In this Issue

Programs for Adults
New U.S. Citizenship Preparation Class Registration Opens Soon
Stream Award-Winning Media at Home with your Library Card
Programs for All Ages
Programs for Teens
Bake SomeThing Fun Through the Library
Programs for Children
Baby Lapsit at the Library
STAFF PICKS: Our Favorite Science Fiction
Announcements

Happy New Year from the Somerville Public Library! We have lots of great programs coming up in January and we hope to see you all soon!
 
Upcoming Closures:
All Somerville Public Library locations will be closed on Thursday, January 1, for New Year's Day, and on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Programs for Adults
Thrive in Motion: Dance and Wellness Series
Wednesdays, Jan. 21 & 28 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Move your body, lift your mood, and connect in community! This series blends energizing dance fitness with conversations about stress relief, wellness, and resilience in a welcoming environment. No dance experience needed—just come as you are. Also meets on 2/4, 2/25, & 3/5. Registration required. 
Speed Friending for Adults
Saturday, January 31 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Looking to make friends in your community? Then look no further! Come meet multiple potential friends round robin style, then stay a bit longer to chat and craft (if you're feeling it)! Registration required.
Jan. 7 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Community Room
Jan. 7 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Jan. 10 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Jan. 11 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Jan. 15 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Jan. 29 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
New U.S. Citizenship Preparation Class Registration Opens Soon
U.S. Citizenship Preparation Class
Saturdays, Mar. 7 - May 16 - 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 128 civics questions, the reading & writing sections, and interview questions based on the filed N-400 application. Registration is required and opens on January 5.
 
Requirements: Intermediate level of English and 5 years as a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) or 3 years, if married to a US citizen.
 
For questions or help with registration, please contact:
Brigid Pigott, Literacy/Volunteer Coordinator
Email: bpigott@somervillema.gov
WhatsApp: +1 617.366.7684
Office: 617.623.5000 x.2935 
Stream Award-Winning Media at Home
with your Library Card
Programs for All Ages
Cookie Decorating for Adults and Teens
Saturday, January 17 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join us to decorate some delicious cookies with frosting, sprinkles and more! Just bring yourself and your creative spirit. We will have some books on hand with decorating ideas to provide inspiration for your designs. Registration required.

Listening to Classical Music
with Professional Violinist Joshua Peckins
Sunday, January 18 - 3:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join violinist Joshua Peckins for a communal experience of listening to Classical Music, ranging from ancient music to present day!

Programs for Teens
Teen Pizza & Craft
Monday, January 12 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Children's Room
 
Teen Pizza & Craft: we have pizza and do crafts. We also talk about books and participate in other library activities. Registration encouraged but not required. Bring a friend! 
Bake SomeThing Fun Through the Library
Programs for Children
LEGO Derby
Saturday, January 24 - 3:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Build and race LEGO vehicles to see which goes the fastest, which goes the farthest, and which has the most unique design! No registration required. 
Comic Crew at West
Wednesday, January 28 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Children's Room
 
Calling all kids ages 8-11! Join us at the West Branch on the last Wednesday of each month for our new Comic Crew: A Graphic Novel Book Club, including a variety of different activities such as crafts, games, conversations & more! Registration encouraged.

Jan. 5 - 10:30 AM
Central Library Auditorium
Jan. 5, 12, & 26
- 4:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Jan. 7, 14, 21, & 28 - 10:00 AM
West Branch Children's Room
Jan. 14 - 2:00 PM
West Branch Community Room
Jan. 29 - 3:30 PM
Central Library Children's Room
Registration opens 1/26
Jan. 31 - 10:00 AM
West Branch Children's Room
Baby Lapsit at the Library
STAFF PICKS: Our Favorite Science Fiction
January 2 is National Science Fiction Day!
Here is a selection of our new favorite SF to celebrate.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams
A PI solves cases through his "holistic" approach, greatly complicating his efforts to locate a missing cat, and accidentally involving a ghost, a cybernetic monk, and the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
 
- Kevin, Reference Librarian
Star Wars: Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn
The start of the original Star Wars Sequel Trilogy,  following Luke, Leia, Han, Chewy, and Lando as they work to hold together the fragile New Republic while battling Grand Admiral Thrawn.
 
- Tim, Generalist Librarian
The Martian by Andy Weir
An intense Martian dust storm separates Mark Watney from his team, stranding him on Mars. A surprisingly funny read that follows Mark's efforts of staying alive until his rescue can arrive.
 
- Niki, Teen Services Librarian 
The Last Cuentista: Newbery Medal Winner by Donna Barba Higuera
One of the few survivors of an uninhabitable Earth wakes up hundreds of years later on another planet, discovering she's the only one who remembers it.
 
- Jake, Library Social Worker
The Countdown Conspiracy by Katie Slivensky
After being chosen for a mission to Mars, 13 year old Miranda begins receiving threatening messages. Then, her training base is attacked. Now the entire mission–and everyone’s lives–are at risk.
 
- Alison, Children's Librarian
A Half-Built Garden by Ruthanna Emrys
When aliens make first contact and announce they're here to rescue humanity, climate conservationist Judy finds herself in the middle of tense negotiations.
 
- Muhl, Generalist 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/