The Ipswich Reads…One Book program encourages the community to read the same book and come together to explore its themes and issues at a variety of community events each fall. This year’s title is Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey through His Son’s Addiction, by David Sheff. We are pleased to announce that Mr. Sheff will visit Ipswich as our keynote speaker for this series. About the Book: David Sheff chronicles his son’s downward spiral into addiction and tentative steps toward recovery. Beautiful Boy is a fiercely candid memoir that brings immediacy to the emotional roller coaster of loving a child who seems beyond help, as only a parent can. Copies of the book are available to borrow now at the library! About the Series: Addiction impacts every community, with devastating consequences. But as a town, Ipswich is not standing idle. This initiative was born of the shared response to this crisis in our community. Countless individuals and groups are working diligently to create awareness, reduce stigma and foster conversations, as we seek answers to difficult questions. In its 15th year, Ipswich Reads One Book is an ideal platform for those conversations. Perhaps more than any other activity, reading has the power to bring people together around difficult issues. The power of storytelling to share experiences and create empathy paves the way for common ground, and for working together to solve problems. This fall, we hope that you will join us in reading, listening, learning, and continuing to discuss this complicated topic. With the combined effort of many hands and voices, we can support every individual and family impacted in our community. No matter who you are or how you connect with this issue, we can all be part of the solution. Ipswich Reads One Book 2019 is sponsored by the Ipswich Public Library, Ipswich Police Department, Ipswich Public Schools, Ipswich Family YMCA, and Ipswich Aware. Events at a Glance (click on dates below for detailed descriptions and registration requirements) Event Date and Time Location Keynote Speaker Author David Sheff Thursday, November 7th at 7pm Ipswich Performing Arts Center Open Book Discussions: Beautiful Boy ·   Friday, October 11th at 10am ·   Thursday, October 17th at  2pm ·   Monday, October 21st at 6:30pm Ipswich Public Library Panel Discussion: Substance Abuse and Community Policing Wednesday, October 9th at 7pm Ipswich Town Hall Talking with Children about Substance Use and Addiction: Strategies for Communicating […]

Getting Around Town Using … Uber, Lyft, and GPS Apps Saturday, November 16, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM DO YOU: Sit around waiting for someone to give you a ride? Do you CALL your children and/or grandchildren to take you where you want to go? Do you call your local taxi company only to find out the wait is longer than you thought….OR THEY ARE OUT OF BUSINESS! Do you have a ride to dinner or the theatre, but not a ride home after? Do you want to go out at the last minute to just have an unplanned fun day, but feel stuck at home? Maybe it’s time to change and learn NEW WAYS! ABOUT THE TRAINERS Technology classes this fall will be presented by Marjorie Wein and Carol Wein. Marjorie and Carol are the owners of WizeGuides – a company that helps people get comfortable with all types of technology. They work with people in their homes, businesses, or in seminars. They also teach technology in numerous settings such as adult education and library programs. Their extensive teaching and business backgrounds give them the edge in showing people that technology can be simple and unintimidating.

Our Library Opened its Doors in 1869! “Always Bring Your Library Card” Special Exhibition: Opening October 1, 2019 Explore 150 years of public service, reading, and culture in our community through the lens of the Ipswich Public Library. The exhibition presents a history of the IPL including library cards, do’s and don’ts of library behavior through the years, and rarely seen highlights from the archives! Cosponsored by the Ipswich Public Library and the Ipswich Museum. Artwork: Darcy Scanlon Moulton, courtesy of the Friends of the Ipswich Library