Are you interested in Learning English? | |
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Curious about what the SPL has to offer for
English Language Learning resources?
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Our ELL classes are offered via Zoom regularly through the week, with a beginner class on Mondays, and two conversational classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can find out more about them here.
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We offer ELL kits that are great ways to practice English around the house. These kits are themed around cooking, baking, gardening, and board games to be checked out from the Central Library!
Want to know more about these kits? Read about them here.
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Other available ELL resources include access to learning materials through
the library, and databases like Transparent Languages, Mango Languages and
News For You.
The Somerville Public Library partners with many local organizations to assist patrons with ELL - learn more here!
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Saturday, February 11 at 2:30pm on Zoom | This year's Black History Month honors Black Resistance throughout history and today. Archivist, scholar, graphic novelist Dr. Rebecca Hall joins us virtually to discuss her groundbreaking graphic novel Wake. | |
Monday, February 13 at 12pm at the Somerville Media Center | Chromebooks are simple laptop computers that let you browse the internet, participate in video meetings, do word processing, etc.--but their programs live online, which makes them work in a different way than traditional computers. In this session, participants will learn how to use these affordable devices. | |
Monday, February 13 at 7pm at Remnant Brewing | Think you're smarter than the average librarian? Come celebrate National Library Lovers' Day and test your knowledge against a team of SPL librarians! Teams (typically up to 6 people) will be answering questions curated by Remnant Brewing's trivia host Meredith. | |
Friday, February 17 at 3pm in the Central Library Auditorium | Join us for the first in a monthly series of crafting events just for teens and tweens! This month, we're making washi tape sun catchers. We'll supply everything you need to make them, plus snacks to munch on while you create! | |
Saturday, February 18 at 10am in the West Branch Community Room | Tired of paying for the supermarket bag fee? Never have enough bags to carry all your things? Come join FabVille at the Somerville Public Library's West Branch and learn how to make a simple tote bag. Students will learn to use a domestic sewing machine to stitch a canvas tote bag. No experience sewing is needed and all supplies will be included. This is a wonderful project for beginners. | |
Saturday, February 18 at 10am in the West Branch Community Room | Join us for a film screening in honor of Vacation Week. Snacks will be served and you'll have the chance to make a cool spidey craft! | |
Wednesday, February 22 at 2:30pm in the Central Library Auditorium | |
Join the Somerville Public Library and the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project (KSCPP) to make a beautiful lotus flower lantern craft.
This program will be a hybrid adult crafting session where a member of the KSCPP teaches attendees virtually how to make the lotus lantern, step by step, using colored paper and wire frames. It will also include 2 short videos on the history of Korea and the KSCPP.
After registration, attendees have the option to either pick up their craft and Zoom in from home, or come to the Central Library and make the craft with others as the KSCPP teaches us via Zoom.
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Saturday, March 4 at 10am in the Central Library Auditorium | |
The Somerville Public Library in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program is offering a free, 10 week U.S. Citizenship Preparation class. The class will prepare students for the citizenship interview including the 100 civics questions, the reading & writing sections, and interview questions based on your N-400 application.
Requirements: Basic level of English and 5 years as a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) or 3 years, if married to a US citizen.
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Black History Month Staff Recs | |
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In this collection of essays on politics, literature and art, Murray compellingly argues that Black culture, far from being a distinct subculture in the US, is actually foundational to the American experience.
Recommended by Kevin, Head of Reference
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This brief yet comprehensive collection of speeches, essays, and interviews covers such topics as black feminism, the Flint Michigan water crisis, Palestinian struggles against oppression, and South Africa's anti-apartheid movement. Davis adeptly connects these subjects to the current "constant struggle" for freedom from state tyranny and the fight for racial injustice.
Recommended by Carrie, Senior Substitute Librarian
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Austin Channing Brown’s first encounter with a racialized America came at age seven, when she discovered her parents named her Austin to deceive future employers into thinking she was a white man. Growing up in majority-white schools and churches, Austin writes, “I had to learn what it means to love blackness,” a journey that led to a lifetime spent navigating America’s racial divide as a writer, speaker, and expert helping organizations practice genuine inclusion.
Recommended by Brigid P, Literacy & Volunteer Coordinator
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An inspiring and haunting blend of historical fiction and nonfiction that encapsulates the story and spirit of two enslaved Black women who led revolts to fight against slavery. The black and white sketch style drawings bring to life the likely history of revolters Adono and Alele, as the story highlights the hardships of Black women that endure from slavery to present day.
Recommended by Bethany, Reference Librarian
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In this vibrantly illustrated storybook, a child longs to contribute a “signature dish” to her extended family’s annual soul food meal, but her relatives insist that she is too young to help out in the kitchen. However, when she steps outside, Ruby finds her own “fruitful” way to be part of the festivities.
Recommended by Annie, Children's Librarian
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Ann Lowe was the first nationally known African American fashion designer, and made the dresses for Jackie and John F. Kennedy's wedding! This gorgeously illustrated and well documented picture book biography addresses race and class in a straightforward manner, and will surely inspire future designers.
Recommended by Alison, Youth Services Librarian
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