Get daily Westford text alerts by subscribing here.
If you value this free news please consider making a donation to WestfordCAT through: paypal.com/us/fundraiser/
Our programs are funded by the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library, Inc.
Check out these programs for Kids, Tweens, and Teens during April vacation week.
Big Games for Teens: Tuesday, April 16 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Participants can play larger-than-life versions of Jenga, Connect Four, Bowling, and more. This is a drop-in, hang-out program, no registration required. Snacks will be provided.
LEGO-Themed Escape Room (without the locked door): Wednesday, April 17. Two sessions at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Working in teams, solve a series of challenging Lego-themed puzzles and riddles to ultimately unlock a sweet treat-filled suitcase. For the 1= p.m. session register here. For the 2:30 session register here. Space is limited to 20 participants per session and is open to kids in grades 3 to 6.
Whalemobile with Nile the Life-sized Whale: Thursday, April 18 at 1 p.m. Visit Nile, the life-sized (really) humpback whale, in the Meeting Room during school vacation week. Participants see, touch, and feel whale artifacts AND participants actually get to go inside the blow-up whale. Free tickets are available for children ages 4 and up and their caregivers in the Youth Services department. Space is limited for this program due to the size of Nile. This program is funded by the KDK Foundation in honor of Kurt Kelley.
Drive-In Movie at the Library: Friday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m. The librarians are turning the Meeting Room into a Drive-in Movie Theater. Kids will decorate a box to create a customized vehicle which they will then sit in while watching a variety of librarian-selected videos. Decorations and popcorn included – participants are asked to bring their own covered beverage. Caregivers can watch from the sidelines and the cars go home with the attendees. Tickets ($2) for children ages three and older and adults are available in the Youth Services Department.
Adult programs in April
Cookbook Club: Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. The Cookbook Club is dedicated to exploring cookbooks and sampling new recipes. It meets on the third Thursday of the month. The April pick is Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables by Joshua McFadden. Copies are available for check out at the Main Desk. Those who would like to bring a dish from the cookbook (not required to participate), are asked to contact Sarah Regan in Information Services at 978-399-2309. No registration required.
Learn Ukulele: Sat., April 20 at 2 p.m. Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing. Participants will learn how to tune, strum and read chords. After a short lesson, they’ll be able to play some fun and easy songs. No experience necessary. (Note: this is a beginner lesson, and not our monthly ukulele strum along.) Attendees are asked to bring their own ukulele or register in advance to borrow one. Ages 14 and up. FREE! Residents can register here or call Information Services at 978-399-2304.
Monday Mystery Book Club: Monday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. The group meets on the fourth Monday morning of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Mary Atwood Room. The April selection is “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng. Copies of the current selection are available for check-out at the Main Desk. New members are always welcome. No registration required.
Knitting Group: Monday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. The informal Knitting Group meets in the Mary Atwood Room on the second Monday of every month from 3 to 5 p.m. AND the fourth Monday of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is a drop-in program that is open to all ages. Participants can bring their latest project and share advice and socialize with other knitters! Those with questions are asked to call Sarah Regan at 978-399-2309.
Sharks to Parks: Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. Ever seen a real hammerhead shark? Residents can join photographer Bob Michelson for a narrated slideshow. He’ll discuss predator/prey relationships using an actual 7.5 foot hammerhead shark, “Bruce!” Attendees will learn about marine life found off the Massachusetts coast, then fish and fauna from the Peabody area, and then all the wildlife that call Peabody home, from red foxes to bald eagles. FREE. Ages 14 and up. Residents can register here or call Information Services at 978-399-2304. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Westford Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency.
Ukulele Strum Along: Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m. Musicians can learn to play by playing! Focusing on 2 and 3 chord songs, this program is for the beginner ukulele player who wants to practice and play music with others. Singing is encouraged. Ukuleles available to borrow, songs projected onto a screen so no music stands or books necessary. This program is open to adults and teens. Residents can register here or in the Information Services Department to borrow a ukulele, or just drop in with their own instrument.
Nuclear Security in the 21st Century: Monday, Apr. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Nuclear weapons have not gone away, and the Trump administration has brought a new urgency to them. The New Start Treaty with Russia is up for renewal in 2021, a summit with Kim Jong-un occurred to discuss denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, and President Trump decertified the Obama nuclear deal with Iran. Expert Keith West has been involved with speech and debate for nearly two decades. Come hear him discuss to what degree past nuclear talks should guide future U.S. nuclear arms control negotiations. FREE. Ages 14 and up. Residents can register here or call Information Services at 978-399-2304.
Cuba and the “Last” Baseball Season with author José Ramírez: Thursday, May 2 at 7 p.m. After the Castro regime abolished professional baseball in 1961, young Cuban players had a choice: leave family, friends and a beloved homeland, knowing they may never see them again, to play professionally — or stay home and pursue a different and uncertain way of life. Local author José Ramírez will discuss his book about the personal struggle these men and their families endured, and the heart-wrenching decision they had to make. FREE. Ages 14 and up. Residents can register here or call Information Services at 978-399-2304.
English Conversation Circle: every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Participants can practice their English conversation skills and meet new friends in a relaxed and friendly environment. Registration is not required. Those with questions are asked to call Sarah Regan at 978-399-2309.
Sunday Hours: Resumed in January and run thru Sunday, April 28. On Sundays the Library is open from 2 to 5 p.m.
The J.V. Fletcher Library is located at 50 Main St., Westford. For more information or to register for a program, visit http://www.westfordlibrary.org or call 978-692-5555.
