Are you worried about doing your taxes? AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) tax preparers are in the community room in the West Branch of Peabody Institute Library to help from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. These free services are by appointment only. Paperwork must be completed and brought to your appointment. Appointments can be scheduled in person at the Public Service Desk, or over the phone. Please call the West Branch Library at 978-535-3354 for more information.
Thursday, Feb. 2
Baby Storytime
You’re never too young for Storytime. Join Miss Jenny for stories, songs, and sensory play that helps babies develop language, social, and motor skills. Registration is required due to space limitations of up to 15 spaces. The event is from 10 -10:30 a.m. at the Tech Lab. The program is geared toward parents and caregivers of children up to 18 months.
Toddler Storytime
For parents and caregivers with children ages from 18 months to three years, Miss Jenny will guide toddlers and their parents and caregivers through stories, songs, and lots of movement that help build important social and early literacy skills. Registration is required due to space limitations of 18 to 20 spaces. The event is from 11 – 11:30 a.m. at the Tech Lab.
TACO Thursday
The foodie event is from 4 – 5 p.m. in the Teen Room. Each Thursday, teens can come and help better the Peabody Institute Library. Teens will be given tasks that help the library in some way. As compensation, teens receive one hour of community service hours, and a free taco on the first Thursday of the month. Please fill out a Teen Volunteer Application at the start of this program. Registration is not required. If you have questions, please email Teen Librarian Allison at abridgewater@noblenet.org.
West Branch Library Fiction Book Group
Join Senior Librarian Amory and fellow Peabody fiction readers for the Afternoon Fiction Book discussion. On the first Thursday of every month at 2 p.m., the group will gather to discuss the monthly picks. This event is held in person at the West Branch Library in the Community Room. Copies of our next/current reads can be checked out at the Public Services desk.
Registration is encouraged but not required. Contact AThomas@Noblenet.org or call the West Branch at 978-535-3354 for more information.
The book that will be discussed is “Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult. More information on this title can be found at the link: https://www.jodipicoult.com/mad-honey.html
Code Club (grades 6+)
Fiero’s learning interface makes learning to code easy, competitive, and fun. Though everyone practices together, you can learn at your own pace. There are regular challenges in which you can win prizes from 3 to 4 p.m. For February and March, please join the Hackathon to win a robot. This program is for tweens and teens in grades six to 12. Registration is required.
Saturday, Feb. 4
Drop-In Crafts
Kids of all ages and their caretakers are welcome to drop in to the South Branch Library any time between 9 a.m. and noon to make crafts. Craft kits can be taken home or put together in the Library. All materials are provided, and kits will be available while supplies last. Registration is not required.
Family LEGO Fun
The whole family is invited to create some LEGO masterpieces at the Main Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Come to the Tech Lab on the second floor and use our LEGO blocks to build something awesome. LEGO isn’t only a super fun way to spend a Saturday morning, but it’s also a great way for children to gain creative and mechanical skills. Large DUPLO blocks will also be available for younger children.
Beginners Knitting Circle (ages 9+)
Join Miss Aimee for bi-weekly knitting lessons at your own pace. Start with the basics, and work your way towards a project you can wear with pride. Needles and yarn will be available to borrow during class or bring your own so you can practice in between classes. The circle meets in the Tech Lab on the second Floor from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. This program is intended for children and teens ages 9 and up.
Monday, Feb. 6
CFCE of the North Shore: Music and Movement
Join the CFCE (Coordinated Family and Community Engagement) for Music and Movement from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the Tech Lab. Listen and sing songs and dance to the beat. Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional behavior, and language in overall literacy and helps the body and the mind work together. It also helps with fine motor skills. Children who are exposed to music during early development help them learn the sounds and the meaning of words. Reminder: food is not allowed in the programming room and use of cell phones during the program is prohibited. This program is funded by CFCE.
Heartstopper Trivia Night
Want to win your own copy of the Heartstopper coloring book? Enter our Heartstopper trivia challenge. We’ll have questions meant to stump even the biggest fans of Nick and Charlie, as well as a bunch of snacks and some Heartstopper coloring pages from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. This event is intended for teens in grades six to 12. Registration is encouraged. This program is sponsored by Library Initiatives for Tweens and Teens.
After School LEGOs
Join us at the South Branch Library for After School LEGOs. Build your LEGO creations and they will be displayed in the Library for everyone to see. For kids ages five to 12, this program will take place every other Monday from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Open Lab
Have a personal project you’re working on or one you want to start? Stop by the Lower Level any time during this period to use any of the tools available at the Creativity Lab. We have tools for 3D printing, sewing, sound recording, laser cutting, woodworking, computer programming, vinyl cutting, jewelry making, graphic design, electronics, and more. A librarian will be available to help you learn any unfamiliar tools. The lab will take place from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Stephanie James Concert
Peabody native and recording artist Stephanie James brings an evocative, fresh experience to the world of pop music. With a voice often described as “stunning” and “soulful”, Stephanie is a gifted storyteller who masterfully touches the hearts and souls of her fans. Both raw and refined musically, the songs solidify Stephanie’s status as a poised and powerful performer often likened to a revival of legendary Linda Ronstadt combined with modern day super talents Sara Bareilles and Kacey Musgraves. James released her debut album “Unbreakable” in collaboration with Grammy-nominated producers Jorel Corpus and Simone Torres. The album explores vulnerability, self-reliance, themes of growing up, and learning from the past. Stephanie is bi-coastal, spending much of her time in Los Angeles where she lives today, and the greater Boston area where she grew up. The concert will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Pop-Up Library at Brooksby Village
Join us the first Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. at Brooksby Village to check out books and other items, learn about important resources, and see what your library can do for you. Each month, we’ll bring a selection of library materials, event brochures, lots of info about the library, and two staff members ready to answer your questions. We’ll be set up in the library area in the Town Hall Building at Brooksby Village in Peabody.
TACO Tuesday
The foodie event is from 4 – 5 p.m. in the West Branch. Teen volunteers will be given tasks that help the library in some way. As compensation, teens receive one hour of community service hours, and a free taco on the first Thursday of the month. Please fill out a Teen Volunteer Application at the start of this program. Registration is not required. If you have questions, please email Teen Librarian Allison at abridgewater@noblenet.org.
