Transcript: June 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
Transcript: Folk music concert with Ira Klein.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
Transcript: Celebrate disability pride month and the Americans with Disabilities Act's thirty-fourth anniversary.
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.
Transcript: Film screening: Häxan with a live score from Apostrophe-beats.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
Transcript: Craters on the crescent with astronomer Alex Trunnell.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
Transcript: Summer jam on the lawn.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
Transcript: Make mini donuts. For teens and tweens.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.
Transcript: video game hangout for teens and tweens. Mondays at 7 PM.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
Transcript: Music sing-along with Matt Heaton
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.
Trancript: Kamishibai storytelling.
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.
Transcript: Dig in! The sweet story of dirt.
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
Trancript: Kamishibai storytelling.
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.
Transcript: Stuffed Animal Sleepover.
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
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: 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/