Meet New Circulation Supervisor, Kelly! |
|
What’s your role at the Somerville Public Library?
I’ve recently transitioned from a reference librarian to the Head of Circulation. I get to work with a fantastic team to ensure that our patrons have a great experience when they come into the library.
What do you wish people knew about the Somerville Public Library?
We were closed to the public for a long time due to the pandemic, but we’re fully open now and excited to see our patrons (even if it’s only the top halves of your faces!). We have so many resources -books, movies, databases, local history materials, digital media - that we love sharing, so come on in and don’t be shy about asking us for help.
Tell me about something or someone who influenced your decision to work in libraries.
My mom made sure that books and libraries were a big part of my life from a very young age. Some of my earliest memories are of her pulling me, my brother, and sister in our wagon to the library. I always felt at home there, and I love working with people, so it seemed like a natural career path (and it has certainly worked out well for me!).
What types of books do you enjoy reading most?
My favorite is YA fiction. I read a lot of contemporary realism, mystery, and fantasy. I also love cookbooks, and I’ve been getting more into graphic novels.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I love singing karaoke! I even have a portable microphone for all of my karaoke emergencies.
If you weren't working at the library, what would you be doing instead?
Frosting cupcakes or making bagels!
What do you like to do outside of the library?
I like watching television (especially Jeopardy!) and movies, spending time with my family, reading, playing board games, cooking, and baking. I made my own sourdough starter at the beginning of the pandemic, and I can bake a pretty mean loaf!
|
|
Thursdays at 3pm in the Central Library Teen Room |
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to drop in and learn to knit! Once you've mastered the basics you'll be able to complete a simple project such as a scarf or fingerless mittens. All materials will be provided. |
|
Saturday, December 11 at 11am on Zoom, registration required |
This innovative writing workshop, led by multi-award-winning novelist and leading writing instructor Michael Marano will explore the relationship between character development and the creation of a setting, be it for a novel, short story, screenplay or stage play. |
|
Sunday, December 12 at either 1:30pm or 3pm at Central Library Auditorium, registration required |
Get cozy and crafty with us at the SPL!
For our December craft we will be designing and decorating our own tote bags. We'll provide you with a tote bag, paint, and plenty of options to help you create an artistic design, including some stencils and shaving cream if you want to try a marble-effect paint style.
|
|
Monday, December 13 at 7pm on Zoom, registration required |
This workshop is for anyone who has not completed a will or needs an update regardless of your age, income, property ownership, or citizenship. Outlining your wishes will ease the burden of settling your personal business that falls to family and friends after you pass.
This workshop will take place over Zoom but will be clear, warm, and interactive. Bring your questions! Interpretive services will be provided.
|
|
Monday, December 20 at 7pm on Zoom, registration required |
A delicious holiday pastry is one crust and one filling away. Join Liz Barbour of The Creative Feast for this virtual Cook-Along event, where we will be making a mouth-watering holiday treat!
In this class, Liz will demonstrate her favorite pie dough recipe and prepare a a beautiful apple galette you will love to serve at your holiday table for years to come. Liz will also share cooking wisdom and tips that will inspire you to create variations of her recipe. You will have the opportunity to ask her questions and advice as you prepare your pastry alongside her.
|
|
Our Favorite Reads of 2021! |
|
Here are our favorite books we read this year!
|
|
 |
This is a family saga set in Vietnam, and draws a lot of obvious parallels to Pachinko. It also stands on its own, though; the writing is really strong (and it's a well-read audiobook, too).
Recommended by Jane, Manager of Branch Services
|
|
|
|
Abby loves Doerr's writing style; you can tell how much fun he had researching and learning about the places and events he writes about, and the characters feel so complex and real. Also, part of the book takes place in her native Idaho, and it made her feel very nostalgic!
Recommended by Abby, Generalist Librarian
|
|
|
|
|
This is a reimagining of the suffragette movement in an alternate Salem in 1893 - in this story, witches are the force behind the women's rights movement. Profound and magical, this book invites you into the fantastical sisterhood of these women and shows us to use our ways, our words, and our will to bring about a more just world for all.
Recommended by Laura, Generalist Librarian
|
|
|
|
This fantastic book follows two storylines: first, Amir, who fled to Italy when a classmate outed him right before high school graduation; and second, Amir's family, who found him in Italy, got in an epic fight on the plane on the way back, and are now detained in Customs trying to get back into the United States. Hilarious, bittersweet, and completely compelling - an early 2021 read that easily stayed on the "best books read in 2021" list all year long.
Recommended by Alison, West Branch Children's Librarian
|
|
|
|
|
This book employs the screenplay format to tell the story of "Generic Asian Man" Willis Wu who longs to be cast as "Kung Fu Guy," but is stuck playing "Background Oriental Male". Since listening to the audiobook, Karen is more often able to recognize the various ways stereotypes are employed in my favorite television shows. Winner of the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction.
Recommended by Karen, Deputy Director
|
|
|
|
Hansen is a Somerville author, longtime library patron, and frequent presenter of SPL creative writing programs for children. This YA novel has it all - an extremely creepy antagonist, a vividly evoked Prince Edward Island setting, generous helpings of folklore, and strong female characters.
Recommended by Ellen, Head of Teen Services
|
|
|
|
Storytime is going on Winter Break! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
