In this Issue

Meet Our New Library Social Worker
Programs for Adults
Free Creative Classes Online through our Library
Programs for All Ages
Programs for T(w)eens
Get Free 1-on-1 Tech Help
Programs for Children
Baby Lapsit at our Libraries
STAFF PICKS: Our Favorite Science Fiction
 
Happy New Year!
We are excited to announce that the library has hired our first ever Library Social Worker to better serve our community! Read on to learn more about him and the services our library social worker program plans to introduce.
 
Upcoming Closures:
All Somerville Public Library locations will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, for New Year's Day, and on Monday, January 20, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Meet Our New Library Social Worker
A headshot of Jake Savage, Somerville Library Social Worker.Jake Savage (he/him/his) is thrilled to be joining Somerville Public Library as the newly hired Library Social Worker! A Somerville resident, he is passionate about increasing equity in our community through advocacy, programming, and access to resources and information. He is excited for the opportunity to connect with library patrons, and to connect them in turn to supports that will help them thrive. He also loves to read, hike, and solve crossword puzzles!
 
As the Library Social Worker, Jake will assist patrons with a variety of needs, including benefits applications, food access, health and mental health resources, housing/shelter information, and resources for immigrants. For detailed information on services, or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website.
 
We are also looking for community input to develop the Library Social Work role! Please take a minute to share your ideas here.
Programs for Adults
Transcript: Bullet journaling 101.Bullet Journaling 101
Sunday, January 5, 2025 - 2:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Join us to learn about bullet journaling and how you can use it to lead a more meaningful and productive life! Registration required.
Transcript: Creative mending: patching at East Branch.Creative Mending: Patching
Thursday, January 30, 2025 - 6:30 PM
East Branch
 
Learn how to repair holes, tears, and stains in clothing using fabric patches and hand embroidery techniques! Registration required.
Transcript: Afro-Haitian cuisine with Boukan'nen.
Transcript: Keep this, toss that for a clutter-free New Year.
Transcript: Adult board game cafe.
Jan. 6 - 6:00 PM
East Branch
Jan. 7 - 7:00 PM
Virtual
on Zoom
Jan. 11 - 2:00 PM
Central Library
Auditorium
Transcript: Mud flat studio pottery workshop.
Transcript: James Herriot: the simple life of the world's most famous veterinarian.
Transcript: Queer craft night: mini book libraries.
Jan. 13 - 6:00 PM
East Branch
Jan. 14 - 7:00 PM
Virtual
on Zoom
Jan. 30 - 6:30 PM
Central Library
Auditorium
Transcript: Fantasy and science fiction book club.NEW! Fantasy and Science Fiction Book Club
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - 7:00 PM
West Branch Community Room
 
Introducing our newest monthly book club! Read and discuss all things science fiction and fantasy with us. After its inaugural meeting, the book club will meet on the third Wednesday of every month. This month's book will be All Systems Red by Martha Wells. Registration required.
Free Creative Classes Online through our Library
Transcript: 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.
Programs for All Ages
Transcript: Craft supply swap at West.Craft Supply Swap at West
Saturday, January 18, 2025 -10:00 AM
West Branch
 
Find your next craft obsession at our craft supply swap! It’s the perfect chance to pick up a new hobby! Not interested in swapping, but have too many supplies? Clear out space in your craft cabinet by dropping some off starting Thursday, January 16. No registration required.
Transcript: Chess nights at the library.
Transcript: poetry open mic night.
Transcript: puzzle challenge and swap.
Jan. 6 - 7:00 PM
Central Library
Auditorium
Jan. 23 - 7:00 PM
Central Library
Auditorium
Jan. 26 - 1:30 PM
Central Library
Auditorium
Programs for T(w)eens
Transcript: Dungeons and dragons with Dragoneye Zach.Dungeons and Dragons
Saturdays, January 11 & 25, 2025
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Central Library Director's Office
 
Join us for a new adventure every session, run by professional Dungeon Master Dragoneye Zach! Registration is required for each session and opens two weeks beforehand.
Transcript: teen and tween advisory board.T(w)een Advisory Board
Monday, January 13, 2025 - 6:30 PM
West Branch Children's Room
 
In West Branch TAB, you'll read, discuss books, and do other library activities. January's meeting is Reader's Choice: come prepared to book talk a book of your choosing (no spoilers, please!). Ages 12+. Registration encouraged.  
Get Free 1-on-1 Tech Help
Transcript: Free 1 on 1 tech help at the Central Library. 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! Book now by calling 617-623-5000 extension 2955, or emailing spltech@somervillema.gov.
Programs for Children
Transcript: Creative drama workshop for kids.Creative Drama
Mondays, January 6, 13, & 27, 2025
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium
 
Have fun while learning and gaining confidence! Including creative movement, acting games, skits, and imagination challenges! Ages 7-11. No registration required.

Transcript: Family game night.Family Game Night
Monday, January 27, 2025
5:30 - 7:00 PM
West Branch Children's Room
 
Join us at West for Family Game Night to make friends and have fun! We'll have a variety of games available for all ages. No registration required.

Transcript: pajama storytime at west.
Transcript: LEGO club at central.
Transcript: music with little groove.
Jan. 8 - 6:30 PM
West Branch
Children's Room
Jan. 9 - 4:00 PM
Central Library
Children's Room
Jan. 13 - 10:30 AM
Central Library
Auditorium
Transcript: puppet playtime at west.
Transcript: Music and movement with miss Jules.
Transcript: music and movement with Rock-a-bye Beats.
Jan. 24 - 11:00 AM
West Branch
Children's Room
Jan. 27 - 10:30 AM
Central Library
Auditorium
Jan. 31 - 10:30 AM
East Branch
Baby Lapsit at our Libraries
Transcript: 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. At east on Fridays at 10:30 am. At west on Thursdays at 11:00 am.
STAFF PICKS: Our Favorite Science Fiction
January 2 is National Science Fiction Day!
Here is a selection of our favorite SF to celebrate.
 
For fans of the author's political works, such as The Man in the High Tower.
 
- Liam, East Branch Manager
 
In 2732, seven human pilgrims travel to the planet Hyperion, each intending to make a request of an alien known as the Shrike, which has the ability to control time.
 
- Kevin, Reference Librarian
 
A Black teen in present-day Boston receives a liver transplant from a time traveler, and begins slipping through time himself.
 
- Alison, Children's Librarian
 
A speculative detective/noir novel filled with dark humor, rich language, and intercultural exchange, all with a compelling anti-hero at the helm.
 
- Jake, Library Social Worker
 
After Paige learns that she and several other autistic children are part of a study in which chips in their brains monitor them, they must work together to stop the experiment and reclaim control over their lives. 
 
- Annie, Children's Librarian
 
A space station ambassador investigates the murder of her predecessor in this thought-provoking story of palace intrigue, imperialism, and betweenness.
 
- Rowan, Substitute 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/