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Still Serving Residents: While the Library remains closed to the public due to COVID-19, the Library staff continue to work remotely and are available to answer questions. The best way to reach staff is through email at westfordlibrary@westfordma.gov. Patrons can reach out if they need a card number or a new card to access our downloadable collections and services.
Kanopy Streaming Films: Have you tried Kanopy yet? Are you looking for recommendations of what to watch? If you visit our Fine Arts Desk, you have probably met Carol who is our “go to” for film recommendations. Below are some of her picks from the Kanopy collection.
“OBIT.” Because I love biographies, I often flip through obituaries of newspapers to learn about fascinating people and their accomplishments. So I looked forward to and enjoyed the documentary “Obit” currently streaming on Kanopy. The 90-minute film is a nod to those who gather facts and create the informative stories of both celebrity and everyday folks… who are “dearly departed”. All the reporters who speak philosophize and emphasize how their jobs are more about life than death. The film viewer sees the delicate process of interviewing survivors and learns the “do’s and dont’s” of word usage within the obit. Woven throughout the film are the writers’ highlights of their most memorable, noteworthy subjects. I particularly loved the quirky New York Times reporter who takes us on a tour of the “morgue ” showing the hundreds and hundreds of file cabinets that house yellowed clippings and antiquated photos of famous/everyday people. He shared a few of his “eureka” moments with us. I highly recommend this documentary.
“The Phone Call”: Heather, a quiet, crisis call center worker takes a call from a weeping, elderly man who initially says…”it’s already done.” For the next 20 minutes, as Heather coaxes him to give details, we go through a roller coaster of feelings …which range from intensity to calm as he eventually explains. This 21- minute piece won an Academy Award for the Best Short Film Live Action. Celebrated actors Sally Hawkins & Jim Broadbent play the conversationalists. I was hooked from the start of this intense film….and had chills listening to the sweet Irish music as the credits rolled. Streaming now on Kanopy!
Online Classes with Lynda.com: Lynda.com is an online learning site that hosts a constantly growing library of over 5,600 courses that include over 180,000 videos. Courses cover a variety of topics (including business, design, web development and multimedia skills) and software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and open source applications) that can help you pursue personal and professional goals. These courses are delivered by expert instructors and feature searchable transcripts that make it easy to find quick answers to questions. You will need your Westford Library card number to connect. If you need your card number or a new Library card, please contact us at westfordlibrary@westfordma.gov
Home School Help: At home with the kids? Our web site has a new School at Home During Quarantine page! Here you will find tips for navigating home schooling and resources for homework help.
Virtual Book Club Meetings: The Monday Mystery Book Club will be meeting via Zoom on Monday, April 27 to discuss The Dry by Jane Harper. If you are interested in participating or you would like more information, please contact Sarah Regan.
Spotlight on Freegal Music: Download free music! All music is free and you get to keep it forever – no due dates! Library users have up to 5 downloads per week and can now stream 24 hours per day. The catalog includes 16 million songs, millions of albums, hundreds of curated playlists, thousands of audio books, and music videos. Free Freegal apps are available at the Apple App Store and Google Play. You will need your Westford Library card number to connect. If you need your card number or a new Library card, please contact us at westfordlibrary@westfordma.gov
The J.V. Fletcher Library is located at 50 Main St., Westford. For more information, visit http://www.westfordlibrary.org or email us at westfordlibrary@westfordma.gov.
