The following is a list of events and activities at Newbury Town Library, 0 Lunt St., Byfield. All programs occur in the Lois M. Anderson Community Room. To register, visit: newburylibrary.org/events/ or call the library at 978-465-0539.
‘Liquid Spine, Great Marsh’
The library will host a screening of locally filmed “Liquid Spine, Great Marsh” on Wednesday, at 6 p.m., to be followed by a presentation by director Katie Pustizzi who will discuss the power of art as activism and will then engage in a Q&A about her process, the film, and environmental narratives in art.
“Liquid Spine” is a global dance series that unearths the environmental needs of water systems through dance, community, and conversation. This piece, filmed at Old Town Hill in Newbury, in all four seasons of the year, highlights the importance of The Great Marsh as a stopover for migratory birds. The film further affirms the need for safe spaces to exist for all on their respective journeys towards refuge.
The film is funded by The Kathleen Van Demark fund for the Great Marsh overseen by the Manship Artist Residency with support from the Peter and Kathleen Van Demark fund, a donor-advised fund at the Essex County Community Foundation, the Newbury Cultural Council, Creative County, and was filmed on location at Old Town Hill, property of The Trustees of Reservations. Please register for this program.
All-age costume swap
The library hosts its first all ages costume swap from on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring new or gently used costumes and props/materials to the library to swap for a new-to-you costume. Use the friend rule — only donate items in a condition good enough to give to a friend.
Donations will be accepted starting Thursday through 5 p.m. on Friday. Please do not put any costume donations in the book drop or leave donations by the front door. The library will accept donations only during open hours.
Please note: Donations are not required to participate in the swap, but donors will be allowed to browse donated costumes and materials first. Any leftover costumes will be donated to various local organizations. No registration necessary.
Book talk, signing
On Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m., join library staff for a “Murder in Rockport” authors’ book talk and signing. Local authors Wayne Soini and Robert Fitzgibbon will be speaking about the 1932 brutal murders of Arthur Oker in his shop in Rockport, and, almost six months later, of Augusta Johnson in her Rockport home.
Fitzgibbon and Soini reveal long-lost details about the crime, the investigation and a surprise suspect from the state police archives. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and personalized signings by the authors. Please register for this program.
Craft with local crafter
Come learn how to felt with local crafter Rachelle Toth on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m. All supplies will be provided as folks learn how to create a wool felted emotional support pickle. Toth has a crafting show that airs on Wilmington Community Television as well as leading many craft classes at area libraries and community organizations. Please register for this program.
For any questions about these programs, please contact Assistant Director Katherine Szuplat at 978-465-0539. All program funding is generously provided by the Friends of the Newbury Town Library. Programs are always free and open to all.