| | February 2026 | Events & Updates | |
Library Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 9am - 9pm
- Friday: 9am - 5pm
- Saturday: 9am - 5pm
- Sunday: 1pm - 5pm
Jane Gray Dustan Children's Room:
- Monday – Thursday: 9am - 8pm
- Friday & Saturday: 9am - 5pm
- Sunday: 1pm - 5pm
We will be closed on Monday, February 16th
Email: askbelmont@minlib.net
Phone: 617-489-2000
| | |
Patrons and Friends,
The future is here. Our new library opened to rave reviews on the weekend of January 17, and what a weekend it was. More than 3,200 residents came through the doors that first day — not just to see the building, but to truly use their Library.
By the end of opening week, we welcomed over 10,000 unique visits. It was an incredible testament to how much this community has been waiting for this moment. We did it. All of us, together. Some of you have been excited for months, some for years, and some have worked toward this day for decades. To our patrons, supporters, friends, and families — new and longtime alike — thank you. Truly.
The Library is officially open, but the project continues. We still have work ahead: a sizable punch list with our project team, signage still being installed, furniture still arriving, and technical adjustments underway to help every space function at its best. During our first weeks open, we placed feedback boxes throughout the building and received hundreds of thoughtful comments and ideas, along with so much encouragement. We’re already working to add more seating and study spaces, and even small but important improvements like coat hooks in restrooms. We’re also working hard to get the full collection back on the shelves. Because all materials returned from storage at once, we temporarily have more books than shelf space. One way you can help? Come borrow 5–10 books. Circulating materials helps us open space to shelve the remaining collection and fully activate those areas for public use.
As February unfolds, more rooms and programs will come online. Please stay patient with us as we truly complete the project over the next few months. Each month will be greater than the last as we prepare for the warmer months. Our new Meeting & Study Room Policy and our Rental Policy are now available on our website, and we’re thrilled by the huge interest in using these new community spaces.
We’ve all waited a long time for this moment. Now, the Belmont Library staff is ready and excited to deliver on the promises and possibilities this building represents. Good things come to those who wait — and thankfully, the wait is over.
Once again, we offer heartfelt thanks to our staff, Trustees, Friends of the Library, Building Committee, partners across Belmont Town Government, and every department that helped bring this project home. This was truly a community effort, and we should all be proud of what we built together.
We’ll see you at the Library. And be sure to enjoy the great photos in the newsletter below.
See you soon at the library,
Peter Struzziero, Library Director
| | |
Celebrate Black History Month with Belmont Against Racism
Join Belmont Against Racism for two free Community Film Screenings at the Belmont Public Library! Please register via the link in the event page.
| | |
Tarot & Intuition: Tapping Into Your Inner Wisdom
Adults
Wednesday, February 4th, 7pm
Community Classroom
Katharine Martin from The Wellness Consortium will guide us through a Tarot workshop and kick off our new monthly tarot group.
Whether you are brand new to Tarot or looking to strengthen your intuitive skills, this workshop offers a grounding space to slow down, listen inward, and leave feeling more connected to your own inner guidance.
If you have a deck of your own, you are encouraged to bring your own to use. There will be decks available to use as well.
| |  | |
International Valentine's Day
All Ages
Saturday, February 7th
12 - 4pm
Morrissey Hall
February is the month we celebrate love! We are calling on all generations to come together for friendship, celebration and creativity!
Seniors will have the opportunity to create a Valentine keepsake to keep or give as a gift. Youngsters may craft a special card for a nursing home and receive a Valentine craft to take home as well as listen to a story or two and enjoy a treat. All can enjoy some wonderful live music. Join in the festivities and enjoy the fun.
Please sign up to reserve a space.
| | | |
Family Concert - Music at the Blissful
Children
Monday, February 9th, 10am
Morrissey Hall
Join us for a concert with New England favorite Music at the Blissful, aka Evan Haller, a multi-award winning musician. His music has been described as "the sound of Mr. Rogers sharing a burrito with Koo Koo Kanga Roo."
| | | |
Copper Bookmark Craft:
for Teens & Adults
Tuesday, February 17th
Community Classroom
Join us for two sessions of a fun craft! Supplies are limited. Please register for the appropriate age group. Register for your session by clicking on one of the links below.
Teen Session: 4pm - 5:30pm
Adult Session: 6:30pm - 8pm
| | | |
Snowy House Luminaria
Teens
Thursday, February 19th, 12pm
Community Classroom
Presented by Pop Up Art School. Create a cozy winter scene that glows with warmth and creativity! In this mixed-media art lesson you'll craft a charming snowy landscape featuring a glowing paper house nestled among wooly trees.
This program is for tweens and teens ages 11-19. Space is limited. Please arrive before event start time to secure a spot.
| | | |
Cold Blooded Creatures with Wildlife Encounters
Children
Thursday, February 19th, 1:15pm
Morrissey Hall
Lizards, frogs and bugs, OH MY!
Our friends from Animal Encounters will show us a range of creatures from the reptile family and teach us all about them. Tell the birds and mammals to stay home and chill!
This program is recommended for families with kids ages 4 years and older but all are welcome.
Please call 617-993-2880 or email Coordinator of Children's Services Deborah Borsuk at dborsuk@minlib.net with any questions.
| | | |
Historical Rooms Open House
Saturday, February 21st, 2pm
Claflin Local History Room & Underwood History Room
Come discover local history in the new Belmont Public Library!
Viktoria Haase, the President of the Belmont Historical Society, will present an overview of items from their collection that are housed in the Claflin Room and Logan Manchester, the Local History Librarian, will showcase the collection of library materials that are kept in the adjacent Underwood Room. Find out about these local history resources and how to access them at this event.
Co-sponsored by the Belmont Historical Society.
| | Ongoing Children's Programs | | |
Storytimes
Check out our new storytimes! Same fun programs with brand new names!
We are happy to announce that storytimes are back for little ones & their caregivers! We will have storytimes five times a week for various age groups. We are excited to see you all again!
Littlest Larks: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9:30am. Storytime for babies and young toddlers.
Playful Penguins: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30am. Storytime for Toddlers.
Feathered Friends: Thursdays 10:30am. Themed Storytimes for all ages.
| | |
Busy Birds Drop-In Playtime
Monday, February 2nd & 23rd
10am
Children's Program Room
We’re excited to bring back this bi-monthly play program with a new name! Come join us in the children’s room for some drop-in play. Little ones ages 2-5 and their caregivers are welcomed to check out our rotating selection of toys, puzzles, and games. Every week will bring something different - come check out what we’ll have for our very first one!
| | | |
Joey's Junior Book Club
Monday, February 23rd, 3:30pm
Children's Program Room
Join our monthly book club just for new readers and their grownups!
Read the book at home, and then gather at the library to discuss the story and do fun activities. This month we'll be reading Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins - The First Lady of Children's Music by Traci N. Todd
This program is for kindergarten, first, and second graders and their grownups. Space is limited. Please register.
| | | |
Pajama Storytime
Thursday, February 26th, 6:30pm
Children's Program Room
Get in your pajamas, bring a fuzzy friend, and join us for some bedtime stories with librarian Rosanna at the brand new Belmont Public Library!
Recommended for families with children of all ages. Please register on our website!
| | | |
Unwind Your Brain: Teen Crafty Vibes
Wednesdays February 4th & 11th
2pm
Teen Room
Activate the right side of your brain (or possibly the left side) and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of creativity.
| | | |
Teen Advisory Board
Thursday, February 26th, 4pm
Waverley Oaks
Teen Advisory Board is refreshed from winter break and ready for greatness! Open to teenagers in grades 7-12.
Come meet other teens and help brainstorm new programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities!
This is a Community Service Opportunity.
Questions?
Email Elise Cluster at ecluster@minlib.net or
askbelmontya@minlib.net.
| | | |
Fiber Creatives
Adults & Teens
Fridays, 1pm
Waverley Oaks Room
Knitters, crocheters, quilters, and more! All those who work with fabric or fiber are welcome in this weekly group. Please note that this is not a class, but an opportunity to share current projects and socialize.
Questions? Email Elise at ecluster@minlib.net.
| | | |
*NEW* True Crime All the Time
Wednesday, February 11th
6:30pm, Waverley Oaks Room
Topic: Delphi Murders
True Crime Lovers Assemble!
Dive into past & present cases and use various forms of media to explore them.
Watch a documentary!
Read a book!
Listen to a podcast!
Do all three!
Then we'll get together and discuss!
There are currently 2 books at the Circulation Desk should you choose to read a book:
-
Shadow of the Bridge: The Delphi Murders and the Dark Side of the American Heartland by Aine Caine
-
Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi by Susan Hendricks
| | | |
*NEW* The Great Library Bakers
Wednesday, February 25th, 6pm
Morrissey Hall
Theme: Bake and Bring your Favorite Cookies! Questions? Email Logan at lmanchester@minlib.net
This event is a potluck as defined under the Massachusetts Potluck Law.
| | |
50+ Job Seekers Networking Group
Join us in a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help in your career transition.
Register for these sessions below.
Wednesday, February 4th 9:30am: Career Story & Elevator Pitch
Wednesday, February 18th
9:30am: Tame Your Inner Critics
| | | |
Drop-in Winter Craft
Adults & Teens
Community Classroom
Join us for a casual creative event in our new Community Classroom! We'll provide basic supplies for making a winter-themed craft. Drop-in during any of the following blocks:
- Tuesday, February 10th, 1pm
- Saturday, February 14th, 1pm
| | | |
Virtual Trivia Night
Wednesday, February 18th, 7pm
Zoom
Join us for an evening of Virtual Trivia for solo players and teams!
Registrants (soloists and team captains only) will receive a link to access the Zoom Meeting. On the afternoon of the event there will be a follow-up email that will include the rules and an answer sheet. Team captains should share this information with their team members.
Our questions are geared towards adults in challenge rating, but for families who want to play together, please know that there are no "embarrassing" questions or content.
Participants' will not need video participation, so no need to worry about having a working webcam to play. The ability to access Zoom and view slides on a screen is all you need for this fantastic trivia fun!
Since this event is using Zoom, teams who don't live together will need to communicate by some non-Zoom means - for example, texting, Facetime, Google Hangouts, etc.
Let us know if you have any questions by sending an email to askbelmont@minlib.net.
Please register for the Zoom link!
| | | |
Dial M for Movies
Friday, February 27th, 6:30pm
Morrissey Hall
Join Library Director Peter Struzziero for a showing of Ocean's Eleven (2001).
Bring yourself, and we'll provide the snacks!
| | | |
Marvelous Mosaics Workshop
Wednesday, March 4
Adults & Teens
Community Classroom
This multigenerational workshop invites teens, adults, and seniors to explore mosaics with a twist—using fibers instead of traditional tiles! You'll work with felt, fabric remnants, and yarn to create vibrant, textured designs, from bold geometric patterns to whimsical animals, imaginative landscapes, or abstract compositions. Along the way, you'll also learn about global textile and mosaic traditions, discovering how people across cultures use fibers to tell stories, express ideas, and record history. This hands-on workshop fosters mindfulness, creativity, and artistic skill-building while providing a welcoming, inclusive space for the community to gather, create, and connect.
About Second Nature Arts
Second Nature Arts is a Massachusetts-based arts organization dedicated to nurturing creativity, curiosity, and confidence through hands-on art experiences. Founded by artist and educator Susan Lynn Smith, the organization offers playful, process-focused workshops for children, teens, and adults that emphasize exploration, experimentation, and creative expression in a welcoming, inclusive environment for all skill levels. Learn more at www.secondnaturearts.org
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Belmont Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.
| | | | |
