Monday Mornings is a free program series for adults that runs weekly in the spring and fall months at the main library. Programs take place from 9:30-10:30 AM. Questions? Contact Ona Ridenour.
March 9: Block by Block: The Stories Behind Beverly’s Streets with Abby Battis, Director of Historic Beverly
Every street in Beverly has a story to tell and this illustrated lecture from Historic Beverly uncovers the history hiding in plain sight. Join Abby Battis, Director of Historic Beverly, for a lively and engaging look at how our city’s roadways got their names, from George Washington’s 1789 visit to the Beverly Cotton Mill inspiring “Washington Street,” to the far-reaching influence of the United Shoe Machinery Corporation on the streets of Shingleville. Along the way, you’ll meet the people, industries, neighborhoods, and pivotal moments that shaped Beverly’s landscape. Join us for a fun, informative journey through the city we call home—one block at a time.
March 16: Adjusting the Lens: Living with Vision Loss with Isabel Rosario
A practical and supportive presentation for older adults navigating age-related vision changes. Learn how to adapt your daily life, access helpful resources, and maintain independence with confidence. Isabel Rosario is an Outreach Specialist at The Carroll Center for the Blind.
March 23: The 80s Boom: A Boston Comedy History with Nick Zaino
The 80s Comedy Boom tells the story of how Boston became a hotspot through the birth of The Comedy Connection and the Ding Ho, launching Steven Wright, Paula Poundstone, Denis Leary, Marc Maron, and so many others. This presentation will include clips of their comedy along with Zaino’s audio interviews through more than 26 years covering this scene for The Boston Globe, The Boston Phoenix, and various other publications. Nick A. Zaino III is an arts freelancer, creator of Boston Comedy Radio, podcaster, and musician.
March 30: The Expiration Date: A Dramedy with Judah Leblang
Fresh from performances at the Halifax and Elgin (IL) Fringe Festivals, Judah Leblang’s show mixes humor, pathos, and spiritual exploration as “one man plans, and God laughs.” Judah Leblang is a Medford-based writer, teacher, and storyteller.
April 6: Arpilleras: Wall Hangings from Political Statements to Folk Art with Joanna Liss
Arpilleras are wall hangings created with applique and embroidery that originated in Chile during the brutal regime of Augusto Pinochet in the 1970s. The original works depicted scenes of social and political issues including the disappearance of many young activists and protesters. Years later, arpilleras were made in other countries, including Peru, where they assumed a form of folk art depicting more pastoral scenes. Joanna Liss will share her collection of arpilleras and talk about her experiences in Peru in the 80s and 90s. Joanna currently teaches English at Beverly Bootstraps and takes classes at Boston University.
April 13: Amelia Earhart: The Boston Years (1924-1928) with Margie Arnold, PhD
Most people know Amelia Earhart as a famous aviator who disappeared in the Pacific Ocean while attempting a flight around the world in 1937. But missing from her adventurous narrative is the time she spent in Medford, Marblehead, and Boston. Why was Amelia at the T-Wharf at four in the morning? Where did Coach Earhart enjoy roasting marshmallows and storytelling with her basketball team? And why did the police almost arrest her for littering in Boston? Come learn about Amelia’s Boston years and how her adventures led to a phone call that changed her life. Dr. Margie Arnold has retired from a 30 year career in higher education. Margie has been a longtime advocate for Amelia Earhart’s life and legacy. Currently, Margie is a member of the Ninety-Nines and serves on the board of trustees at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum.
April 20: Holiday—NO PROGRAM
April 27: How Much Can You Change for Someone You Love? with Randy Ross
In this multimedia performance, Randy Ross presents the wonders and woes of contemporary romance. Randy explores the fluid nature of intimacy, independence, and bodily functions, while asking, “how much can you change for someone you love?” The show includes words of wisdom from the Surgeon General, Arthur Schopenhauer, and, of course, Taylor Swift. Randy Ross is a Boston-area novelist, storyteller, and comedian. His one-man shows have been featured at libraries, youth hostels, senior centers, and other venues, as well as more than 30 indie theater festivals around the US, Canada, and Edinburgh, Scotland.
May 4: Beverly Reads: The Secret Life of Bees: Honey, Hives, and Pollinator Power with Anita Deeley
Join local beekeeper and founder of Beverly Bees, Anita Deeley, for an engaging and eye-opening presentation all about honey bees and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Discover how a hive functions, how honey is made, and why pollinators are essential to our food supply. Learn the truth about bee health, common threats facing honey bees today, and what you can do in your own backyard to help support pollinators. This educational program includes real beekeeping equipment, fascinating hive insights, and a live Q&A session. Perfect for gardeners, nature lovers, families, and anyone curious about the hidden world inside a beehive. Anita Deeley is the founder of Beverly Bees, a Massachusetts-based beekeeping and honey company. A biologist by training and former Massachusetts State Bee Inspector, she has managed hundreds of hives across the state and is passionate about honey bee health, pollinator education, and sustainable beekeeping practices. This program is part of Beverly Reads.
May 11: Beverly Reads: Mammals of New England with Joy Marzolf from The Joys of Nature
Learn about our backyard mammals and beyond! Explore the wide range of large and small mammals from bobcats, bears and porcupines to chipmunks and more. But don’t forget marine mammals along our shores! There one might see harbor, gray or even harp seals. Off shore, watch for even larger mammals like humpback whales, right whales, porpoises or dolphins and how to tell them apart. Marzolf was a Naturalist and Educator at Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary for almost 14 years and has been doing animal-related education programs for over 20 years. This program is part of Beverly Reads.
May 18: To Provision Washington’s Army on the Move: 1776 and the Norwich Huntingtons with Maggie Meahl
We know a lot about the pivotal year 1776 in American history: from the British evacuating Boston in March, to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the summer, to the cold, starving Continental army troops surprising the Hessians at Trenton, NJ on Christmas Day. But what do we really know about what it took to provision an eighteenth-century army with virtually no government infrastructure, funds, or military administration? Come learn how the Huntingtons and their maritime associates, facilitated the transfer of Continental army troops, and equipment, from Massachusetts down to Manhattan throughout 1776. Discover how savvy ship captains shuttled these men, and goods, at Norwich’s wharves at the bequest of the merchant Huntington brothers: Joshua and Andrew. And, how the skilled workers at the docks did their part too. The information presented is based on primary source materials from the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History in Hartford, and online resources.
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Did you miss a program? Many past events have been posted to our YouTube channel.