NEWS & UPDATES
OPEN PUBLIC FORUM 
Wednesday, March 13th, 7:00pm
Assembly Room 
 
Meet the Library Building Committee & Architectural Team who are designing our new library.
 
Explore the site
Discuss sustainability interests
Delve into the building program
 
All are welcome as we examine these issues in an interactive working session.
 
This event is hosted by the Belmont Library Foundation in partnership with 30 community organizations.
Participate in a workshop with town leaders, your neighbors, and local businesses and organizations.
Sunday, April 28th, 3:00-5:30pm
Beech Street Center
 
Dr. Putnam, a professor of public policy at Harvard University, is one of our nation's leading researchers on communities, social capital, and public policy. Better Together focuses on innovative people, organizations, and civic institutions that are playing a vital role in renewing and strengthening the social fabric of their communities. Dr. Putnam is the recipient of numerous professional honors and has consulted for Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton, as well as heads of state in Britain, France, Singapore, and more, as well as grassroots leaders and activists in many countries.
 
Discussion topics to consider:
  • In this time of change, how can we all - individuals, town government, businesses, social and religious organizations - work better together?

  • How can we harness what we love about Belmont to create an even better future?
 
Come with your ideas.  Let's TALK!
 


Help us pick a winner for our Bracket of Books 2019!
 
March Madness is here and the Belmont Public Library is getting in on the fun. We've created a bracket with Belmont's top sixteen circulating books from 2018 and your votes will decide our winner.  
 
Our tournament starts Monday March 11th and every couple of days there will be new match-ups for you to vote on. You can cast your votes either online at our Book Lists page or in person at the ballot box in our Book List display in the Reference Room. 
 
EVENTS & PROGRAMS 
Music on Saturday Series
Celtic and Folk Music with Colleen and Sean
Saturday, March 9th
3pm, Assembly Room

Join us for Celtic and folk music with Colleen White and Sean Smith .  This duo are of different generations, but find common ground in their love of the music of Ireland and the UK.
 
Performing traditional and contemporary songs with pleasing harmonies and solid accompaniment.
 
This event is part of our Music on Saturday series, and sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library. Be sure to join us April 6th when we welcome violinist Joshua Peckins.  
 
Generation Zapped  
Tuesday, March 26th   
6:30pm, Assembly Room 
   
Please join us for a screening of the award-winning film Generation Zapped.
 
Learn about the potential health risks of wireless technologies, and get tips on how you can keep yourself and family safe.
 
Cece Doucette, who has helped introduce legislation to educate and protect the public, will join us to facilitate a Q&A session following the film.
 
Film Screening at 6:30pm
 
Discussion led by Cece Doucette at 7:30pm
  
Friends' Author Series
Kwan Kew Lai
Thursday, March 21st
7pm, Assembly Room

Author Kwan Kew Lai will discuss her book Lest We Forget: A Doctor's Experience with Life and Death During the Ebola Outbreak . After fighting through yards of red tape, leaving her family, and putting her own health at risk to help suffering strangers, Kwan Kew Lai finally arrived in Africa to volunteer as an infectious disease specialist in 2014, during the largest Ebola outbreak in history. What she found was not only blistering heat, inhospitable working conditions, and deadly, unrelenting illness, but hope, resilience, and incredible courage.
 
 
 
This e vent is part of our Friends' Author series, and sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.  This is the final event in the spring Author Series. 
 
Books and Bites
Author Julie Dobrow to Speak on After Emily:  Two Remarkable Women and the Legacy of America's Greatest Poet 
Monday, March 11th
11am, Assembly Room
 
Author Julie Dobrow will speak on her new book After Emily: Two Remarkable Women and the Legacy of America's Greatest Poet
Emily Dickinson may be the most widely read and beloved of all American poets, but the story behind her work's initial, posthumous publication in 1890 and the mother-and-daughter team most responsible for her enduring legacy are barely known.  After Emily recounts the extraordinary lives of Mabel Loomis Todd and her daughter, Millicent Todd Bingham, and the powerful literary legacy they shared.  Mabel's complicated relationships with the Dickinsons--including her thirteen-year extramarital affair with Emily's brother, Austin--roiled the small town of Amherst, Massachusetts.  Mabel and Austin's love led to her work with Emily Dickinson's poetry, which inspired both Mabel's life and her daughter's, and fed controversies over the poetry's promotion, editing, and ownership.   
 
Julie Dobrow has unearthed hundreds of primary sources to tell this compelling narrative and reveal the surprising impact Mabel and Millicent had on the Emily Dickinson we know today. Julie Dobrow is Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at Tufts University.
 
All are welcome to attend this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.  Refreshments will be provided.  Books will be available for purchase and signing.
 
Movie Club: 
Good Morning Vietnam 
Viewing: Friday March 15th
6:30pm, Assembly Room  
 
Discussion: Wednesday, March 20th   
7pm, Flett Room 


   
Dial M for Movies is the Library's movie club, hosted by Library Director Peter Struzziero. Join Peter for the film viewing - with popcorn of course - then come back later in the month to discuss the film. 
Tai Chi at the Library
Saturday, March 9th
10:00am, Assembly Room
Tuesday, March 19th
7:00pm, Assembly Room 
Registration optional but appreciated. 
   
Join us for tai chi at the Library. Tai chi practitioner and coach, Aisling O'Shea, will guide you through this beautiful and low impact form of martial art and meditation. NO equipment necessary, just bring yourself and wear comfortable clothing.  
 
Can't make this month? Join us in April:
Tuesday evening, April 30th, 7pm, Assembly Room.   Registration optional but appreciated.
Knitting Group
Fridays, 12:30-2:30pm (drop in) 
Flett Room 
   
Do you enjoy knitting and a nice group chat? 
Drop in to the Library's Knitting Group, Fridays between 12:30-2:30pm in the Flett Room. Bring your knitting, crochet, weaving, or other portable crafts or projects, and we'll get to know each other as we work. We're mainly a social group who like to take a few hours on Friday afternoon to relax and work with yarn, although we're happy to help if you've reached a tricky point in your pattern, or need assistance fixing a dropped stitch. No commitment necessary - we look forward to meeting you!
For more information, contact Nancy McColm at 617-993-2870 or [email protected]
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
Belmont Book Discussion Group 
Wednesday, March 20th 
3pm, Flett Room

This month BBD is reading Dina Nayeri's, Refuge, the story of a Iranian father and his refuge daughter struggling to make a connection with one another despite the very different worlds in which they live in.  BBD meets on the third Wednesday of every other month.  
 
See our flyer showing the titles and dates for 2019
 
All are welcome to attend this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.  Refreshments will be provided.  
 
The Flett Room is handicapped accessible.  
 
Senior Book Discussion
Friday, March 8th
11am, Classroom A, Beech Street Center
The senior book discussion group will discuss the novel The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.  The senior book discussion group is co-sponsored by the Belmont Public Library and the Belmont Council on Aging.  All are welcome to attend. 
 
 
Belmont Cookbook Club
Tuesday, March 5th
7pm, Assembly Room
 
Tuesday, April 9th
7pm, Assembly Room  
 
                                                 
 
 
Try our new Cookbook Club, run by Librarians Ellen Girouard and Chris Tremblay. March's selection is Cravings by Chrissy Teigen, multiple copies of each book will be made available at the library. Choose a recipe to make and bring it to our potluck and discussion of the book.  The April selection will be Smitten Kitchen Every Day by Deb Perelman 
 
Registration is now open for both the March and April meetings and participants must register for each individual meeting.  We will need a list of the ingredients used by all participants. We will be in contact the week before each meeting to find out what everyone is making!  If you have any questions, contact Chris at [email protected], happy cooking!
 
This meeting is a potluck as defined by Massachusetts state law
FEATURED DATABASE 
MANGO LANGUAGES 

 
If you are traveling abroad soon, or simply have a love of language, you'll want to give Mango Languages a try.  Mango offers online courses in more than 70 languages, to help you improve your conversation skills.  And, if you are someone who's learning English, Mango also offers English courses for non-English speakers .  Find it on our website under Subject Guide>Language Learning to get started today.  Need help?  Speak with a reference librarian at 617-993-2870 or [email protected].  
 
 
CHILDREN'S EVENTS
MONTHLY STORYTIMES
   
Active Learning for Infants
Wednesdays
10:30am, Flett Room
Every Wednesday, unless otherwise noted.
For infants up to 12 months and pre-walkers, this short program of songs and rhymes is focused on engaging with your baby  and me eting new friends.
 
 
Storytime for 1s
Thursdays
9:30am and 10:30am, Flett Room
For walkers and toddlers under 24 months. We'll share simple stories, song s, and nursery rhymes,  and end with time to play.
 
 
Storytime for 2s and 3s
Tuesdays
9:30am and 10:30am, Flett Room
Come listen to stories and rhymes, si ng, and even dance! For 2 and 3 year olds.
 
 
Preschool Storytime
Wednesdays
9:30am, Flett Room
We'll read longer books, sing and  dance, and make simple crafts. For 3-5 year olds with a longer attention span.
 
 
Early Literacy Playgroup
Fridays
10:30am, Flett Room
This parent and child group supports your child's language and literacy development. You'll play, read, sing and take home new ideas! Presented by educators from the CFCE grant program; for children age 4 and under.
 
 
 
MARCH EVENTS
 
   
Music and Movement with Rubi
Monday, March 4th
Monday, March 25th 
9:30am and 10:15am,  Assembly Room      
For children ages 2-5, this active program will get kids (and their grownups) moving, dancing and having fun! 
 
 
   
Mad Science Presents: Movie Effects (An Early Release Day  Event)
Wednesday, March 20th
2pm, Assembly Room  
Movie Effects gives children a chance to sit in the director's chair and discover why science is the real star on the big screen. Exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities allow participants to discover the science behind the amazing sound and weather effects, 3-D technology, and much more. Students will use the Cartoon Creator to make their own mini movie flipbooks that they can take home.
 
Registration is required and starts March 1st.  This program is for 2nd through 4th graders. 
 
 
Sing-Along with Matt Heaton
Thursday March 28th
10:30am, Assembly Room
Join acclaimed local musician Matt Heaton for this sing-along for babies and toddlers up to 24 months with both original songs and classic favorites.
 
 

Powers Musical Storytime (Two Performances) 
Saturday, March 30th
10am and 11am, Assembly Room  
Musicians from the Powers Music School present a musical telling of Saxophone Sam and his Snazzy Jazz Band by Christine Schneider. Recommended for families with children ages 2 and up.  
 
 
Stories and Snacks
Wednesday, March 13th
Wednesday, March 27th 
2:30pm, Flett Room  
Who says being read to is just for little kids? Join Children's Librarian Rachel and munch on some yummy snacks while listening to fun stories in this program just for kids ages 7 and older. RSVP's appreciated! RSVP online or call 617-993-2880.
  
 
Parent-Child Book Club
Wednesday, March 27th
6:30pm, Assembly Room
This book club is for children in grades 3-6 and their parents or other special adult. This month's title is The Candymakers by Wendy Mass; all registered families can pick up a copy of the book at the Children's Room desk. Pizza will be served. Registration required. 
 
TEENS
Homework and Hot Chocolate 
Wednesday, March 6th, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Assembly Room
Middle school students--come and eat snacks, do your homework and then play games, do crafts, or read books. Once a month on Wednesdays (usually the first Wednesday of the month.) Free, drop-in for 5th-8th graders.
 
Teen Advisory Board
Friday, March 15th, 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Flett Room
Attention teens, grades 9 and up! Looking for a new community service opportunity? Join the teen advisory board. Meetings are held once a month during the school year on Friday afternoons, but you don't have to attend every month. We eat pizza, work on a volunteer project, and plan upcoming teen programs. Please email [email protected] for more details.
 
Level Up: Teen Gaming
Tuesday, March 12th, 3:00pm to 4:00 pm
Flett Room
Join us for an afternoon of gaming on the new library Nintendo Switch and SNES Classic! We'll have Mario Kart both old and new for you to try, as well as the brand new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! For grades 6 to 12.
  
Girls Who Code
Mondays, 4:15 to 6:15 pm
Flett Room
Girls Who Code clubs equip girls with concrete te chnical skills that will provide the foundation for a future in technology. The curriculum is provided by the organization, and involves 40 hours of instruction in computer science including project based activities to reinforce concepts like conditionals, lists, and loops, with primary learning tracks in Scratch  and Javascript Registration required. Please email  [email protected] for more information.
 
Creative Writing Club 
Tuesday, March 19th, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Flett Room
Working on your first novel?  Love to write?  Or maybe you just want to try your hand at it?  Join us for our new monthly Creative Writing Club.  We'll have writing challenges, time for you to share your writing if you want, and group writing games, plus an old school typewriter for your to try out, snacks and good company.  For grades 6 to 12.  
 
Teen Make: Polymer Clay 
Friday, March 29th, 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm
Flett Room
The Belmont Public Library Teen Advisory board presents our new series: Teen Make! Join us to learn how to make your own scented bath and shower fizzies.  For grades 6 to 12. 
All programs run by the Library are free and open to the public. The Assembly and Flett Rooms are accessible to all.
AROUND TOWN
Belmont Counc il on Aging

Music from the Brill Building  
Friday, Mar. 1 at 1:15pm
The Brill Building, on Broadway in NYC, gave its name to a special era in American popular music. In the early 1960's, composers like Carole King and Burt Bacharach gave us "Up on the Roof" by the Drifters, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by the Shirelles, and "Walk on By" by Dionne Warwick. This one-hour musical show presents songs from the early 1960s that were written and produced in the Brill Building. "The Brill Project" returns to perform songs like the above, "On Broadway," and "Stand By Me." The Brill Project is composed of four long-time musicians: Sheryl Altman, Curtis Poole, Belmont resident John Verrilli, and Lenore Webber. Cost: Free.
 


 
911 Communications Presentation
Tuesday, Mar. 5 at 1:15pm
We are excited to welcome Ted Pendergast, 911 Operations Manager from the Belmont Police Department to the Beech Street Center. Ted will give us an overview of Emergency Communications and the 911 system in Belmont. A discussion will follow surrounding the emergency call taking process; when someone should call for help; what should you expect when you call 911; a walk-through of some examples of emergency calls; and answer questions you may have. This is a great program for our participants, their families, loved ones, and other members of the community. Please stop by the front desk or call 617-993-2970 to sign up. Cost: Free.
 

 
Pound Demonstration - Rocket Workout
Tuesday, Mar. 5 at 6:00pm
Channel your inner rock-star with this full body cardio-jam session inspired by the infectious, energizing, and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums. Instead of listening to music, you become the music in this exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and Pilates-inspired movements. Using Ripstix®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, POUND transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out.
 
  Jing is a certified POUND Pro (instructor) and has been teaching POUND at Burlington Parks and Recreation. She fell in love with POUND at its birthplace - Southern California and is excited to share her passion and bring it to Belmont, where she currently resides. Please wear comfortable clothes, sneakers, and bring your own yoga mat from home if you have one. To participate in the demo exercise waivers must be signed. Cost: Free.
 
   
 
 
 
Step Dancing with the O'Shea-Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance
Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 5:00pm
"May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night."
~Irish Blessing 
Here at the Beech Street Center, we are excited to get into the St. Patrick's Day spirit. Brenda Crossen (ADCRG) * , and students from her Belmont class will perform traditional Irish step dancing for us. Step and tap along to the music, and afterward stay to chat with                    the stude nt s. Light refreshments and cookies will be provided. Cost: Free. 
*Ard Diploma Coimisiuin le Rinci Gaelacha (Gaelic: Commission Certified Irish Dance Adjudicator).
 
This event is generously sponsored by 24 Hours Care in Newton. 
 
 


1st Annual Beach Party!!
Tuesday, Mar. 19 from 4:30-6:30pm
Get your flip flops, Hawaiian shirts, and sunglasses out because we're having a beach party at the Beech Street Center!
 
The winter months can be long so we decided to shake things up. Plus, we're located on Beech Street (Oops, that's a tree) still we are going to have an evening of fun in the sun! Come and enjoy delicious nibbles generously donated by the Spirited Gourmet in Belmont along with hot dogs and chips. Make sure you save room for some tropical punch and novelty ice bars. Toby Tobas will be here to play reggae, Latin, and Caribbean music on his steel drums.
 
So...bring your beach chairs, outdoor games, and prepare for a "real day at the beach"! Please sign-up at the front desk. Cost: Free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
 
Music performance and food generously donated by Leader Bank, Right at Home in Bedford, and the Spirited Gourmet.  
   
 
 

Belmont Gallery of Art

Matthew Gallagher: Research and Development
March 16 - April 6
Belmont native and now notable Cleveland-based artist/musician MATTHEW GALLAGHER returns to Belmont with a SOLO SHOW at the BGA.  Gallagher's RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT exhibit will feature over thirty unique paintings and sculptural pieces. Special events include RECEPTIONS, an ARTIST TALK and SONIC ART.

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