| | May 2025 | Events & Updates | |
Library Hours:
Beech Street Center
- Monday – Thursday: 9am - 7:30pm
- Friday: 9am - 5pm
- Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Benton
- Monday: 9am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 5pm
- Tuesday: 9am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 7:30pm
- Wednesday & Thursday: 10am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 7:30pm
- Friday: 9am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 5pm
- Saturday: 9am - 3pm
We will be closed on Monday, May 26th for Memorial Day
Email: askbelmont@minlib.net
Phone: 617-489-2000
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Dear Library Patrons,
As we turn the page into a new season, we are excited to share several important updates and upcoming opportunities at the Belmont Public Library!
First, we’re thrilled to announce a major step forward for two of the Library’s strongest and longest-standing support groups: The Friends of the Belmont Public Library and The Belmont Library Foundation. This summer, pending a successful membership vote, the two organizations plan to merge into a single, united entity. This merger will allow for an even stronger and more coordinated effort to support Library services, programs, and our future growth. We are so grateful for the decades of tireless work by both groups, and we look forward to sharing more details as the process moves forward. Stay tuned!
We are also happy to announce the return of one of our most popular community activities — The Sunflower Challenge! After the amazing enthusiasm last year, we are once again inviting patrons of all ages to join in the fun. Stop by the Library to pick up your free packet of sunflower seeds (while supplies last), plant them at home, and watch them grow throughout the summer. Later this year, we’ll invite everyone to share their sunflower stories and photos. It’s a beautiful way to connect, celebrate, and bring a little more sunshine to Belmont!
In digital news, we are excited to let you know that the Minuteman Library Network has officially launched a new & improved mobile app! This new app, called Minuteman Mobile, is streamlined, easy to use, and incorporates lots of user experience improvements. Now you can search the catalog, manage your account, place holds, and access eBooks and audiobooks more easily than ever before—all from your mobile device. The Minuteman Mobile app is available now in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. We highly encourage you to check it out!
As always, thank you for your incredible support of the Belmont Public Library. Whether you attend a program, check out a book, plant a sunflower, or simply share a kind word with our staff, you help make our Library a true cornerstone of the Belmont community. We are honored to serve you, and we look forward to an exciting summer and beyond. On a personal note, this month marks my 10 year work anniversary, and the beginning of my 11th year. It has been a privilege to serve you, and believe me when I say that no one is more excited for the new library than I. (Ok... maybe there is a tie with a few others for first place).
Finally, we’ll leave you with a little teaser for something special we’re preparing behind the scenes: The Library of Tools is coming soon!
Kindest Regards,
Peter Struzziero
Library Director
Belmont Public Library
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The 3rd annual Belmont Public Library Sunflower Challenge, inspired by legendary local gardener Elvira Repetti, is back! For over 65 years Elvira planted sunflower seeds locally each spring - and you can do the same!
Come to our temporary locations and bring home a pack of sunflower seeds. Once they start to bloom, send us pictures of them and we’ll share them far and wide.Send pictures to belmontpublicsocial@gmail.com or tag @belmontlibma on Facebook or Instagram.
| |  | Check out the new library app with new features - Minuteman Mobile!The new app is streamlined, easy to use, and incorporates lots of user experience improvements. Now you can search the catalog, manage your account, place holds, and access eBooks and audiobooks more easily than ever before - all from your mobile device. The Minuteman Mobile app is available now in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and is replacing the previous Minuteman Library Network app. | | | |
Craft: Wildflower Votive Candle Holder with Rachelle Toth
Monday, May 5th, 6pm
Parish Hall
All Saints' Episcopal Church
17 Clark Street, Belmont
Come make your own votive candle holder with a wildflower decoration just in time for spring!
Space is limited so please make sure to register!
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A Steampunk Murder Mystery
Monday, May 12th, 6:30pm
Parish Hall
All Saints' Episcopal Church
17 Clark Street, Belmont
The Belmont Public Library invites you to a Steampunk Murder Mystery Party. Bring your best sleuthing skills and appetite as we nosh and try to figure out who is the murderer.
Solve a murder! Bring a friend! Dress up if you want! Refreshments will be served! Local celebrities will bring the story to life.
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Make Your Money Work for You
Tuesday, May 13th, 7pm
Zoom
Feeling lost in the world of investing? If terms like “asset allocation” or “diversification” make your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. Whether you're just getting started or trying to make sense of the basics, this webinar will help you build a strong financial foundation—without the jargon or judgment!
In this investing webinar, you will learn:
- Why Investing Matters
- The Core Investing Principles Everyone Should Know
- A Fresh Financial Perspective!
About Ariel Nathanson:
Ariel Nathanson is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and the Founder of Finances for Feminists. After leaving her corporate job as a software executive, Ariel set out to demystify the world of personal finance by offering one-on-one financial coaching. Her business is focused on helping individuals and couples attain financial wellness through education and personalized support.
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Paul Revere's Midnight Ride: Dispelling the Myths with the Paul Revere House
Monday, May 19th, 7pm
Parish Hall
All Saints' Episcopal Church
17 Clark Street, Belmont
Paul Revere is an American icon, but how much does the story of the Midnight Ride hold up, and why?
This program allows us to explore Revere and his famous ride, and offers some insights into other aspects of his life as well. Revere was a silversmith with several side jobs, an active member of the Freemasons, and a father to a large family as well as a politically active Patriot in the American Revolution.
Tegan Kehoe, from the Paul Revere House in Boston, will present on Revere and his legacy.
Light refreshments will be provided.
This program is co-sponsored by the Belmont Historical Society.
Questions? Email Logan at lmanchester@minlib.net.
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How to Declutter a Decade's Worth of Stuff with Jamie Novak
Thursday, May 29th, 7pm
Zoom
Closets won’t close and storage spots overstuffed? Log on with expert organizer Jamie Novak when she shares how to sort through the stuff, what to toss first, and how to stay motivated. Designed for those that want to clean out, are moving or inherited a home.
About Jamie:
You may have seen her on morning TV or read her newest bestseller, Keep This, Toss That. Jamie Novak hosts a 10 Minute Podcast and has a popular YouTube show. She spends most days presenting virtual programs on how to de-clutter, with a humorous twist. When not on the computer – with her dog Holly at her feet – Jamie is drinking iced tea while clipping out recipes she’ll never prepare. Be sure to visit JamieNovak.com to find out the toss-it item of the day.
| | Children's & Teen Programs | | |
Storytime
Littlest Ones (ages 0-2): Wednesdays at 9:30am
Beech Street Center
Multipurpose Room
All Ages:
Thursdays at 10am
Beech Street Center
Multipurpose Room
Preschool (ages 2-5):
Tuesdays at 10am
Benton Library
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Little Builders
Monday, May 12th, 10am
Benton Library
Come build with us! We will provide building toys of all kinds for your little ones to play and create with. Recommended for ages 2 to 5.
Toys courtesy of the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.
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Block Party at the Benton
Saturday, May 10th, 1-3pm
Benton Library
The Belmont Public Library and the Benton Library invite you to a block party and open house at the Benton Library (75 Oakley Road in Belmont), rain or shine.
Join us for ice cream from Frozen Hoagies, a mini Touch a Truck with the Fire Department, Police Department, and DPW, crafts, outdoor games, and so much more.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Benton Library and the Friends of the Belmont Public Library with support from the Belmont Recreation Department.
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Pajama Storytime
Thursday, May 15th, 6:15pm
Benton Library
Wind down with pajama storytime at the Benton! Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome as we curl up with some cozy books and relaxing rhymes. Don’t forget to bring a favorite stuffed animal to join in the fun!
The Benton Library is located at 75 Oakley Road; at the corner of Oakley Road and Old Middlesex Road in Belmont.
Recommended for families with children of all ages. Please register.
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Make Your Own Puppets for Kids with Nicola Rose
Tuesday, May 20th, 3:30pm
First Church in Belmont, UU
404 Concord Ave., Belmont
Join us for a craft program where kids and their grown ups will make simple finger puppets out of arts-and-crafts materials.
Recommended for families with children in kindergarten and up but all are welcome. Materials provided by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.
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Children's Concert with Matt Heaton
Friday, May 23rd, 10am
First Church in Belmont, UU
404 Concord Ave., Belmont
Concerts with Matt Heaton are back! Sing and dance along with one of Belmont’s favorite rock stars! Matt's classic and original songs delight all ages (even parents!).
This program will be held at the First Church in Belmont in the Parish Hall. The First Church in Belmont is located at 404 Concord Avenue. Limited on-site parking is available. The church is accessible by the 74 and 75 buses as well as in walking distance of the commuter rail. More information is available here.
Please sign up online to reserve a space. Call 617-993-2880 or email Coordinator of Children's Services Deborah Borsuk at dborsuk@minlib.net with any questions.
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Joey's Junior Book Club
Thursday, May 29th, 3:30pm
Benton Library
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 will discuss Geraldine Pu and Her Magic Pencil Too! by Maggie P. Chang.
This program is for kindergarten, first, and second graders and their grownups. Space is limited. Please register.
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Teen Reference Hour
Wednesdays, 2-3:30pm
Beech Street Center
Reference Room
The Young Adult Librarian will be on deck to assist teens and teen-adjacent folks with research and homework questions, book suggestions, and any other teen-service-related topics!
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How to Write an Uncommon College Essay
Thursday, May 15th, 5pm
Zoom
Join Uncommon Futures for this free webinar for rising 11th and 12th grade students!
We'll go over what schools are looking for in applicants and how you can stand out in the pile, give an inside look into college admissions offices, read sample essays, do creative brainstorming exercises, chat about what makes writing strong, and leave you with ideas on how to dive into the college essay process yourself.
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High School Juniors: Creating a Compelling College Application this Summer
Wednesday, May 21st, 7pm
Zoom
This program is a detailed and strategic overview of what students should focus on to make their college applications compelling.
We will cover the college application process including current admissions trends, writing the personal statement essay and supplemental essays, teacher recommendations, and how a student’s ability to express their insights, experiences and personal growth through their application essays is more important than ever before.
We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of early decision, early action and regular decision, and review what factors students should consider in deciding whether or not to submit their standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for test-optional colleges and universities.
The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC. (www.standoutforcollege.com)
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Teen Advisory Board
Thursday, May 22nd, 4pm
Conference Room #4
Belmont Town Hall
455 Concord Avenue, Belmont
The Teen Advisory Board is open to teens in grades 7-12. Come meet with other teens and your adorable young adult librarian to help brainstorm new programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities. This is a Community Service Opportunity. Questions? Email Maya Escobar at mescobar@minlib.net or
askbelmontya@minlib.net.
| | | Ongoing Programs & Book Clubs | | |
Genealogy One-on-One Appointments
Fridays starting at 12:30pm
Beech Street Center
Reference Room
Interested in learning about your Genealogy or family history?
Meet with our Reference and Local History Librarian, Logan, to learn more about how to use the library’s online genealogy databases to discover your family’s history.
In these sessions Logan can help you get started with genealogy research, learn about the library's digital resources, or help you research a particular family member.
Registration is required, so please check our calendar for a date and time to sign up.
Please note that patrons are limited to one session per month.
Questions? Email Logan at lmanchester@minlib.net.
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50+ Job Seekers
1st & 3rd Wednesdays
May 7th & May 21st, 9:30am
Zoom
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.
Each meeting features a new topic. Meetings include a presentation and interactive workshop on topics relevant to career transition, guest speakers, access to hiring managers, small group breakout rooms to network, and 1-on-1 coaching guidance.
Participating on a regular basis will give job seekers the many tools and strategies needed for a successful job search.
Register for these sessions below.
May 7th: Networking
May 21st: Interview Strategies
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Page of Enlightenment Book Club
Thursday, May 8th, 7pm
Zoom
We will discuss Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883.
The New York Times said of Winchester's work, when released in 2003: “Brilliant...One of the best books ever written about the history and significance of a natural disaster.”
Questions? Email Chris Tremblay at ctremblay@minlib.net.
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Cookbook Club
Tuesday, May 13th, 6:30pm
Beech Street Center
Classroom A
Join the Cookbook Club as we cook through a title together each month!
Copies of the book are available in the display across from the circulation desk. Participants should each cook a recipe of their choosing and bring it ready to eat to Classroom A at the Beech Street Center at time of the meeting. We will be reading Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome's Jewish Kitchen by Leah Koenig.
Email Chris Tremblay at ctremblay@minlib.net with any questions.
This event is a potluck as defined under the Massachusetts Potluck Law.
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Equal Justice Book Group
Tuesday, May 13th, 6:30pm
All Saints' Parish Hall
17 Clark Street, Belmont
Belmont Against Racism and the Belmont Public Library present The Equal Justice Book Group! We will read (and perhaps listen to/watch) materials to educate and inspire conversation about racist policies of past and present.
We will be reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Copies of the book will be held at the Circulation desk at the Beech Street Center.
Registration encouraged but not required.
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Virtual Trivia Night
Wednesday, May 21st, 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!
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Dial M for Movies
Friday, May 23rd, 6:30pm
Beech Street Center
Multipurpose Room
Join Director Peter Struzziero and fellow movie aficionados for a movie screening of the oldie but goodie, Swiss Family Robinson.
We'll bring the concession snacks, you bring yourself!
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