The Newton Public Library is under soft closure, until further notice. The soft closure began on March 16. A soft closure means all programs and meetings scheduled at the library have been canceled or suspended, and the library building is closed to the public. Library materials will be available for pickup, only by reservation and…
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By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org The drumbeat of news about the novel coronavirus abruptly jumped to a new level of intensity and urgency on the evening of Wednesday, March 11. That evening, over the course of what felt like just a few minutes, President Donald Trump addressed the nation about the crisis; the NBA suspended its…
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Also known as “speculative fiction,” the fantasy/sci-fi genre is broad enough to have something that will appeal to just about any reader. Here are some of Sam’s favorite reads from the past few years.

Join Karin Kaufman Wall, Peace and Justice Education Coordinator at Mennonite Central Committee, Central States, for a discussion of White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo, this evening (Feb. 26) at 7 p.m. Can’t make it this evening? The Newton Community for Racial Justice (NCRJ) and Newton Public Library will host additional book discussions in March and…
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Photographer Jeffrey McPheeters will present “Composite Photography” at Newton Public Library, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25. McPheeters defines composite photographs as images created using two or more openings of the camera shutter. Composites can be created within the camera, or using computer software. “Composite photography can help influence our non-composite photography by allowing…
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Maybe you want to trace a portrait, or get more information about the names in an old family Bible. Or maybe you simply want to learn more about your roots so that you can pass that knowledge on to future generations. Whatever motivates you, it has never been easier to start researching genealogy. Mary Hursey…
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These new books and DVDs will start circulating next week. Place a hold today and you could be the first to borrow them! You can place holds via our online catalog, stop in or give us a call.

By Wm. Neal Lewis Mark Dagostino, along with Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh (pronounced Shay), and many people from Zappos (“Zapponians”), tell their remarkable story in “The Power of WOW: How to Electrify Your Work and Your Life by Putting Service First.” Tony, and others with him, decide to put Zappos on a different course. The…
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The public is invited to provide feedback about the design and potential uses of a new public library at community meetings this month. The meetings are scheduled for 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Bessmer Room at Newton Public Library. Two identical meetings are being offered to accommodate more people’s schedules. The…
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