Transcript: June 2024
In this Issue

Comix Con: Fandom Fun for All Ages!
Animal Visitors to all Library Locations
Programs for Adults: Live Music, Disability Pride, and more!
Check Out Summer Fun from the Library
Programs for All Ages: Space, Summer Fun, and Plants
Programs for T(w)eens
Summer Cultural Passes for the Family
Programs for Children: Kamishibai, Dirt, STEAM, and so much more!
Children's Summer Reading Challenge
STAFF PICKS: Comics, comics, comics!
Announcements
On Saturday, July 20th, we will be hosting our fourth annual Comix Con, a free event for all members of the community. Scroll down to learn more!
 
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:
All Somerville Public Library locations will be closed on Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day.
 
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.
Comix Con: Fandom Fun for All Ages!
Somerville Public Library
Comix Con
Saturday, July 20
Central Library
 
Join us for an all-day fan-themed event. Stop by for an introduction to stage combat and cosplay prop making, check out the local artists and creatives in the Artist Alley, and stick around for some nerdy crafting and face painting!
 
Visit tinyurl.com/splcomixcon to learn more about the programs, vendors, performers, and raffle prizes that will be at this year's Comix Con!
 
Questions? Contact Keri: kbradeen@somervillema.gov
Animal Visitors to all Library Locations
Transcript: Wing masters: New England Birds of Prey.Wingmasters: New England Birds of Prey at West
Monday, July 29, 2024 - 1:00 PM
West Branch Community Room
 
Come see five live birds of prey, all native to New England, as our WINGMASTERS presenters explain predation, the birds' place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations, and their status in a rapidly changing world. 
 
Recommended for ages 6+. Registration required.
 
Questions? Contact Alison: amitchell@somervillema.gov
Transcript: Goats and Giggles.Goats & Giggles
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Lawn
Thursday, July 25, 2024 - 2:00 PM
East Branch Lawn
 
Meet baby goats from Chip-In Farm! Goats & Giggles is your chance for a hands-on playtime with the goats with plenty of time for goat cuddles and photo ops! A maximum of 20 people may visit with the goats at one time.
 
This program is intended for children. No registration required.
 
This program is funded by the Friends of the Somerville Public Library. Thanks, Friends!
 
Questions? Contact Keri: kbradeen@somervillema.gov
Programs for Adults:
Live Music, Disability Pride, and more!
Transcript: Folk music concert with Ira Klein.Folk Music Concert with Ira Klein
Thursday, July 11, 2024 - 7:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join us for a folk music performance by award-winning interdisciplinary musician and educator Ira Klein!
 
This program is supported in part by the Somerville Arts Council and the Friends of the Somerville Public Library.
 
Questions? Contact Kerry: keodonnell@somervillema.gov
Transcript: Film screening: Häxan with a live score from Apostrophe-beats.Film Screening: Häxan + Live Score from Apostrophebeats
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - 7:00 PM
West Branch Community Room
 
Join us for a screening of Häxan with a live score. Häxan is a groundbreaking, silent, Swedish film about witchcraft from 1922. Recommended for ages 18+.
  
Questions? Contact Martin: mpohl@somervillema.gov
Transcript: Celebrate disability pride month and the Americans with Disabilities Act's thirty-fourth anniversary.
Celebrate Disability Pride Month and the Americans with Disabilities Act's 34th Anniversary
Monday, July 29, 2024 - 7:00 PM
West Branch Atrium
 
Come join us for book readings by local authors, Laura Beretsky and Michael Shaps, followed by inter-related discussions about ADA workplace protections and disability inclusivity best practices!
 
Click the link above for more details on the event and accommodations for persons with disabilities.
 
Questions? Contact Brigid: bblack@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.
July 13 - 1:30 PM
Central Library
Auditorium
July 22 - 7 PM
Virtual on Zoom
July 25 - 6:30 PM
Central Library
Auditorium
Check Out Summer Fun from 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:
Space, Summer Fun, and Plants
Transcript: Craters on the crescent with astronomer Alex Trunnell.Craters on the Crescent! with Astronomer Alex Trunnell
Thursday, July 11, 2024 - 7:30 PM
East Branch
 
Join us as we turn our eyes to the skies and learn about our moon's craters! This event welcomes all ages, but is best for ages 5−adult.
 
Questions? Contact Meghan: mforsell@somervillema.gov
Transcript: Summer jam on the lawn.Summer Jam on the Lawn
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 4:00 PM
Central Library Lawn
 
Join us for some fun on the Central Library lawn! We'll have a DJ, sno-cones and other snacks, giant Connect-4 and other lawn games, temporary tattoos, raffle prizes, and more!
 
Questions? Contact Ellen: ejacobs@somervillema.gov.
Transcript: Fandom movie night.
Transcript: Gardening workshops.
Transcript: Medicinal plant walk with herbalist Mo Katz-Christy.
July 8 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
July 13 - 10:30 AM
Central Library Lawn
July 31 - 6 PM
West Branch Atrium
Programs for T(w)eens
Make Mini Donuts
Transcript: Make mini donuts. For teens and tweens.Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - 4:00 PM
West Branch Children's Room
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 - 4:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - 4:00 PM
East Branch
 
Come make mini donuts with us! They're as fun to make as they are to eat!
 
Questions? Contact Ellen: ejacobs@somervillema.gov
Transcript: Recycled comic crafts for teens and tweens. With collage picture frames and bookmarks.
Recycled Comic Crafts
Thursday, July 11, 2024 - 4:00 PM
East Branch
Friday, July 19, 2024 - 4:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Thursday, July 25, 2024 - 4:00 PM
West Branch Children's Room
 
Join us as we turn old comic books into unique bookmarks and picture frames! All materials will be supplied. This is a drop in event, so come any time after 4 pm.
 
Questions? Contact Ellen: ejacobs@somervillema.gov
Transcript: video game hangout for teens and tweens. Mondays at 7 PM.Video Game Hangout for Teens & Tweens
July 1 • July 8 • July 15 • July 22 • July 29
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.
Summer Cultural Passes for the Family
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:
Kamishibai, Dirt, STEAM, and so much more!
Transcript: Music sing-along with Matt HeatonEvening Backyard Sing-Along with Matt Heaton
Monday, July 1, 2024 - 6:00 PM
West Branch Backyard
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 - 3:00 PM
Central Library Lawn
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 - 11:00 AM
East Branch Lawn
 
What??? It's Matt Heaton. Outside. In the evening. Join us for a super fun, special sing-along! No registration required.
 
Questions? Contact Keri: kbradeen@somervillema.gov
Trancript: Kamishibai storytelling.
Kamishibai Japanese Paper Theater Storytelling & Craft
Friday, July 12, 2024 - 11:00 AM
West Branch Backyard
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - 11:00 AM
East Branch
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - 11:00 AM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join Yumi Izuyama as she hosts a Kamishibai (Japanese Paper Theater) story about Acts of Kindness! After the story, we will work together to make a paper kindness quilt. Ages 3+. No registration required.
 
Questions? Contact Alison: amitchell@somervillema.gov
Transcript: Dig in! The sweet story of dirt.
Dig in! The Sweet Story of Dirt
Thursday, July 18, 2024 - 6:00 PM
East Branch
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - 3:00 PM
West Branch
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
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.
Transcript: Stuffed Animal Sleepover.
July 9 - 2 PM
East Branch
July 11 - 3 PM
Central Library Auditorium
July 15 - 3 PM
West Branch Children's Room
Transcript: Rock-a-bye beats.
Transcript: Container gardening.
Transcript: Game day!
July 26 - 11 AM
West Branch Backyard
July 29 - 1:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
July 30 - 11 AM
East Branch
Children's Summer Reading Challenge
Transcript: Read, Renew, Repeat: 2024 Children's Summer Reading Challenge. June 17 - August 16. Have you picked up your reading log yet? Sign up at any branch to get your reading log and bingo card, then check in weekly to earn keychain tags and raffle tickets.
STAFF PICKS: Comics, comics, comics!
Our Favorite Comics and Comics-Adjacent Works
From superheroes to somber autobiographies, we have it all, so check out some or our faves!
Book cover for FABLES volume one, by Bill Willingham.
A phenomenal comic series for fans of fairy tales who wants an updated, adult version of these stories.
 
- Kerry, Adult Services Librarian
Book cover for Miss Marvel: No Normal, by G. Willow Wilson.
Muslim teenager Kamala Khan learns to harness new superpowers in order to defend her home city.
 
- Annie, Children's Librarian
Book cover for Wonder Woman Historia, by Kelly Sue DeConnick.
A bold retelling of the origin of the Amazons and Wonder Woman with striking and beautiful art.
 
- Brigid, Community Services Librarian
Book cover for Illuminations, by Alan Moore.
An imaginative series of unforgettable tales full of magic and philosophical musings from renowned comics writer Alan Moore.
 
- Carrie, Reference Librarian
Book cover for Human Body Theater, by Maris Wicks.
A theatrical introduction to each and every biological system of the human body, from a science educator and comic artist!
 
- Alison, Children's Librarian
Book cover for Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, by Mariko Tamaki.
A graphic novel about the complications of a sapphic on-again, off-again relationship, with gorgeous artwork and a dreamy color palette.
 
- Cathy, Children's Librarian
Book cover for Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City, by Guy Delisle. 
An exploration on a city considered holy by many, from the perspective of an outsider, recounting the droll daily life as well as the complex struggles.
 
- Liam, Library Manager
Book cover for The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, by Michael Chabon.
A favorite non-comic book book about comics, about two young 20th century geniuses in New York who create the American Superhero craze with their anti-Nazi hero, the Escapist.
 
- Tim, Reference Librarian
Book cover for Cardboard Kingdom, by Chad Sell.
No one's better at using their imagination than the kids from the cardboard kingdom, but when more neighbors come to play, will they all be able to get along?
 
- Karen, Deputy Director
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/