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VIRTUAL: Who Gets To Fly? How NASA Chooses Its Astronauts
2025-12-10 19:00:00 2025-12-10 20:00:00 America/New_York VIRTUAL: Who Gets To Fly? How NASA Chooses Its Astronauts Ever wonder how America chooses astronauts? Join NASA Solar System Ambassador David S. Ball as he discusses the tension between science & flight test, political considerations, & the luck of the draw. Virtual -

Wednesday, December 10
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-12-10 19:00:00 2025-12-10 20:00:00 America/New_York VIRTUAL: Who Gets To Fly? How NASA Chooses Its Astronauts Ever wonder how America chooses astronauts? Join NASA Solar System Ambassador David S. Ball as he discusses the tension between science & flight test, political considerations, & the luck of the draw. Virtual -

Ever wonder how America chooses astronauts? Join NASA Solar System Ambassador David S. Ball as he discusses the tension between science & flight test, political considerations, & the luck of the draw.

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.** 

Ever wonder how America chooses astronauts? Why did NASA select from military aviators? How are flight assignments made? Why did it take so long to incorporate women and minorities into the Astronaut Corps? Join NASA Solar System Ambassador David S. Ball as he discusses the tension between science and flight test, political considerations, and the luck of the draw that determines who gets to fly. Ball served 26 years in the US Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, and is a now a volunteer educator with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 

NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

Presented in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Virtual | Other | Lecture |

Wilbraham Public Library
Phone: 413-596-6141
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Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 8:00PM

We're closed Tuesday November 11 due to Veterans' Day
Mon, Nov 10 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Nov 11 Closed
(Veterans' Day)
Wed, Nov 12 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Nov 13 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Fri, Nov 14 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Nov 15 9:00AM to 2:00PM
Sun, Nov 16 Closed
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About the branch

The Wilbraham Public Library provides resources and opportunities for community learning, recreation, and making connections.

Upcoming Events

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Pre-K Pals - Pathways for Parents
Mon, Nov 10, 10:00am - 10:45am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
A playgroup for children ages 2-5 with their families!
Read to Mason! - Therapy Dog Visit
Mon, Nov 10, 3:45pm - 4:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Read aloud to your favorite four-legged friend, Mason!
Paint Your Partner
Mon, Nov 10, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Pair up with your best friend, family member, or loved one for a fun evening of painting! Participants will sit across from their partner and paint a self-guided portrait of each other.
VIRTUAL: JOB SEARCH HELP— How To Create A Standout Resume
Wed, Nov 12, 9:30am - 10:30am
Virtual
Learn about current resume best practices, including tips about what information to include, what to leave off, as well as formatting and content guidelines to give your experience more impact.
Register
LEGO® Club
Wed, Nov 12, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
New monthly program for ages 5+
Evening Book Discussion
Wed, Nov 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
A monthly book discussion facilitated by Assistant Director Mary Bell. Newcomers are always welcome!
VIRTUAL: Novelist Amanda Peters Discusses - The Search for Truth and the Persistence of Love Across Time
Thu, Nov 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Acclaimed writer Amanda Peters discusses her instant bestselling novel, The Berry Pickers, as well as her tender short fiction collection, Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories. 
Register
Cancelled
Music and Movement - Pathways for Parents
Fri, Nov 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library
Multi-sensory and exploration
Cancelled
Drop-In Tech Help with WMA Students
Fri, Nov 14, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library
Student volunteers from WMA will assist with technology questions.
CANCELLED: Children's Thanksgiving Event
Sat, Nov 15, 10:00am - 10:45am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
This program has been cancelled.
The Art of Origami
Sat, Nov 15, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Learn the basics of origami, a paper-folding art style that originated in Japan.
Pre-K Pals - Pathways for Parents
Mon, Nov 17, 10:00am - 10:45am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
A playgroup for children ages 2-5 with their families!
This event is full
Teen Advisory Board - TAB
Mon, Nov 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Help the Teen Librarian design the best programs for teens, and recommend YA books and more for the teen Loft.
VIRTUAL: More Holiday Romance Book Recommendations - with Booklist Reviewer, John Charles
Mon, Nov 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual
With the holidays right around the corner, take a minute (or an hour) to relax and find some good holiday romance reads! John Charles will give us his "best of" romance list of 2025.
Register
Grow, Play, Learn - Pathways for Parents
Tue, Nov 18, 9:30am - 10:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.
VIRTUAL: Unlock the Secret Language of Connection - with Supercommunicator Charles Duhigg
Tue, Nov 18, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
Author Charles Duhigg presents the ultimate guide on how to communicate and connect with anyone at work, home, and in life in Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. 
Register
WPL Board of Trustees Meeting
Tue, Nov 18, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library
The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Teen Canvas Tote Bags w/ Paint Sip Fun
Tue, Nov 18, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Teens will learn painting techniques and steps to create their own masterpiece, either "Citrus Fruit" or "Colorful Fish" on a canvas tote bag.
Story Yoga - Pathways for Parents
Wed, Nov 19, 10:00am - 10:45am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Yoga with Lisa Katz!
Classics Book Discussion
Wed, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Led by Jessica Magill For questions, contact Jessica: jessicammagill@hotmail.com
VIRTUAL: Meet Me at Luke's w/ The Gilmore Book Club Blogger - Kristine Eckart
Wed, Nov 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Gilmore Girls fans, join us for this Q&A with The Gilmore Girl Club Blogger, Kristine Eckart. We'll be chatting about her book, Meet Me at Luke's: Lessons in Life and Love from Gilmore Girls.
Register
Graphic Novel Book Club
Thu, Nov 20, 3:45pm - 4:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
November book selection: Pawcasso by Remi Lai
This event is full
Music and Movement - Pathways for Parents
Fri, Nov 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Multi-sensory and exploration
Adult Crafternoon - Gnomevember
Fri, Nov 21, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Come join us to create some gnomes using mason jars.
This event is full
Cancelled
Drop-In Tech Help with WMA Students
Fri, Nov 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library
Student volunteers from WMA will assist with technology questions.
Pre-K Pals - Pathways for Parents
Mon, Nov 24, 10:00am - 10:45am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
A playgroup for children ages 2-5 with their families!
This event is full
History Book Club
Mon, Nov 24, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Monthly meeting on the fourth Monday of the month. Books are available to pick up at the Service Desk; new comers are always welcome.
Grow, Play, Learn - Pathways for Parents
Tue, Nov 25, 9:30am - 10:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.
Pre-K Pals - Pathways for Parents
Mon, Dec 01, 10:00am - 10:45am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
A playgroup for children ages 2-5 with their families!
Registration opens Thursday, November 13 2025 at 10:00am
VIRTUAL: Bicycling Across America
Mon, Dec 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
Steve Parus shares his experience riding his bike solo 4500 miles across the United States of America.
Register
Gingerbread House Workshop for Kids
Mon, Dec 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Create your own gingerbread house with Mandy Roberge from Wicked Good Henna.
Registration opens Monday, November 17 2025 at 9:00am
Teen Gingerbread Houses
Mon, Dec 01, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Teens will decorate their own gingerbread house using cones of various types of frosting, fondant and a generous candy buffet!
Registration opens Monday, November 17 2025 at 9:00am
Grow, Play, Learn - Pathways for Parents
Tue, Dec 02, 9:30am - 10:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.
Booked for Lunch Discussion Group
Tue, Dec 02, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
The daytime monthly book discussion group facilitated by Library Director Karen Ball. New members always welcome!
VIRTUAL: Author Sue Hincenbergs Discusses - Scheming Wives and High-Stakes Hilarity
Tue, Dec 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
Buckle up for a wild ride and join us as we sit down for an online chat with debut author Sue Hincenbergs to discuss her novel The Retirement Plan, in which murder is the name of the game.
Register
Adapting and Transitioning as We Age
Tue, Dec 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Join us for a conversation about how we can best navigate constant change so that we can continue to enjoy our lives and our loved ones.
Registration opens Tuesday, November 11 2025 at 9:00am
Drop-In Gift Wrapping
Wed, Dec 03, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Stop by the library to wrap your gifts! All materials provided.
Cookbook Club
Wed, Dec 03, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Meets the first Wednesday of every other month. Participants will make and share dishes from the month’s selected cookbook. (Please sign up for the Cookbook Club by Monday, December 1st. Thanks!)
Drop-In Gift Wrapping
Thu, Dec 04, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Stop by the library to wrap your gifts! All materials provided.
Story Art - Pathways for Parents
Fri, Dec 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Build creativity and literacy skills with Ms. Jen!
Drop-In Gift Wrapping
Fri, Dec 05, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Stop by the library to wrap your gifts! All materials provided.
Drop-In Tech Help with WMA Students
Fri, Dec 05, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library
Student volunteers from WMA will assist with technology questions.
Pre-K Pals - Pathways for Parents
Mon, Dec 08, 10:00am - 10:45am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
A playgroup for children ages 2-5 with their families!
Registration opens Thursday, November 20 2025 at 10:00am
Read to Mason! - Therapy Dog Visit
Mon, Dec 08, 3:45pm - 4:30pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Read aloud to your favorite four-legged friend, Mason!
Winter Holiday Concert
Mon, Dec 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Grab your mug of cocoa and a blanket, and warm yourself with holiday songs, sung and arranged by Melodious Zach!
Registration opens Monday, November 24 2025 at 9:00am
Grow, Play, Learn - Pathways for Parents
Tue, Dec 09, 9:30am - 10:30am
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
Storytime curriculum and themed play activities.
VIRTUAL: The Legacy of Julia Child's Kitchen - with Author and Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson
Tue, Dec 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join us as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space
Register
WFOL Board Meeting
Tue, Dec 09, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
The monthly meeting of the Wilbraham Friends of the Library.
VIRTUAL: JOB SEARCH HELP: Magnetic Introductions - How to Have Them At Hello
Wed, Dec 10, 9:30am - 10:30am
Virtual
Learn how to deliver a quick, compelling intro that captures attention, keeps it, and opens the door to deeper business relationships.
Register
LEGO® Club
Wed, Dec 10, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
New monthly program for ages 5+
VIRTUAL: Who Gets To Fly? How NASA Chooses Its Astronauts
Wed, Dec 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Ever wonder how America chooses astronauts? Join NASA Solar System Ambassador David S. Ball as he discusses the tension between science & flight test, political considerations, & the luck of the draw.
Register
Evening Book Discussion
Wed, Dec 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wilbraham Public Library - Brooks Room
A monthly book discussion facilitated by Assistant Director Mary Bell. Newcomers are always welcome!
See all events