Spring 2025 Community Read Programs for Teens

Here are programs and workshops for teens scheduled March through May. I hope you will join in the Library's 2025 Community Read by picking up a copy of The Lioness of Boston, by Emily Franklin, or a copy of Dodger, by Terry Pratchett, to read. Don't miss out on the many wonderful events planned for you this Spring! Registration opens March 1.

Ukrainian Egg Workshop for Teens
Wednesday, March 12, 3:00—5:00 PM

Join us for a workshop on making Ukrainian Eggs. Presented by Kati Bourque, Head of Technical Services here at the Hamilton-Wenham Library. Learn a brief history of this tradition, then dive into creating your own Ukrainian Egg. This workshop session is for teens in grades 6 to 12. All supplies provided. You will be using permanent dye and wax, so wear your getting messy clothes. Click here to register.

💥Community Read Events for Teens💥

Our 2025 Community Read book, The Lioness of Boston, by Emily Franklin, is historical fiction about the life of Isabella Stewart Gardner, who, exploring the world of art, ideas and letters, developed a keen eye for paintings and objects, scandalizing Boston's polite society and transforming the city itself.

Our Community Read companion book for teens, Dodger, by Terry Pratchett, is set in the same time period as The Lioness of Boston,. Dodger was a 2013 Printz award honor book. This funny, intricately plotted, fast-paced historical fiction novel takes place in an alternative-universe London ruled by a young Queen Victoria, where the intrepid young Dodger inadvertently foils a murderous Sweeney Todd operation, and encounters numerous fictional and historical characters, including Darwin, Disraeli and Dickens. Find out more about Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) here.

 

CreativiTea - Tiny Art Paint and Tea Party - for all Ages
Saturday, March 29, 10:30 AM—12:00 PM

Help us kick off our Community Read event series! Pick up a tiny art kit (while supplies last) and create a petite masterpiece to submit to our Tiny Art Show! Stay during the Tea to work on your art, or take your kit home. All materials will be provided to create a basic acrylic mini painting. Artists interested in using other mediums, such as mixed media, may use their own materials, if desired. Tea and light refreshments will be served. Art returned to the Library by April 18 will be displayed. Click here for complete information. Tiny Art Show reception to be held on Thursday, May 1, 6:30pm. Registration is requested, but not required. 

Make a Victorian-style Purse, for Teens (ages 13+) & Adults
Thursday, April 3, 6:00—8:00 PM

Make a beautiful lined purse with a kiss lock frame. These snap frame purses look tricky but are simple to sew. You will be hand-sewing your purse. You must be able to thread a needle and sew a running stitch. All sewing supplies provided. This workshop will be led by YA Librarian, Kim Claire. 

Click here to register.

 

The Gardner Heist with Anthony Amore
Tuesday, April 8, 6:00—7:30 PM

Anthony Amore is an art theft expert, investigator, and security practitioner. Presently, he is Director of Security and Chief Investigator at the Gardner Museum, where he is charged with the ongoing efforts to recover 13 works of art stolen from the museum on March 18, 1990. Join Anthony to learn about the infamous heist and uncover who steals art, why they do it, and what becomes of it. No registration required. 

 
Sketching Maps: From Literature or Life, for Teens (ages 14+) & Adults
Thursday, April 10 & 17, 6:00—8:00 PM

Are you an explorer at heart?
Do you love a book with a map or try to visualize one when there isn't a map?
Do you enjoy organizing information and color coding and drawing diagrams?
Do you want to add maps to your travel sketches and artwork?

This is a two-part sketching maps workshop led by Jessica of Slow River Studios in Topsfield, and inspired by Isabella, who was the most well-traveled woman of her time. Learn about the common iconography and map systems we know, as well as fanciful and abstract mapping systems that will be new to you. Each two-hour session includes a mixture of group instruction and individual coaching. Designed for beginning artists as well as experienced artists. Meets for two consecutive Thurs. evenings on April 10 and April 17.  Click here to register.

Delvena Theatre Co. Presents "Isabella"

Saturday, April 12, 11:00 AM—12:30 PM 

Step back in time and meet Isabella Stewart Gardner, the famed founder of the eponymous Museum in Boston. Learn about her life, charm, friends and acquaintances, travels, stylish taste and unconventional behavior in this entertaining performance. All are welcome; no registration required.  

Felted Lion Workshop for Teens Ages 12 to 18.
Saturday, April 12, 1:30—3:30 PM 

Make a needled felted lion with art educator, Tif Farmakis-Day. For beginners and craft enthusiasts alike, learn everything there is to know about needle felting and leave with your own adorable lion sculpture!  All materials are included, come and have fun!  Click here to register.

Pointillism Cherry Tree Painting for Ages 13+ & Adults  

Thursday, April 24, 6:00—7:30 PM

Join Pop Up Art School to create a stunning tree painting using pointillism! This painting technique originated during the Impressionist era and involves using dots of different colors to create an impression of the subject. Pop Up Art School will walk you through the process as you create your own masterpiece.  Click here to register. 

The Gilded World of Isabella Stewart Gardner
Thursday, May 8, 6:30—7:30 PM
 

Explore the details of Isabella Stewart Gardner’s life, friends, travels and collections. She broke all kinds of rules while setting up her museum, and arranged things the way she wanted with relationships between objects that may at first escape us. What is left for us is to marvel at the space she created and filled with beautiful things. This presentation is led by art historian Mary Woodward, who serves as a guide at several Historic New England properties, and has over 40 years of experience in museums.

An Evening with Author Emily Franklin

Wednesday, May 14, 6:00—8:00 PM

 

The Library will host author Emily Franklin. She is the author of over twenty books including our Community Wide Reads featured title “The Lioness of Boston.” She went to school at Dartmouth where she earned her Master’s Degree in writing and media studies. In addition to two adult novels Emily has also written more than a dozen books for young adults.