November 2023
Author Talk: Peter F. Crowley
The Medford Public Library presents an online talk with author Peter F. Crowley. A prolific author from the Boston area, Crowley writes in various forms, including short fiction, op-eds, poetry, and academic essays. His writing can be found in Middle East Monitor, Znet, 34th Parallel, Pif Magazine, Galway Review, Digging the Fat, Adelaide’s Short Story and Poetry Award anthologies, and The Opiate. His forthcoming books, due out later in 2023, are "That Night and Other Stories" and "Empire’s End." For this…
Find out more »Q&A: Mystery Writer Lee Goldberg
The Medford Public Library presents an online Q&A session with mystery writer Lee Goldberg to celebrate the release of his new book, “Calico,” which comes out today. In addition to writing wonderful mysteries, Goldberg has been the writer and producer for the TV show “Monk.” Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »4GoodVibes Autumn Virtual Craft Fair
4GoodVibes kicks off its Autumn Fall Virtual Craft Fair on Facebook with handmade items from more than 75 artists and small businesses. This event will feature items from vendors both outside of 4GoodVibes as well as those whose wares are carried inside their shops. There will also be auctions, games, prizes, raffles, live shopping, mystery boxes, and more. Join the event Facebook group to shop the craft fair and participate in the events. All artists will ship anything you purchase.…
Find out more »Seeking Dead People: Cemetery Research Online & In Person
The Medford Public Library presents the online program "Seeking Dead People: Cemetery Research Online & In Person." Join genealogist Katherine R. Willson as she gives tips and techniques for accessing burial records, cemetery stone photos, obituaries, death certificates, and more. Register through the library's online calendar and the Zoom link will be emailed to you shortly before the presentation.
Find out more »Author Q&A: Virginia Pye – The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online Q&A with author Virginia Pye to discuss her new book, "The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann." Set in Gilded Age Boston, "The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann" tells the story of a successful woman author of romance and adventure novels who becomes a champion of women’s rights as she takes on the literary establishment and finds her true voice, both on and off the page. Visit the library's online calendar to register…
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their November Virtual Guided Session, which they are presenting each third Saturday of the month this fall. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — and upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon's website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual…
Find out more »Author Talk: Tess Gerritsen with Paul Doiron
The Medford Public Library presents an online program with bestselling author Tess Gerritsen discussing her brand new book, "The Spy Coast," in conversation with fellow bestselling author Paul Doiron. In the book, a retired CIA operative in small-town Maine tackles the ghosts of her past in a fresh take on the spy thriller. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »M-BELT Annual Meeting
The Medford-Brooks Estate Land Trust (M-BELT) is holding its 2023 Annual Meeting remotely, via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. Paid members are eligible to nominate and to vote for the organization's president and two directors during the business portion of the meeting. There also will be an update on the Brooks Estate restoration projects. Join the meeting via this Zoom link. The Meeting ID number is 968 5709 9401. A password is not required. If you do not have…
Find out more »December 2023
4GoodVibes Virtual Christmas Craft Fair
4GoodVibes kicks off a Virtual Christmas Craft Fair on Facebook with more than 75 artists selling handmade items. This event will feature items from vendors both outside of 4GoodVibes as well as those whose wares are carried inside their shops. There will also be auctions, games, prizes, raffles and live shopping, and more. Join the event Facebook group to see updates and to shop the craft fair and participate in the events. All artists will ship anything you see. The…
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host the Holiday Tunes Edition of their Virtual Guided Session. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes -- jigs, reels and more -- and jolly chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon's website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal…
Find out more »January 2024
Beads by Beardslee Live Clearance Sale
Medford jewelry designer Sarah Beardslee, owner of Beads by Beardslee, is starting the new year with a live clearance sale on Facebook. She'll be selling off creations she's no longer making to make room for new pieces. Tune in to her Facebook Live event for deals on necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, key chains, and much more.
Find out more »Tune Learning with Matt and Shannon Heaton
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton, who have hosted a popular monthly virtual guided session since early in the pandemic, introduce a monthly Irish tune learning class via Zoom. Log in to learn a tune and meet other players. Cost is $20 or pay what you can. To sign up, send an email to Shannon at shannonfheaton@gmail.com. Future dates are Saturday, January 27 (one week earlier than usual) and Saturday, March 2.
Find out more »The Two Nerdy History Girls Ride Again
You may know them as the Two Nerdy History Girls – authors Loretta Chase and Susan Holloway Scott, the originators of the infamous blog by that name. Tonight, the Medford Public Library presents the bestselling authors via Zoom. They address such questions as how do they find interesting tidbits of historical lore, which libraries of the world have they visited, and how do they avoid the inescapable “rabbit hole”? It promises to be a fascinating and entertaining conversation between these…
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton kick off 2024 with a New Year Edition of their monthly Virtual Guided Session. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for mid-tempo Irish tunes -- jigs, reels and more -- upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon's website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available…
Find out more »Author Talk: Jennifer Keishin Armstrong – So Fetch
The Medford Public Library presents an online talk with author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong about her new book, "So Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls (And Why We're Still So Obsessed With It)." Hear all of the nitty gritty details of this totally fetch story of one of the most iconic teen comedies of all time, "Mean Girls" (2004), in which Jennifer reveals how the film happened, how it defined a generation, “like, invented” meme culture, and why it just won’t…
Find out more »Author Talk: Gabe Cole Novoa – Most Ardently
The Medford Public Library presents an online talk with author Gabe Cole Novoa about his new book, "Most Ardently: A Pride and Prejudice Remix. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »4GoodVibes Love is In the Air Virtual Makers Market
4GoodVibes has scheduled its next virtual craft fair, with "Love Is in the Air" the theme as Valentine's Day approaches. The event, running from January 27 through February 4, will feature 65+ local vendors featuring handmade items, live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the event Facebook group. Vendors interested in participating (cost is $20) may apply using the online form. Members of 4GoodVibes Virtual Markets are automatically accepted and need not apply.
Find out more »Tune Learning with Matt and Shannon Heaton
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton, who have hosted a popular monthly virtual guided session since early in the pandemic, are offering a monthly Irish tune learning class via Zoom. Log in to learn a tune and meet other players. Cost is $20 or pay what you can. To sign up, send an email to Shannon at shannonfheaton@gmail.com. The next session will be on Saturday, March 2.
Find out more »Panel Discussion: The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Debut Author
The Medford Public Library presents an online program with authors Lauren J. A. Bear, Rita Chang-Eppig and Nishita Parekh to discuss The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Debut Author. They'll talk about getting into publishing, the pitfalls, challenges and roadblocks, as well as the excitement, fulfillment and reader enthusiasm that makes it all worthwhile. Bring your questions as this will be in a Q&A format. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »Author Q+A: Daniel Warshawsky – Food Waste, Food Insecurity, and the Globalization of Food Banks
The Medford Public Library presents an online question-and-answer session with professor Daniel Warshawsky, author of the book "Food Waste, Food Insecurity, and the Globalization of Food Banks." The book analyzes the development of food banks across the world and the limits of food charity as a means to reduce food insecurity and food waste. Based on 15 years of in-depth fieldwork on four continents, Warshawsky illustrates how and why food banks proliferate across the globe even though their impacts may…
Find out more »February 2024
Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session Whirring Wings Edition
This month's Virtual Guided Session with Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton is the "Whirring Wings" Edition in celebration of their new album being released on January 24. They'll be playing many of the traditional Irish tunes (at a moderate pace) from the album. All are welcome to play along and chat with the Heatons (and with one another). Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal…
Find out more »March 2024
Arts Collaborative Medford Benefit Auction
Arts Collaborative Medford begins Part I of an online auction of artwork by the late Medford artist Louise Musto-Choate to benefit a new scholarship in her memory. Louise, a founding member of ACM who passed away in 2020, created many beautiful, adventurous pieces. You can own one (or more) of them! Proceeds from the auction will help fund the Louise Musto-Choate Memorial Scholarship to provide studio space for emerging artists. Visit the ACM's online auction page to view the 44 available…
Find out more »4GoodVibes Hopping Into Spring Virtual Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a nine-day Hopping Into Spring Virtual Makers Market. The event, running from March 2 through 10, will feature 75 local vendors featuring handmade items, plus live shopping, raffles, games, an Easter Egg hunt, and more, all via the event Facebook group. Vendors interested in participating (cost is $20) may apply using the online form. Members of 4GoodVibes Virtual Markets are automatically accepted and need not apply.
Find out more »The Real Score: Unraveling Myths About Trans People in Sports
The Medford Public Library is partnering with a cohort of Massachusetts public libraries to host journalist Erin Reed for a virtual presentation titled “The Real Score: Unraveling Myths About Trans People in Sports,” on Zoom. This presentation will explore the complex and often misunderstood world of transgender athletes in sports. Delving into the history and current controversies, Reed will address the myths and misinformation surrounding “biological advantages.” She'll also discuss the discriminatory nature of recent sports bans targeting transgender individuals,…
Find out more »Book Birthday Celebration with Lyla Sage
The Medford Public Library is joining a host of other libraries to present an online book birthday celebration with romance author Lyla Sage. Her new book, “Swift and Saddled," is the much anticipated sequel to “Done and Dusted.” Both are cowboy stories with kick-butt heroines, bright blue skies, horses, and heart. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host this month's Virtual Guided Session, the Fourth Anniversary VGS Edition, one week later than on the usual third Saturday due to the St. Patrick's Day holiday weekend. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for mid-tempo Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in…
Find out more »Mary Cassatt and the Women Impressionists
The Medford Public Library is partnering with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Tufts University to co-host the virtual presentation "Mary Cassatt and the Women Impressionists" by Jane Oneall. Oneall is an art historian and the president of Culturally Curious, an art education company. Register through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »April 2024
4GoodVibes Spring Carnival Virtual Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a nine-day Spring Carnival Virtual Makers Market. The event, running from April 20 through 28, will feature more than 75 vendors featuring handmade items, plus live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the Virtual Makers Markets Facebook group. Vendors can ship to you or some offer local pick up at the 4GoodVibes shop on Main Street in South Medford. Vendor fee is $20. If interested, fill out the 4GoodVibes application form.
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly third Saturday Virtual Guided Session. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal or through Venmo at ShannonHeatonMusic.
Find out more »May 2024
How Do You Throw a Brick Through the Window…
"How do you throw a brick through the window…" is a research initiative comprised of this symposium presented on Zoom, artist-led workshops, and exhibitions, co-organized by Tufts University Art Galleries with the John Michael Kohler Arts Center taking place from 2024–2026. The research initiative invites artists to engage the radical questioning of writer, artist, astrologer, and disabled non-binary Korean-American activist Johanna Hedva: “How do you throw a brick through the window of a bank if you can’t get out of…
Find out more »Romance Book Recs with Lorelei
If you know romance, you probably know Lorelei of Lorelei’s Lit Lair. Affectionately referred to as a passionate Romance Ambassador, Lorelei has been offering book recommendations, author spotlights, giveaways, and connecting authors with readers through social media since 2010, providing a safe and friendly environment for book lovers around the globe. Tonight, the Medford Public Library invites you to join a conversation with Lorelei about how (and why) she got started, her most memorable author-meet moments, and books she’s reading…
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly third Saturday Virtual Guided Session. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal or through Venmo at ShannonHeatonMusic.
Find out more »Author Talk: Camilla Evergreen – How to Find Love When You’re Weird
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online chat with romance author Camilla Evergreen, whose book “How to Find Love When You’re Weird” makes it clear that people on the spectrum,(in fact, ALL people), are worthy of love and an HEA (happily ever after). In fact, the library would posit, that it’s the very neurodiverse characteristics that make someone even more attractive to the right person. Visit the library's online calendar for the the Zoom link.
Find out more »4GoodVibes Summer Vibes Virtual Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a nine-day Summer Vibes Virtual Makers Market. The event, running from May 25 through June 2, will feature more than 80 vendors offering handmade items, plus live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the Virtual Makers Markets Facebook group. Vendors can ship to you or some offer local pickup at the 4GoodVibes shop on Main Street in South Medford.
Find out more »Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums
The Medford Public Library invites you to join author Bob Eckstein in a virtual program as he celebrates the book birthday of his most recent release, “Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums: Stories and Memorable Moments from People Who Love Museums.” This book is filled with lush and whimsical illustrations paired with stories and anecdotes from curators, museum workers, museum visitors, and more. Sign up using the Zoom link on the library's online calendar.
Find out more »June 2024
M-BELT Annual Meeting
The Medford-Brooks Estate Land Trust (M-BELT) is holding its 2024 Annual Meeting remotely, via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. Paid members are eligible to nominate and to vote for the organization's president and two directors during the business portion of the meeting. There also will be a Financial Report, plus a review of the past year and a look ahead. Join the meeting via this Zoom link. The Meeting ID number is 968 5709 9401. A password is not…
Find out more »Virtual Author Visit: Caitlin Cass
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a virtual visit with Caitlin Cass, author of “Suffrage Song: The Haunted History of Gender, Race and Voting Rights in the U.S.” Part graphic novel, part map of the suffrage movement, this book tells the story of the fight for the right to vote by women from the very beginning. Register through the library's online calendar for the Zoom link.
Find out more »Why We Read with Shannon Reed
The Medford Public Library invites you to a virtual conversation with author Shannon Reed about her book, “Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One Page Before Lights Out.” Why DO we read? What compels us to? What holds our attention? How many of us remember reading by a flashlight after hours? Shannon will have the scoop and will be answering lots of your questions. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly third Saturday Virtual Guided Session. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal or through Venmo at ShannonHeatonMusic.
Find out more »The Two Nerdy History Girls Ride Again
You may know them as the Two Nerdy History Girls – authors Loretta Chase and Susan Holloway Scott, the originators of the infamous blog by that name. Tonight, the Medford Public Library presents the bestselling authors via Zoom. They address such questions as how do they find interesting tidbits of historical lore, which libraries of the world have they visited, and how do they avoid the inescapable “rabbit hole”? It promises to be a fascinating and entertaining conversation between these…
Find out more »Virtual Author Visit: Paige McClanahan – The New Tourist
The Medford Public Library presents a virtual program with travel author Paige McClanahan, whose new book, "The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel,” is being released today. This evocative, surprising, and page-turning exploration of how tourism has shaped the world, for better and for worse, is essential reading for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the implications of their wanderlust. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »An Evening with Mercury Stardust on Zoom
In conjunction with 50-plus libraries statewide and as part of Medford Pride Month, the Medford Public Library presents an online author talk and moderated Q&A with the famous trans handywoman Mercury Stardust. Mercury is the acclaimed author of “Safe and Sound: A Renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair” and has also dedicated her time to helping people on TikTok reclaim their independence through home improvement. As an out and proud non-binary trans feminine person, Mercury has also used her platform…
Find out more »Virtual Author Visit: The Serial Killer’s Apprentice
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a virtual program with authors Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman to discuss their most recent book, “The Serial Killer’s Apprentice,” a psychological examination of the blurred line between victim and accomplice — and how a killer can be created. If you are a fan of true crime and want to dive deep into the psychology of a serial killer and his apprentice, this program is for you. Register through the library's online calendar to…
Find out more »The Last Decade of Cinema
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online talk with author Scott Ryan about his new book, "The Last Decade of Cinema: 25 Films from the Nineties" (release date June 18). Movies were something in the 1990s. The decade began with "GoodFellas" and ended with "Magnolia," with such films as "Malcolm X," "Before Sunrise," and "Clueless" arriving somewhere in between. Stories, characters and writing were king. If you’re a fan, a movie buff, or just a child of the '90s, join…
Find out more »Virtual Author Visit with Lucy Gilmore
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online talk with author Lucy Gilmore as she discusses her book, “The Library of Borrowed Hearts,” the follow-up to her book "The Lonely Hearts Book Club.” We all know the transformative power of books and how they can help us connect with those around us. Gilmore will be chatting about these uplifting, heartwarming novels, which are about friendship, books, and how important it is to find the family you were always meant to…
Find out more »July 2024
Bata Shoe Museum Virtual Tour
Ever wanted to visit the Bata Shoe Museum but couldn't make it to Toronto, Canada? Then sign up for the Medford Public Library's virtual tour. As the only museum in North America dedicated to footwear, the BSM showcases 4,500 years of history and nearly 15,000 artifacts in its collection. Led by a BSM docent, you will experience four exhibitions: "All About Shoes: Footwear Through the Ages"; "In Bloom: Flowers and Footwear"; "Dressed To Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s";…
Find out more »4GoodVibes Christmas in July Virtual Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a nine-day Christmas in July Virtual Makers Market. The event, running from July 13 through 21, will feature more than 75 vendors offering handmade items, plus live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the Virtual Makers Markets Facebook group. Vendors can ship to you or some offer local pickup at the 4GoodVibes shop on Main Street in South Medford. Vendor fee is $25; apply using the market's online form.
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly third Saturday Virtual Guided Session. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal or through Venmo at ShannonHeatonMusic.
Find out more »Virtual Author Visit: Dean Jobb – A Gentleman and a Thief
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online visit with author Dean Jobb to discuss his new book, "A Gentleman and a Thief: The Daring Jewel Heists of a Jazz Age Rogue.” The book tells the incredible true story of Arthur Barry, one of the world’s most audacious and successful jewel thieves. Barry charmed the elite of 1920s New York, brazenly swiped gems worth millions from their Long Island and Westchester County estates, and outfoxed the police and private detectives…
Find out more »Virtual Author Visit: Christina Dodd – A Daughter of Fair Verona
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a virtual program with author Christina Dodd to discuss her new book, “A Daughter of Fair Verona.” Author Susan Elizabeth Phillips will join Dodd in conversation about "Fair Verona," a frothy, irreverent, witty new series with an irresistible premise — Romeo and Juliet’s daughter as a clever, rebellious, fiercely independent young woman in fair Verona — told from the delightfully engaging point of view of the captivating Rosie Montague herself. The authors will also…
Find out more »August 2024
Library Adult Trivia Night on Zoom
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an adult trivia night, the "‘How Did You Know That?" edition, via Zoom. Test your knowledge by answering 60 trivia questions (four rounds of 15) created by librarian and trivia host extraordinaire Kat Lewin. Recruit some teammates or play solo — the choice is yours! Be prepared to answer a hodgepodge of general knowledge trivia questions. There is a 50-team limit. Register through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Madeline Bilis – 50 Hikes in Eastern Mass.
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a virtual talk by author Madeline Bilis about her book “50 Hikes in Eastern Massachusetts.” Bilis will focus on coastal view walks . . . and maybe even discuss her favorite pizza shops along the way. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Kirsten Miller – Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a virtual author talk with Kirsten Miller about her book “Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books.” Miller, author of ‘The Change," brings us a bracing, wildly entertaining satire about a small Southern town, a pitched battle over banned books, and a little lending library that changes everything. In a day when this topic can rip people apart, learn how one small community was able to come together – it’s fictional but, maybe, hopeful,…
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly third Saturday Virtual Guided Session. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal or through Venmo at ShannonHeatonMusic.
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Sharon Kitchens – Stephen King’s Maine
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a virtual author talk with Sharon Kitchens discussing her new book, “Stephen King’s Maine: A History & Guide.” Explore Maine locations that serve as the basis for Stephen King’s fictional towns of Castle Rock, Jerusalem’s Lot, Derry, and Haven. Drawing on historical materials and conversations with locals and people who know King, learn about the places that would become the settings for Carrie, Salem’s Lot, The Dead Zone, Cujo, IT, and 11/22/63. Register though…
Find out more »Virtual Authors Talk: Rachel Harrison and Emily C. Hughes
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a virtual program with authors Rachel Harrison and Emily C. Hughes for a discussion about gateways to the horror genre and how entwined horror is in popular culture. Harrison’s novel “Such Sharp Teeth” is a selection for the Horror Writers Association 2024 Summer Scares program. Harrison’s work is known for the relatable women protagonists, sense of humor, and feminist twists on tropes. Hughes' first book, “Horror For Weenies,” is forthcoming in September with detailed…
Find out more »The Indigenous Old World — An Exploration of Pre-Colombian North America
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring the online program "The Indigenous Old World — An Exploration of Pre-Colombian North America." Explore the worlds of the Indigenous peoples of North America before European colonization. North America was a place filled with cities, towns, and villages. Across the continent, Indigenous peoples produced architecture and monumental construction. The ancient and medieval communities of North America were fed by agriculture. Moreover, Indigenous Americans actively managed their environment and participated in long-distance exchange networks. The…
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Danica Nava – The Truth According to Ember
The Medford Public Library presents an online program with debut romance author Danica Nava to discuss her book, “The Truth According to Ember.” In this witty rom-com, a Chickasaw woman who can’t catch a break serves up a little white lie that snowballs into much more. Register through the library's online calendar for the Zoom link.
Find out more »4GoodVibes Hello Fall Virtual Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a 10-day Hello Fall Virtual Makers Market. The event, running from August 23 through September 1, will feature more than 75 vendors offering handmade items, plus live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the Virtual Makers Markets Facebook group. Vendors can ship to you or some offer local pickup at the 4GoodVibes shop on Main Street in South Medford. Vendor fee is $25; apply using the market's online form.
Find out more »September 2024
African Art Lecture Series
The Medford Public Library begins a second Sunday series of online lectures meant as an introduction to African Art, its variety of forms, the depth of its history, and how it became an important player first in Western culture and continues to be important in a global world. Today's session will focus on 21st century African photography, featuring the works on exhibit at the Fitchburg Art Museum, "Africa Rising," as well as that part of the backstory centered on Studio…
Find out more »4GoodVibes Virtual Spooky Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a 10-day Virtual Spooky Makers Market. The event, running from September 20 to 29, will feature more than 65 vendors offering handmade items, plus live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the Virtual Makers Markets Facebook group. Vendors can ship to you or some offer local pickup at the 4GoodVibes shop on Main Street in South Medford. Vendor fee is $25; apply using the market's online form.
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton begin their fall season of Virtual Guided Sessions. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal or through Venmo at ShannonHeatonMusic. The Virtual…
Find out more »October 2024
Ways to Have a Green Holiday Season for Families
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring the online program "Ways to Have a Green Holiday Season for Families" with Sarah Robertson-Barnes, founder of the blog Sustainable in the Suburbs. Embracing the rhythms of winter is key to creating eco-conscious holiday traditions. Rather than getting carried away by the holiday rush, use this time as an opportunity to create the kind of holiday season you truly want – one focused on the magic of family and togetherness instead of stuff. A…
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Madeline Martin
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online program with historical fiction author Madeline Martin. Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over 25 different languages. Her 2023 book, "The Keeper of Hidden Books," is heartwarming story about the power of books to bring us together, inspired by the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw. Martin also…
Find out more »4GoodVibes Autumn is Calling Virtual Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a 10-day Autumn is Calling Virtual Makers Market. The event, running from October 12 to 20, will feature more than 70 vendors offering handmade items, plus live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the Virtual Makers Markets Facebook group. Vendors can ship to you or some offer local pickup at the 4GoodVibes shop on Main Street in South Medford. Vendor fee is $25; apply using the market's online form.
Find out more »African Art Lecture Series
The Medford Public Library continues its second Sunday series of online lectures meant as an introduction to African Art, its variety of forms, the depth of its history, and how it became an important player first in Western culture and continues to be important in a global world. Today's session will focus on African Art in the medieval world–1000-1600 CE: The Trans-Saharan trade, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, Benin, Djenné, Lalibela, and Great Zimbabwe. Register using the link on the library's online calendar.…
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Ricardo Diseño and Steve Mockus – Eerie Legends
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a talk with artist Ricardo Diseño and writer Steve Mockus about their latest book, “Eerie Legends: An Illustrated Exploration of Creepy Creatures, the Paranormal, and Folklore from around the World.” It's a fascinating and frightening collection of folk tale monsters, ghosts, and other scary things that dwell in the dark. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly third Saturday Virtual Guided Session. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal or through Venmo at ShannonHeatonMusic.
Find out more »Monster Romance Panel
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a Monster Romance Panel with authors Kass O’Shire, Lyonne Riley and Ami Wright. They will talk about the rise of monster romances, their favorite monsters to write (and match up with a hero/heroine), diversity in the genre, their publishing journeys, and so much more. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »The Origins and Evolution of Project 2025
Project 2025 has been in the news lately, but for some, it seemed to come out of nowhere. In this online program co-sponsored by the Medford Public Library, join Professor Brian Conley of Suffolk University to delve into the history of this document and its origins during the Reagan years. Edwin Feulner, who led the Heritage Foundation when the book was first written as “Mandate for Leadership,” explains that the idea for such a policy book originated at a 1979…
Find out more »A History of Shipwrecks with Captain Greg Ketchen
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring the program "A History of Shipwrecks" with Captain Greg Ketchen. This talk will focus primarily on historic shipwrecks that have occurred south and east of Massachusetts. The region has been called the Graveyard of the North Atlantic with more than 3,000 wrecks here since European sailors first began exploring these shores. Because of the hazards experienced while sailing these waters, Massachusetts was the 18th-century birthplace of the modern United States Coast Guard. Advances in…
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Even More Haunted Lighthouses of New England
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring the program Even More Haunted Lighthouses of New England with Jeremy D’Entremont, president and historian of the American Lighthouse Foundation. Lighthouses and ghost stories often seem to go hand in hand. In previous programs, D’Entremont has discussed the lovelorn spirit known as Ernie at Connecticut’s New London Ledge Light, the piano playing ghost of Maine’s Seguin Light, and the mysterious Woman in White in the Isles of Shoals, among others. This time, who knows what…
Find out more »November 2024
Virtual Author Talk: How to Survive Tudor England with Toni Mount
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online talk with author and historian Toni Mount titled "How to Survive Tudor England." Imagine you're transported back to Tudor England and had to start a new life there, without smartphones, satnav, or social media. How will you know where you are or where to go? Where will you live and where will you work? And who can you turn to if you fall ill or God forbid if you upset the king?…
Find out more »4GoodVibes Virtual Winter Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a 10-day Virtual Winter Makers Market. The event, running from November 8 to 17, will feature more than 75 vendors offering handmade items, plus live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the Virtual Makers Markets Facebook group. Vendors can ship to you or some offer local pickup at the 4GoodVibes shop on Main Street in South Medford. Vendor fee is $30; apply using the market's online form.
Find out more »African Art Lecture Series
The Medford Public Library concludes its second Sunday series of online lectures meant as an introduction to African Art, its variety of forms, the depth of its history, and how it became an important player first in Western culture and continues to be important in a global world. Today's session will focus on 21st century African photography, looking at photos currently on exhibit at the Fitchburg Art Museum, "Africa Rising," as well as that part of the backstory centered on…
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Alexandra Vasti
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a virtual talk with regency romance author Alexandra Vasti. She discuss her most recent book, “Ne’er Duke Well,” and her upcoming book, “Earl Crush.” Bring your questions for a rapid-fire Q&A. Register through the library's online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »Chevalier Theatre Organ Society Annual Meeting
The Chevalier Theatre Organ Society invites you to its 2024 Annual Meeting, which will be held virtually. The program will include a short business meeting, a brief presentation on the Chevalier Wurlitzer history and 2024 project highlights, and a Q&A with Peter Rudewicz of Rudewicz and Company, who this year is directing substantial restoration work on and installation of the organ’s major remaining components. Participate via Zoom.
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly third Saturday Virtual Guided Session. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for moderately paced Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal or through Venmo at ShannonHeatonMusic.
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Kathleen DuVal – Native Nations: A Millennium in North America
The Medford Public Library presents an online program with author, professor and historian Kathleen DuVal to discuss her book, “Native Nations: A Millennium in North America.” Called "an essential American history" by The Wall Street Journal, the book places the power of Native nations at its center, telling their story from the rise of ancient cities more than a thousand years ago to fights for sovereignty that continue today. A question-and-answer period will be included. Register through the library's online calendar…
Find out more »4GoodVibes Virtual Holiday Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a 10-day Virtual Holiday Makers Market. The event, running from November 29 through December 8, will feature more than 85 vendors offering handmade items, plus live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the Virtual Makers Markets Facebook group. Vendors can ship to you or some offer local pickup at the 4GoodVibes shop on Main Street in South Medford. Vendor fee is $30; apply using the market's online form.
Find out more »December 2024
African Art Lecture Series: Forms and Materials
The Medford Public Library continues its second Sunday series of online lectures meant as an introduction to African Art, its variety of forms, the depth of its history, and how it became an important player first in Western culture and continues to be important in a global world. Today's session is "Learning to Look: Forms and Materials." The African art that is most familiar in the west are carvings; 2-D design was equally important. It took the form of wall-painting,…
Find out more »Revitalization and Reconstruction of the Taino Language
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online program about current efforts to revive the Taino language. Kasike Jorge Baracutay Estevez will speak on the challenges of reviving the Indigenous Taino Arawak language/s of the Caribbean, as well as his work on Hiwatahia: Hekexi Taino Language Dictionary, a new 20,000-word dictionary. Dr. Darlene Flores, a founding member of Indigenous Peoples Day Newton, will introduce this program. Register through the library's new online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly third Saturday Virtual Guided Session, the "Solstice Spectacular" edition. All are welcome to join the Heatons on the shortest day of the year for moderately paced Irish tunes, tree trimming, candle lighting, cheer bringing, and some very special seasonal treats. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon’s website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube. Cost is free, but virtual tip jars are available via PayPal or through Venmo at ShannonHeatonMusic. …
Find out more »January 2025
Virtual Author Hour: Larry Rohter – Into the Amazon
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring a new online program, "Author Hour in Massachusetts." In this installment, 2024 Mass Book Award finalist Larry Rohter will discuss his new book, "Into the Amazon: The Life of Cândido Rondon, Trailblazing Explorer, Scientist, Statesman, and Conservationist." The book is a thrilling biography of the Indigenous Brazilian who guided Theodore Roosevelt on his journey down the River of Doubt in 1913-14. Rohter was the Rio de Janeiro bureau chief for the New York Times…
Find out more »Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton kick off 2025 with a New Year Edition of their monthly Virtual Guided Session, taking place on the second Saturday of the month for January, February and March, instead of the usual third Saturday. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for mid-tempo Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon's…
Find out more »African Art Lecture Series: Contrasting Cultures, Styles
The Medford Public Library continues its second Sunday series of online lectures meant as an introduction to African Art, its variety of forms, the depth of its history, and how it became an important player first in Western culture and continues to be important in a global world. Today's session is "Art in Cultural Context: Contrasting Cultures – Contrasting Styles - The Dogon of Mali and the Yoruba of Nigeria." The Dogon, living in the harsher world of the Western Sudan,…
Find out more »Historical Fiction Recommendations
Do you love historical fiction but aren't sure what to read next? The Medford Public Library invites you to join bestselling author Jane Healey ("The Beantown Girls," "The Secret Stealers") online for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations – the best of historical fiction out there. Register using the link on the library's new online calendar for the Zoom link.
Find out more »Thriller/Horror Book Recommendations
The Medford Public Library invites you to join bookstagrammer Jody Blachette, aka redreadreviews, online for 30 minutes of recommendations on the best of horror and thrillers out there. Blanchette is an Instagram reviewer and book club leader -- a lover of all books. Register using the link on the library's new online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »Women’s Fiction Book Recommendations
Love women’s fiction but aren't sure what to read next? The Medford Public Library invites you to join bestselling author Kristan Higgins for an online program of pure book recommendations – the best of women’s fiction out there. Higgins is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 20 novels, which have been translated into 19 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. The mother of two adults and also a smitten grandmother, Higgins…
Find out more »4GoodVibes Love is In the Air Virtual Makers Market
With Valentine's Day approaching, 4GoodVibes presents its second annual Love Is in the Air Virtual Makers Market. The event, running from January 18 through 26, will feature 75+ local vendors featuring handmade items, live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the event Facebook group. Vendors interested in participating (cost is $25) may apply using the online form. Vendors with a 4GoodVibes Virtual Markets yearly membership are automatically accepted and need not apply.
Find out more »Virtual Author Hour: Vicki Delany
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an "Author Hour in Massachusetts," an online program in which bestselling author Vicki Delany will discuss her new cozy mystery novel, "The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery." Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers, having published more than 40 books. Register through the library's new online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »Virtual Author Hour: Grady Hendrix
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring "Author Hour in Massachusetts," an online program in which Grady Hendrix will discuss his new horror novel, "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls." Hendrix is a New York Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter whose books have sold more than 2 million copies. Register through the library's new online calendar to receive the Zoom link.
Find out more »February 2025
Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly Virtual Guided Session, taking place on the second Saturday of the month through March, instead of the usual third Saturday. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for mid-tempo Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon's website. Join the global community in the live session via YouTube.…
Find out more »African Art Lecture Series: Masquerade
The Medford Public Library continues its second Sunday series of online lectures meant as an introduction to African Art, its variety of forms, the depth of its history, and how it became an important player first in Western culture and continues to be important in a global world. Today's session is on masquerade, a multi-media artform including a "head" or mask, of many possible materials, and a body costume presented in the context of movement and sound– not just that…
Find out more »March 2025
Matt & Shannon Heaton Virtual Guided Session
Medford musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton host their monthly Virtual Guided Session, celebrating five years of online Irish music and community. Tune learners, second instrument players, or anyone who enjoys traditional Irish music are welcome for mid-tempo Irish tunes — jigs, reels and more, including a few from the very first Virtual Guided Session from March 2020 — upbeat chat, and connection with other trad music lovers. Resources/tunes lists can be found on Shannon's website. Join the global community in…
Find out more »African Art Lecture Series: Traditional and Modern Artists
The Medford Public Library continues its second Sunday series of online lectures meant as an introduction to African Art, its variety of forms, the depth of its history, and how it became an important player first in Western culture and continues to be important in a global world. Today's session is on traditional and modern artists. Register using the link that appears on the library's online calendar.
Find out more »4GoodVibes March Madness Virtual Makers Market
4GoodVibes is presenting a March Madness Virtual Makers Market. The nine-day event, running from March 15 through 23, will feature 60+ local vendors featuring handmade items, live shopping, raffles, games, and more, all via the event Facebook group. Vendors interested in participating (cost is $25) may apply using the online form. Vendors with a 4GoodVibes Virtual Markets yearly membership are automatically accepted and need not apply.
Find out more »Faith and Film Circle: Conclave
Sanctuary United Church of Christ and Hillside Community Church present a virtual edition of their Faith and Film series, featuring "Conclave." The highly acclaimed 2024 film stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto and Isabella Rossellini, locked in a secretive process of choosing the next pope — where every choice carries unseen consequences. An engrossing and thought-provoking spiritual and political thriller, "Conclave" will challenge you to reflect on leadership, discernment, faith, and the moral weight of power. Watch…
Find out more »Virtual Author Talk: Carla Kelly
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online conversation with romance author Carla Kelly. She'll be talking about her early books as well as her American historicals and her latest book of Christmas stories, "Regency Glad Tidings," as well as "A Naval Surgeon to Fight For," both published in 2024. Register using the link in the library's online calendar.
Find out more »A History of Guinness Beer
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring the online program, "A History of Guinness Beer," with Mike Reardon, a Guinness Brewery Ambassador. Reardon is a highly trained beer expert and storyteller who captivates Guinness lovers and audiences with the beer, culinary, and cultural history of this popular Irish beer. Register using the link on the library's online calendar.
Find out more »