A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR


It is February, the month we consider love, literally. I'm talking love letters. Litera, the Latin word for letter. Do kids these days even know what a letter is? I'm thinking letters are becoming as alien to them as rotary phones. To combat that, we're encouraging them to write love letters to the libraries. Yes, they will put pen, or pencil, or other writing instrument, to a writing surface and communicate!


John and Abigail Adams letters can be read today, and in the 250th year of the United States, it may be proper to read it on the day we're closed in observance of Presidents' Day, February 16th. 

 
If you're like me and you prefer to give a more personal Valentine than those you find at Walgreen's, come and make some with us using sharp cutting instruments or adhesives that don't come in stick form! (This is not meant for children, in other words.) 


Did you know that in Japan, it is customary for only women to give Valentine's to men? The men have a day in March called "White Day" when they may reciprocate. Imagine a whole month to think it over!  If you want to learn more about other cultures, come to our Share Your Culture Night!  


February is the shortest month but it is packed with programs! Check out the Calendar!


Kevin Sheehan

Blind Date with a Book Returns!

Looking for a new love this month?

Our librarians are happy to set you up on a date with a book! Fill out a survey at any circulation desk to get a title especially picked for you, or come grab a blind date off of our display! Available for children, teens, and adults!

Write a Love Note to the Library!

Oh Library, how I love thee,

let me count the ways!

Books and bingo and butterfly fun,

movies and video games, a Library of Things

with everything under the sun!


What do you love most about the library? Stop by the Children's Room at the Parlin and Shute Libraries to leave a love letter for the library. We'll share the love on our social media accounts all month long!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Parlin

Adults & Teens

G-Mail Tips and Tricks

Wednesday, Feb. 11th

10:00 AM

Parlin Meeting Room

Go beyond sending and receiving with this hands-on workshop about Gmail features! Registration is required.

REGISTER NOW

Junk Journaling

with Found and Flowered

Saturday, Feb. 14th

11:30 AM

Parlin Meeting Room

A simple introduction to bookbinding and junk journaling! For teens and adults. Registration is required and spots are limited.

REGISTER NOW

Share Your Culture Night

Tuesday, Feb. 17th

6:30 PM

Parlin Meeting Room

Rescheduled from November 2025 - Sign up to enjoy a catered meal and be prepared to share about your personal culture with others! For ages 18+. Registration is required.

REGISTER NOW

Getting to Know Your iPhone

Wenesday, Feb. 18th

10:00 AM

Parlin Meeting Room

During this hands-on workshop, we'll explore some of the common features of iPhones. Registration is required.

REGISTER NOW

Parlin

Children's

February Break Movie Matinees

Feb. 17th, 18th, & 19th

2:00 PM

Parlin  Meeting Room

Back by popular demand!

- Feb. 17th - Treasure Planet

- Feb. 18th - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

- Feb. 19th - Kubo and the Two Strings

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Writing Letters in a Texting World

Wednesday, Feb. 18th

10:30 AM

Parlin Craft Room

Writing letters is a fun and easy way to connect with others! Learn the steps of writing a letter, addressing an envelope and fun facts about the United States Postal Service. Most suitable for children age 8 and older.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Beginning Birding

Friday, Feb. 20th

2:00 PM

Parlin Meeting Room

Learn about the local birds in your own backyard! Learn which birds are common in Massachusetts and build a simple bird feeder.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Shute

Adults & Teens

Golden Minds

Monday, Feb. 2nd

10:00 AM

Shute Meeting Room

Enjoy books, puzzles, crafts, and games with friends at our monthly senior social!

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Notes from the Heart

Valentines Day Cards

Thursday, Feb. 12th

7:00 PM

Shute Meeting Room

Join us for a Valentine’s Day card-making session where every piece of art comes straight from the heart. Registration is required.

REGISTER NOW

Practicing with Google Docs

Thursdays,

Feb. 12th & 19th

12:00 PM

Shute Meeting Room

Whatever your word processing needs, Google Docs can help! This 2-session series will give you plenty of hands-on practice using Google Docs, a free alternative to Microsoft Word.

REGISTER NOW

Shute

Children's

Storytime at the Shute

Mondays at 10am

Tuesdays at 12pm

Shute Children's Room

Different name, same fun storytime experience! What's better than a good story? Sharing it with friends! Join Miss Val at the Shute Library for storytime and a related craft or activity.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Crafty Corner: Valentine Edition

Tuesday, Feb. 10th

5:15 PM

Shute Children's Room

Choose from a selection of Valentine’s Day craft ideas (or invent your own) and express your feelings while you flex your imagination. Registration is required. Recommended for children ages 6 and up.

REGISTER NOW

Bored? Games!

Feb. 17th, 19th, & 20th

2:00 PM

Shute Children's Room

Don't spend your February break being bored - play board games instead! Bring your friends and family to the Shute Library and engage in some friendly competition.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

CHECK OUT OUR CLUBS!

The Parlin and Shute Memorial Libraries host a variety of ongoing clubs for adults, teens, and children! Find more information about them and when they meet below.

FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE

FEBRUARY BOOK GROUPS

Connolly Center Book Group

Thursday, February 12th at 12PM

Connolly Center Meeting Room


The Next Mrs. Parrish

by Liv Constantine

Parlin Book Group

Monday, February 23rd at 6PM

Parlin Memorial Library


Long Bright River

by Liz Moore

Books and Brews

Wednesday, February 25th at 6PM

Night Shift Brewing (87 Santilli Hwy)


Outlander

by Diana Gabaldon

Murder/Mystery Book Group

Thursday, February 26th at 12PM

Connolly Center Meeting Room


Perfect Husband

by Lisa Gardner

WHAT ARE THE LIBRARIANS READING?

Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine by Robert H. Lustig
Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue
Unending by Ivelisse Housman
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin
Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2) by Xiran Jay Zhao
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Iceman: Uncovering the Life & Times of a Prehistoric Man Found in an Alpine Glacier by Brenda Fowler
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