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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

FREE EVENT
Monthly on 3rd Friday!
Fun crafts with fun people in a great place.

Bring the whole family for a joyful, musical afternoon with Mama Steph (Stephanie Chase) — beloved South Shore musician, singer-songwriter, and entertainer! 

Join us for an evening of creativity and craft at our "Sip and Sculpt" event. Workshop ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive, hands-on sculpting session led by Executive Director and sculptor Liz Helfer, providing an opportunity to learn professional techniques under expert guidance. Whether you are a seasoned artist or picking up modeling clay for the first time, this immersive experience is designed to spark your imagination and refine your tactile skills.

All guests, including general admission attendees, will enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail and the chance to mingle with talented local sculptors. The evening features interactive stations with various hands-on activities and a special raffle offering the chance to take home original small-scale sculptures. It is a perfect opportunity to support the James while celebrating the three-dimensional arts in the heart of our community.

Step back in time and experience history brought to life with acclaimed actress Sheryl Faye in her captivating one-woman show, Abigail Adams. 

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.

Step into old Hollywood glamour for an interactive murder mystery filled with intrigue, laughs, and surprises. Dress in your Hollywood best, solve the mystery, and bid in our auction on items to die.

Don’t miss this fun filled night of mystery and mayhem. Grab your tickets, gather your suspects, and get ready to solve the crime—while supporting local arts and cultural programming at the James.

Heavy Hor D'oeuvres and Desserts and a Cash Bar

Grab your VIP ticket for a better chance to be named a suspect, a complimentary curious cocktail, and extra Murder Mystery Money to help you bribe your way to the truth.

Sponsored by the Cordelia Foundation

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

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.

Spend an inspiring afternoon with masterful performances of powerful works by Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, and Bach, thoughtfully paired for cello and piano.

When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.

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

Crafternoon! Monthly on 3rd Fridays! Fun crafts with fun people in a great place.

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

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Genticorum shares music from their celebrated album Au coeur de l’aube and breathes new life into the traditions of French Canada with a sound that is both deeply rooted and vibrantly alive. 

Discover the fascinating story of one of America’s most celebrated artistic families in Art For Your Mind: The Three Wyeths, presented by art historian Jill Sanford. 

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.

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.

Who was processed at Ellis Island and what did that involve? How did the Legislation of Immigration affect Ellis Island? Join genealogist Seema Kenney as she discusses the history of the island, other inspection sites, and of immigration to our country. 

This unforgettable novel puts human faces on the Syrian war with the immigrant story of a beekeeper, his wife, and the triumph of spirit when the world becomes unrecognizable.

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

Crafternoon! Monthly on 3rd Fridays! Fun crafts with fun people in a great place.

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.

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.

This unforgettable novel puts human faces on the Syrian war with the immigrant story of a beekeeper, his wife, and the triumph of spirit when the world becomes unrecognizable.

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.