Somerville Public Library: Somerville Public Library Newsletter: August 2024

In this Issue

Programs for Adults

Citizenship Preparation Class at the Library

Zines at the Library

Programs for All Ages

Programs for T(w)eens

Learn a New Business Skill through the Library

Programs for Children

Celebrate the End of Summer Reading

Storytimes at our Libraries

STAFF PICKS: Vacation Reads

Announcements

Summer reading for all ages ends mid-August. Don't forget to check in with your reading progress before then, and celebrate with us at one of our end of summer reading events!

This newsletter lets you know about many of our events, but did you know we have even more? Visit our online calendar to explore them all!

Upcoming Closures:

The Central Library will be closed on Sundays in the summer through Labor Day.

The East Branch Library will be OPEN from 1pm to 5pm for Summer Sundays, June 23rd through August 25th.

Programs for Adults

Board Game Cafe

Saturday, August 10, 2024 - 2:00 PM

Central Library Auditorium

Come check out the SPL’s board game collection at our Board Game Café!

Whether you want to play an old favorite or learn something new, we’ve got you covered.

Questions? Contact Kerry: keodonnell@somervillema.gov

Repairing Garment Closures

Thursday, August 15, 2024 - 6:30 PM

East Branch

Using just a needle and thread, participants will learn how to replace different types of buttons, including shirt and coat buttons, or add invisible snaps to help their garments lie on the body better.

Suitable for beginners with little or no sewing experience. Registration required.

Questions? Contact Liam: LOKeefe@somervillema.gov.

Poetry Open Mic Night

Thursday, August 22, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Central Library Auditorium

Stop by the Library for some sweet summer poetry! You're welcome to bring and read your own poetry, or read a work by another poet! Registration is encouraged.

Questions? Contact Kerry: keodonnell@somervillema.gov.

Transcript: The Gallery at SPL presents: Boston Street Photography 2020-2024 with Troy D. Minkowsky: A Gallery Reception.

Transcript: A gentleman and a thief. A book discussion with author Dean Jobb.

Transcript: Queer craft night: Mini Mosaics.

Aug. 1 - 7 PM

Virtual on Zoom

Aug. 13 - 2 PM

Virtual on Zoom

Aug. 19 - 6 PM

West Branch Community Room

Aug. 24 - 2 PM

Central Library Auditorium

Aug. 27 - 7 PM

Virtual on Zoom

Aug. 28 - 5:30 PM

Central Library Lawn

Citizenship Preparation Class at the Library

U.S. Citizenship Preparation Class

Saturdays starting September 14, 2024 - 10:00 AM

Central Library Auditorium

The Somerville Public Library in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program is offering a free, 10 week U.S. Citizenship Preparation class. The class will prepare students for the citizenship interview including the 100 civics questions, the reading & writing sections, and interview questions based on the filed N-400 application.

Requirements: Basic level of English and 5 years as a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) or 3 years, if married to a US citizen.

Registration Required: tinyurl.com/splcitizenshipclassfall2024

Questions? Contact Brigid: bpigott@somervillema.gov or 617-623-5000 extension 2935.

Zines at the Library

Transcript: Library of Things: Check out our things perfect for the outdoors and summer months! Borrow them from the central library! Our outdoor summer things: Bocce set. Giant dice. Horseshoes set. Pickleball set. Ring toss. Yard pong. Orion telescope. Soil tester. Hammocks. Birding kit. Check one out from the Central Library today! Ask at the circulation desk.

Programs for All Ages

Chess Night at the Library
Monday, August 5, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Central Library Auditorium

Want to challenge yourself? Love the game of chess? We welcome players of all skill levels to come play and test their skills against other members of the Somerville community. No registration required.

Questions? Contact Kerry: keodonnell@somervillema.gov

Family Movie Night on the Lawn

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Central Library Lawn

Bring blankets or lawn chairs and some snacks, and join us on the Central Library lawn for a screening of Disney/Pixar's Elemental! The film is rated PG for “some peril, thematic elements and brief language."

Questions? Contact Ellen: ejacobs@somervillema.gov.

Tai Chi at the East Branch

Monday, August 26, 2024 - 5:30 PM

East Branch Lawn

Join certified Tai Chi instructor Ya-Li Ho for a celebration of Tai Chi outdoors! Patrons of all ages and experience levels are welcome. No registration required.

Questions? Contact Liam: LOKeefe@somervillema.gov.

Programs for T(w)eens

Shrinky Dinks & More

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - 4:00 PM

West Branch Children's Room

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - 4:00 PM

Central Library Teen Room

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 - 4:00 PM

East Branch

Join us for an afternoon of making shrinky dinks and other fun crafts! All materials will be provided. This is a drop in event, so come any time after 4 pm.

Questions? Contact Ellen: ejacobs@somervillema.gov.

Transcript: Recycled comic crafts for teens and tweens. With collage picture frames and bookmarks.

FrankenToys

Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 4:00 PM

East Branch

Thursday, August 15, 2024 - 4:00 PM

West Branch Children's Room

Friday, August 16, 2024 - 4:00 PM

Central Library Auditorium

Know what you can do with old toys? Take ‘em apart and make new toys! Get creative! All materials will be supplied. This is a drop-in event, so come any time after 4.

Questions? Contact Kyle: kcoston@somervillema.gov.

Video Game Hangout for Teens & Tweens

August 5 • August 12

7:00 - 8:30 PM

Central Library Teen Room

Come hang out and play multi-player Nintendo Switch games on the big screen! Try Super Smash Bros. or Mario Kart, or bring your own games! Recommended for ages 10-18.

Questions? Contact Ellen: ejacobs@somervillema.gov.

Learn a New Business Skill through the Library

Transcript: Cultural passes for summer family fun. Get free or discounted admissions to local cultural attractions for the whole family!. Featuring Boston Children's Museum, Boston Harbor Islands pass, Discovery Museum, Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Peabody Essex Museum, Trustees Go, and Zoo New England.

Programs for Children

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at East

Thursday, August 1, 2024 - 10:00 AM

East Branch

What happens at the library overnight? Your stuffed animal can find out!

Drop off your stuffed animals between 10:00am and 6:00pm and follow their adventures on the library's social media channels. Pick up your stuffie during our open hours on Friday (9am-6pm) OR collect them in time to attend our 10:30am Teddy Bear Picnic!

Questions? Contact Meghan: mforsell@somervillema.gov.

Toy Swap at Central

Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 10:30 AM

Central Library Children's Room

Are you looking for a new home for your toys? Bring one or more to the Central Library on the first Saturday of August, and exchange them for previously loved toys from other families!

Questions? Contact Annie at aschapira@somervillema.gov.

Dig in! The Sweet Story of Dirt

Wednesday, August 8, 2024 - 2:00 PM

Central Library Auditorium

Learn fun facts about soil and its importance to the earth, and use cookies, candy, and other sweet treats to create layers of "dirt" in a plastic cup! Ages 5+. Registration encouraged at East and West Branch locations.

Questions? Contact Annie: aschapira@somervillema.gov

StoryWalk at Central

August 2024

Central Library Lawn

Our StoryWalk® will be at the Central Library throughout the month of August! Start right outside the building and follow the story of The Little Library by Margaret McNamara as you move along the walkway.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier Vermont. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Questions? Contact Annie at aschapira@somervillema.gov.

Transcript: STEAM at the library: Cartesian divers with science educator Jessica Garrett.

Transcript: STEAM at the library: Build windmill blades with science educator Jessica Garrett.

Aug 6 - 3:30 PM

East Branch

Aug. 9 - 10:30 AM

East Branch

Aug. 29 - 3:30 PM

Central Library Children's Room

*registration opens 8/26

Celebrate the End of Summer Reading

Aug. 13 - 2 PM

Central Library Auditorium

Aug. 14 - 10 AM

East Branch

Aug. 14 - 4 PM

West Branch Backyard

Storytimes at our Libraries

STAFF PICKS: Vacation Reads

What We're Bringing on Vacation

Take a peek at all the great reads library staff are bringing on vacation with them this summer!

Book cover for FABLES volume one, by Bill Willingham.

Two women--separated by decades and continents, and united by an exotic family heirloom--reclaim secrets and lost loves in this sweeping novel.

- Alison, Children's Librarian

Book cover for Miss Marvel: No Normal, by G. Willow Wilson.

Roughing it has never been so luxurious. Whether it's a day trip or a deep woods trek, this book has you covered, with recipes suited for whatever kind of camping you love.

- Greg, Library Technician

Book cover for Wonder Woman Historia, by Kelly Sue DeConnick.

A teenage girl journeys through the crumbling ruins of civilization--the last human on Earth. Her Shiba Inu, Haru, helps her feel like the end of the world might not be so bad after all.

- Niki, Substitute Librarian

Book cover for Illuminations, by Alan Moore.

Social and political history meets gossip in this compulsive page-turner.

- Kevin, Reference Librarian

Book cover for Human Body Theater, by Maris Wicks.

A masterpiece of terror and suspense from the fantastically fertile imagination of Paul Tremblay.

- Felicia, Reference Librarian

Book cover for Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, by Mariko Tamaki.

Take a little mini-vacation inside Arthurian legend this summer!

- Brigid, Community Services Librarian

For more suggestions, subscribe to our monthly book recommendation newsletters. From popular titles to genre fiction, there's probably a list that matches your interests. Subscribe here!

Somerville Public Library
79 Highland Ave | 40 College Ave | 115 Broadway, Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
617-623-5000
https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/