Happy 150th Birthday!
Here are the highlights of the Big Celebration events -
Celebrate the Library’s 150th with a Swing Era Concert
Friday, September 29, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Rotunda, Main Library
The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library in collaboration with the Concord Conservatory of Music present music from the midpoint of the Library history – the Swing Era. The Easy Winners will perform tunes by the great jazz masters – including Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Bobby Hackett, and Benny Goodman. This New Orleans revival quintet features Concord Conservatory of Music faculty member and bassist Justin Meyer along with Billy Novick, clarinet and saxophone; Jeff Stout, trumpet; Jack Senier, piano; and Mark Holovnia, drums. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free Admission. Seating is limited. [We are sorry but this event is full.]
Film Premiere: “Ralph Waldo Emerson: Give All to Love” – A New Film by Michael Maglaras
Saturday, September 30, 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA 01742
Filmmaker Michael Maglaras will premiere his latest film, Ralph Waldo Emerson: Give All to Love. The screening has been moved from the Library to the Umbrella Arts Center, across the street at 40 Stow Street, to accommodate seat demand. After the screening, a reception with the filmmakers will be held at the Concord Free Public Library. [Read “Ralph Waldo Emerson: Give All to Love” Director’s Statement] [Register]
The Big Celebration
Sunday, October 1, 2:00 -4:00 p.m.
Town House and Main Library
Come to the Town House at 2:00 p.m. to hear local and state officials commemorate this historic day and hear special guest “Ralph Waldo Emerson” re-enact excerpts from his original Library Dedication speech on October 1, 1873. Immediately following, the Concord-Carlisle Regional High School Pep Band will kick off a parade to the Main Library’s Front Lawn, where the celebration will continue with special guests, music, cake, activities, and giveaways for all ages.
The History of Cinema Since 1873 : a Talk by Randall Warniers
Monday, October 2, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Goodwin Forum, Main Library
Randall Warniers, coordinator of the Library's Virtual Films at Fowler, presents the History of Cinema since 1873 with a one-hour talk illustrated with images from iconic films. This one-hour presentation—with illustrations—will look at the broad history of cinema from its earliest origins to modern blockbusters, and describe the technological innovations and advances in storytelling that have transformed “moving pictures” into the industry that dominates the world today. All attendees will receive a handout summarizing the iconic movies and important milestones mentioned in the presentation. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. [Register]
After-Hours @ the Library
Saturday, October 14, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Main Library
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Concord Free Public Library with an evening of food & drink & merriment for patrons 21+. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the Main Library will come alive with a mix of music, art, puppetry, theater, and storytelling. Groove to tunes by local singer/songwriters Sawyer Lawson and Britt Connors and by the Lori Zuroff Jazz Trio. Expect the unexpected from the Concord Players and puppet master Harry LaCoste. Get creative with Art for All and appreciate real-life stories told live with Fugitive Production. Your ticket includes food (apps and sweets) and drink (open bar) from local purveyors including Saltbox Kitchen, 80 Thoreau, Nosh, Karma, Verrill Farm, Crosby’s, and West Concord Liquors. Dressy casual attire is encouraged. Tickets will be available online only. No tickets will be sold at the Library. Your donation will benefit the new makerspace Workshop @ the Library. Click here to purchase tickets.
IN THE MAIN LIBRARY ART GALLERY
October 1 - December 22, 2023
Visit "Connecting the Community: An Exhibition to Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Concord Free Public Library," a special exhibition curated by the William Munroe Special Collections, highlighting the history of the Library's buildings, services, and staff. Special Collections will also feature a display on early circulation procedures and a selection of books checked out to Concord residents, including Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Ebenezer Rockwood Hoar, in the first decade of the Library's operation.