The Librarian Recommends

Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert

“The library was eccentrically designed, as full of secrets as an advent calendar. There were hidden alcoves and dead doors, half-stairs and galleries and a third-floor reading nook . . . Here and there you came upon stained glass: a girl holding a knife and an apple at the top of a staircase; a fox curled beneath a rosebush in a third-floor hall. . . . The library was always cold as a cathedral. Coldest was the basement, its warren of shelves studded like a Christmas cake with dank reading rooms. . . . that floor of the library felt layered . . . You could feel the way history accreted there, laying its scaly paw over your neck.”

Our Crooked Hearts is a compelling contemporary fantasy that follows teenaged Ivy as she experiences a string of bizarre events. These eerie experiences trigger fragmented memories that cause Ivy to question the people around her — namely, her enigmatic mother — as she attempts to escape the dark forces pursuing her.

Moving back and forth between Ivy’s contemporary life and that of her mother in 1990s Chicago, Our Crooked Hearts weaves a dark, mysterious, and suspenseful tale steeped in magic and enlivened through lush and immersive language. A haunting work that lingers with the reader long after its conclusion, this book is available via OverDrive and the CW MARS catalog.

Liked That? Try This! Read-alikes

If you’ve already read and enjoyed Our Crooked Hearts, consider trying Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw (available via OverDrive and the CW MARS catalog) or These Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice Marshall (also available via OverDrive and the CW MARS catalog).

Special Announcements

Do you have a cozy reading corner you’ve been wanting to spend more time in? Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.

If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.

Here is how the challenge works:

- Sign up using this form.

- Choose a book that fits the monthly challenge.

- After you read, fill out this form with info about the book.

- That's it!

If you read at least one book, you will be invited to a year-end celebration hosted by Mass Center for the Book. If you read a book in each of the 12 months, you will be entered in a drawing to win 1 of 2 totes filled with books and Massachusetts goodies.

Use SPL's handy brochure for resources to help find an appropriate book each month and our checklist to help keep track!

Questions? View Massachusetts Center for the Book's FAQ.

The Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library Bookstore has extended its hours! The bookstore is typically open from when the library opens until one hour before the library closes and is located on the lower level of the library (outside of the Children's department):

- Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Friday from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Saturday from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Sunday from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (October through May)

Pricing: Adult/Teen hardcovers are $2; adult/teen paperbacks, children's books, and media are $1; special items are as marked. Payment is self-service and cash only via the cashbox on the wall inside the door.

Proceeds go to the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library, who provide vital support to the library, including funding for most of our event programs!

Interested in a heathier lifestyle? Check out Headspace! The Headspace app includes hundreds of meditations along with exercises for sleep, focus, and movement. Shrewsbury residents are eligible to request access to Headspace on a first come, first served basis, typically between the 14th and 28th of the month for the month that follows (i.e., you should sign up between February 14th and February 28th to request a March license). Find out more on our website.

Can't wait to get started? Email our Reference department at [email protected] to see if there are any current openings for the current month!

Library Programs

Library & AARP Tax help appointments
Saturdays, February 4, 11, & 25
Saturdays, March 11 & 25
Saturday, April 8

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
At the library
Appointments required

The Shrewsbury Public Library has partnered with AARP to offer tax preparation help again this season! Appointments are required; bring all tax documents from the current year (2022), your state and federal returns from last year (2021), a photo ID, and your Social Security card with you.

The sessions will be held several Saturday mornings, running February through April: February 4, 11, and 25; March 11 and 25; and April 8. To make an appointment, call the library’s Reference desk at 508-841-8533.

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group 
First and third Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. (February 1 & 15)
Second and fourth Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. (February 8 & 22)
Virtual

If you are over 50, unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your "Encore Career", this networking group program is perfect for you. Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking! 

Join us in a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help in your career transition. Meetings include a presentation and hands-on workshop on topics relevant to career transition, guest speakers, access to hiring managers, small group breakout rooms to network, and 1-on-1 coaching guidance. Participating on a regular basis will give job seekers the many tools and strategies needed for a successful job search.  

The group meets on Zoom from 9:30–11:30 a.m. on first and third Wednesday mornings, with repeat sessions on the same topics now offered in the evenings from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on second and fourth Wednesday evenings. Please register for only one session on each topic, as the morning and evening sessions will be identical.

This month's topics will be:

- Create A Marketing Plan & Marketing Brief (February 1st, 9:30–11:30 a.m. & February 8th, 6:00–8:00 p.m.)

- Applications, Cover Letters & Negotiation (February 15th, 9:30–11:30 a.m. & February 22nd, 6:00–8:00 p.m.)

This program takes place virtually on Zoom; please register to attend separately for each session: 

- Register here for morning sessions: https://tinyurl.com/3vmzdnrp
- Register here for evening sessions: https://tinyurl.com/5n6fnpdh

View the full list of topics and dates on our Facebook event page.

This group is sponsored by more than 60 Massachusetts public libraries.

Spanish Conversation Club
Tuesdays, February 7, 14, 21, & 28
6:00–7:00 p.m.
At the library

Are you looking for a casual space where you can practice your Spanish and learn more about the multiple cultures of those who speak that language?

Join our Spanish Conversation Club (most) Tuesdays at the Shrewsbury Public Library at 6:00 p.m. (in the Learning Lab on the second floor). No registration required. Visit our events calendar to confirm dates. 

Friends Foreign Film Festival
Sundays in February
2:00–4:00 p.m.
At the library

Join the Shrewsbury Public Library for the Friends Foreign Film Festival every Sunday in February at 2:00 p.m.! Sponsored by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library, a different foreign film will be screened in person at the library each week:

- February 5th: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000; Mandarin)
- February 12th: A Separation (2011; Persian/Farsi)
- February 19th: The Class (2008; French)
- February 26th: Footnote (2011; Hebrew)

All films are rated PG-13. No registration required.

Women of Note concert
Saturday, February 4th
2:00–3:00 p.m.

At the library

Women of Note is an enthusiastic group of women who love to sing a cappella harmony. Women of Note has existed for more than 30 years and holds 10 international medals with Harmony, Inc. an international organization of women who sing in the barbershop style. The fun and charismatic chorus sings a wide repertoire of songs including selections from the 1930s, the rock-n-roll era and the new millennium!

Women of Note has entertained audiences locally, on the international contest stage, and in their own self-produced shows. A portion of the proceeds from every Women of Note concert or fundraising event is donated each year in the support of a charity designated annually by the chorus. They have been most recently supporting The Alzheimer's Music Project.

This concert is sponsored by the Shrewsbury Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. 

This concert will take place in person at the library; please to register to attend.

SPL Movie Discussion Club
Tuesday, February 7th
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Virtual

 Join the Shrewsbury Public Library Movie Discussion Club every first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. on Google Meet! Intended for film fans 18 and older.

Watch the “Movie of the Month” on your own time, then meet with us virtually to discuss. February’s film is The Lighthouse (2019, rated R). Shrewsbury residents may view the movie here on Kanopy (create an account/log in with your library card to access Kanopy); non-residents of Shrewsbury should sign up for/access Kanopy through their home library, i.e., the library in the town in which they reside, or by signing up for a Boston Public Library e-card: https://www.bpl.org/ecard. Attendees are also free to find an alternative way to watch.

Register here to receive an email 3 days prior to the discussion date with the Google Meet link.

Contact Dana Volke with any questions at 508-841-4049 or [email protected].

Meditation for a Healthy Lifestyle
Tuesday, February 9th
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Virtual

Join the Shrewsbury Public Library with facilitator Bruce Faithwick, who has been meditating for over 40 years, for this powerful and engaging virtual lecture.

People try to exercise and eat right to keep fit and healthy, but doctors are now recognizing that a positive attitude and “food for the soul” are just as important. In this workshop, discover a simple meditation technique that can melt away stress and be a powerful addition to a healthy living regimen. 

This event will take place virtually on Zoom; please register to attend.

Black History Month with Dr. Rebecca Hall
Saturday, February 11th
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Virtual

This year's Black History Month honors Black Resistance throughout history and today. Archivist, scholar, and graphic novelist Rebecca Hall joins us on Zoom to discuss her groundbreaking book, Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts, a finalist for the N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards and the Pen American Open Book Award.

Organized by the Watertown Free Public Library and sponsored by the Friends of the Watertown Free Public Library.

This event will take place virtually; please register to attend.

Reading Glasses
Thursday, February 16th
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Virtual

The February meeting of Reading Glasses, our book group for adults in their 20s and 30s, will be Thursday, February 16th on Google Meet.

We’ll be discussing Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: "Spanning thirty years, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Venice Beach, California, and lands in between and far beyond, [the book ] is a dazzling and intricately imagined novel that examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, the redemptive possibilities in play, and above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love. Yes, it is a love story, but it is not one you have read before" (penguinrandomhouse.com).

New attendees, please email [email protected] to receive a Google Meet invite closer to the date.

Andy & Judy folk concert
Saturday, February 18th
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

At the library

Join us with Andy & Judy for an afternoon of folk. Beginning instrumentally with a classic folk guitar base, Andy & Judy deepen their sound through the addition of mandolin, banjo, piano, harmonica, and ukulele. Even though their songwriting style has its roots firmly planted in traditional and folk music, the influences of country, gospel, blues, and bluegrass can be heard in their songs. This diversity of influences allows Andy & Judy to carefully craft and perform their songs so that the listener experiences all of the emotions woven into the music. Their sound is replete with close harmonies that blend Judy’s evocative alto and Andy’s deep baritone. 

This concert will take place in person at the library; please to register to attend.

Get Started with Libby
Tuesday, February 21st
5:30–6:30 p.m.
At the library

Want access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more, anytime and anywhere? You can with Libby! Bring your device and join us for a “Get Started with Libby” class in the library’s Learning Lab to get set up and familiar with the Libby app! The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m.

This program is intended for first-time Libby users.

Registration is required; please visit our events calendar and register for your preferred date.

How to Make a Movie on a Shoestring Budget (Movie Making 101)
Thursday, February 23rd
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
At the library

Join us with Melodious Zach to learn how to develop story ideas, filming techniques (including equipment recommendations), and what editing software to use. This session will also go over local resources and how to get a movie screened at a theater and/or on cable TV.

Melodious Zach had his debut film O! Melodious Movie: Side 1 theatrically released at Lexington Venue in MA, as well as a television simulcast cable premiere. Zach would like to tell attendees how to do the same with their movies.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Shrewsbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

This program will take place in person at the library; please to register to attend.

New Leaves concert
Saturday, February 25th
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
At the library

Join us for a concert by Americana duo New Leaves. The group consists of Cameron Sutphin and Mary Hastings, who met in high school and became friends, starting the band Wing & A Prayer with two other classmates, before venturing out on their own and becoming a duo. Cameron & Mary perform original material and classic country and folk cover songs such as, “The Times They Are A-Changin'” (Bob Dylan), “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (John Denver), “Jackson” (Johnny Cash), “Hallelujah” (Leonard Cohen), and “Wake-Up Little Susie” (Everly Brothers) as an acoustic act. They have performed at multiple venues in 30 states and Washington D.C. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library.

This program will take place in person at the library; please register to attend.

Shrewsbury Genealogy Club
Monday, February 27th
7:15–9:15 p.m.
Virtual

Anyone interested in genealogy (or family history) can now join the Shrewsbury Genealogy Club from the comfort of their home! The club will meet on Zoom the fourth Monday of every month starting at 7:15 p.m. 

To register, email the Genealogy Club’s clubmaster, former SPL Assistant Director George Brown, at [email protected].

Shrewsbury Readers
Thursday, March 2nd
6:30–7:30 p.m.
At the library

Shrewsbury Readers is a group about good books and good discussions. Titles are selected from a variety of genres. Copies of the book will be available at the first floor Circulation desk for group members to check out. The March book will be announced soon! Check our events calendar for updates.

New members are welcome; please contact Priya Rathnam at 508-841-8537 or [email protected]

Don't see a program here? Registration may already be full!
Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming programs of interest.