LIBRARY NEWS: Learn To Play The Ukulele On July 22; Summer Reading Prizes Still Available

Below is a press release from the Wilmington Memorial Library promoting upcoming programs:

WML Outdoor Programming

Registration is required for outdoor programs at www.wilmlibrary.org. If inclement weather is forecast, the program may be held virtually on Zoom or inside the library.  Please check out website on the day of the program to confirm location.

WML Virtual Programming

The library continues to offer a variety of virtual events. Please note that registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Go to wilmlibrary.org to register or call 978-658-2967.

Summer Reading Prizes

We currently have over 400 participants in our Summer Reading Program! Kids, Teens, and Adults can sign up and get prizes for reading. Adults just have to register and read one book and get a free WML 150^th Anniversary cap! Program runs through August 13. Prizes are available while supplies last.

Adult Programs

VIRTUAL Local History: Prohibition Wine                                                                                  

Thursday, July 22, 7 pm                                                                                                              

Marian Leah Knapp offers a glimpse into Prohibition-era Wilmington in her book Prohibition Wine: A True Story of One Woman’s Daring in Twentieth-Century America. She tells the true story of her grandmother, widowed Jewish immigrant Rebecca Goldberg, and her forays into bootlegging.

LIVE ON WCTV Cookin’ the Books

Monday, July 26, 2:30 pm

Join Library Associate Lisa Crispin as she talks about and demonstrates recipes from the Great Gatsby era. Shown live on WCTV on Comcast 9 / Verizon 37 and online at WCTV.org/live/ (Don’t forget to press the Play icon to start the live stream).

VIRTUAL Creative Writing Group

Tuesday, July 27, 7 pm

Learn and apply creative writing tips, tools, and techniques shared by published authors and other writing experts. Open to all who want to improve their creative writing skills and get their work published. Led by local writing enthusiast, Barbara Alevras.  If you are interested in attending this event, please email Assistant Director Charlotte Wood at cwood@wilmlibrary.org

OUTDOOR Well-Read Wednesday

Wednesday, July 28, 10 am

Featured book: The Library Book by Susan Orleans

Location: Outdoor @ WML

Join Library Director Tina Stewart in the Peggy Kane Reading Garden behind the library for a discussion of The Library Book, which investigates the story of the disastrous Los Angeles Public Library fire that destroyed hundreds of thousands of books in the library’s collections.

Tech Help Drop-In

Wednesday, July 28, 2-3 pm

Have a tech question that’s been bugging you? Drop in the library to see if Technology Librarian, Brad McKenna, can help.

VIRTUAL Social Justice Book Group

Wednesday, July 28, 7 pm

Featured Book: Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X Kendi

This group, which will meet the fourth Wednesday of the month, continues the work started with the library’s antiracism series. Instead of discussing the entire book, the group will read a select number of chapters per month to allow for more in depth conversation.  Copies of the book will be available at the library’s main desk.

VIRTUAL Boats Against the Current: The Honeymoon Summer of Scott and Zelda

Thursday, July 29, 7 pm

Author and historian Richard Webb shares his book, Boats Against the Current: The Honeymoon Summer of Scott and Zelda, the companion to the newly released documentary, Gatsby in Connecticut: The Untold Story, which explores the story behind the iconic American novel, The Great Gatsby. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald honeymooned for five months in the summer of 1920 in a modest gray house in Westport, Connecticut. It was an experience that had a more profound impact on both of their collective works than any other place they lived.

Youth Programs

OUTDOOR Learn to Play the Ukulele

Thursday, July 22, 4pm

Location: Outdoor @ WML

Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing. You’ll learn how to tune, strum and read chords. After a short lesson, you’ll be able to play songs. No experience necessary. Bring your own ukulele or borrow one. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Wilmington Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.  Grades 4+

OUTDOOR Read to Thor

Friday, July 23, 10-11 am

Location: Outdoor @ WML

Come read to Thor, a beautiful dog who loves to listen to kids read.  Sign up for one 15-minute session per reader.  Thor will be outdoors in the Peggy Kane Reading Garden unless if the weather is inclement. Grades K-4.

OUTDOOR Kids Create: Paint Palooza

Saturday, July 24 at 3pm

Location: Outdoor @ WML

Families of all ages will have a blast making a mess with paint! Use a variety of tools to get your paint on the canvases, experimenting with textures and colors! Grades K+

VIRTUAL Among Us Teen Game Night

Tuesday, July 27, 7pm

Join your crewmates in a multiplayer game of teamwork and betrayal over Zoom! Download the free Among Us app and play in a private match hosted by the WML. Grades 6-12

OUTDOOR Animal Care

Wednesday, July 28 at 3 pm

Location: Outdoor @ WML

Join Lindsay Andella from the Lowell Humane Society to learn about basic pet care, microchipping, and how to improve the lives of the animals in the community and visit with a small animal.  Please bring an item for our animal care drive.  Most needed items are dry cat kibble, non-clumping unscented cat litter, pet toys, bleach, and paper towels. Grades 4-8

OUTDOOR Thumbtack Dragon Eggs Crafternoon

Thursday, July 29, 4pm

Location: Outdoor @ WML

Combining flat tacks and Styrofoam eggs, create realistic dragon eggs fit for any fantasy enthusiast. Grades 4+

OUTDOOR Tails & Tales Storytime: Mammals of the Desert

Tuesday, July 27 at 10am

Location: Outdoor @ WML

This fun storytime features books, rhymes, and songs. Ages 3-6

OUTDOOR Baby Time

Thursday, July 29 at 9:30am

Location: Outdoor @ WML

This program of songs, rhymes, games and picture books is for babies under the age of two years and their caregivers. Please bring a blanket or low chair and something for you and baby to shake (rattles, car keys, bottles full of rice or beans). Ages 0-2

OUTDOOR Time for Twos

Thursday, July 29 at 10:30am

Location: Outdoor @ WML

This storytime for two year olds includes books, rhymes, music and movement. Please bring something to sit on (blanket or low chairs) and something to shake (rattles, car keys, bottles full of rice or beans). Age 2