April 2017 Library News & Events
All programs take place at the Roslindale Branch Library and are free of charge unless noted otherwise. The library will be closed on Monday, April 17 in observance of Patriot’s Day. Call the branch at 617-323-2343 for more information. Learn more at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org.
Rozzie Reads Poetry Open Mic:
Honoring Poets of Color
Thursday, April 27, 7 pm, Roslindale House, 120 Poplar Street
Rozzie Reads Poetry will host a special open mic featuring Boston’s Poet Laureate Danielle Legros Georges reading her own work and members of the Friends will read poems by other poets of color. Attendees are also welcome to bring a favorite poem by a poet of color to read as well. Julie Burros, Boston’s Chief Arts and Culture Officer, will give a brief introduction.
For more information about this and other events in the Race and Inclusion series, go to friendsofroslindalelibrary.org/inclusion.
Poetry Workshop series with Anastasia Vassos
Saturdays, April 22, 29 & May 6, 13, Noon – 1:45 pm
We will work in a safe, constructive environment to discuss matters of craft, to read your poems and offer encouragement and suggestions. We will consider the work of other poets to enhance our understanding of what makes a good poem. Poetry prompts will be provided to stimulate your creativity. Please bring a poem you have written to the first class. Contact Vassos at [email protected] to register.
A Fascinating Rhythm: Drum Nation with Cornell Coley
Saturday, April 29, 11 am – Noon, for ages 6 yrs and up
As part of Boston Arts Week, Cornell Coley will offer his young audience a drumming and dance experience where students learn: the names of instruments, historical and cultural references, dance movements, musical cues, connections to African origins and to each other. He describes the evolution of the drumming and dances over time and indicates where there have been new developments. He uses the concept of a “timekeeper” rhythmic pattern that acts as a common thread. Students have opportunities to dance and to play drums.” Learn more about Coley at afrolatin.net.
Mr. Joy Performance
Sunday, April 2, 3 pm, Riverside Theater Works
The Friends are planning a group outing to see the theatrical performance of Mr. Joy, the story of a Chinese immigrant who becomes the victim of an attack. We plan to do a carpool to Hyde Park for the show followed by optional coffee, snacks, and conversation at a nearby restaurant. Tickets are free, but you have to reserve them here. Please email us at [email protected] if you want to join our group and need a ride.
Memoir Writing Workshop with Naomi Lomba-Gomes
Thursdays, April 6, 13, 20, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
You don’t have to be famous to write your memoir! If you’re 19 or 90, chances are you have a story to tell. In this workshop, you will learn to write about your unique life experiences for yourself, as a legacy for your family, or for publication. You will learn to go beyond the descriptive and use creative details to get the reader’s attention while developing your own writing style. We will focus on individual strengths and explore each person’s unique writing style. Please bring a pen and notebook to the first meeting.
English Conversation Group
Saturdays, 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Back by popular demand, this drop-in Saturday conversation group is for those who want to learn English in an informal setting. The English Conversation group also meets on Thursdays, 6 pm to 7:30 pm and the Spanish conversation group meets on Saturdays, 11 am to 12 noon.
Fiber Arts-Eliot School
Fridays, April 7, 14, 21 & 28, 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
For children ages 7-12. The Eliot School fiber arts program teaches students the basics of working with wool, cotton, thread, yarn, felt, and more. Projects may include rugs, potholders, ornaments, or simple keepsakes made through weaving, sewing, tying, or gluing. Students learn about history, different cultures, and creativity before making the projects.
Computer Literacy Drop-In Clinic
Saturday, April 8, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
The Friends are offering free basic computer literacy support for those who need help with Microsoft Word, Excel or Powerpoint, email and Internet issues, social media, basic computer hardware and software Issues, and how to download BPL content onto your computer or tablet Bring your computer (if you have one) and questions for quick advice!
Theatrical Reading Series
Saturday, April 8, 12 pm – 1:45 pm
Theater group Office of War Information will host a reading of By The Book written by Amy Merrill. For more information, go to officeofwarinformation.com.
Resilience & Resistance Film Series
Saturdays, April 8 & 22, 6:30 pm, Roslindale Congregational Church
Films that explore authoritarianism, nationalism, and attacks on core democratic values will be shown, including Citizen Kane (April 8) and Welcome to Leith (April 22), followed by discussions. Suggested donation: $5. Co-sponsored by the Friends.
Ethos JP@Home
Tuesday, April 18, 3 pm – 5 pm
Ethos is a private, nonprofit organization that assists seniors and the disabled to live at home. Join this discussion on housing rights.
Foam Cup Butterfly, Vacation Week Art Program with Michele Brooks
Wednesday, April 19, 3 pm – 4 pm
For ages 5 -12. Call the library to register.
Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, April 20, 1:30 pm -2:30 pm
Come join us as we discuss Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill by Sonia Purnell. Refreshments will be provided and newcomers are always welcome.
Folk Concert Performance By Terry Kitchen & Ken Perlman
Thursday, April 27, 6:30 PM – 8 pm
Roslindale Volunteer Fair
Saturday, April 29, 11 am – 3 pm, Roslindale Community Center
The Friends will have a table at the fair to discuss our current volunteer opportunities. You can also meet with other local nonprofits to learn about how to give back to the community.
Gallery Display: Poobley – Greegy Puppets by Janice and Stephen Babcock
Through April
Renovation Project Update!
The Renovation Committee is pleased to announce that the architects for the design phase have been selected! We are awaiting word that the contract has been signed. Meanwhile, we are looking for people with the following expertise to join the committee to help support the design phase. Please contact [email protected] if you are able to help.
• Lighting
• Acoustics
• Security
• Early Childhood Education classroom design
• Environmentally Sustainable building design
• Technology for institutions
• Fundraising
We are also seeking input from community members, especially those that represent constituencies in Roslindale. To participate, find a questionnaire at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org/inclusion
Book Sale and Call for Donations
The Friends’ Annual Book Sale is May 10-13, 2017 and we are looking forward to sharing a fresh inventory with the community! If your spring cleaning finds you with books to donate, March and April are great months to bring them to the library. Here’s what we would like: recent fiction, non-fiction and children’s books in good condition. Here’s what we cannot use: encyclopedias, musty books, out-of-date travel guides, and manuals. Please drop off books inside the library during business hours and not in the book drop-off box outside. Also, we sell books every day in our “Daily Sales” section in the library rotunda. Stop by to purchase a book today!
We are also looking for volunteers to help out before and during the sale to sort and organize books. Sign up at [email protected].
Book Review: The Story of Ruby Bridges
Friends steering committee member Constance Martin wrote a review of the acclaimed children’s book, The Story of Ruby Bridges. This is the real story about Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African-American girl who integrated the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960. Read the review at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org/blog.
Book Sale and Call for Donations
The Friends’ Annual Book Sale is May 10-13, 2017 and we are looking forward to sharing a fresh inventory with the community! If your spring cleaning finds you with books to donate, this is a great time to bring them to the library. Here’s what we would like: recent fiction, non-fiction and children’s books in good condition. Here’s what we cannot use: encyclopedias, musty books, out-of-date travel guides, and manuals. Please drop off books inside the library during business hours and not in the book drop-off box outside. Also, we sell books every day in our “Daily Sales” section in the library rotunda. Stop by to purchase a book today!
We are also looking for volunteers to help out before and during the sale to sort and organize books. Sign up at [email protected].
Volunteers Wanted
We are looking for volunteers for a number of Friends’ and library programming, including staff and sorters for our upcoming book sale, and new members for our decoration, renovation, and race and inclusion committees. Please view the job descriptions on VolunteerMatch. If you are interested in any of the positions, contact us at [email protected].
Also, we looking for some parent volunteers for the library’s weekly kids chess club, which meets Mondays, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm. You don’t need to know anything about chess; you would just be providing support to the chess teacher. To sign up, email us.
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