information on which companies the analysts think will continue to bring positive returns?  With market conditions these days, you need the Morningstar Investment Resource Center and the Value Line Research Center.  Try them out with your library card today! Find these and more […]

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Sustainable in the Suburbs: Backyard Chicken Coop

Final Session! Thursday, April 19, 6:30 PM at Hills Branch Library, 210 Washington St.  The surging interest in local and organic foods has contributed to the trend of chicken coops in suburban backyards. Hens are mostly friendly and easy to care for, they can be surprisingly beautiful —  and what other pet actually produces breakfast? If […]

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Library of Things Wish List

Help the Wellesley Free Library expand its Library of Things collection! If you like to donate tangible items, check out this Wish List of useful items. These will be made available for loan; a great value that also reduces waste and exercises our environmental stewardship. To be accepted by the library, items must be new […]

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Introducing Kanopy – Movie Streaming!

New at the Wellesley Free Library: Kanopy! This movie streaming service is available to Wellesley residents with your library card. Stream thousands of documentaries, indie films, and classic films on your computer, mobile device, or Roku, with no waiting and no overdue fees. Simply create an account and start watching!    

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Digital Magazines Now Available!

Newsweek, Car & Driver, National Geographic… You now have instant access to many of your favorite digital magazines with the RBdigital app and your library card. Download the app for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire HD/HDX.  Borrow as many titles as you like and keep issues for as long as you wish. Visit our website or step into the […]

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Summer Desserts for Hot Days – On Display

It’s getting warmer and you know what that means . . . popsicles! Ice cream! Smoothies! Visit our second floor display for all the recipes you need for summer desserts to cool off. Also included are all-around fun cookbooks for summer, whether you want to try homemade ice cream or just want to chow down […]

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This Just In…

New TV Series The Kennedy’s: After Camelot Portrays the life of the former First Lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy in the aftermath of the assassination of her husband, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, as she becomes Jackie O. in life after Camelot. Also portrays the lives of the other Kennedy family members dealing with […]

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June is LGBT Pride Month – On Display

Celebrate diversity in all its forms this June by checking out our second floor display honoring LGBT Pride Month. This display features materials on the gay rights movement, marriage equality, personal accounts and coming out stories, and materials on how to raise an LGBT identifying child. Did You Know? According to a Gallup poll, 4.1%, […]

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Annual Senior Art Show & Reception

This Sunday! June 4, 2017 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Main Library Wakelin Room The public is invited to the opening reception of the fifth annual Senior Art Show.  The work of nearly 50 senior artists across multiple mediums will be exhibited from June 2 to June 29 in the Wakelin Room and lobby of […]

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The Miracle of Dunkirk – On Display

During World War II, thousands of Allied soldiers were stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk, France, surrounded by the German Army. The Miracle of Dunkirk, also called Operation Dynamo, was an unimaginable evacuation and rescue of these soldiers between May 26th and June 4th, 1940. Over 338,000 soldiers were saved.1 Visit the display case next to […]

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New Non-Fiction At the Library!

Summertime is perfect for cracking open a non-fiction read. See below for our newest titles!   Real Life Organizing: Clean and Clutter-Free in 15 Minutes a Day by Cassandra Aarssen Real Life Organizing offers clutter free storage solutions and advice that can help you create a Pinterest worthy home on a small budget: Learn how […]

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New Arrivals: TV Series

Call the Midwife – Season 6 When the rather austere Sister Ursula is appointed the new head of Nonnatus house, Sister Julienne finds herself demoted and working back alongside the midwives as an ordinary member of staff. A French Village – Season 6 The German occupation changes the life of the village of Villeneuve forever, […]

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Celebrate Memorial Day – On Display

Memorial Day is time for celebration and reflection. On the one hand, the weather is perfect for a BBQ or outdoor party, and the three day weekend makes it triple the fun! Visit our second floor display – “It’s BBQ Time!” – for the best BBQ and outdoor entertaining ideas. On the other hand, Memorial […]

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Green Arrow and The Flash – On Display

The Green Lantern and The Flash are two of DC Comic’s biggest characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just now discovering their action-packed adventures, our second floor display featuring these two superheroes is for you! Read about their individual adventures and the ones they share together.  

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Lincoln’s Lieutenants

Lincoln’s Lieutenants: The High Command of the Army of the Potomac by Stephen W. Sears From the best-selling author of Gettysburg, a multilayered group biography of the commanders who led the Army of the Potomac. The high command of the Army of the Potomac was a changeable, often dysfunctional band of brothers, going through the […]

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On Display

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s early death. One of the most revered and respected women in the world, Diana was the “People’s Princess.” Visit our second floor display featuring materials all about Diana, what made her special, and the tremendous and long-lasting effects she had on the world.

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On Display

13 Reasons Why is Netflix’s hottest TV series; but did you know that it’s based off of a book? Jay Asher wrote 13 Reasons Why, originally published in 2007.  If you’re a fan, of the book or the TV series, check out the display in the High School Room for similar reads. If you haven’t read […]

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MacArthur’s Spies

 MacArthur’s Spies: The Soldier, the Singer, and the Spymaster Who Defied the Japanese in World War II  by Peter Eisner On January 2, 1942, Japanese troops marched into Manila unopposed by U.S. forces. Manila was a strategic port, a romantic American outpost and a jewel of a city. Tokyo saw its conquest of the Philippines […]

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Famous Faces of Wellesley – On Display

Did you know that Wellesley has been home to many famous faces? Mindy Kaling, Vladimir Nabokov, and Daisuke Matsuzaka are just a few of the varied artists, politicians, broadcasters, athletes, and other notable people who have called Wellesley their home at some point in their lives. Visit our second floor main display featuring the works […]

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Jazz Concert: Lance Martin Trio

Sunday May 7, 2017 3:00 PM Wakelin Room Love jazz? Have favorites? A trademark of this group is their  “all-request” program — come on out and create the playlist!   The Lance Martin Trio is:  John Baboian, guitar; Dave Clark, bass; and Lance Martin, flute. Free and open to the public. Generously sponsored by the […]

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On Display – May the 4th Be With You

May the Force be with you this May 4th! Of course, we would be remiss without a display of the many various Star Wars materials here at the library. Visit the display on the second floor to read the book versions of your favorite classic Star Wars movies, or vice versa. See all the different […]

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May is National Salad Month – On Display

Spring is the perfect time for light, colorful salads, but did you know that the month of May is National Salad Month? Check out our second floor display featuring recipes for the best spring salads, from fruit salads to new takes on classic dishes. Liven up your salad routine with fresh Spring fruits and vegetables, […]

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LinkedIn Workshop: May 8th 6:00pm

LinkedIn Workshop with Gary Gekow Monday May 8th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm  Arnold Room – Main Library 2nd Floor Register Here. Join Gary Gekow for a two hour workshop to review best practices for profile creation and account management. He will discuss additional uses of LinkedIn, including the importance of joining groups and acquiring testimonials. Job […]

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New Science Books for May

May 9th Aliens: Prominent Scientists on the Search for Extraterrestrial Life by Jim Al-Khalili,  (Author, Editor) In these lively and fascinating essays, scientists from around the world weigh in on the latest advances in the search for intelligent life in the universe and discuss just what that might look like. Since 2000, science has seen […]

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Young Adult: New Arrivals

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life – Benjamin Alire Saenz Sal used to know his place with his adoptive gay father, their loving Mexican American family, and his best friend, Samantha. But it’s senior year, and suddenly Sal is throwing punches, questioning everything, and realizing he no longer knows himself. If Sal’s not who he thought […]

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Get Caught Reading!

May is “Get Caught Reading” month, celebrated by the Young Adult Library Services Association. The Wellesley Free Library will be celebrating by posting your reasons why you love to read! Visit the High School Room on the second floor to submit the reason you love to read. Come back in May to see it posted, […]

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Food & Poverty – On Display

Hunger and poverty are inextricably linked, and are still major problems in America today.  In 2015, 42.2 million Americans and about 13% of households were considered food insecure. In that same year, 13.5% of Americans were living in poverty.1 Visit our second floor display featuring materials about this ongoing crisis. Learn about the state of […]

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New Science Fiction: April

April 4th   1636: Mission to the Mughals by Eric Flint, & Griffin Barber The United States of Europe, the new nation formed by an alliance between the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus and the West Virginians hurled back in time by a cosmic accident, the Ring of Fire is beset by enemies on all sides. […]

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Sunday Concert: The Sumner Quartet

Sunday April 23, 2017 2:00 PM Main Library Wakelin Room The Sumner Quartet is a professional, community-centered string quartet. Violinists Joshua Addison and David Rubin, violist Elizabeth Stefan, and cellist Jaques Wood will perform. Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.  

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On Display – Spring Into a New Book!

It’s (technically) Spring! Visit our second floor display in the High School Room for a new book to help you get into the new season. Even though it’s still a little chilly out there, the weather is slowly warming, the sun is shining, and soon it’ll be time to enjoy a new book out of doors! […]

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April is National Poetry Month – On Display

Join in the literary celebration this month for National Poetry Month! Visit our second floor display featuring new and classic poetry. Help give thanks for poetry’s important place in the global culture by checking out a book of your favorite poetry today! Did you know? “National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the […]

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Heart Health – On Display

Is your heart healthy? Do you exercise it enough and feed it well?  Visit our second floor display to find out all you need to know to keep your heart healthy. Did you know? Your heart beats about 100,000 per day. 1 Laughter really is the best medicine! When you laugh, your blood flow is increased by about 20%, […]

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Graphic Memoirs – On Display

Do you love graphic novels? Do you also love memoirs and biographies? Check out our second floor display featuring graphic memoirs! A graphic memoir is the perfect blend of visual art and memoir. According to the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), this blend of graphics and text “can help the author to communicate a […]

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The Collapsing Empire

The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi Our universe is ruled by physics. Faster than light travel is impossible, until the discovery of The Flow, an extra-dimensional field available at certain points in space-time, which can take us to other planets around other stars. Riding The Flow, humanity spreads to innumerable other worlds. Earth is forgotten. […]

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Wellesley Free Library Strategic Planning Survey

Every five years, WFL embarks upon a review of the current state of the library and considers where it should be headed.  The resulting 5-year Strategic Plan is used to prioritize ongoing decisions about library service to the community.  As part of this important process, the library is conducting a survey. Please help set the […]

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On Display – Celebrate Our Trees!

World Earth Day is April 22nd, Arbor Day is April 28th, and Wellesley houses some beautiful trees. Celebrate our landscape by visiting our second floor display featuring information about trees and nature, including beautiful nature photographs, nature poetry, and other nature writing. Be sure to check out the “Wellesley Trees” bulletin board in the media […]

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Voting Time for Wellesley Reads Together 2017

Each year, Wellesley Free Library joins forces with MassBay Community College to invite the greater Wellesley community to read a common text, engage in discussions, and attend related programs. The goal is to create an interdisciplinary  learning experience around the winner of the annual Massachusetts Bay OneBook Prize for regional authors.  The following four works are the finalists […]

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STEM Ahead – On Display

Wellesley’s STEM Expo is this month (April 8th), and right now STEM education is all the rage! STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and it encompasses all of the hard science skills necessary for students of all ages. STEM encourages you to explore and experiment, and our second floor display features titles that […]

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The World Remade

The World Remade: America in World War I by G. J.Meyer An indispensable, sharply drawn account of America’s pivotal-and still controversial-intervention in World War I, enlivened by fresh insights into the key issues, events, and personalities of the period. In his previous book A World Undone: the Story of the Great War, 1914-1918 Meyer focused […]

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New Arrivals in TV Series

Archer Season 7 Following their disastrous turn as government agents turned drug dealers, the team reinvents themselves as a Los Angeles-based P.I. firm. Their first case is protecting a vampy actress from blackmail, and Archer’s libido. They also grapple with a terminator mummy who wants his mommy, spinning robot legs, Archer’s desperate voice mail message, […]

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On Display

March 15 marks the infamous assassination of Julius Caesar, and has since become a significant date on the Roman calendar. Do you enjoy a good – fictionalized –  murder?  Visit our second floor display of murderous novels!

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Exoplanets

Exoplanets: Asking the Right Questions in Our Strange New Universe by Michael E. Summers, &  James Trefil The past few years have seen an incredible explosion in our knowledge of the universe. Since its 2009 launch, the Kepler satellite has discovered more than two thousand exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system.  The recent discovery […]

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Queen Victoria – On Display

Are you a fan of PBS’s new show Victoria?  Visit the library to learn more about the Victorian era. Travel back in time with many feature films set in the Victorian period, on display in the media room. Learn more about the period, Queen Victoria’s reign, and our culture’s lasting fascination with her life and influence […]

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The Raven’s Table: Viking Stories

The Raven’s Table: Viking Stories by Christine Morgan The wolf’s wind is howling, stalking like death itself. The carrion-crows, avaricious and impatient, circling the battle-ground, the Raven’s Table. Listen… The furious clangor of battle. The harrowing singing of steel. The desperate cries of wounded animals. The gasps of bleeding, dying men. The slow, deep breathing […]

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Check Out a TV Series!

Check out what’s new in TV Series at the library… Agatha Christie’s Criminal Games Agatha Christie’s world famous mysteries are delightfully adapted in a new series of French TV movies, sexy, witty and definitely addictive! Set in the 1950s, these iconic stories introduce new investigators in classic Christie style. Chief Inspector Laurence, a man of […]

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March 5 – 11 is YALSA’s Teen Tech Week!

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association, devotes one week each year to Teen Tech Week, with the goal to “showcase all of the great digital resources and services that are available to help teens succeed.”1 This year, the theme for Teen Tech Week is “Be the Source […]

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2 New Arrivals in Young Adult…

Ones and Zeroes – Dan Wells From Dan Wells, author of the New York Times bestselling Partials Sequence and the John Cleaver series, comes the second book in a dark, pulse-pounding sci-fi-noir series set in 2050 Los Angeles. Overworld. It’s more than just the world’s most popular e-sport—for thousands of VR teams around the globe, […]

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New Non-Fiction at the Library!

At the End of the World: A True Story of Murder in the Arctic by Lawrence MillmanAt the End of the World is the remarkable story of a series of murders that occurred in an extremely remote corner of the Arctic in 1941. Those murders show that senseless violence in the name of religion is not […]

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Agent 110

Agent 110: An American Spymaster and the German Resistance in WWII by Scot Miller This is the secret and suspenseful account of how OSS spymaster Allen Dulles led a network of Germans conspiring to assassinate Hitler and negotiate surrender to bring about the end of World War II before the Soviet’s advance into Europe. Agent […]

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March is Time for Irish Celebrations! – On Display

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and March is Irish American History Month! Visit a number of our second floor displays featuring all things Ireland. See our list below to find out the Irish adventures awaiting you this month. “Celebrate Irish Writers” – explore fiction by Irish authors. “Discover Ireland” – a selection […]

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NEW: Global Road Warrior

  Meet our newest online resource, Global Road Warrior. This digital database provides country-by-country resources for learning about cultures, customs, history, and language worldwide. Global Road Warrior consists of 175 Country Guides of 119 topics each. Great for travel planning and on-the-go information while abroad. Great for school research projects. Great for international business.   […]