Interested in Studying

Local History?

Open to Scholars Across Multiple Disciplines

The Bridgewater Public Library Archives seeks a scholar to explore, illuminate, and contextualize the local history of the Bridgewater region. At the library, our mission is to educate, inform, enrich, and inspire the community. With this fellowship, our goal is to provide a clearer understanding of ourselves and each other through deep and meaningful analysis and contextualization of our shared historic heritage.  

We invite students of history, public history, the humanities, women’s studies, African American studies, Indigenous people’s studies, folklore, historic crafts, industrialization, New England studies, and others to explore the archival holdings of the public library. And then to share their insights and fresh understanding of our region with the library community.  

Our Vision for this Project

Fellows will work with the library archivist and will have access to the Bridgewater Public Library Archives, which includes records dating to the early English settlement of the region in the 1600s through to the present day. Archival records include town vital records, military records from the 1800s to present, regional newspapers, and varied realia. 

Scholars should plan to spend at least four hours per week from September to December at the library working with the archivist, researching in the archives, and working with the general library community. Fellows will work with library staff to develop their exhibit, publicize their event evening, and share their research with the community. At the end of their tenure, fellows will receive a $1,500 stipend.

To Apply

This fellowship is open to scholars at all career levels, and we are especially interested in scholars who can give voice to archival silences within our collections. To apply, send a current CV and a narrative statement that outlines your experience, why you are interested in this fellowship, your planned research focus, and your vision for how you hope to share your research with the community. Creative, innovative, and unique exhibits and presentations are welcomed and encouraged. 

If you have any questions, and when you are ready to submit your application, please reach out to our library archivist, Karen Urbec, at kurbec@sailsinc.org.

Application deadline for this year is July 31, 2024.

Other Details

Fellows will not be provided with living accommodations, travel expenses, and other funding, memberships, or benefits. All applicants must be able to pass a CORI screening. Scholars will retain complete copyright to all presentations and publications, but must grant permission to the Bridgewater Public Library, in perpetuity, to have full access and rights to republish any items created during and as an immediate result of the fellowship.

Important Dates

• 31 July 2024–Application deadline
  

• 9 August 2024–Selection notification
  

• 3 September 2024–Fellowship start date
  

• 22 November 2024–Fellowship end date
  

• December 2024–Research exhibit on display and event evening to be scheduled

Upcoming Events

Next Session: Monday, July 22 at 6:00PM

Do you love your library and want to get more involved? Consider joining the Friends of Bridgewater Public Library! 

Friends of the Bridgewater Public Library is a non-profit, charitable group formed to engage in activities that increase community awareness of Bridgewater Public Library, provide volunteer and program support, raise funds to enhance library services, and advocate for the financial support of the library. 

The Friends sponsors educational and cultural programs for adults, teens and children, helps to broaden the horizons of librarians and staff with professional development and conference grants, and partners with other organizations to benefit the community at large. 

The Friends are a newly-formed group and meetings are open to anyone interested in becoming a member. The group meets monthly on the 4th Monday of the month.  

No registration required. Drop-in and maybe we'll be Friends!

Next Session: Friday, July 19 at 3:00PM

Bring your rainbow loom and come hang out with Bella in the Vibe!

Meet friends and create new designs for bracelets and more. This group is led by a local high school student and is for ages 7 - 14.

 Must bring your own supplies. No registration required. Drop in! 

Drop-In Next Week!

Socialize with friends, enjoy snacks and watch the latest streamed anime with our premium Crunchyroll subscription. Check out the newest manga and graphic novel additions before they hit the shelves!

We're already half-way 

through Summer Reading!

Return COMPLETED Bingo Cards by August 12

Keep reading! You're doing great! 

Remember to return your completed BINGO card to the library by Monday, August 12 to be eligible to win prizes! 

If you are a child or a teen, be sure to register as well and pick your potential prizes! You must complete this step to be eligible to win.

No registration required for adult summer reading participants.

Register for These 

Upcoming Library Events

Event Date: Thursday, August 1 at 2:00PM

Explore the world of art with Melissa of Beeble Art Center! 

Experience different art techniques and leave with a beautiful, unique craft created by YOU! This program is for kids in grades 1-4. 

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Bridgewater Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Registration OPENS: Friday, July 19 at 9:00 AM

Registration is required. Please register each child separately.

To register, click the button below.

Event Date: Tuesday, July 23 at 1:00PM

Join Jenn Morris, author of the Flubby Series, Ducks Run Amok and many other easy readers, for this fun program. Learn about Jenn's inspiration, how a book is put together, and draw some characters together! Recommended for ages 5-15.

Registration is OPEN

To register, click the button below.

Event Date: Wednesday, July 24 at 6:30PM

Join us for a free family yoga class, presented by Marybeth of Maha Yoga. Family Yoga is a perfect way to get everyone together all while being an active participant!

Details:

• We recommend kids at 8 years old and/or older or kids that can follow directions along with their parents.
• Please bring your own yoga mat and dress in comfortable clothes.

Registration is OPEN

To register, click the button below.

Event Date: Tuesday, July 30 at 1:00PM

Join Steve Swinburne, author of Giraffe Math, Big Truck Super Wash and many others, for this fun program!

Learn about sea turtles, giraffes and other critters and join him for a sing-a-long as he plays his ukulele!

All ages welcome!

Registration is OPEN

To register, click the button below.

Skip Staples

Use the Library Instead

Do you need to print something, make copies, or send a fax? Bridgewater Public Library provides public access for these tasks. All print and copy transactions are subject to the library's Computer & Internet Use Policy.

We accept cash only for all services.

 PRINTING

Printing can be done from any of the library's public computer stations located on the first floor by logging in using your library card. Or you can print from your phone using Wi-fi printing!

Printing costs $0.25 per page (color or black & white).

 COPYING

Copies cost $0.25 per page (color or black & white). Please use the vending station located to the right of the photocopier to pay for your copies.

 FAXING

Please visit the Reference Desk for fax service. We provide outgoing fax service ONLY. No incoming faxes will be accepted.

The cost to fax is $1.00 per page with a maximum number of 20 pages per fax. Documents for faxing must be single sided.

SCANNING

The library makes available an HP ScanJet Pro 2500 f1 flatbed scanner for public use. Detailed instructions on the operation of the scanner can be found at the scanning station. Additional assistance can be requested at the Reference Desk.

The Flora T. Little Art

Art Gallery Presents:

About the Artist

As a licensed clinical social worker, Pamela has spent the past forty years healing psychological trauma, working as a clinician, consultant, and trainer. Outside clinical work, birding and being in nature has always provided her with great solace. In 2022 she began painting large watercolors of Ospreys and donated the proceeds to local nature organizations. In 2023, she jumped at the chance to accompany Mass Audubon in their weekly Osprey nest monitoring project on the Westport River.

About the Exhibition

This exhibit features watercolors depicting Ospreys and their nests, as well as photographs of the project. Her work will be on display in our Flora T. Little Gallery for the month of July. 

Romantasy

These stories combine the best of fantasy with a dash of romance.

For adults.

When you place a book on hold it gets shipped to the Bridgewater Public Library free of charge. You will then be notified when it is available for pickup!
You can also look for these titles as e-books & audiobooks using the Libby App.