Wayland Free Public Library
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Library Programs
The Wayland Library offers several programs that are either ongoing throughout the year or recur at approximately the same time each year. These programs are described below:
SPRING SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Every spring we present a three-part series of lectures on Shakespeare, conducted by Professor Helen Whall of the College of the Holy Cross, in which three plays are read and discussed. The Friends of the Wayland Library sponsor this free series. 2008 Spring Shakespeare Series Schedule.
FOREIGN FILM SERIES
This year come join us at the library to watch and discuss a foreign film:
Upcoming Films
Full 2008-2009 Foreign Film Schedule
ART LECTURE SERIES
At least once a year, the library offers a slide/lecture art appreciation series with museum lecturer and docent Judy Schurgin. In recent years Judy has spoken on Women Artists, the Early Modernists, Spanish Art, the Italian Renaissance, and the Impressionists.
CLASSICS SERIES
Frank Smith, former head of Classics and Modern Languages at Wayland High School, offers an annual lecture series on the classics.
LUNCHTIME BOOK GROUP
For over thirty years, a group of adults have been meeting one Friday a month at noon for a reading discussion meeting. Currently the members rotate turns in facilitating the discussion and providing refreshments.
A list of titles to be considered each year is available at the library. Members either purchase their own copies or read copies acquired by the library on interlibrary loan.
For more information about this group, please call Kathy Powers, Assistant Director.
POETRY WORKSHOPS
The library provides one of the most successful Poetry Workshops in the Metrowest area. Twice a month, about 20 individuals meet to read and discuss their work, often with constructive critiquing of each other's writing.
Every fall the group brings in a special speaker, usually a well-known published poet. In the spring, members perform, reading from their best work, on a Sunday in April. The public is always invited to this day.
GREAT DECISIONS GROUP
Starting in January or February, meeting approximately every three weeks on Friday mornings, through June, a group of adults gather in the Raytheon room to discuss current social, political, economic, and philosophical issues.
Sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, which provides a set of topics and guidelines for study, the group consists of adult men and women who enjoy serious, thought-provoking discussions.
If you are interested, call the library to be put in touch with the Great Decisions group coordinator.
ESOL TUTOR TRAINING SEMINAR
Since 1990 the library has been training adults to become volunteer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutors.
GOSSELS PROGRAM
Each year the Gossels Fund for Human Dignity supports a program at the Library. The Gossels Fund was established by the Gossels families "to foster and augment programs and activities that will encourage people to respect, treasure, and protect the rights of all human beings to live in dignity, freedom, and peace," and our annual Gossels Program seeks to support the mission of the fund by presenting a program that encourages the audience to reflect on issues of human dignity.
CURRENT PROGRAMS AT THE LIBRARY
The best way to find out about the many programs that are going on right now at the library is to check our Events Calendar.
New Subjects,
New Groups
The library is always interested in responding to the community's needs. While we have traditionally focused on programs relating to literature, the arts, humanities, and current affairs, we are interested in supporting a wide variety of programs. Contact us and let us hear your suggestions.
Holiday Open House
Every December on a Sunday, the library participates in the Town Center Holiday Open House, which includes the Heard House (Wayland Historical Society), the Depot, First Parish Church and other buildings. The library offers a professional family entertainer for children and a decorated hospitality table courtesy of the Friends of the Library.