In this Issue

Programs for Adults: Yoga, Art, Crafts, and More
Check Out SomeThing Fun from the Library
Programs for All Ages
Programs for T(w)eens
Learn Languages Online through our Library
Programs for Children: Puppets, Winter Fun, and Music
Storytimes at our Libraries
STAFF PICKS: Best of 2024
 
Announcements
The Friends of the Somerville Public Library Winter Book Sale is back! The book sale will run on Saturday, December 7, from 9:15am -  3pm, and Sunday, December 8, from 1:15pm - 3pm. Supporting the Friends is a great way to support the library, so click on one of the dates above to learn more!
 
Upcoming Closures:
  • Friday, December 6: Closed for staff training
  • Tuesday, December 24: Open 9am-1pm
  • Wednesday, December 25: Closed for Christmas holiday
  • Tuesday, December 31: Open 9am-5pm
Programs for Adults:
Yoga, Art, Crafts, and More
Transcript: Wing masters: New England Birds of Prey.Gallery @ SPL Presents: Narrative Spaces with John Ruymann
Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 7:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Please join us for a reception celebrating the month long Gallery @ SPL exhibition of local artist John Ruymann's Narrative Spaces artwork.
Transcript: Cat people to judge in art and in life. A Q&A with author Nicole Tersigni.
Transcript: Death Cafe at Central Library.
Transcript: Seniors chair yoga at East.
Dec. 9 - 7:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom
Dec. 10 - 6:30 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Dec. 12 - 10:00 AM
East Branch
Transcript: Invisible Strings. 113 poets respond to the songs of Taylor swift. An author Q&A.
Transcript: Getting cozy at the library.
Transcript: Bad art night. Cursed holiday crafts edition.
Dec. 12 - 7:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom
Dec. 15 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Dec. 16 - 7:00 PM
West Branch Community Room
Check Out SomeThing Fun from the Library
Programs for All Ages
Transcript: 3-D paper snowflakes with Thy.3-D Paper Snowflakes with Thy
Saturday, December 14, 2024 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Registration Highly Encouraged
 
Come join SPL's own Thy in making 3-D paper snowflakes.
Transcript: Nutcrackers. A colorful history. With Mary Woodward.
Transcript: Music speaks, blue sunrise. With Joshua Peckins.
Transcript: End of year puzzle swap at West Branch.
Dec. 5 - 7:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom
Dec. 7 - 1:00 PM
West Branch Atrium
Dec. 30 - 2:00 PM
West Branch Community Room
Programs for T(w)eens
Transcript: Teen and tween advisory board at the West branch.T(w)een Advisory Board
at the West Branch
Monday, December 9, 2024 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Children's Room
Registration Required
 
In West Branch TAB, you'll read, discuss books, and do other library activities. December's book is March: Book One by John Lewis. Ages 12+.
Transcript: Teen and tween craft night at East. Cozy yarn gnomes.T(w)een Craft Night at East: Cozy Yarn Gnomes
Thursday, December 19, 2024 - 6:00 PM
East Branch
 
Using yarn (and some other bits) we'll craft cozy gnomes in winter hats with friends. Grades 6-12.
Learn Languages Online through our Library
Transcript: 110 plus languages at your fingertips! Now available through Somerville Public Library. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, Transparent Languages Online can help. Available for learning 110 plus languages, plus English (ELL) materials for native speakers of 30 plus languages.
Programs for Children:
Puppets, Winter Fun, and Music
Transcript: Winter puppet storytime at Central.Winter Puppet Storytime at Central
Sunday, December 1, 2024 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join Nicola the Puppeteer and her puppet pals (including the friendly Winter Monster) for seasonal stories about wintertime.
Ages 4-10.
 
Nicola and her puppets will also be visiting the West Branch in January.
Transcript: Rosalita's puppets nutcracker marionette show.Rosalita's Puppets presents The Nutcracker!
Saturday, December 7, 2024 - 10:30 AM
East Branch
 
Rosalita's Puppets presents a magical adaptation of the Nutcracker told through handcrafted marionette puppets. Ages 3+.
Transcript: Make snowflakes at West.Make Snowflakes at West!
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 10:00 AM
West Branch Children's Room
 
It's snowing at the West Branch! Join us in the Children’s Room for a snowflake-making extravaganza.
Transcript: Baby Yoga with Bala Bends. Youth. Power. Yoga.
Transcript: Creative drama workshop for kids.
Transcript: Music with little groove.
Dec. 2 &16
10:30 AM
East Branch
Mondays - 4:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
Dec. 9 - 10:30 AM
Central Library Auditorium
Transcript: Half day Wednesday craft activity at East Branch.
Transcript: Rock-a-bye beats.
Transcript: Music sing-along with Matt Heaton.
Dec. 11 - 2:00 PM
East Branch
Dec. 13 - 10:30 AM
East Branch
Dec. 16 - 10:30 AM
Central Library Auditorium
Transcript: Puppet playtime at East.
Transcript: Read to Waffles the therapy dog.
Transcript: Music & movement with Miss Jules.
Dec. 18 - 11:00 AM
East Branch
Dec. 19 - 3:30 PM
Central Library Children's Room
Dec. 23 - 10:30 AM
Central Library Auditorium
Storytimes at our Libraries
Transcript: Storytimes at Somerville Public Library. West Branch: Cuentos en Español on Mondays at 11am, Singalong with Cathy on Tuesdays at 10am, Singalong with Alison on Tuesdays at 11am, and Storytime on Fridays at 11am. Central Library: Toddler Storytime on Fridays at 10:30am, and Pajama Storytime every 2nd Monday at 6pm. East Branch: Storytime on Wednesdays at 11am.
STAFF PICKS: Best of 2024
2024 is almost over...
... here are our favorite releases from this past year!
Sonny Boy by Al Pacino. 
Rae, dying of cancer, is transported in to the world of her favorite book, but as the villain. Funny, emotional, and delightfully meta, this is a book for anyone who has ever imagined themselves inside their favorite fantasy series.
 
- Brigid, Community Services Librarian
The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo. 
A series of stories told to a young girl by an old woman that, when taken together, answer a question. A great read out loud for kids!
 
- Alison, Children's Librarian
The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag. 
A graphic novel  following Mags, a queer high schooler,  as she navigates a monstrous secret, takes care of her abuela, and deals with living near Joshua tree.
 
- Magenta, Substitute Librarian
Four Shots in the Night by Henry Hemming. 
For fans of Patrick Radden Keefe's Say Nothing; a history of the daily realities of brutality and betrayal that characterized the Troubles.
 
- Liam, East Branch Manager
Burn by Peter Heller. 
Coming out of the woods in rural Maine after a hunting trip, two old friends find a small town destroyed beyond recognition and they don't know why.
 
- Karen, Deputy Director
Icarus by K Ancrum. 
A lyrical, suspenseful must-read YA about art thievery, family, first love, and the price of revenge.
 
- Muhl, 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!
    
Somerville Public Library
79 Highland Ave | 40 College Ave | 115 Broadway, Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
617-623-5000

https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/