Credits

Wrinkle in Time video

I posted this on the teen blog, but I wanted to share this very funny video telling the whole story of the children’s/Young Adult book, A Wrinkle in Time, in 90 seconds. (The video was made for a contest sponsored by the New York Public Library)

“A Wrinkle In Time” In 90 Seconds from James Kennedy on Vimeo.

posted by Laura

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Jeanette when she was still using the Childrens Entrance to the Library

Jeanette when she was still using the Children's Entrance to the Library

A trip down Memory Lane for me will always lead past the Library. When I was young I lived in a house behind the Boys Club, right around the corner from the Main Branch of the Waltham Public Library, my Mom use to bring me in at least once a week. When I was able to print my name, I got my very own card. I’ve loved libraries pretty much my whole life. Back then children had their own entrance from Exchange St, where the Waltham Room is now. I felt special having “my own” entrance to a world where I could live out the adventures found in books.

What does Lectvre mean?
There was a sign over one entrance that said Lectvre Hall, when I could read BIG words I wondered what it meant. I soon found out that the letter V is how the letter U was represented back in the old days. Back when I was using the Children’s Entrance books, magazines and reference materials were the only things available at the library. Boy has that changed, today you can find most anything you want inside; besides books there are movies, music, computers and more.

Scary Librarians
The Waltham Public Library was renovated in 1994 increasing the library’s space, before then the check out counter was at the Main Street entrance, on the first floor. (I think there was also a check out desk in the Childrens Room.) The librarian at the Main Street entrance, used to sit at an elevated desk, and would hand stamp each book being checked out. As a child it seemed as though the Librarian was a “Scary Creature” sitting high above me scowling down. We would get shushed… if we talked too loudly, which would make us giggle causing a vicious circle when we got shushed again for giggling.

Paper Card Catalogs
I grew up way before computers, the card catalog use to be on index cards filed in long skinny drawers which ran the length of the main lobby, where the main check out desk is now.

Old time Neighborhood Libraries
Today, everyone wishes there was more parking available at the library, when I was growning up, the present day parking lot used to be part of a fenced in grassy area that kids would use as an unofficial playground. There weren’t as many vehicles on the road back then, and people could walk to their neighborhood library.

I can remember when Waltham had three library branches. When I got older, I use walk to the South Branch on Chestnut Street, the South Branch was moved to a new building, beside the tennis courts off of High St, around the time I started working for a living. Around the same time there was a North Branch on Lexington St near JFK Junior High School.
I am fortunate to be able to work in a place that I have loved for most of my life and I hope to be able to do that for a very long time.

Posted by Jeanette

Tax Information

Image from irs.gov

Image from irs.gov


It’s tax season, again, and once again the Waltham Public Library is providing the forms that it can. Please keep in mind that the IRS has informed that there has been a printing delay and therefore a delay in shipping various materials to the library. To date, we have not received Instructions for Form 1040 or 1040 A, Form 1040A, or Schedule A. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has also informed all taxpayers and public libraries that they are not sending print copies of the instructions. Taxpayers can print out all the forms and instructions they need at www.irs.gov (for federal forms) or www.mass.gov/dor (for state tax forms). You’re welcome to print out your forms at the library using one of our library computers or your laptop. For those of you who are computer shy, we are happy to print out forms for you at the reference desk, as long as you know the name/number of the form that you need.
Here are a list of resources to get you through tax season, including contact information for the Internal Revenue Service and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, as well as three services which provide free tax help. Good luck!

Tax Help Locations
The following are tax help services in the Waltham area

  • Waltham Council on Aging
    488 Main Street; Waltham, MA 02452
    781-899-7228
    Service Provided: Tax Help for senior citizens. Must call to make an appointment.
    Times Available: February 1 – April 15. Monday – Friday
  • Bentley University Students
    Morrison Hall, Room 101; Waltham, MA 02452
    781-891-2714
    Service Provided: Tax Help for those who are eligible for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
    Times Available: February 17 – April 12 (there will be no service available from March 12 – March 19.
    Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Saturdays 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Taxpayer Assistance Center
    JFK Federal Building; 15 New Sudbury Street; Boston, MA 02203
    617-316-2850
    Service Provided: Federal tax help for those whose income is less than $49,000, as well some other services. Please call to make an appointment. Please note — this location provides assistance with federal tax preparation, only.
    Times Available: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
  • Charles River Public Internet Center
    154 Moody Street; Waltham, MA 02453 781-891-9559, x206
    Services Provided: Federal and state tax help for low and moderate income families and individuals. Call to make an appointment although walk-ins are welcome.
    Times Available Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

posted by Laura