In this Issue

Comix Con: Fandom Fun for All Ages!
Programs for Adults
New U.S. Citizenship Preparation Class
Programs for All Ages
Monthly Curated Booklists from the Library
Programs for T(w)eens
Free Creative Classes Online through our Library
Programs for Children
Baby Lapsit at the Library
STAFF PICKS: Beach Reads
Accessibility
Announcements
On Saturday, July 25, we will be hosting our sixth annual Comix Con, a free event for all members of the community! Scroll down to learn more.
 
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:
All Somerville Public Library locations will be closed on Saturday, July 4, for Independence Day.
 
The Central Library will be closed on Sundays for the summer, starting on June 21, and reopen on September 13. The East Branch Library will be OPEN on Sundays in the summer from 1pm to 5pm, June 21 through August 30.
Note: Asterisks * next to program titles or dates indicate required registration. Click on a cover image to access the full details for that program.
Comix Con: Fandom Fun for All Ages!
Comix Con: Game On!
 Saturday, July 25
Central Library
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
 
Join us for an all-day fan-themed event, with activities inspired by popular fandoms and games, cosplaying, tables with local artists and vendors, and more!
A pixellated city skyline with a bright neon gradient and video game life hearts in the background. Text reads "comix con: game on!"
Visit the Comix Con page on our website (link opens new tab) to learn more about the activities, vendors, performers, and raffle prizes that will be at this year's con.
 
Questions? Contact Muhl: mwellesley@somervillema.gov. 
Programs for Adults
An assortment of colorful abstract shapes with a tall stack of books. Text reads "reading party in the west branch back yard." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Reading Party in the Backyard
Wednesday, July 1 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Backyard
  
Join us for a quiet reading party!. Bring your own book and read for a bit, then enjoy quiet chat about books, TV, podcasts or anything at all with your fellow readers.
Two characters from the referenced film on a plain background. Text reads "the cabinet of dr. caligari with live score." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari +Live Score *
Thursday, July 16 - 7:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join us for a screening of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari with a live score from Apostrophebeats.
Floating playing cards, dice, and player tokens with sparkles. Text reads "adult board game cafe." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 11 - 2:00 PM *
 Central Library Auditorium
A purple writing quill in a pink inkwell, with text reading "free write monday night at east branch" and with link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 13 - 7:00 PM
 East Branch
Photos of two women on a parchment-style background. Text reads "Celebrating america's 250th with the two nerdy history girls." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 13 - 7:00 PM *
 Virtual on Zoom
Hand-drawn trees and tents with a s'mores stick and flashlight, with text reading "adults summer camp crafts: boondoggle lanyards" and with link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 20 - 6:30 PM *
 West Branch Community Room
A movie poster for the film A New Leaf (1971). Text reads "somerville cine-club." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 22 - 6:30 PM
 Central Library Auditorium
A latte with heart-shaped art and a slice of chocolate cake. Text reads "death cafe at the west branch." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 27 - 6:30 PM *
 West Branch Community Room
New U.S. Citizenship Preparation Class 
A photo of the united states flag. Text reads "U.S. citizenship preparation class: fall 2026."
Fall 2026 English for U.S. Citizenship *
Saturdays, September 12 through November 21 - 10:00 AM
Central Library Auditorium
The Somerville Public Library in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program is offering a free, 11 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 July 1.
 
Requirements: Intermediate level of English (reading, writing, speaking and understanding) 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 
 
Learn more about and register to attend the Fall 2026 U.S. Citizenship Preparation Class (link opens new tab).
 
Programs for All Ages
Wand Making *
Tuesday, July 7 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditoriuom
 
Join us for a session of crafting some wands worthy of a witch or wizard!
For adults and teens ages 14+.
Three DIY wands touching points to form a bright starry shape. Text reads "wand making." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Game on! Movie Night: Clue
Thursday, July 9 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join us for a film screening inspired by this year's Comix Con theme, with the classic film based on the board game Clue.
A film projector and movie theater seats with the movie poster for Clue (1985). Text reads "game on! movie night at the library." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
A film projector above a dark background and grassy hill illustration, featuring the movie poster for Zoo-topia 2. Text reads "movie family night." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 9 - 6:00 PM
 East Branch
A photo of seedlings being worked on in a dirt patch, with text reading "gardening workshops with green city growers" and with link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 11 - 10:00 AM
 Central Library Lawn
A film projector above a dark background and grassy hill illustration, featuring the movie poster for Babe. Text reads "family movie night on the lawn." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 15 - 7:30 PM
 Central Library Lawn
Monthly Curated Booklists from the Library
An orange background with open books flying around. Text reads "Reading recommendation newsletters. Get curated book lists in your inbox monthly. Available book lists: biography and memoir, books for kids and tweens, fantasy and science fiction, fiction A to Z, historical fiction, history and current events, horror, must-read books, mystery, nature and science, page to screen, picture books, romance, spirituality and religion, thrillers and suspense, and young adult books. Some lists only available bi-monthly." Includes link to subscribe to the newsletters (opens in new tab).
Programs for T(w)eens
Photos of origami birds with a green background. Text reads "origami bird making."
Origami Bird Making
July 2026 - All Day
Central Library Teen Room
 
Stop by the teen room to make an origami bird! This craft will be open all month, and birds can be hung as decorations around the teen room.
A dark and neon pixellated background with mushroom power up illustrations and pixellated stars. Text reads "gamer's arcade with one up games." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Gamer's Arcade with One-Up Games
Wednesday, July 8 - 3:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Play on a variety of next-gen consoles with popular, classic, and retro games on a variety of systems!
A capybara working on a laptop, a journal, a coloring project, and a fiber arts supply basket. Text reads "finish-it workshop." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 2 - 5:30 PM
 Central Library Auditorium
An illustration of pizza and craft supplies in the background, with text reading "teen pizza and crafts at the west branch" and with link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 13 - 6:30 PM
 West Branch Children's Room
A chevron patterned bracelet next to two hands weaving a new bracelet. Text reads "lanyards and friendship bracelet making." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 27 - 3:30 PM
 West Branch Community Room
Free Creative Classes Online through our Library
Various sewing and craft notions border the image. Text reads "Creativebug: unlimited, anytime, anywhere. Stream free creative classes and workshops online. Watch thousands of online art and craft classes on art and design, paper, food and home, kids, sewing, knitting, jewelry, quilting, crochet, and holiday and party. Brought to you by Somerville Public Library." Includes link to accessing the resource through the library (opens new tab).
Programs for Children
Kamishibai Japanese Paper Theater Storytelling & Craft
Tues, July 7 - 11:00 AM - Central Library
Weds, July 8 - 11:00 AM - East Branch
Weds, July 15 - 11:00 AM - West Branch
 
Storyteller Yumi Izuyama returns to present another story about the importance of the pollinators that help our plants to grow, along with a community craft!
Ages 3-7. 
 
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
A photo of the storyteller and her craft, with buzzing bee and pollen accents. Text reads "ka-mi-shi-bai japanese paper theater storytelling and craft." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Mon, July 13 - 3:00 PM - West Branch
Weds, July 22 - 1:00 PM - Central Library
Thurs, July 30 - 9:00 AM - East Branch
 
 
It's that time of year − our famous Stuffed Animal Sleepovers! Dropped your stuffed animal off, then they'll have a wild and crazy night at the library while you follow along on social media!
Three stuffed animals sleep on a pile of pillows, one wearing a sleep hat and another an eye mask. Text reads "stuffed animal sleepover." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Special Outdoor Singalongs with Matt Heaton
Thurs, July 16 - 6:00 PM - East Branch
Mon, July 20 - 6:00 PM - West Branch
Weds, July 29 - 6:00 PM - Central Library
 
Join us for a special outdoor sing-along at the library! Bring your own picnic and a blanket, and laugh, sing, and dance with Matt and his guitar. 
Simple, bright illustrations of a tree-filled grassy area with a sun and sunbeams rising up, featuring a photo of a man holding a guitar with a dinosaur toy on his head. Text reads "sing along on the lawn with matt heaton." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
An illustration of a turtle, with text reading "Live animal program: helping endangered species." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 1 - 
2:30 & 3:30 PM *
 West Branch Community Room
Four whimsical robot creatures, with text reading "robot storytime with the Museum of Science." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 2 - 3:00 PM
East Branch &
Jul. 8 - 3:00 PM
West Branch
Two hands hold and pinch an oozing goo on a shiny gradient background. Text reads "make your own slime." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 3 - 2:30, 3:30, & 4:30 PM *
Central Library Auditorium
A seedling rests on a plain green background, featuring a photo of seedlings in cardboard tubes. Text reads "seeds: a hands on program with the growing center." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 7 - 10:30 AM
East Branch
An outline of people connected by gear cogs. Text reads "STEAM at west: cartesian divers." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 10 - 3:30 PM *
 West Branch Community Room
A plain dark blue background with a lighter blue stripe at the top. Text reads "playful engineers: chain reactions." Includes link to a detailed calendar listing (opens in new tab).
Jul. 18 - 2:30 PM
 Central Library &
Jul. 21 - 3:30 PM
East Branch &
Jul. 31 - 3:30 PM
West Branch
Baby Lapsit at the Library
A smiling sun partially obscured by a fluffy cloud with colorful pennants strung underneath, with a hazy purple background. Text reads "Baby lapsit. Sing songs, read stories, and connect. For babies birth through pre-walking and their caregivers. At Central on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and at West on Thursdays at 11:00 am." Includes a link to more information on the library webpage (opens new tab).
STAFF PICKS: Beach Reads
Happy summer!
Whether you're really at the beach or just there in your imagination this summer, consider bringing one of our staff's favorite beach reads with you.
The book cover to "By Marsh and by moor" by Annick Trent, featuring two men in fall front breeches and overcoats walking down a path. Includes a link to view the book in our catalog (opens in new tab).
A charming queer historical romance, this book centers Jed and Solomon and their quest to evade press gangs and find a place to be happy together during the Napoleonic wars.
 
- Brigid, Community Services Librarian
The book cover to "Nature Girl" by Carl Hiaasen, featuring a snake wrapped around a guitar. Includes a link to view the book in our catalog (opens in new tab).
When single mother Honey Santana (who's gone off her medication, by the way) gets a call from a particularly annoying telemarketer, she vows revenge.
 
- Kevin, Head of Reference
The book cover to The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake, featuring two girls sitting together on a beach with artistically rendered ocean waves. Includes link to the book in the library catalog (opens in new tab).
Over one summer at the beach, 12-year-old Sunny navigates heart surgery, reconnecting with her mother, and wanting to kiss a girl instead of a boy.
 
- Alison, Children's Librarian
The book cover to The Murderbot Diaries Volume 1 by Martha Wells, featuring a robot-like humanoid creature on a vaguely spacey backdrop. Includes link to the book in the library catalog (opens in new tab).
My comedic and escapist beach read, which combines the first two Murderbot Diaries novellas into one volume. Read in preparation for the second season of the Apple TV adaptation coming up!
 
- Karen, Deputy Director
The book cover to "The Influencers" by Anna-Marie McLemore, featuring four similar-looking women with phones partially obscuring their faces, held up to take a picture of the viewer. Includes a link to view the book in our catalog (opens in new tab).
The four grown adult daughters of May, a mommy blogger turned influencer, all handle it differently when her new husband ends up murdered, and each has a different idea of who's responsible.
 
- Muhl, Generalist Librarian
The book cover to "Where Are Your Boys Tonight?: The Oral History of Emo's Mainstream Explosion 1999-2008" by Chris Payne, featuring a photo of a band performing with a bleach blond emo singer center stage. Includes a link to view the book in our catalog (opens in new tab).
A quick read, great for people who would like to know more than anyone really needs to know about mall emo.
 
- Martin, 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!
Accessibility
Persons with disabilities may request accommodations to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville by contacting the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov in advance of the event. 
    
Somerville Public Library
79 Highland Ave | 40 College Ave | 115 Broadway, Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
617-623-5000
https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/