December 2023

In this Issue

December 2023
Music at the Library!
DIY Holiday Gifts for Kids, Tweens, and Teens on Dec 5
Make 3-D Paper Snowflakes
School Vacation Week at the Central Library
Programs for Adults
Programs for Children
For Parents
Somerville Teen Spaces Tour
Coming in January: Girls Who Code
Book a 1-on-1 Tech Appointment
Staff Share Their Books of the Year
The Friends of the Somerville Public Library hosts their Winter Book Sale! 
 
Saturday, December 9 from 9:15am to 3pm
Sunday, December 10 from 1:15pm to 4pm
in the Central Library Auditorium
 
All items are $1! You won't find a deal this good anywhere. Plus, all proceeds from the book sale support the library's programs and cultural passes!
 
Want to join the Friends of the Somerville Public Library? Learn more and become a Friend today! 
 
 
Upcoming Closures:
The Library will be CLOSED on the following days:
     - Sunday December 24
     - Monday December 25
     - Monday January 1, 2024
Music at the Library!
Music Speaks: Under a Tree, We Wander 
Two Shows!

Sunday, December 3, 2023 - 2:00 PM
Central Library - Wellington Hall (2nd floor)
 
Saturday, December 16, 2023 - 1:00 PM
West Branch Atrium

Joshua Peckins “Music Speaks” violin recitals take listeners on an exciting journey from past to present. An illuminating educational experience, as well as an opportunity to hear classical violin performance up close, these programs are a welcoming invitation to the violin and its repertoire.
 
Questions? Contact Kerry at keodonnell@somervillema.gov
Open Mic Night @ West!
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 7:00—8:30 PM
West Branch Atrium

Do you like making and listening to music? Do you have a song that you’ve always wanted to perform, but never had the chance? Come over to the Somerville Public Library West Branch to show off your talents and hear your community. The venue will have a keyboard and microphone. Bring your own instruments and your love of song and come jam with us at West for a low-stakes night of music and fun!
 
Questions? Contact Leo at lrachman@somervillema.gov
DIY Holiday Gifts for Kids, Tweens, and Teens on Dec 5
Do It Yourself Holiday Gifts: a Workshop for Kids, Tweens, and Teens
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - 3:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium

Teens, tweens, and kids 8 and older are invited to make their own holiday gifts! Decorate mason jars and fill them with trail mix, potpourri, or popcorn - your choice. All supplies will be provided.

 
Questions? Contact Ellen at ejacobs@somervillema.gov
Make 3-D Paper Snowflakes
3-D Paper Snowflakes with Thy
Saturday, December 16, 2023 - 1:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium

Come join our amazingly talented Library staffer, Thy, and make a big 3-D paper snowflake in whatever color you choose. 
Everyone will take one home! 

Registration in advance is encouraged, so we can make sure we have enough supplies for everyone!

Questions? Contact Kerry: keodonnell@somervillema.gov
School Vacation Week at the Central Library
School Vacation Week Movie: The Little Mermaid
 
Wednesday
December 27, 2023
2:00-4:00 PM
Haunted House Escape Room for T(w)eens
 
Thursday
December 28, 2023
1:00--4:00 PM
Paint by Numbers for Kids
 
Friday
December 29, 2023
2:30--4:30 PM
Programs for Adults
Gallery @ SPL Presents: Scenes from Somerville with Stephanie Vecellio
Sunday, December 3, 2023 - 3:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
This month, the library is pleased to display the artwork of local artist, Stephanie Vecellio, in the Gallery @ SPL with her exhibition: Scenes from Somerville. Please join us for a reception celebrating the exhibit! 
 
Scenes from Somerville is a series of observational drawings that take inspiration from the neighborhoods of Somerville and the Greater Boston Area.
 
Questions? Contact SPLgallery@minlib.net
=
Holiday Cookie Swap!
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Please bring 2 dozen of your chosen cookie to share with your fellow attendees, along with a to-go container to bring some of your swapped cookies home.
 
Questions? Contact Kerry at keodonnell@somervillema.gov
100 Years of Boston Comedy
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 6:00 PM
West Branch Community Room
 
Join Nick Zaino for a lively presentation on 100 Years of Boston Comedy with a focus on the comedy scene here in Somerville.
 
Questions? Contact Brigid at bblack@somervillema.gov
Bad Art Night at West
Monday, December 18, 2023 - 7:00 PM
West Branch Community Room
 
Create art beyond classification at Bad Art Night. Let your enthusiasm run wild and create with no expectations! We'll provide a variety of materials and then you can go wild creating your masterpiece. The theme for this night is "Cursed Holiday Craft." 

Questions? Contact Brigid at bblack@somervillema.gov
Getting Cozy at the Library
Monthly on Sundays
 
next meeting:
December 17
1:30 - 4:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Mindful Unwind: Yoga Care with Jenn for the Holiday Season

Tuesdays in December
at 12:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Zentangle Meet-Up
Monthly on Mondays
 
 next meeting:
December 18
1:30 - 4:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Programs for Children
Book Publishing Program: Editing #1 (West)
Monday, December 4, 2023 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Children's Room (2nd floor)

Are you a writer? Do you want your book in the library for everyone to check out? Join our new Book Publishing Program for tweens and teens at the West Branch!
Write a story (or use one you've already written), attend winter workshops on writing, editing, formatting, and cover design, and attend our Book Launch Party in the spring! All books will be professionally printed and available for checkout.

Questions? Contact Alison at amitchell@somervillema.gov
Bilingual Storytelling: La Noche Buena
Monday, December 11, 2023 - 10:30 AM
Central Library Auditorium

Bilingual Storytelling for holidays looks at La Noche Buena. The night of December 24th is when the Latin American countries celebrate Christmas Evening or Noche Buena. Each country has different traditions, but all of them have in common family reunions celebrating with big meals and gifts. In this story a young girl visits her grandma's house to experience a multicultural festivity and a magic night that she will always remember.
 
This program is a family oriented Spanish immersion for those who practice the language or for those who want to learn. The program includes bilingual storytelling, music and dance, dynamic games, and arts and crafts! Ages 5+.
 
Questions? Contact Keri at kbradeen@somervillema.gov
Therapy Dog for Young Readers at Central
Thursday, December 21, 2023 - 3:30 PM
Central Library Children's Room

New or nervous readers are invited to practice and develop confidence by reading aloud to Waffles, a certified therapy dog, who will be a patient and non-judgmental audience!
Waffles will be accompanied by his human handler, and each reader must sign up for a 15-minute time slot upon arrival. Reading slots will be first come first serve. This program is recommended for ages 4 through 11.

Questions? Contact Annie at aschapira@somervillema.gov.
For Parents
Understanding Communication Milestones:
Birth to Kindergarten: What to Expect & When to Seek Help
 
Two Sessions! Join us for a free, hour-long educational workshop hosted by certified speech language pathologists from Talk Time Boston! Intended for parents, caregivers, and educators. Registration is encouraged.
Thursday
December 7, 2023 - 6:30 PM
East Branch
 
Questions? Contact Meghan at mforsell@somervillema.gov
Saturday
December 9, 2023 - 10:00 AM
West Branch Community Room
 
Questions? Contact Alison at amitchell@somervillema.gov
Somerville Teen Spaces Tour

Coming in January: Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is coming to the Central Library on Monday afternoons in January, with a coding program for grades 3-5.
 
For more information, contact Keri at keri@somervillema.gov
 
Book a 1-on-1 Tech Appointment
Are you struggling with how to operate a new phone, computer, or other device?
 
Book an appointment to connect with a librarian who can help! 
 
To book an appointment, call the Reference Desk at
(617) 623-5000 x2955 or send an email to spltech@somervillema.gov
 
Questions? Contact Tim D at tdevin@somervillema.gov
Staff Share Their Books of the Year
 
An atmospheric haunted house story with lots of humor, creepy puppets, and an ending I did not see coming.
 
- Kyle, Youth Services Librarian
 
I don't typically go for 600-page horror novels about evil apple trees, but this book, set in current-day Pennsylvania with compelling characters, was riveting!
 
- Alison, West Branch Children's Librarian
 
 
If you scratch the surface of just about every contemporary American public crisis - addiction, housing, health care - you will soon find evidence of McKinsey's malfeasance. A real barrel of laughs, this one.
 
- Liam, East Branch Manager
When Tara is unexpectedly invited to her college's exclusive academic society, she finds new friends, but soon becomes caught up in the group's supernatural secrets. Waters' moody but triumphant tale will appeal to fans of dark academia and Young Adult suspense.
 
-  Annie, Children's Librarian
 
Like Moira Rose my favorite season is Awards Season and this book has everything I love. Glitz, glamour, and labor struggles! Truly this book has it all.
 
- Brigid B, Community Services Librarian
Babel is a beautiful slice into the knotted web of Capital, Empire, Colonialism, and the Academy, while never losing sight of the wonder and beauty that makes the academic world so appealing. A must-read for anyone in academia or escaping it, with tight worldbuilding, writing, and magic to round out an excellent read. 
 
- Tim B, Reference Librarian

Somerville Public Library
79 Highland Ave | 40 College Ave | 115 Broadway, Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
617-623-5000

https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/