Somerville Reads El Deafo Book Cover
"El Deafo" by Cece Bell Selected as 2017 Somerville Reads Title
 
We're excited to announce El Deafo , a New York Times bestselling graphic novel about growing up hearing impaired, as this year's Somerville Reads title!
 
We can't wait for you to read this book with us. It has  received numerous awards, including a 2015 Newbery Honor, the 2015 Eisner Award for Best  Publication for Kids (ages 8-12), and the 2017 Massachusetts Children's Book Award. Cece  Bell's graphic novel memoir will appeal to readers of all ages (adults, too!), and draws on themes of acceptance, friendship, and the celebration of differences. 
 
Somerville Reads is a citywide reading initiative that encourages all Somerville residents to read and discuss the same book to promote literacy and community engagement.

The month-long Somerville Reads initiative will begin with a kick-off event on Monday, September 18th at the Central Library (79 Highland Ave.) and will continue with citywide programming through October. During this time, we will host inter-generational programs including discussions, workshops, classes, readings, book clubs, and more, all related to the themes found in El Deafo .

Copies of the book are available for check out at all Somerville Public Library locations and via the Library's online catalog. We encourage all of you to read the book any time between now and the end of the Somerville Reads month-long initiative to join in the fun. Click here to reserve your copy today! 

Please call 617-623-5000 ext. 2955 or visit   our Somerville Reads page  for more information. 
Summer Reading Flyer
Summer Reading Programs in Full Swing

Our Summer Reading Programs are heating up right along with the temperature!  There's still plenty of time to sign up and/or join us for one of our Summer Reading events or activities.  

Our Children's Summer Reading Programs are taking place at all three locations, and we have over 230 children participating so far! Check the Library calendar for a full list of summer events for kids.

Teens can submit their summer book reviews any time before August 15th to be eligible for a host of great prizes. Visit the Teen Summer Reading Challenge page to learn more about the prizes!
 
Adults, don't miss your chance to win a pair of Red Sox tickets (enter by August 15th) or make your own Fairy Garden in a Book this summer.
Photo of Brigid_ our ESL Coordinator
Staff Spotlight: Brigid, ESL Coordinator

This month, we're very excited to highlight Brigid, our English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator. Brigid, along with a great group of volunteer tutors, coordinates our popular (and free) ESL program, which takes place at all three library locations. This year, the ESL program is on track to serve more than 3,000 participants, the largest number in the history of the program!

Brigid got her start with the library ESL program as a volunteer tutor at the West Branch Library in Davis Square. She then transitioned into the ESL Coordinator role about a year ago. Besides working at the Library, she's completing a Master's degree in Education in ESL and volunteers with Community Cooks

If you would like to learn more about the ESL program or are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, be sure to  check our ESL page or e-mail Brigid at  bpigott@minlib.net .

Find out more about Brigid and what inspired her to become an ESL instructor by reading this month's Meet the Staff blog post!
Recommended Titles for July & August 
This issue's recommendations come courtesy of Karen at the West Branch and Marita at the East Branch.
 
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
This is a magical story. We never know the identity of the narrator. He returns to his childhood home for a funeral and retraces some of his memories, which bring him to a family that he finds has barely changed.
Recommended by Marita 
The Ocean at the End of the Lane Book Cover
AJ Fikry runs a struggling bookstore on a fictional island off the coast of Massachusetts. His wife has died, and a young girl has been mysteriously abandoned in his shop. His life is jumpstarted. He's pulled from despair as he takes on parenthood and discovers new possibilities. This is a very sweet book, good for beach reading.
Recommended by Marita
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry Book Cover
Life Without Envy : Ego Management for Creative People
by Camille DeAngelis
This thoughtful gem is by a Somerville author better known for her strange and wonderful novels.
Recommended by Karen

Life Without Envy Book Cover
Diplomats hang out in an orbiting space hotel while rising seas destroy more and more of the Earth's cities. Villagers drink tea and speculate as Genghis Khan's army approaches. If you like your fiction short, try these thirteen imaginative tales. 
Recommended by Karen
Swimmer Among the Stars Book Cover

Still looking for more? See the Staff Picks page! 
YA (Young Adult) Recommendations
This issue's YA recommendations come from four guest reviewers (and library patrons) in their teens. 
 
I give this book a 5 out of 5 because Tyra was able to put the whole show, "America's Top Model," and her life experience of modeling in a book that explains that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and though you may not look like everyone else, you are beautiful in your own way.
Recommended by Guerline
Modelland Book Cover
In the novel Beautiful Darkness, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl expertly demonstrate the experience of youth our age. It's honestly my favorite book, and everyone should read this series (the Beautiful Creatures series.)
Recommended by Samuel
Beautiful Darkness Book Cover
Everything, Everything is about a girl named Madeline who has SCID and hasn't gone outside for a long time and she finds love with a boy named Ollie.  
Recommended by Suchita
Everything_ Everything Book Cover
One thing Martin does very well is create a very rich and in-depth history to the world he creates. His characters are also very likeable. Overall, it's a fun adventure story that would make anyone want to read more of his work. 
Recommended by Walter
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Book Cover

Looking for a couple extra recommendations? Check out our YA Staff Picks  from Ron and Ellen! 
Children's Recommendations
This issue's recommendations come courtesy of Ann and Annamarie of the Central Library Children's Room.
 
Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
I'm sure we can all find someone in our lives that reminds us of Bruce. Bruce, a grumpy bear, lives by himself and only likes one thing--eggs! But he doesn't eat them raw like other bears; instead, he cooks them into fancy recipes that he finds on the Internet. He gets eggs from Mrs. Goose, first asking if they are "free range," but before he can prepare them for dinner, the eggs hatch and think he's their Mama. Bear tries everything to be rid of these new goslings, but in the end, what's a bear to do (even a bear like Bruce)? A deserving winner of the Ezra Jack Keats Honor book.  
Recommended by Annamarie
Mother Bruce book cover
Timothy Pope has a brand new telescope and he's testing it out at the park. Timothy looks all around and sees what looks like a shark's tail. Is it really a shark's tail? Kids will scream "There's a Shark in the Park" each time you turn the page, but you'll be surprised to find out what Timothy really sees. 
Recommended by Ann
Shark in the Park book cover
Emotional, engaging, and well written--I laughed, and I really did cry, too!  12-year-old Rydr is on a train heading east, leaving California and her deceased grandmother, traveling to Chicago to live with an unknown relative. During the ride, she forms friendships with other passengers and train staff and seems to find love with a young Boy Scout. She spends all of her food money before the train leaves the station. She is too proud to admit how hungry and needy she is, and finds creative ways to solve her problem. A sad but hopeful book.
Recommended by Annamarie
Train I Ride book cover
Lizard loves his home on a flat rock so much that he sings about it. Bear comes along and wants to learn Lizard's song, but with so many distractions, he keeps forgetting the song. In the end, Lizard teaches Bear to sing a song about his own home. Kids love to sing along with Lizard's catchy tune, and they'll even want to sing about their own home. 
Recommended by Ann
Lizard_s Song book cover
handicap button for door at East Branch
New Handicapped-Accessible Doors Installed at East Branch

We are happy to share that 
View of East Branch Lib from front
the entry doors at the East Branch have been upgraded to be accessible to all library patrons. The new automatic doors open at the touch of a button, providing easier access  for patrons with disabilities, as well as th ose with strollers, arms full of children and/or books, etc. 

Next time you're in the neighborhood, come and check out the new doors for yourself!

For more information about the East Branch Library's hours and location, please visit the East Branch's information page.
Technology Instruction
Free One-on-One Technology Instruction

Looking to brush up on your computer skills? Know someone who needs help setting up an e-mail account? Free one-on-one technology instruction is available to all Somerville residents.

Tim, our Technology Librarian, can help you or someone you know improve their technology skills, whether it be submitting an online job application, setting up an e-mail or social media account, or using the Internet. He can even help you figure out your new smartphone, tablet, or laptop!

Appointments need to be scheduled in advance (and are only available for Somerville residents). Please contact Tim by phone or e-mail at 617-623-5000 ext. 2963 or tdevin@minlib.net to schedule your appointment .

STAY CONNECTED:
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
View on Instagram