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A Sunny Welcome to our

Summer Reading!

Starting soon!

Children's Summer Reading


Children's Summer Reading will begin at all three library locations on June 21st.


Check in weekly during the 8 weeks of Summer Reading, tell the librarians what you're reading, and receive keychain tags, buttons, and more!


Kids can also complete a library-themed BINGO card. Get one row and select a small prize; complete your entire BINGO card for a chance to win larger prizes!


Learn more here!

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Teen Summer Reading


Teen Summer Reading will begin at all three library locations on June 21st.


Participating teens will submit book reviews and for each review, receive prizes such as Make Your Own S'mores kits, vinyl stickers, and more!


Each review also counts as an opportunity to win the Teen Grand Prize: a Polaroid camera and film! The Grand Prize winner will be announced at the end of the challenge, on August 22nd.


Learn more here!

Adult Summer Reading


Adult Summer Reading will begin at all three library locations on June 21st.


Adults will be able to pick up or download a BINGO card and check off boxes corresponding to reading and library activities. Each row can earn readers a small prize!


Each participant will have an opportunity to win the Adult Grand Prize: a Kindle! The Grand Prize winner will be announced at the end of the challenge, on August 22nd.


Learn more here!

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Upcoming Programs
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Thursday, June 9 at 7pm at the Central Library Auditorium,

registration required

Ensemble Chaconne returns with their second concert in the Somerville

Salon series, Gems from the French Court, 1650-1750. This concert is

free and open to the public, and following the performance, the musicians

will be available for questions and conversation.

Register Here
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Friday, June 10 at 11am on the Central Library Lawn

This special edition of our Central Storytime will be led by Yumi Izuyama and feature Kamishibai, a method of paper storytelling from Japan!

More Info
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Monday, June 13 at 6:30pm in the West Branch Atrium,

registration encouraged

The Somerville Public Library and West Branch T(w)een Advisory Board are thrilled to host local authors Kayla Cottingham, author of My Dearest Darkest, and Regina Hansen, author of The Coming Storm.


During this panel, they will discuss the process of writing and publishing a novel. Both books are available through the Minuteman Library Network --

but you don't need to read them to attend!

Register Here
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Monday, June 13 through Wednesday, June 15 at the Central Library

Monday: Pet soft baby animals from Animal Affair's traveling

petting zoo and feel that stress melt away!


Tuesday: Stop by the Relaxation Café to make your own de-stress toy, color, listen to relaxing music, and sip some calming herbal tea.


Wednesday: When finals are over, it's time to play! Cornhole, dodge tag, Twister, giant checkers, Frisbee, and more! Popsicles and Popcorn too!

More Info
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Saturday, June 18 at 1pm on the Central Library Lawn

This summer, the SPL and Green City Growers have partnered to offer

organic gardening workshops for all ages at the Central Library Demonstration Garden. These hands-on workshops are designed to teach you when and what to plant, and how to maintain, fertilize, and harvest successful crops.


There's no registration necessary. Just wear comfortable clothes and come ready to get your hands dirty!

More Info
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Friday, June 24 at 4pm in the West Branch Backyard

Come sing along with Max and friends and help make our community a welcoming place for everyone! This fun-filled event full of human and puppet characters speaks to themes of friendship, inclusion, and community.


Activities include: a 40-minute sing-along puppet show followed by socially distanced craft activities, meet the puppet characters, the Book Nook quiet space, and take-home resources! For family audiences, ages 3+

More Info

Our LGBTQIA+ Recommendations

This Pride Month, we want to point you towards our favorite books

and media with LGBTQIA+ characters!


Looking for more recommendations? Check out our

What Should I Read Next? reading recommendation service!

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Archangel's Light by Nalini Singh

The power struggles between angels, vampires, and humans continue in Archangel’s Light, the latest in Singh’s Guild Hunter urban fantasy series. This book focuses on the fractured friendship between fan favorites Illium and Aodhan.



Recommended by Kerry, Head of Adult Services

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Payback's A Witch by Lana Harper

One of ShanTil's recent faves was Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper, an utterly delightful sapphic/witchy romance. Plus, if you're already craving fall vibes, the magical small town setting of Thistle Grove will meet your every autumnal need.


Recommended by ShanTil, Community Services Librarian

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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

The story of teen romance is perfectly paced over each volume and builds anticipation for the next. The artwork is light and fresh, but still delivers a full range of emotions as you learn more about the complex characters and their personal struggles.



Recommended by Meghan, Children's Librarian

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Being by Zach Ellis

This educational and engaging book offers diverse and inclusive perspectives in many different artistic and creative styles. A must read!


Recommended by Tim, Technology Librarian

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To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer

Much to their chagrin, Bett and Avery’s Dads are dating. Already totally opposites, the girls are being sent away to summer camp together to bond in anticipation of their becoming sisters. What could possibly go wrong? 



Recommended by Mary, Head of Children's Department

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The Haunting of Bly Manor directed by Mike Flanagan

Adapted from The Turn of the Screw, this eerie horror show about a nanny who takes on two charges in an unsettling manor in the English countryside is full of twists and shocks. The love she develops for the manor's gardener is a beautiful addition to the story.


Recommended by Laura, Generalist Librarian

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Moonlight directed by Barry Jenkins

Moonlight is about a young black man named Chiron growing up in Miami, who struggles with growing up in poverty as well as coming to terms with his identity as a gay man. The movie showcases three chapters in his life (juvenile, young adult, and adult) through its artful direction and amazing acting performances!


Recommended by James, Payroll Administrator

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Calvin by JR and Vanessa Ford

When the titular Calvin tells his family that he's a boy, they explain they will love him no matter what, without reservation. Calvin feels nervous about the new school year - but his worries subside as he is greeted by classmates and teachers who welcome him back with his new haircut, new clothing and new name.


Recommended by Meghan, Children's Librarian

How to Support Your Non-Binary Family Member by Alyssa Giannini

From the SPL's zine and small press collection, this zine is perfect for family members looking for an introduction to gender identity. The author's personal anecdotal experience and research combine for a great guide on what you can do to foster a welcoming environment for your non-binary relative.


Recommended by Tim, Technology Librarian

My Rainbow by Trinity and DeShanna Neal

A perfect rainbow colored wig lovingly made by a mom for her transgender daughter who also lives with autism. A heartwarming story of love and family for children of all ages, written by a mother-daughter team based on their personal experience.


Recommended by Mary, Head of Children's Department

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