Concord Public Library  – Interesting Things about interesting things….

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Concord Public Library  – Interesting Things about interesting things….

So many of us know the Concord Main and Fowler library but there is so much you may not know….

How about the Library of Things?

If you are at the Concord Main Library, check out the display by the copy machine, in front of the left end of the circulation desk. You won’t believe it – an impressive  array of things to borrow…. 

The “Library of Things”is a collection of non-traditional library items that you can borrow… 

The thing that’s so great about these items is so many of them are things you need to use only once or once in awhile. They can be costly and can take up valuable storage space. A great deal of thought and consideration was put into this collection and wow, are we lucky to have access to it!

Here is a list of Items you can borrow from the Library of Things:

AUDIOVISUAL:

  • Amazon Fire TV Stick
  • Cordless Photo & Notebook Scanner
  • GoPro Hero (2018) Camera
  • LED Projector
  • Portable Record Player
  • Region Free DVD Player
  • Roku

CODING:

  • Code-a-pillar
  • Cubelets
  • Dash & Dot
  • littleBits

DIGITAL CONVERSION:

  • Cassette to MP3 Converter
  • Digital Voice Recorder
  • Film to Digital JPEG Converter
  • VHS to Digital Converter

HOME & ASSISTIVE:

  • Kill-A-WattTM EZ Meter
  • Thermal Leak Detector
  • Tripod
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot

SCIENCE & TECH / GAMES:

  • Microscope
  • Telescope
  • Scrabble Deluxe Travel Edition

Just think, on one weekend you can gaze through a telescope, convert your VHS tapes, figure out why you’re heating bill is outrageous and learn to code – all without leaving Concord or spending a dime!

Some other things you may not know about the library…

  • 1,050 people visit each day
  • In 2019 there was an 11% increase in circulation for teens and a 36% increase in total programs – they sure are doing something right!
  • Pageviews on website: 1,373,980
  • Facebook average post reach: 307
  • Twitter average impressions per day: 850
  • In 2019 FaceBook doubled and Twitter tripled

Did you know these things are happening in March:

  • Food for Fines 2020 from Monday, March 23 to Sunday, March 29. The Concord Free Public Library will partner with Concord’s Open Table community supper and food pantry services to offer a week-long Food for Fines Program. For each non-perishable item donated the Library will waive $1.00 in overdue fines.   How great is that?
  • Music from the Library: American Brass QuintetMusic from the Library Series will present American Brass Quintet on Saturday, March 21, 2020, 7:30 p.m. in the Main Library Rotunda. Generously sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. Free admission.  Advance registrations are required. What a great way to kick off spring!
  • Friday Flicks @ Fowler 2020 celebrates Germany through film from January 17 to March 20. This program is sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. Free admission. Open to the public.
  • Poetry at the Library will present Sara London & DeWitt Henry: Reading and Talk About the Literary Self as Writer and Editor on Sunday, March 8, 2020 ​at 3:00 p.m. in the Periodical Room. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. Open to all.

So many things we love about the Concord Public Library and so many wonderful reasons to visit. Be sure to check out the Library of Things next time you are there!

TOP 9 THINGS THAT ARE UNIQUE TO CONCORD, MA

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Yes, you typically see “Top 10 Things”, but we thought we’d mix it up a bit and list 9. This leaves room for any suggestions to round out our list to 10. Is there something unique to Concord that you feel should make this list? If yes, please let us know in the space below!

The Crucolo Cheese Parade

This year the Concord Cheese Shop celebrated its 10th annual cheese parade. Every first Thursday of December for the last decade, the Concord Cheese Shop has put on The Crucolo Cheese Parade and all are invited to attend. This year it was celebrated with a single wheel of cheese weighing 1000 pounds produced in the village of Scurelle, Italy. The crowd was estimated to be around 2000 people and the cheese was pulled by a horse named Luke through the town center. He was escorted by a band and His Majesty’s 10th regiment of foot in colonial attire. Nice. Mark your calendar for next year!

Patriot’s Day Parade

Patriot’s Day 2020 is on Monday April 20th. It is the 245th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Each year thousands of people come to Concord and Lexington and Minute Man National Historical Park. It is a special Massachusetts State  holiday commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War, April 19, 1775. In Concord, the Patriot’s Day Parade goes forward rain, snow, or muck and covers a route of approximately 2.5 miles. Participants include Color Guards, Cultural and Youth Groups, Dignitaries, Minuteman Companies, and Musicians. Dignitaries are from neighboring towns, the State, the nation, and several foreign countries with ties to Concord. At the North Bridge there is a ceremony to commemorate the engagement between the Minuteman companies and British troops with a wreath laying  ceremony. The parade continues across the North Bridge and returns to Concord Center. 

Holiday Tree Lighting

Our Concord Recreation Department and new tourism director, Beth Williams, really lit it up this year. While historic Concord was being blanketed in snow, holiday carolers sang outside of churches, local stores handed out hot chocolate, hundreds of families walked in the parade, and Santa lit the tree. The best part about it.. The Holiday Tree Lighting happens every December. Mark your calendars for December 6th, 2020!

Walden Pond

This made the list because it’s such a beautiful place to have in Concord. Henry David Thoeau’s Walden has made it very well known. Today Walden Pond comprises the heart of the Walden Pond State Reservation and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Here in Concord it is a favorite place to walk, swim, and just hang out. We’re sure if the local dogs were to make a “Top 9 List”, Walden would be on it.

The Local Farms

Where should we begin? You can buy fresh produce and cook “farm to table” all year long just by supporting our local farms. They are all over Concord! Do you have a favorite?

Turkey Trot

Every Thanksgiving over 2000 runners participate in the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. It is a 5K run and a portion of the proceeds from this event benefits the Open Table Food Pantry and local youth running programs. Costumes and turkey hats are encouraged!

Concord Museum

The Concord Museum highlights Concord’s incredible revolutionary and literary history. It offers family and children programs throughout the air, as well as wonderful exhibits. The Concord Museum’s Garden Tour and Family Trees Celebration are two of their popular annual events. Definitely be sure to stop in if you’re in town for Patriots Day.

Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House

Little Women is a story for every generation and it all began here at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. Learn all about the Alcott’s when you visit the Orchard House. The house has been preserved to adhere to the highest standards of authenticity. The house was purchased by Amos Bronson Alcott in 1857 and is famous for where his daughter, Louisa May Alcott, wrote the novel Little Women.

Concord’s Colonial Inn Gingerbread Houses

Strategize, secure your materials, and get ready to enter the Concord Colonial Inn’s Gingerbread House competition for the 2020 holiday season. It’s a wonderful community event and all individuals, businesses, schools and organizations are invited to enter. These gingerbread houses will be placed throughout the Inn.