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Coming Soon to Central Library!
Expanded Citizenship Corner
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The expanded
Citizenship Corner at Central Library is coming together thanks to Tufts Community Grants.
Here, you will find up-to-date information on the naturalization process, civics study materials, workbooks, and ESL help.
Check it out on the 3rd floor of Central Library with the ESL Collection!
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Milk Row Cemetery Reading
October 2019
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On October 15th, Central ESL Volunteers and Somerville Historic Preservation docents, Lois Greenbaum and Gerry Pierce (dressed in 18th century period clothing) talked to the Central Library's ESL class about the Milk Row Cemetery and the importance of cemeteries in learning about history!
The Milk Row Cemetery is located on Somerville Avenue next to Market Basket. Tours are given May-October.
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Digital Resource Spotlight: LaunchPads
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Launchpads are located on the 3rd Floor with the ESL Collection.
If you have any questions or need help checking one out, please contact Brigid Pigott, bpigott@minlib.net or 617.623.5000 x.2935.
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Meet Mike
ESL Volunteer-East Branch Library
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This month, we are featuring one of our East Branch ESL Volunteers, Mike who has been volunteering at the East Branch for a couple of years and also for a short time a few years ago when the program was run by a different coordinator.
We asked Mike some questions to help you get to know him better.
Why did you decide to become an ESL volunteer at the Somerville Public Library?
I found that my regular job was not so fulfilling, so I looked for some volunteer opportunities in the community. I met with the SomerServe coordinator who connected me once again with ESL. I'm glad to be back.
What is your favorite memory of the ESL program at the Somerville Public Library?
Whenever I leave the library feeling like I connected with the students and gave them a more confident feeling about their English skills. There have been couple times as well when I ran into students in the neighborhood - that gives me a nice sense of being part of the community.
Did anything about the ESL program surprise you?
I was surprised that the program also offered occasional field trips. I went on the one to the JFK Memorial Library. I had never been there, and it was a great time for me and the students.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
That I used to dance ballet when I was a little kid.
Anything else you would like to add?
I think the students have so much courage to come to the classes and make the effort to learn a new language, and I try to honor that by showing up myself and doing whatever I can.
Thank you, Mike for your time & dedication to the ESL program!
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Book, Magazine, & Movie Recommendations
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This edition's recommendations come from Alison at the TAB/West Branch Library and Mary, Kevin, Karen S., Brigid and Jim from Central Library.
Mark Watney became one of
the
first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be
the
first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to tell Earth that he's alive. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome
the
impossible odds against him?
Recommended by Alison
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E
njoy some entertaining magazines - all of our magazines can be checked out for a week!
These magazines have entertainment news and gossip, reviews of films, books, and games, celebrity interviews, and lots of photographs. Get up to date with pop culture when you read about what's happening with the stars in Hollywood!
Recommended by Mary
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The first collection of the increasingly popular comic strip that features a rambunctious 6-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger who comes charmingly to life.
Also available in English & French.
Recommended by Kevin
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American,
Pamela
Druckerman,
is living in Paris and has recently had a baby. As a former reporter for The Wall Street Journal, she sets out to learn the secrets of French parenting from raising a society of good little sleepers, gourmet eaters, and reasonably relaxed parents.
Recommended by Brigid
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Teen readers will root for MIT freshman Mei as she struggles with her Taiwanese parents' expectations: that not only will she become a doctor, but she will marry one as well (a Taiwanese doctor, of course). How can she tell them that she's a germaphobe (someone who is afraid of germs), that she's still dancing, and that she likes a boy who is definitely not Taiwanese.
Recommended by Karen S.
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On Christmas Eve, the lovable Westie dog named McDuff falls asleep while waiting for Santa to arrive, only to be awakened by a loud noise.
McDuff's "woofing" begins to annoy his human companions, but it leads to him meeting a new friend in a red suit and hat who has gotten stuck in the snow.
Recommended by Jim
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The great Michael Caine, as Scrooge, interacts with the marvelous Muppets playing the rest of Dickens' characters, for a funny and family-friendly holiday classic. Narrated by the Great Gonzo, the film takes some liberties with the original books' plot, but faithfully retains its message of showing love and kindness to others.
Available on DVD and VCD.
Recommended by Jim
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Follow the instructions
of this interactive children's book and embark upon a magical journey!
Children and adults alike will giggle with delight as the dots multiply, change direction, and grow in size!
Recommended by Alison
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What Can I Do With My Library Card?
Check out a WiFi HotSpot!
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If you don't have Internet access, you can check out a Wifi Hotspot at either the East Branch Library or Central Library.
To reserve a Wifi Hotspot online:
- Click Here: Wifi Hotspot
- Click "Request It"
- Enter your Library Card Number and Password.
You can also call the East Branch Library, 617.623.5000 x.2970 or Central Library, 617.623.5000 x.2900 to see if the Wifi Hotspot is available for check out.
To reserve the Wifi Hotspot, you must be a Somerville Resident.
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Spring 2020 Citizenship Class
at Central Library
starting March 7
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In partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program, Somerville Public Library will be hosting a 12 week Citizenship Class in the Auditorium at Central Library on Saturdays from March 7-May 23.
This class prepares students for all parts of their Citizenship test: literacy test, 100 questions about U.S. history and government, as well as, help with improving speaking and listening abilities in English.
Requirements: Basic Level English & Legal Permanent Resident for 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. Citizen)
For more information, contact Brigid, bpigott@minlib.net or 617.623.5000 x2935.
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Our next Newsletter will be on April 18!
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