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 is now open! Instead of one annual book sale in October, the bookstore will be open year-round. The bookstore is open from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and is located on the lower level of the library (outside of the Children's department).

Pricing: Adult/Teen hardcovers are $2; adult/teen paperbacks, children's books, and media are $1; special items are as marked. Proceeds go to the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library, who provide vital support to the library, including funding for nearly all of our programs!

Making a resolution to be more mindful? Or to move more? 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 January 14th and January 28th to request a February license). Find out more on our website.

Library Programs

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group 
First and third Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. (January 4 & 18)
Second and fourth Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. (January 11 & 25)
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:

- Self-Assessment & Transferrable Skills: (January 4th, 9:30–11:30am & January 11th, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

- Create Your "Career Story" Pitch: (January 18th, 9:30–11:30 a.m. & January 25th, 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
Every Tuesday
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 every Tuesday at the Shrewsbury Public Library (6:00 p.m. in the Learning Lab on the second floor). No registration required.

SPL Movie Discussion Club
Tuesday, January 3rd
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. January's theme is Academy Award Winners & Nominees; the movie is: The Artist (2011, PG-13). Shrewsbury residents may view the movie here on Kanopy. Patrons will need to create an account/log in with their 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. 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].

Tips & Tricks for Weight Management
Wednesday, January 4th
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Virtual
Many people focus on weight management and improving health in the new year, but HOW do we do that? What is the best approach that is sustainable with long-lasting results? Join Jill Patterson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and AFAA Certified Personal Trainer and Aerobics Instructor, for this workshop to learn science-based, practical tips and tricks for weight management. You will walk away with easy-to-do steps to achieve your ideal body!
Sponsored by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library.

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

The Benefits of Meditation
Tuesday, January 10th
8:00–8:00 p.m.
Virtual

Meditation can bring about a sense of calm and balance that benefits both your emotional and physical well-being, which in turn will impact your overall health and reduce stress. It is easy to learn and can have many lasting and beneficial effects. Join Clare Vidich, who has been meditating for many years, for this lively and engaging virtual workshop. 

Clare Vidich is a retired Montessori school teacher who has been meditating for over 40 years. She has lectured nationally on the topic of meditation and was a speaker at a Global Conference on Spirituality in 2007 and 2009 in Delhi, India. She has conducted meditation classes at the adult education, college, high school, grade school and preschool level. 

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

Introduction to Personal Finance
Wednesday, January 11th
7:00–8:00 p.m.
At the library

At this workshop on personal finance, presenter Merwyn Figueiredo will help attendees learn about the financial planning process and how to use financial statements and budgets to help increase their savings and net worth.

Merwyn worked for Digital Equipment and Millipore for a combined 25 years and then retired at the age of 50. For 12+ years he taught courses at QCC, including Micro and Macro Economics, Introduction to Business, Personal and Corporate Finance, Principles of Real Estate, and Principles of Management.

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

Taste of Korea
Thursday, January 12th
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Virtual

Please join us for an online cooking lesson with KSCPP (Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project) on how to prepare japchae (potato starch noodles with various vegetables), with step-by-step instructions via Zoom meeting. In addition to the cooking lesson, KSCPP will explain the health benefits of traditional Korean meals and screen a short documentary film on bangjja, traditional Korean bronzeware. Visit www.kscpp.net and www.tasteofkorea.org for information on KSCPP.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library.

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

Get Started with Libby
Tuesday, January 17th
6:00–7:00 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, January 17th at 6:00 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.

Read, Listen, and Watch with Hoopla!
Thursday, January 19th
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
At the library

What's all the hoopla about hoopla?! Are you looking for an alternative to Libby? Did you know your library card lets you download and stream with the hoopla service from the comfort of your own home? Bring your device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) to this in-person class and learn how to borrow digital books, audio, movies, and television series using hoopla.

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

Hit the Bus concert
Saturday, January 21st
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
At the library

Join Hit the Bus for this eclectic concert that mixes a variety of popular music from the '50s through today!  Hit the Bus plays the music people want to hear, dance, and party to!

Dave Garden formed Hit the Bus back in 2008 and has been playing throughout New England since then.  Inspired by a variety of musical influences, the group works seamlessly in a creative environment to make every show great.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library.

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

Shrewsbury Genealogy Club
Monday, January 23rd
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, February 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 February 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]