The Peabody Institute Library kicks off this week with fun events and activities for everyone, from infants to seniors, including movie nights for both kids and teens.
Wednesday, Jan. 11
Drop-in Tech Help
Need help using your smartphone, laptop, tablet or e-reader? Bring your device to the library for drop-in tech help! From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Creativity Lab at Main Library, one of the librarians will be ready to help answer your questions.
Teens Teaching Teens: Language Exchange
Do you speak a language other than English, or would you like to learn one? The Teen Language Exchange is an opportunity for teens to share their language with peers or learn some new phrases in a language they don’t yet know. Whether you’re totally fluent in another language, monolingual and curious, or are dabbling in language learning, this group is for you! The event is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Teen Room at the Main Library. This isn’t a class, but an informal learning experience meant to be fun, informative and relaxed. Snacks will be provided. This program is intended for tweens and teens in grades 6-12. Registration is encouraged.
Pajama Story Time
Hear stories and rhyming songs before bed with librarian Miss Jenny. It’s optional to wear your pajamas and bring your stuffed animals along to hear the stories. Registration is required. Spaces are limited. The event is open to ages 3 and up, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Tech Lab.
Thursday, Jan.12
Baby Storytime
For parents and caregivers with children up to 18 months old. 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 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Tech Lab.
Toddler Storytime
For parents and caregivers with children ages from 18 months to 3 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 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Tech Lab.
Local History Research Help
Research Peabody and North Shore local history in the Sutton Room from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A librarian will prepare materials in advance of your visit. Researchers must agree to the Sutton Room Use Guidelines. Registration is required for this event and will be subject to the approval of the library.
TACO Thursday
Earn community service hours by participating in Teen Advisory and Community Organization, or as we like to call it, TACO! This foodie event is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Teen Room at the Main Library. Each Thursday, teen volunteers are 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.
Craft & Chat
Join Amory and fellow crafters for West Branch Library’s Craft & Chat! Teenagers ages 13+ are encouraged to bring their handicraft projects to the Community Room to make new friends, meet neighbors and reconnect with old friends. All skill levels and interests are welcome, and Amory can offer guidance in sewing, basic knitting, cross-stitching, polymer clay and digital art. Registration is encouraged but not required. Craft & Chat is the second Thursday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m.
Bring Your Own Book Group
The Bring Your Own Book Group meets online through Zoom from 7 to 8 p.m. Every month, we choose a theme, and you choose the book you want to read! Everyone will get the opportunity to share what they read with the group. This is a great way to discuss books you’ve enjoyed, expand your reading list to books that might be out of your comfort zone, and get new reading recommendations. This program is open to adults and teens ages 16 and up. This month, the theme is “Winter.” Please register to receive the Zoom link.
Saturday, Jan. 14
Winter STEAM Story Time
Join Miss Alex as she reads the science behind what makes a snowflake so special from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Tech Lab. While learning more about snowflakes, you will have the opportunity to make one yourself and take it home as a perfect winter decoration. This event requires the use of scissors so parent supervision may be required. Registration is required.
Monday, Jan. 16
The Main Library, South Branch and West Branch will be closed for Martin Luther King day.
Zoom English Conversation Circles – Beginner/Intermediate
Conversation Circles are free, volunteer-led sessions that provide weekly opportunities for non-native English speakers to practice basic conversational English in an informal setting. Sessions are designed to increase participants’ comfort level when using English, increase vocabulary and knowledge of American culture and customs, improve pronunciation and learn idiomatic expressions. Some English speaking skills are necessary to participate. Meetings focus on topics of practical interest such as shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, hobbies and current events.
A brief skills assessment interview is required to match language learners with others at the same skill level. Monday’s session is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. online. To find out more and join a Circle, contact Sharon Janus at 978-531-0100 ex38 or peabodyell@noblenet.org
Tuesday, Jan. 17
Children’s Yoga
Ready for some morning movement and relaxation? Miss Katia hosts a fun yoga session for children every Tuesday morning. Wear comfy clothes and bring a yoga mat (if you have one) and a water bottle to stay hydrated. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Tech Lab and 20 of 20 spaces are available.
Local History Research Help
Research Peabody and North Shore local history in the Sutton Room from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A librarian will prepare materials in advance of your visit. Researchers must agree to the Sutton Room Use Guidelines. Registration is required for this event and will be subject to the approval of the library.
TACO Tuesday
Earn community service hours by participating in Teen Advisory and Community Organization, or as we like to call it, TACO! This foodie event is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Teen Room at the Main Library. Each Tuesday, teen volunteers are 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.
Teen Movie Night
Watch a movie from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Teen Room. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. The movie this week is Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The movie is about the enigmatic sorcerer Dr. Stephen Strange who returns to unravel the mysteries and properties bound to the Time Stone. Strange conducts a series of experiments on the unusual artifact in an effort to learn the intricacies of time itself. However, when a powerful foe — in the guise of a friendly face — thwarts Strange’s experiments, the sorcerer finds himself freeing a sinister force that wreaks havoc across the dimensions of time and space. The movie is rated PG-13.
Meditation with Valerie York – Journey to your authentic self
Join Valerie York for a year-long journey to finding your authentic self through meditation and mindfulness from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tech Lab. Come to one or all of the monthly sessions. They build on each other but are also great as standalone sessions. Please register to reserve a spot. Participants should bring water, a journal and something to write with.
