It is that time of the year, when freezing temperatures force many people inside, increasing their chances of getting sick. The Peabody Institute is please to help stop the spread of germs with another free COVID-19 vaccine clinic.
Held in partnership with Mass General Brigham and the Peabody Health Department the clinic will take place every Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. in the Main Library 2nd floor Tech Lab. The Pfizer vaccines and updated boosters will be offered (see below for details). The clinic is walk-in only, no appointments are available. Free blood pressure screenings are also available. Insurance is not needed, and no one will ask about your immigration status.
Please contact the Peabody Health Department at 978-538-5926 with any further questions. Children ages six months- four years will get Pfizer Series 1, 2, 3; Children ages five to 11 will get Pfizer Series 1 & 2 or Youth Booster; people ages 12 and up will get Pfizer Series 1 & or Updated Bivalent Booster.
Thursday, Jan. 19
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.
Drop-in Tech Help
Need help using your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or e-reader? Bring your device to the library and stop by our Drop-in Tech Help from 1 – 4 p.m. in the Community Room at the West Branch where one of our librarians will be ready to help answer your questions.
Local History Research Help
Research Peabody and North Shore local history in the Sutton Room from 2 – 4 p.m. A librarian will prepare the materials in advance for 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.
Family BINGO!
Kids ages five to 12 and their caregivers are welcome to join this after-school activity from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the South Branch Library. Winners can choose from a variety of prizes, including books to keep. Registration is required.
TACO Thursday
Earn community service hours by participating in Teen Advisory and Community Organization, or as we like to call it, TACO! 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.
Drop-In Crafts in the Children’s Room
Come to the Children’s library for a different craft each week from 5:30 to 7 p.m.! Supplies provided! No registration is needed.
Genealogy Office Hours
If you are currently researching your family history, genealogist Jennifer Smith is here to help. Drop into the South Branch Library between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to receive one-on-one assistance with your project. Smith can answer your questions and offer guidance if you’ve become “stuck.”
Smith has a professional learning certificate in genealogical studies and is a professional genealogist with expertise in both traditional documentary and genetic genealogical research techniques. Her career in the biopharmaceutical industry provided a foundation in the science of DNA which is directly applicable to genetic genealogy. Smith provides comprehensive family history research projects for clients including genetic genealogy when applicable, consultations on research problems or DNA analysis, and coaching for developing genealogists.
Smith has been doing family history research for herself, friends, and family for over 30 years, having been introduced to genealogy by her mother as a teenager. She began researching seriously over 20 years ago, pursuing more comprehensive research, and attending genealogical conferences and seminars to continuously improve her research and analysis skills. Her work on her Revolutionary era Smith family has been published as part of a research project by the eminent New England Historic Genealogical Society.
Saturday, Jan. 21
Drop-In Crafts in the Children’s Room
Kids of all ages and their caretakers are welcome to drop into 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 11 a.m. to noon. Come to the Tech Lab on the second floor and use 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. Larger DUPLO blocks will also be available for younger children. This event is free, but space is limited and registration is required.
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, Jan. 23
Preschool Storytime and Craft – West Branch Library
Join Miss Julianne for Storytime and crafting. Listen to her share some stories, and then follow along to create a masterpiece in the Community Room. These programs help children gain early literacy, creativity, world-building, and social skills while also preparing them for a school environment. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Registration is required and space is limited. This event will take place from 10 – 11 a.m.
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.
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 and increase vocabulary and knowledge of American culture and customs. To improve pronunciation and learn idiomatic expressions. Some English speaking skills are necessary to participate. The meeting focuses on topics of practical interest such as shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, hobbies, or current events. The meeting will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A brief skills assessment interview is completed to match language learners with others at the same skill level. To find out more and join a Circle, contact Sharon Janus at 978-531-0100 ex38 or peabodyell@noblenet.org
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.
Learn Modern Calligraphy with Debby Reelitz
Learn how to use brush pens and color to create hand-lettered projects with modern calligraphy! Session will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Calligrapher Debby Reelitz will explain how modern calligraphy can be used for everyday life in addition to all your craft projects and gifts.
During the workshop, you’ll learn how to work with brush pens, different colors, and different layouts and sizes. You can take home your brush pen and worksheets for practice. You will learn where this style comes from, strategies on how to create this lettering style, and projects to use the skills you have learned.
Online LGBTQ+ Book Club – partnership with Ashland Library
We are so pleased to be partnering with the Ashland Public Library to bring this book club for the LGBTQ+ community and allies! If you are over the age of 15 and would like to chat about books that celebrate LGBTQ+ lives and use books as a springboard to discuss the challenges, we hope you can join us. This book club will be facilitated by librarians from the LGBTQ+ community. This book group meets online, on the 4th Monday of every month, from 7 to 8 p.m. The January book is “Call Me By Your Name,” and copies are available at the Public Services Desk. Sign up here for the Zoom link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-lgbtq-book-club-read-call-me-by-your-name-for-15-100-registration-469352755727
Tuesday, Jan. 24
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, 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 Tach Lab and 20 of 20 spaces are available.
MASSHIRE Career Center on the GO
MASSHIRE North Shore Career Center will be hosting Career Center on the GO at the South Branch Library on Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services such as Career Coach Advising and Job Search Assistance, including resume reviews, will be offered. Services are provided by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. This event is free and open to the general public. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, please visit MASSHIRE North Shore Career Center.
Local History Research Help
Research Peabody and North Shore local history in the Sutton Room from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Librarian will prepare the materials in advance for 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. 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.
