An inspirational story of a man who, when confronting intractable epilepsy, learned how to rise from the depths of despair to the heights of unimagined success.

Pick a book from your shelf, wrap it up, and jot down a couple of teaser lines about it. The catch? Don’t reveal the title or author! Instead, give us a hint—maybe the genre (Mystery, Sci‑Fi, Romance, etc.) and a short description that sparks curiosity without spoiling the surprise. Extra applause goes to the most creative wrapping and the most intriguing descriptions, so let your imagination run wild!

We’ll trade books in a White Elephant–style swap, so everyone leaves with a new read to enjoy. Want to bring more than one book? Go for it—the more, the merrier!

All are welcome—invite your fellow book lovers to join the fun. And don’t forget to bring along an appetizer or dessert to share plus your favorite drink.

Dive into the art at the James, explore the current exhibitions or get inspired by talks with local artists. Enjoy this one-hour guided art experience every month in partnership with First Parish Norwell.

For toddlers and caregivers. Children’s Storytime happens every Friday starting February 20th. This is a free event and no RSVP necessary.

Art Unplugged is a FREE hands-on, immersive art series open to all—no experience needed. Come explore, create, and connect in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

For toddlers and caregivers. Children’s Storytime happens every Friday starting February 20th. This is a free event and no RSVP necessary.

For toddlers and caregivers. Children’s Storytime happens every Friday starting February 20th. This is a free event and no RSVP necessary.

In his new book Levantine Vignettes: An Educator's Account of Border Crossing in the Middle East, historian, educator and Norwell resident Daniel Osborn shares his lifelong journey of discovery through travel, teaching, and immersion in communities across Israel, the Palestinian West Bank, Jordan, and Lebanon. From harvesting olives to herding livestock in the desert, Osborn’s experiences illuminate the transformative power of crossing borders, both literal and figurative, and cultivating compassion through lived knowledge. 

You are invited to view a screening of the 2025 Ware Lecture, a keynote address focusing on advocacy for transgender rights. This powerful speech is delivered by Imara Jones, whose work as a host, on-air news analyst, and writer focuses on social justice and equity issues.

For toddlers and caregivers. Children’s Storytime happens every Friday starting February 20th. This is a free event and no RSVP necessary.

A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian.

Looking for a fun way to spend winter break? Head over to the James for Mini Golf at the Library! For one special day, our entire building will be transformed into a 10-hole mini golf course, with greens and holes weaving through the book stacks, art gallery, and concert hall. Clubs, balls, scorecards—and plenty of fun—are all provided. It’s the perfect indoor activity to brighten up winter break. Gather your friends, family, or come solo, and sign up for a tee time today!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an afternoon of timeless jazz and heartfelt romance. South Shore Conservatory's award-winning pianist Jeff Williams is joined by Chris Rathbun on bass and Ed Sorrentino on drums for an intimate performance featuring beloved love songs and jazz standards that have defined romance for generations.

Dive into the art at the James, explore the current exhibitions or get inspired by talks with local artists. Enjoy this one-hour guided art experience every month in partnership with First Parish Norwell.

The Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies (BICS), founded by Robert Bigelow, launched a competition in 2021 to investigate life after death. The Bigelow Essay Contest offered $1.5 million in prize money for the best evidence-based essays on whether human consciousness survives physical death. We will be reading the winning essay Beyond The Brain by Jeffery Mishlove. 

The Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies (BICS), founded by Robert Bigelow, launched a competition in 2021 to investigate life after death. The Bigelow Essay Contest offered $1.5 million in prize money for the best evidence-based essays on whether human consciousness survives physical death. We will be reading the winning essay Beyond The Brain by Jeffery Mishlove. 

Pick a book from your shelf, wrap it up, and jot down a couple of teaser lines about it. The catch? Don’t reveal the title or author! Instead, give us a hint—maybe the genre (Mystery, Sci‑Fi, Romance, etc.) and a short description that sparks curiosity without spoiling the surprise. Extra applause goes to the most creative wrapping and the most intriguing descriptions, so let your imagination run wild!

In this spellbinding portrait of obsession and flawed genius, Michael Finkel gives us one of the most remarkable true-crime narratives of our times, a riveting story of art, theft, love, and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost.

The Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies (BICS), founded by Robert Bigelow, launched a competition in 2021 to investigate life after death. The Bigelow Essay Contest offered $1.5 million in prize money for the best evidence-based essays on whether human consciousness survives physical death. We will be reading the winning essay Beyond The Brain by Jeffery Mishlove. 

A zine is a small, handmade booklet—part soapbox, part art piece, part rebellion. In this workshop, we’ll make zines for The James that shout, whisper, and scribble about why it matters. You’ll help pull The James out of obscurity and into the hands of new visitors, with a few surprises baked in. Wanna be part of a secret that spreads through Xeroxed paper and punk spirit? Come zine with us. 

Internationally acclaimed Boston-based jazz pianist and composer Laszlo Gardony is one of the most expressive and technically skilled pianists working in jazz today. 

A lifelong pianist, Peter studied with notable teachers, explored classical and popular styles, and made a living in the ’70s playing solo gigs in resorts and lounges. 

The Memory of an Elephant is an epic saga told by an aging African elephant as he makes a last, perilous journey to find the humans who rescued him as an orphan some fifty years ago.

Don't miss this extraordinary night of hope, healing, and heartwarming messages from the other-side. 

A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.

Art Unplugged is a FREE hands-on, immersive art series open to all—no experience needed. Come explore, create, and connect in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Register for our free Toddler Halloween Morning event. Join us for storytime, games, art activities, goody bags, and more!

Experience paintings from colonial times to today as they tell America's story – including the Revolutionary War, immigration, industrialization, and more. From folk art portraits to surprising realism, then on to impressionist and abstract images, visualize America's growth and change as well as its developing artistic styles through time.