Levi Heywood Memorial Library

09/06/2026

🌟 Shays' Rebellion: Local Ties to History 🌟

This Wednesday, explore the fascinating local connections to Shays' Rebellion with author Nowell Francis!

Discover how Gardner residents played crucial roles in this pivotal moment of American history. Learn about the lesser-known heroes whose actions shaped our nation—and celebrate America's 250th anniversary by connecting with your community's story.

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 6:00 - 8:00 PM
🏛️ Greenwood Meeting Room, Levi Heywood Memorial Library

Books for purchase, light refreshments, and a book raffle!

Join us and discover your community's role in American history. 🌟💚

09/05/2026

🚈 Trolley Tales: Local History with Steven Cormier 🚈

Gardner native Steven Cormier explores how trolleys shaped our community! His presentation, "Good Golly...Missed Trolley," reveals the story of the Gardner Electric Railway System (1894) and its place in Massachusetts transportation history.

While short-lived, trolley systems had enormous impact—they opened suburbs, provided affordable transportation for mill workers, and connected communities. Learn how corporate and political decisions shaped the transportation networks we use today.

Stay after the presentation for questions and a book signing with Steven Cormier!

📅 Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
🏛️ Levi Heywood Memorial Library

Explore your community's transportation history! 🚈💚

09/02/2026

🌟 Local Author Nowell Francis Explores Shays' Rebellion 🌟

Did you know Gardner played a role in Shays' Rebellion? Join local author Nowell Francis as he uncovers the surprising connections between our community and this pivotal moment in American history.

Learn the stories of local individuals who made a difference, and discover how their actions shaped our nation. Perfect for celebrating America's 250th anniversary!

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 6:00 - 8:00 PM
🏛️ Levi Heywood Memorial Library

📖 Books available for purchase
🌟 Light refreshments & book raffle

Explore your community's history with us! 🌟💚

09/01/2026

♟️Chair City Chess Club♟️

THIS Thursday @ 5PM.

Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned strategist, the Chair City Chess Club welcomes players of every age and skill level for casual, open play. No lessons, no pressure — just pull up a board and play! 🧠

09/01/2026

PSA from the Pigeon: 'I just wanted to help with the display! Is that so wrong?!' 🚧

Stop by and check out our 'Pigeon at Work' display featuring all your favorite Mo Willems books!

Make sure to mark your calendars: Wednesday, September 16 at 4:30pm is our Mo Willems Party:
🔍 Scavenger Hunt
🧠 Trivia
💌 Get Well Card for Elephant
🐦 Make Your Own Pigeon
🎭 Paper Bag Puppets
📸 Photo Op Station

For kids of all ages — supplies are limited, so come early! 🚧📚

08/31/2026

📚 Summer reading may be over... but the reading? Never. 🍂

September's Beanstack Challenge: "Have You Seen Benny?" 🔍

Sign up, log your reading, and earn fun digital badges along the way!

👉 leviheywoodmemlib.beanstack.com/reader365

08/31/2026

This summer's reading program prizes wouldn't have been possible without your generosity. Because of you, readers of all ages got to experience a summer filled with excitement, motivation, and the joy of discovering new books.

Your support doesn't just fund prizes — it fuels a love of reading that lasts a lifetime, at every age. Thank you for believing in our community and our readers. 📚✨

Sponsors:
Diamond Hearts Art Studio
Fidelity Bank
Friendly's
Moon Hill Brewing and Gardner Ale House
Gardner Cinemas
Gardner Ten Pins
GFA Federal Credit Union
The Good Earth Farm & Garden Center
Great Wolf Lodge
Happy Trails Natural Foods
Hill City Fitchburg
Launch Leominster
Priscilla Candy Shop
Parker House of Pizza
Salvadore Auto
Smith's Country Cheese
Straightaway Records
Studio 4 Potters & Gallery
Studio Sculpt
Valley Florist & Greenhouse
Williams Restaurant
99 Restaurants

08/31/2026

🍦 BACK-TO-SCHOOL ICE CREAM PARTY! 🍦
TODAY @ 4:30 PM
Kids of all ages welcome!
Build your own ice cream sundae, enjoy a scavenger hunt, and coloring!
🍨 Ice cream is limited — first come, first served, so don't be late!

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

🚈 Trolley Tales: Local History with Steven Cormier 🚈

Step back in time! Gardner native Steven Cormier brings our community's transportation history to life with his fascinating presentation, "Good Golly...Missed Trolley."

Explore the trolley era that shaped Massachusetts at the turn of the 20th century. While trolley systems were short-lived, their impact was enormous—they opened suburbs, provided affordable transportation for mill workers, and connected communities in ways we often forget.

Cormier's PowerPoint presentation covers the development of various Massachusetts systems, with special emphasis on our own Gardner Electric Railway System (1894). Discover how corporate and political decisions shaped the transportation networks we know today.

📅 Wednesday, September 16
⏰ 6:00 - 7:30 PM
🏛️ Levi Heywood Memorial Library

📖 Book signing after the presentation
🌟 Questions and discussion welcome

Don't miss this chance to connect with Gardner's past! 🚈💚