Wellesley Free Library - Making the Connection
The Wellesley Reader
News and Notes from the Wellesley Free Library
OCTOBER 2015

October Events

Concert: Eclatant Trio 
Sunday, October 4th
2 PM Main Library
Wakelin Room
Eclatant Trio: Seungwon Nam, violin; Sam Ou, cello; Keun-Young Sun, piano. The program: Clara Schumann's   Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 7 and Robert Schumann's Piano Trio No.3, Op. 110.  
Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.
 
Sunday Knitting Group
Sundays, October 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th
2 PM Main Library
Small Conference Room
Get together to knit, chat, share and work on your knitting projects. Just drop by; new members always welcome.
 
Are GMO's Safe? What the Science Tells Us
Thursday, October 8th
7 PM Main Library
Wakelin Room
Some prominent scientists and policymakers assert that there is no scientific controversy over the health effects of GMOs. The scientific evidence, however, reveals a different story. This educational forum reveals how politics and corporate interests have distorted the health and environmental effects of GMO crops. Dr. Sheldon Krimsky will present data from specialists in biology, social science, politics, and ethics.  Dr. Krimsky is the Lenore Stern Professor of Humanities & Social Sciences in the Department of Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University 
Jointly sponsored by the Wellesley Cancer Prevention Project and the Wellesley Free Library.
 
Local Author Kyle Brassard - 50,000 BC
Thursday, October 15th
7 PM Main Library 
Arnold Room
In 50,000 BC, whether they took a temporary green passage through the Sahara, or created risky rafts to drift the nautical pass between Djibouti and Yemen, our ancient African ancestors left Africa. Kyle Brassard's novel 50,000 BC is a fictional action/drama based on the real and epic encounter of Neanderthals and Humans.
 
Concert: Janice Allen, The 'Song Teller'
Sunday, October 18th
2 PM Main Library
Wakelin Room
With a range of African and African-American percussion instruments and her trademark a cappella vocals, 'Song Teller' Janice Allen will take you on a rhythmic journey from the Georgia Sea Islands to the African continent. Suitable for ages 5 to 105!  
Sponsored by World of Wellesley and the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.
 
Cruel and Unusual? A Brief History of the Death Penalty in America
Tuesday, October 20th
7 PM Main Library
Wakelin Room
The Fifth Amendment states that no one may be deprived of life without due process of law. Capital punishment was constitutional for nearly two hundred years, then it wasn't, then it was again. Now the Supreme Court may soon consider once more whether the death penalty violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Join Atty. Robin M. Radner for a lecture on the history of capital punishment in the United States, evolving views on the issue in light of social, cultural and political changes, and what the future might hold.  
Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.
 
Classic Movie Night: The Thin Blue Line (1988)
Wednesday, October 21st
6:45 PM Main Library
Wakelin Room
The Thin Blue Line
is a 1988 American documentary film by Errol Morris recounting the disturbing tale of Randall Adams, a drifter who was charged with the murder of a Dallas police officer and sent to death row despite overwhelming evidence that he did not commit the crime. 
Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.
 
Understanding Human Diversity and the Importance of Empathy
Thursday, October 22nd
7 PM Main Library 
Wakelin Room
Sometimes intended or unintended biases take over human behavior. Someone 'different' is misunderstood, ignored, ridiculed or outright rejected out of fear. Michelle Chalmers, MSW is a 1986 graduate of Wellesley High, current Wellesley resident, president of World of Wellesley, author of two books about diversity, and a facilitator of conversations about race. In this presentation, she will unpack the journey of understanding the complexity of human diversity through a lens of compassion and empathy.
Jointly sponsored by the Wellesley Council on Aging and the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.
 
The History of American Whaling
Sunday, October 25th
2 PM Main Library 
Wakelin Room
Curtis Martin, local historian and retired Merrimack College professor, will discuss the history of American whaling.  New England was the home of the whaling industry for over 200 years.  Professor Martin will discuss its impact on the local economy, as well as the details of the long voyages and the lives of the crew who were the backbone of this fascinating industry.
Jointly sponsored by the Wellesley Historical Society and the Wellesley Free Library.  Refreshments sponsored by Chris Mayer of Coldwell Banker.
 
Author Visit: 
Michael Ponsor
The Hanging Judge
Tuesday, October 27th
7 PM Main Library 
Wakelin Room
When Michael Ponsor '69 arrived at Pembroke as a Rhodes Scholar, fresh out of Harvard, his plan was to become a medievalist and a novelist. Some 45 years and a distinguished legal career later, he returned to the youthful ambition from which he was diverted with the publication of his first novel, a legal thriller.  The Hanging Judge, which received the 2015 Massachusetts Bay One Book Award, is based upon a death penalty case in Springfield Mass over which Ponsor presided as a federal judge.
Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.
 
Discovering What's Next: Discover Your Encore
Thursday, October 29th
7 PM Main Library
Wakelin Room
The second half of life is full of possibilities! After raising families and building careers, more and more people at midlife and beyond are asking 'What comes next for me?'  If you want to try something new, return to earlier passions, or pursue other interests that make a difference in your community or the world, join us. Space is limited, please register.
Jointly sponsored by the Wellesley Council on Aging and the Friends of the Wellelsey Free Libraries.
 

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Wellesley Free Library
530 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA   02482
Phone: 781-235-1610
Fax: 781235-0495
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Wellesley Reads Together


The Hanging Judge by Michael Ponsor, is a novel based on an actual death penalty case in Springfield, Massachusetts. Have you read it yet?  What did you think?  Join us for book discussions, lectures and other related programs this month, including 
Cruel and Unusual? A Brief History of the Death Penalty in America on Tuesday, October 20th
at 7 PM in the Main Library's Wakelin Room.
The Fifth Amendment states that no one may be deprived of life without due process of law. Capital punishment was constitutional for nearly two hundred years, then it wasn't, then it was again. Now the Supreme Court may soon consider once more whether the death penalty violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Join Atty. Robin M. Radner for a lecture on the history of capital punishment in the United States, evolving views on the issue in light of social, cultural and political changes, and what the future might hold.

Then, mark your calendar to meet Michael Ponsor, the author of Hanging Judge, when he presents a reading and talk on Tuesday, October 27th at 7 PM in the Main Library's Wakelin Room.  When Ponsor arrived at Pembroke as a Rhodes Scholar, fresh out of Harvard, his plan was to become a medievalist and a novelist. Some 45 years and a distinguished legal career later, he returned to the youthful ambition from which he was diverted with the publication of his first novel. Books will be available for sale and signing.  Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.


Wellesley Reads Together: October Book Groups 

The Friday Morning Book/Movie Group will discuss The Hanging Judgea gripping legal thriller written by a judge, Michael A. Ponsor. Ponsor presided over a similar high-profile case in 2000-2001.  Join us to join the discussion on Friday, October 16th at 10 AM in the Arnold Room (Main Library, 2nd floor).
 
In keeping with the theme, the monthly Non-Fiction Book Group will discuss Who Owns Death? on Thursday, October 22nd at 10 AM in the Arnold Room. This book explores capital punishment from a unique perspective: not the effect of the punishment on the prisoner being executed, but how the whole process of enacting the death penalty affects everyone else involved.  Included are the prosecutors, families of both the victim and the perpetrator, prison guards and wardens, and judges. Join us to keep the conversation going.



You Too Can Be a YouTuber!

Join us on Tuesday, October 20th  from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM for an exciting new class in Jackie's Room. 

In  "YouTube 101 - Creating your own YouTube page," you will learn how to create your own YouTube page and upload your videos.  
The class will also cover sharing videos across social media platforms and on other websites.

This workshop, sponsored by Wellesley Media Corp. is open to anyone who lives, works or attends school in Wellesley. It requires basic computer skills.  We look forward to seeing you there!  For a complete listing of classes this month, visit the WFL technology calendar.


SO Many Books...


If you're an avid reader who loves to talk about the books you've enjoyed and hear about recommendations from others, try attending a Book Chat!  Unlike typical book groups, the discussions do not center on one specific title.  Instead, each participant can choose to take a turn describing recent favorites. Come to one or both at the Hills Branch Library. 210 Washington St.
  • Hills Branch Evening Book Chat  Thursday, October 1st  6:30 PM
  • Saturday Book Chat at the Hills  Saturday, October 17th 11 AM

SO Many eBooks...


Whether looking to find a job, get a new recipe, check a fact, learn a new language, or discover a new novel, we want the library to be everyone's first stop for trusted and complete information. Get instant access to some cool and unusual free eBooks online through BiblioBoard!

Find data from primary source materials including books, images, maps, articles, audio and video from leading publishers and archives around the world.


New Hydration Station at the Main Library


Go green when you quench your thirst at the library's new bottle-filler water cooler!  To use the "hydration station," place your reusable water bottle in front of the sensor. The unit will stop filling after 30 seconds or when the user removes the bottle from the sensor range. A display indicates the number of 16 ounce bottles saved from landfill disposal.


We're All Business Here

Want to keep up with how your investment portfolio is doing? Do you need some information on which companies the analysts think will bring you positive returns?  Catch the economy on the upturn, with our popular online resources:

Morningstar Investment Resource Center             
Value Line Research Center       
Hoovers Online              
Business Insights: Essential

Get the valuable information that will help you make those difficult financial decisions.  Why wait? Try them out with your library card today!


Beat that Washington St. Traffic

Here's a handy tip from the WFL staff: pick up your reserved items and return your library books, dvds, and cds to the Hills or Fells Branch Libraries. The driving time you save may allow you to stop in and check out a host of new items only available at the branch libraries.


Special Events for Kids of All Ages

Artist Workshop Series
Saturday, October 3rd
1 PM, Storyhour & Craft Room
Sign up for an Artist Workshop Series for kids ages 7-10 years old one Saturday each month. At the first session on Saturday, October 3rd, kids will learn about Alexander Calder and make mobiles in his style. Join us in the Storyhour Room for stories about the artist then enjoy an art project in the Craft Room.  Each month we will learn about a different artist then create an art project in their style.  Registration is required for each session. Register Here for the October session.

Makey Makey Workshop
Saturday October 3rd
2 PM,, Wakelin Room
Join us for a Makey Makey Workshop!  Kids in grades 5-8 will to learn how to use everyday items and the 'Makey Makey' to complete an electronic circuit in order to control computer programs. Use bananas to play a virtual piano or band instruments! Use PlayDoh to make a game controller for a video game! Various conductive materials will be provided to get everyone started, but kids are encouraged to bring their own things that would conduct electricity well: fruit, green leaves, flowers, soda cans, metal bottle caps.  Registration is required. Click here to sign up

Kids Knitting Club
Sunday October 11th
2 PM, Children's Room
The Kids Knitting Club is a family affair. Kids (Ages 7-17) and their grown-ups are welcome to learn to knit or bring in something they've already started and knit with the group. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles (size 6-9) if you have them.  No sign-up is required.

Concert: Janice Allen, the 'Song Teller'
Sunday October 18th
2 PM, Wakelin Room
With a range of African and African-American percussion instruments and her trademark a cappella vocals, 'Song Teller' Janice Allen will take you on a rhythmic journey from the Georgia Sea Islands to the African continent. Best for ages 5 and up.
 
Early Signs of Communication
Monday October 19th, 26th & November 2nd and 9th
10:30-11:30 AM, Storyhour Room
Sign up for a four week class on American Sign Language (ASL) for caregivers and preverbal children ages 2 months and up. Learn signs through songs, books and play. Registration is required for this class offered by instructor Sheryl White.  Click here to sign up.. 

Light and Color: A Discovery Museums Traveling Science Workshop 
Wednesday October 21st
1 PM, Wakelin Room
Kids in grades K-2 will discover the properties of light and color using flashlights, prisms, and colored acetates.  Since space is limited, please sign up here

Halloween Happening
Friday October 30th
3 PM, Children's Room
Drop in for spooktacular crafts, stories and snacks for our Halloween Happening! Come dressed in your costume and be prepared to have a frighteningly good time!  We'll have craft tables, coloring sheets and a spooky storytime. This program is ideal for kids in Preschool - Grade 2.


Girls Who Code Wellesley (for teens)

Learn how to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code! Girls in grades 6 - 8 have the opportunity to participate in a year-long computer coding club, Girls Who Code.
 
Girls Who Code Wellesley will meet every Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. throughout the school year. Club members must commit to attend 80% of these weekly meetings. Meetings will be led by volunteer instructors who are professionals in the industry.  Complete details are available on the the Teen Calendar.  Learn more about Girls Who Code clubs.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries and Girls Who Code.  


WFL Book Groups For Children

Kids Read, for kids in 2nd and 3rd grades
Friday, October 16th
4 PM, Craft Room
Kids in grades 2 and 3 are invited to join Kids Read!  Our October book will be Houdini: World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King by Kathleen Krull.
 
The Reading Club, for kids entering grades 4 and 5 with an adult
Monday, October 19th
7 PM, Children's Room
Join The Reading Club!  Join us to discuss The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson.    
 
Books & Bites, for kids in grades 6 and up
Monday, October 26th             
7 PM, Children's Room
Books & Bites is a book group for middle schoolers. The October book will be Loot: How to Steal a Fortune by Jude Watson. Parents are welcome, too! 


October's Galleries, Exhibits and Book Displays

October 2nd Through October 29th
Wakelin Room and Lobby
Reflections
Artist: Rob Franco
Franco became passionate about art during visits to a neighborhood artist in Newport, Rhode Island when he was young.  He trained as an illustrator in the US Air Force and continued as a graphic artist in the Boston area and later turned to oil painting.  This medium allows him to build paintings with texture, using palette knives, brayers and assorted brushes.

Main Library Exhibit Cases 
Diwali, coming up in November,  is the biggest, most famous and most commonly celebrated of Hindu festivals.  In preparation, the Library's exhibit cases will display a collection of unique and beautiful items from different regions of India, including decorative items, clothing, jewelry, and cooking utensils. The Diwali exhibit is coordinated by Priya Vytheswaran, Vandna Bhagat and Rama K. Ramaswamy.

First Floor Book Display 
"No Tricks, Just Treats" will be found on the potpourri of book titles selected just for you.
First Floor Mystery Display
"Spooky Scary Mysteries" will help you find a good read quickly.
Media Room Display
"Through the Force, things you will see. Other places." by Yoda.  Films and audio books to take you to other worlds.
Second Floor Book Display 
"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."  Fiction and nonfiction books of the galaxies we know and those we have imagined.