Transcript: December 2025.
In this Issue

Programs for Adults
Cultural Passes for Winter
Programs for All Ages
Programs for Teens
Monthly Curated Booklists from the Library
Programs for Children
Storytimes at our Libraries
STAFF PICKS: Best of 2025
 
Announcements
The Friends of the Somerville Library Winter Book Sale is back! The sale will be at the Central Library on the first weekend of December. Learn more here.
 
Upcoming Closures:
  • Wednesday, December 24: Open 9am-1pm
  • Thursday, December 25: Closed for Christmas holiday
  • Wednesday, December 31: Open 9am-5pm
Programs for Adults
Transcript: getting cozy at the library.Getting Cozy at  the Library
Sunday, December 14 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Getting Cozy is back! Join us as we sit by the "fire," and create Pom Pom Garlands. Registration required.
Transcript: the cabinet of dr. caligari with live score.
Transcript: seniors chair yoga at east.
Transcript: healthier holidays with empty nest kitchen.
Dec. 3 - 7:00 PM
West Branch Atrium
Dec. 4 & 18
11:00 AM
East Branch
Dec. 9 - 7:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom
Transcript: holiday wrap party at the central library.
Transcript: hand sewing for mending.
Transcript: somerville cine-club. With a movie poster of Magic Spot.
Dec. 11 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Dec. 18 - 6:30 PM
East Branch
Dec. 22 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Community Room
Cultural Passes for Winter
Programs for All Ages
Transcripts: 3D paper snowflakes with Thy.
Transcript: tabletop game swap.
Transcript: holiday puzzle swap at the west branch.
Dec. 13 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Dec. 18 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Dec. 29 - 2:00 PM
West Branch Community Room
Programs for Teens
Transcript: Teen and tween clay workshops for grades six through twelve.Mudflat Pottery Workshop
Thursday, December 4 - 6:00 PM
East Branch
 
Teens and tweens in grades 6-12 are invited to a workshop including a discussion and demonstration of a pottery project, followed by time for participants to make and decorate their own creation. Registration required.

Transcript: Teen and tween advisory board. Pizza and craft at the west branch.Pizza and Crafts
Monday, December 8 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Children's Room
 
In this special edition of T(w)een Advisory Board (ages 11-18), come prepared to booktalk a book of your choice, plus enjoy pizza & crafting! (Need to make gifts for anyone? This is your chance!) Registration encouraged.
Monthly Curated Booklists from the Library
Programs for Children
Transcript: snowflake extravaganza at west.Snowflake Extravaganza
Saturday, December 6 - 10:00 AM
West Branch Children's Room
 
It may not be snowing outside, but it's snowing at the West Branch! Join us for a snowflake-making extravaganza. 
Transcript: DIY holiday gifts for kids, teens, and tweens.DIY Holiday Gifts
Saturday, December 13 - 11:00 AM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Make your own holiday gifts! Decorate mason jars and to fill with trail mix, flavored popcorn, or potpourri – your choice. 

Transcript: talking with toys at west.
Transcript: music and movement with rock-a-bye beats.
Transcript: second saturday story times at the harvard art museums.
Dec. 8 - 10:00 AM
West Branch Children's Room
Dec. 12 - 10:30 AM
East Branch
Dec. 13 - 11:00 AM
Harvard Art Museums
Transcript: read to waffles, the therapy dog.
Transcript: School Vacation Week Movie.
Dec. 18 - 3:30 PM
Central Library Children's Room
Registration opens 12/15
Dec. 22 - 6:00 PM
Central Library Children's Room
Dec. 30 - 2:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Storytimes at our Libraries
STAFF PICKS: Best of 2025
2025 is almost over,
so here are our favorite reads from the past year! Click on a book cover to learn more about it and request it from our catalog.
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
A flawless novel. It had such an impact that I spent the following several months reading nonfiction and watching documentaries about the AIDS crisis.
 
- Cathy, Reference Librarian
The Odyssey by Homer, ed. Emily Wilson
Emily Wilson's translation of Homer's The Odyssey is digestible and makes reading the stories you've always heard about an thoroughly enjoyable ride.
 
- Tim, Generalist Librarian
The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall
 A girl spends the summer with her uncle and cousin, meeting a community of tiny winged people, working together with her new neighbors, and finding her place in the world.
 
- Alison, Children's Librarian
Unbuild Walls: Why Immigrant Justice Needs Abolition by Silky Shah
An unflinching look at America’s ever-expanding immigrant detention system. A very timely read, when trying to make sense of current events.
 
- Tim, Technology Librarian
All of Us Murderers by KJ Charles
This queer modern gothic story was a delight from start to finish, and perfect for convincing yourself that your own holiday gatherings are bound to be better!
 
- Brigid, Community Services Librarian
Is a River Alive? by Robert MacFarlane
A dazzling exploration of an ancient concept – to recognize rivers as living beings and grant them legal protections in the fight against environmental devastation.
 
- Carrie, Reference 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/