In this Issue

Programs for Adults
New Beginner English for U.S. Citizenship Class
Read The Boston Globe Online through the Library
Programs for All Ages
Programs for Teens
Access Consumer Reports Online through the Library
Programs for Children
Storytimes at our Libraries
STAFF PICKS: Celebrating Kindness
 
February is Library Lovers' Month
 
The Friends of the Somerville Public Library is a not-for-profit organization that celebrates their love of libraries year-round through programming support, sponsoring cultural passes, hosting book sales, and more! Learn more, get involved, and lend your support here.
 
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 Monday, February 16, for Presidents' Day.
Programs for Adults
Red Hollywood and Film Noir
A Film Screening and Discussion
Wednesday, February 11 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Community Room
 
Film noir is one of the most iconic stylistic movements in cinema. This series looks at three films that particularly focus on the widespread danger of anti-semitism post WWII, exploitative labor in athletics, and the dangers of mob justice. This month's film will be Crossfire. Registration required.
Seed Packing Parties
Monday, February 9 - 6:00 PM
West Branch Atrium &
Thursday, February 12 - 6:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
It's nearly time to get your seeds started indoors! Help us as we prepare for this year's launch of the seed library at a Seed Packing Party. Registration required.
Feb. 5 & 19 -
11:00 AM
East Branch
Feb. 5 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Feb. 8 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Feb. 9 - 7:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom
Feb. 17 - 6:30 PM
Virtual on Zoom
Feb. 23 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Community Room
New Beginner English for U.S. Citizenship Class 
Spring 2026 English for U.S. Citizenship
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
March 3 through April 29 - 10:00 AM
Central Library Auditorium
 
 
This class is for beginner English Learners who would like to apply for U.S. Citizenship. It will help you improve your English and also learn about U.S. civics. ESOL Workbooks will be provided.
 
Requirements: Basic English skills (reading, writing, speaking) and a green card in order to attend.
Registration is required and open now.
 
For questions or help with registration, please contact: Brigid Pigott, Literacy/Volunteer Coordinator
WhatsApp: +1 617.366.7684
Email: bpigott@somervillema.gov
Office: 617.623.5000 x.2935
Read The Boston Globe Online through the Library
Programs for All Ages
Puzzle Palooza & Swap
Sunday, February 1 - 1:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Puzzle fans; stop by the Central Library on Sunday afternoon with your old (gently used) puzzles and swap them out for ones you have not yet done! No registration required. 
Feb. 2 - 6:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Feb. 10 - 6:00 PM
East Branch
Feb. 11 - 6:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Programs for Teens
Bad Art Day for Teens
Friday, February 6 - 3:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join us for an art day where the goal isn't to make something "good," its to experiment and have fun! For teens in grades 7-12. Register to guarantee a spot. 
Teen Pizza & Craft at West
Monday, February 9 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Children's Room
 
Teen Pizza & Craft: we have pizza and do crafts (this month: Lego Heart ornaments!). For teens and tweens in middle and high school. Registration encouraged. 
Chill Craft Night for Teens
Thursday, February 19 - 6:00 PM
Central Library Teen Room
 
Teens and tweens in grades 7-12 are invited to join us for a chill craft night. There will be a variety of craft supplies available. No registration required.
Access Consumer Reports Online through the Library
Programs for Children
Game Day at East
Thursday, February 19 - 2:00-7:00 PM
East Branch
 
It's school vacation week fun with the library's kid-friendly games. Drop in or stay & play! No registration required.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 21 - 1:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join us to celebrate the Lunar New Year, with interactive reading, arts & crafts activities, games, food tasting, music and more! Ages 2-6. No registration required.
Feb. 13 - 11:30 AM
West Branch Community Room
Feb. 18 - 3:00 PM
East Branch
Feb. 19 - 2:30 PM
West Branch Community Room
Feb. 23 - 6:00 PM
Central Library Children's Room
Feb. 25 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Children's Room
Feb. 26 - 3:30 PM
Central Library Children's Room
Registration opens 2/23
Storytimes at our Libraries
STAFF PICKS: Celebrating Kindness
Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 14-20
Find inspiration among these staff picks featuring people or characters who are kind, help a neighbor or friend, and/or work toward community betterment.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Fifth Anniversary Limited Edition: The Global Bestseller by Charlie Mackesy
A graphic novel about kindness, friendship, and love; an enduring fable of hope during dark times.
 
- Carrie, Reference Librarian
Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim 
Two Chinese immigrants in Australia support each other in school, despite the differences between their families.
 
- Alison, Children's Librarian
Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz 
A group of robots  start a noodle restaurant in post-apocalyptic San Francisco. A story of community solidarity that grounds itself in modern problems 
 
- Rowan, Senior Substitute Librarian
What You Are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama 
The librarian in this book knows just how to get to the heart of the matter for all of her patrons, and reminds us that the written word can help us all discover something new about ourselves.
 
- Leo, Reference Librarian
Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O'Connell's Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People by Tracy Kidder 
A deft and nuanced portrait of Dr. Jim O'Connell, a man who spent forty years taking care of Boston's homeless population through street medicine, and his patients.
 
- Kevin, Head of Reference
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker 
Think differently about your gatherings. Parker covers what works, what doesn't, and how to bring people together in a meaningful way.
 
- 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/