A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR

I want to use this space this month to address the matter of library funding that has been in the news. As many of you know, the federal funding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was cut via Executive Order.


While we don't receive funding from the IMLS directly, the cut affects us via the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) whose staffing is funded by IMLS, as is the Commonwealth Catalog which enables you to borrow from libraries throughout the Commonwealth.  Some grant programs will be cut as well.


Several state attorneys general are pushing back against the executive order.  Here are some links you can follow to take action:

  • Empowered by Libraries (MBLC)

  • SaveIMLS.org (EveryLibrary)

  • Show Up For Our Libraries (ALA)

  • Find My State Legislator 

  • Find My Federal Legislators

While these developments are concerning, I myself have adopted a "wait and see" attitude. Ultimately support is up to you, the library users.


In a perfect world, funding cuts would lead to tax cuts, which would mean you would have more money you could donate to the Everett Public Libraries. Your money would be used locally and you would have more control over its use.


I know we don't live in a perfect world, but my point is that the most critical support needed is at the local level. The town of Reading voted to increase their taxes to renovate their library - twice!  We, the library staff, strive to provide you, the Everett residents, with the highest quality materials and services we can to engender similar support for the libraries. I am less concerned with national events beyond my control than I am with serving you, the Everett community.  


How can you help? Just tell everybody you meet how the Everett Public Libraries benefit the Everett community.


Thank you for your support!


Kevin Sheehan

New Book Club Alert!


A new book club opportunity is arriving this summer! In collaboration with local businesses and venues such as The Well Coffee House and Nightshift Brewery, the Everett Public Libraries will be hosting a monthly book club outside of the library. Join us for drinks and book discussions as we dive into books from all different genres.


Fill out the survey linked below to let us know where, when, and what works best for you!

FILL OUT OUR INTEREST SURVEY NOW

Congratulations to the Winners of the Annual Poetry Contest!

After receiving almost 50 submissions, the Everett Public Libraries are excited to announce the winners of the 2025 Annual Poetry Contest! 


3rd - 4th Grade Winner

"S'mores" by Zoey Fleurisma


5th - 6th Grade Winner

"The King's Goodbye" by Ryan Aitmessaoud


7th - 8th Grade Winner

"Autumn's Paradise" by Davi Souza


All finalists were invited to the Awards Ceremony hosted at the Shute Memorial Library, and winners received a cash prize generously donated by the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries. Thank you to everyone who participated! This was a great way to wrap up National Poetry Month at the library.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Parlin

Adults & Teens

Comic Book History

Monday, May 5th

7:00 PM

Parlin Meeting Room

Devon, owner of Zenith Comics in Malden, will be giving a presentation on the history of comics, accompanied by some activities, to celebrate Free Comic Book Day!


VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Houseplants 101

Saturday, May 17th

12:00 PM

Parlin Meeting Room

Grow houseplants to make you happy, clean your air, and beautify your home! This lecture, presented by the Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens, encompasses how to grow the most common houseplants.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Upcycle Crafts: Decorative Book Edges

Tuesday, May 20th

7:00 PM

Parlin Meeting Room

Bring your favorite volumes, or use some of our discarded collections. We’ll turn these old pages into new artwork! Materials for this program have been generously sponsored by the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries. Recommended for ages 14+, registration is required.

REGISTER NOW

Author Event - Dawn Reno Langley

Thursday, May 22nd

7:00 PM

Parlin Meeting Room

Everett’s own Dawn Reno Langley is back to launch The Mystic, the first in a three part series. 1950’s Everett Resident, Beth Robbins, must process the trauma of abuse and the growing feelings for the officer looking for her husband in a suspected hit-and-run. Refreshments provided by The Friends of the Everett Libraries.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Parlin

Childrens

Mystery Craft Mondays

Mondays in May

Parlin Children's Library

Stop by the Parlin children’s room every Monday for a Grab and Go mystery craft. Mystery crafts can be taken home or crafted with a friend or caregiver at our children’s tables. For ages 3-7.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Guest Author - Windy Pham

Saturday, May 10th

10:30 AM

Parlin Children's Room

A special storytelling session steeped in Asian culture and tradition, featuring guest author, Windy Pham.

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Friday Family Movie Night

Friday, May 23rd

3:00 PM

Parlin Meeting Room

Break out the popcorn! Come and watch Mufasa: The Lion King with your friends and family.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Magic Show with Martell Magic

Saturday, May 31st

12:00 PM

Parlin Meeting Room

A magic program suitable for all ages, includes comedy, surprises, and a special appearance by Stella the Rabbit!

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Shute

Adults & Teens

Embroidery Club

Thursdays, May 1st & 22nd

7:00 PM

Shute Meeting Room

Whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just starting out, this program invites you to bring your own embroidery projects and enjoy a relaxed, supportive environment.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Golden Minds: Play, Create, Connect

Monday, May 5th

10:00 AM

Shute Meeting Room

Join us for our monthly senior social at the Shute Library! Enjoy books, puzzles, crafts, and games with friends in a fun and welcoming environment. This event is open to ages 55-109! Games are generously supplied by the Council of the Aged.

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Shute

Childrens

Teddybear Sleepover at the Library

Tuesday, May 6th

6:00 PM

Shute Children's Room

It's National Sleepover Day, and the stuffed animals at the Shute Library are inviting YOUR stuffed animals to a sleepover!

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Craft a Bouquet: Mother's Day

Friday, May 9th

3:30 PM

Shute Craft Room

Celebrate the mom, grandmother, auntie, or mentor in your life by giving them a one-of-a-kind bouquet of paper flowers made by you!

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

Sherlock Holmes Day

Thursday, May 22nd

All Day

Shute Children's Room

It's Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's birthday! Can we work together to uncover a mystery at the library?

VIEW IN OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

FROM THE FRIENDS

If April showers truly bring May flowers, then we're in for a real treat as everything continues to bloom!  The rain didn't dampen the spirits of patrons showing up to browse the offerings at our Second Annual Great Jewelry Exchange!  Lots of people went home with goodies to add to their own collections, gifts for Mother's Day and beyond. We look forward to continuing this fun event in the future!  In addition to the Jewelry Exchange, in April the Friends also sponsored several story time crafts at the Shute Children's Library, Earring Making, a Music Class, and the ongoing Embroidery Club.

In May, we're looking forward to an author event with Dawn Reno Langley, Crafty Conversations-Birdhouse Painting Edition, more crafts with "Miss Val's Storytime Pals," an Upcycle Craft Series, along with more meetings of the Embroidery Club (swing by and stitch with us!). 

Enjoy these bright and cheery Spring Days, see you around the libraries!

MAY BOOK GROUPS

Connolly Center Book Group

Thursday, May 8th at 12PM

Connolly Center Meeting Room


The Cliffs

by J. Courtney Sullivan

Romance Book Club

Tuesday, May 13th at 6PM

Shute Meeting Room


Romantic Comedy

by Curtis Sittenfeld

Graphic Novel & Manga Book Club

Wednesday, May 14th at 4PM

Shute Meeting Room


Fangirl

by Rainbow Rowell

Parlin Book Group

Monday, May 19th at 6PM

Parlin Meeting Room


The Diamond Eye

by Kate Quinn

Murder/Mystery Book Group

Thursday, May 22nd at 12PM

Connolly Center Meeting Room


TheThursday Murder Club

by Richard Osman

WHAT ARE THE LIBRARIANS READING?

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