A Note from Cathy, our Library Director
Dear Community Member,
 
Amazingly, the time has come to begin transitioning staff and services back to West Branch! West is still a very active worksite, but we’re inching ever closer to a phase in the project when library staff will be able to gain access to help set up the collection and familiarize themselves with all of the new building systems.
 
During my last visit to West, I noticed plenty of cleaning happening, including a careful hand washing of the wooden staircases in the historic building that left the stairs shining. The relocated children’s space, now on the second floor is nearly furnished (the small historic windows have been restored and are now cushioned quiet nooks for little ones to curl up in), and decorated with beautiful stenciling that was designed by the current architects, honoring the original restored stenciling on the main floor but adding a contemporary and playful flair. Speaking of the original stenciling on the main floor, we owe a debt of gratitude to the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission who, through a stabilization project, unearthed the stenciling in 2004, and provided the details needed to restore the original patterns. And the bottom level, where our children’s space used to be, has been completely transformed into a comfortable reading area for adults, a community room that provides versatility for a variety of programs and events, and a conference space that can be divided if needed with both sides equipped with audiovisual equipment.
 
To prepare for transitioning back to West, our temporary space at TAB will close on Friday, February 26. If you are currently choosing the TAB location to pick-up and return your library materials, please consider shifting your holds to our Central or East locations which both have book drops, or finding another MLN library that is convenient for you to get to.
 
I’ve included a few recent photos of West I’ve taken over the past several weeks, that I hope provide a sense of what we have to look forward to! Thank you for all of your support and patience. We are *almost* there!
 
Best,
Cathy Piantigni,
Director of Libraries
Upcoming Programs
Saturday, February 13 at 2 pm on Zoom (with meeting link)
For our final Getting Cozy crafting for adults project of the season, we will be crafting a Meditation Box. Join library staff and fellow crafters as we sip hot chocolate (included in your bag), chat, and transform plain white boxes into unique creations through collage. Assemble and decorate your box into something that illustrates your feelings and matches your personal style.
Tuesday, February 16 at 4 pm on Zoom (with meeting invite)
Explore different writing themes, prompts and techniques, and chat about the things that you love!

Regina Hansen is the author of the YA novel "The Coming Storm" (Atheneum/Simon and Schuster due May 2021). She teaches at Boston University and has written regular articles for the nationally circulated children's magazine "Dig into History", and her essays have also appeared in the Wall Street Journal Review, Science Fiction Film and Television, and the Conversation. Visit her at ReginaMHansen.com.

**To register, email Ann at acassesso@minlib.net.**
Thursday, February 18 at 5:30 pm on Zoom (with meeting invite)
USCIS Community Relations Officer, John McCarthy, will provide an overview of the Naturalization process; describe eligibility requirements, the filing process and a description of the interview.

This presentation is being offered as part of our Pathways to Citizenship program. The Pathways to Citizenship program is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Thursday, February 25 at 7 pm on Zoom (with meeting invite)
Join Museum Of Bad Art Curator-in-Chief Michael Frank for an examination of paintings from MOBA's collection that, accidentally or by design, resemble famous people. 

The Museum Of Bad Art is the world's leading (and only) museum dedicated to bad art. MOBA has collected, exhibited and celebrated the worst of art for more than 20 years. Formerly located in the basement of the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, MOBA is looking for a new home.
 
This program is made possible with funding by Friends of the Somerville Public Library.
Sunday, February 28 at 2 pm on Zoom (with meeting invite)
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by mindfully drawing structured patterns. No prior drawing experience or skill level is necessary.

All supplies will be provided and will be will be available for pick up at the Central Library and at the East Branch.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, thank you Friends!
Monday nights at 6:30 pm on our YouTube Channel
Join local yoga teacher Jenn Falk for the continuation of winter yoga classes with SPL!

Jenn will be joining us in the chat, come say hello and unwind with your local yoga community! Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can set a reminder for all Jenn's yoga practices.

This yoga series is made possible with funding from the Friends of the Somerville Public Library and video production from Somerville City Cable.
February is Black History Month
It's Black History Month, celebrate by reading Black authors! Looking for more recommendations? Try our new What Should I Read Next? service!
South to a Very Old Place by Albert Murray
In 1970 the editor of Harper's asked the African-American writer Albert Murray to take a road trip through the South and write about it. The result was too long and experimental to be published in a magazine, but it makes a beautiful, maddening, moving and lyrical book.

Recommended by Kevin, Head of Reference
This is a delicious serving of vegan recipes with a sprinkle of social justice and a dash of self-love and encouragement, written by a 19-year-old motivational speaker and health professional. A few months ago, Alison's family started having Meatless Mondays, and this cookbook has really upped their game (on other days of the week, too!).

Recommended by Alison, West Branch Children's Librarian
Howard Bryant is a journalist who started his career writing about baseball. He talks about the Heritage - Black athletes speaking up about how they and the Black community are treated. It started with Paul Robeson and continued with Jackie Robinson, Henry Aaron, Muhammad Ali, Lebron James and Colin Kaepernick. Black players who take a stand are usually shunned at the time of their action but then revered after their deaths. The topic is so interesting and continues to be timely.

Recommended by Marita, East Branch Librarian
The racism that exists in this country is based on a caste system, much like the one people know that is in India. Other countries, like Germany used our country as a model when they were thinking about creating a caste system in Germany for the Jews. The story we often hear about our country is based on an innocence that the US projects.
It’s fascinating and incredibly upsetting. Isabel Wilkerson’s writing style pulls you in and her use of metaphors really help the reader understand the magnitude of what she’s describing.

Recommended by Marita, East Branch Librarian
Malcolm and Me by Robin Farmer
It’s the 1970’s and Roberta, 13-years old, Black and a precocious aspiring writer, discovers her voice and how to use it to advocate for social justice. Her guides -- The Autobiography of Malcolm X and discussions with her Dad.

Recommended by Mary, Reference Librarian
A novel with ten tales about what happens after the dismissal bell rings. It does cover some really intense subjects, bullying, cancer and even a chapter on boogers. Both age-appropriate and tastefully done.

Recommended by Annamarie, Children's Librarian
Have you checked out our Wifi Pop Up?