Shrewsbury – Residents of Shrewsbury will soon get the chance to have some outdoor fun at the current library, 609 Main St., and its temporary location at 214 Lake St. The library is partnering with Redbox, Project for Public Spaces, and Online Computer Library Center, Inc., (OCLC) to develop a public space for community events. The library was chosen for a grant through a competitive application process based on key characteristics such as geographic and ethnic diversity, local leadership, and innovative ideas for events and community activities. The grant will provide consultation and support on event and space design, event planning, and material selection, as well as a selection of reusable materials.
Through the “Outside the Box” program, the library, Parks and Recreation Department, Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SELCO), and the Lakeway Business District Association (LBDA) are working to plan and create fun events for the whole family to enjoy.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the library to partner with another town organization, the Lakeway Business District Association, to bring more events to the community,” Library Director Ellen Dolan said. “They have done such great job rejuvenating the Route 9 and lake area, so we are very proud to work with them.”
LBDA Chair Jay Thomas said the partnership is also welcomed by his association.
“We look forward to having the Shrewsbury Public Library join us as a new neighbor in the district, when they move to their temporary site this fall,” he said. “We expect we'sl enjoy many partnerships together.”
The following are upcoming programs:
“Build a Better Lunch,” hosted by Healthy Eating Specialist Dawn Berthelette from Whole Foods in Bellingham, will be held on the library lawns Saturday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. Participants will learn how to pack healthy lunches at home with recipes such as simple smoothie, not-tuna salad and healthy cookies. Limited spots available. Register by going to www.shrewsbury-ma.gov, under departments go to “library” and “calendar,” or call 508-842-0081, ext. 2 or 3.
A Pete Seeger Songfest by Shrewsbury resident Jim Scott is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. on the Town Common. Scott collaborated on many projects with the folk legend and will lead a celebration of many songs by Seeger and others. A prolific composer and guitarist, he compiled the “Earth and Spirit Songbook,” 110 songs of earth by many contemporary composers. No registration is required. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the library. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
More programs are being planned, including a stargazing event, in collaboration with the Aldrich Astronomical Society in Worcester, in October.
