Upcoming Programs

"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. 

We have a variety of events coming up this October at all of our SPL locations, all related to the themes found in "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson.

Chat with others about the book in one of our book groups. Learn about the role spiritualism had in our community in a talk with Dee Morris, or paint pumpkins and sip cider with your little one at our Harvest Festival. Come to GrownUp StoryTime at Remnant Brewery and hear all about Spooky Somerville, and then be spooked at our Scary Movie Night, with the feature film "The Haunting". Try your luck at our Escape from Hill House escape room and have your cards read at our Tarot Workshop.
Thank you Friends, for supporting these programs!

 Wednesday, October 16 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Central Library Auditorium

 Peer-to-Peer (P2P) technologies are local-first, free and open-source alternative approaches to web technology focused on user freedom, user data ownership, easy cooperation, and avoiding 'concentration of power' in the hands of a few. Bring your own laptop, if you can.

Thank you to our Friends for supporting this program!

Thursday, October 17 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, East Branch Library

 We will be hosting Rincon Restaurant, who will bring a prepared dish for everyone to try and tell stories about why this dish is so popular. This event is a collaboration with local businesses and the East Somerville Main Streets.
 Haunting of Hill House Spooky Read-Alikes
Adult Recommendations 

Did you love the Haunting of Hill House? Hoping to read something similar? These read-alike recommendations come from Jim, Melinda, and Lilly at Central.
 

In this short story, a young American couple decides to rough it and rent a rustic old house in an out-of-the-way corner of England, naively thrilled to hear a rumor that the dark edifice, with no modern amenities, is occasionally visited by ghosts

Recommended by Jim
This novel depicts a happy family that takes out a summer lease on a bright, sunny house, only to find that the house has a personality of its own, a dark one, and one that jeopardizes all of its unsuspecting residents.

Recommended by Jim
Country doctor Faraday is called upon to visit the owners of the now dilapidated mansion where his mother was once a servant. There are strange happenings in the house, and people seem to be keeping secrets...

Recommended by Melinda
If you enjoyed Shirley Jackson's dark and unsettling style, you'll find yourself drawn into this Gothic drama about a strange, isolated family. 

Recommended by Lilly

Still looking for more? See the Staff Picks page! 
Young Adult Recommendations
 
This issue's young adult recommendations come from Kerry at Central.

 
Jasper Dent was raised by a notorious serial killer, who wanted nothing more than his son to follow in his footsteps. So when a series of killings start happening in his home town, not only do the police wonder if he's responsible; Jasper's not sure himself.

Recommended by Kerry
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

If you enjoy getting creeped out by the killers on shows like Criminal Minds, you will likely enjoy The Naturals. This mystery will make your head spin as this group of teens attempts to get inside the mind of a killer, and find him before he strikes again.

Recommended by Kerry




Children's Recommendations
 
This issue's recommendations come from Meghan at East, Julie at Central, and Alison at West.
 
Jasper Rabbit, who enjoys taking the tasty carrots from Crackenhopper field every chance he gets, experiences a bit of paranoia when he senses a trio of carrots are following him, with their  "soft... sinister... tunktunktunk of carrots creeping."  Jasper devises a plan to keep the carrots from escaping the field, but will it work!?!?
 
Recommended by Meghan
Paintings hang silently on the walls of the big old house called Shiverhawk Hall, paintings of children looking so well behaved.  At night, after the sun sets and the moon rises, the children of Shiverhawk Hall come out to play.   

Recommended by Julie
Join a little witch and a group of ghosts as they turn a haunted house into a cozy home. Cheerful colorblock art completes this not-scary ghost story.

Recommended by Alison
The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs

A dangerous clock was built into the walls of Lewis' uncle Jonathan's house, and Lewis, Jonathan, and their neighbor Florence must use good magic to save humankind.
**This book will be discussed at the Kids Book Club on  October 28, 6-7pm, West at TAB, 167 Holland St, 2nd floor. Join us!**

Recommended by Alison

Friends of the Library Book Sale


 Join the Friends of the Somerville Public Library for our massive 5-day marathon of a book sale! All items cost just $1, and FSPL tote bags will be on sale for $10 to help you bring your haul home. For more information, contact the Friends at friendssomervillepubliclibrary@gmail.com.

Book Sale Schedule:

Wednesday, October 9 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Thursday, October 10 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday, October 11 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Saturday, October 12 from 10 am to 2 pm
Sunday, October 13 from 1 pm to 4 pm
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