Roslindale Branch is Open!
Branch Hours
The Roslindale Branch is open Mondays - Wednesdays 10 AM - 6 PM; Thursdays 12 PM - 8 PM; Fridays 9 AM - 5 PM; and Saturdays 9 AM - 2 PM.
BPL Library Protocols
All branches follow the latest city and state public health guidance. While there will be no capacity limits or social distancing required, library patrons are recommended to wear masks since the library serves vulnerable populations. For more information, see https://www.bpl.org/news/health-and-safety-guidelines/.
BPL COVID-19 Resources
Are you looking for reliable information about COVID vaccines? The City of Boston has put together a resource guide to help answer your questions.
Welcome, Alice Nin!
The Roslindale Branch Library team welcomes Senior Library Assistant Alice Nin, who joined us on June 13. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she moved to Boston for college at Northeastern University, where she studied computer science and cognitive psychology. She currently resides in Jamaica Plain and enjoys visual arts of all kinds (drawing and painting; she also recently learned to crochet), cooking and baking up fun new recipes, and learning Spanish.
Summer Reading Bingo
Adult BPL library card holders can play Summer Reading Bingo by filling out some or all of the 24 challenges on a Summer Reading Bingo Card. Bingo cards can be picked up at the library or downloaded and printed. All participants will be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift card to the local independent bookstore of their choice. You can turn in your Bingo Card with at least one completed horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line (BINGO) to receive a BPL Summer Reading tote bag. You can pick up your tote bag from any open BPL location while supplies last. Turn in your Bingo Card with all 24 squares filled out (BLACKOUT) to enter a drawing for a $200 gift card to the local independent restaurant or grocery store of your choice! Play through August 31.
Youth Summer Reading
Oceans of Possibilities
July 5-August 19
For ages 0-17
Complete the Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Challenge by reading nine books, attending nine programs, or a combination of both. Let us know that you’ve completed the challenge by 5 pm on Friday, August 19th, to be entered in the library’s prize drawings. You can notify us of completion in any of these ways:
- Drop off your completed Reading and Activity Log at any open library location. Library staff can help direct you to the drop-off box.
- Fill out the online form.
- Email a picture of your completed Summer Reading & Activity Log to [email protected]
For more information, go to https://www.bpl.org/youth-summer-reading/.
Read Your Way to Fenway
June 15 to August 5
Children ages 5-17 can enter to win tickets to a Red Sox Game! Read three books, write an essay about your favorite one, and turn it in at any Boston Public Library branch. For more information, go to https://www.bpl.org/read-your-way-to-fenway/.
Read Boston Storymobile
Fridays, 1:15 to 2:00 PM from July 15 to August 5
Best for ages 3-6
Visit the library for interactive stories for children told by professional storytellers! Best of all, every child who attends takes home a free book. No registration is required for individuals, but groups must call ahead to branches to register.
FORL at the Roslindale Farmer's Market
July 2, August 6 & September 17, 9AM - 1:30PM
Adams Park
Come visit us at our booth and buy books or just say hello!
July + August 2022 Book Ambassador: Jabari Asim
Saturday, July 9
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM - Book Signing, Substation, 4228 Washington St.
12:45 - 1:45 PM - Conversation with Bethany van Delft, Roslindale Branch
Jabari Asim is the July + August 2022 Roslindale Book Ambassador! He will participate in a book signing at the Substation, followed by an in-person conversation with comedienne Bethany van Delft at the Roslindale Branch on July 9 in support of his new book, Yonder. Books will be available for purchase at the popup or borrowed from the library. Asim also gave us his list of favorite books. There will also be a drawing for new books by Ibram X. Kendi and Frederick Joseph at the library conversation.
The Roslindale Book Ambassador Program is a joint effort of the Friends of the Roslindale Branch Library and Rozzie Bound.
Attention Local Authors!
Do you have a book coming out in 2022 or 2023? Please keep us updated so that we can share the news with Rozzie residents in our newsletter and ask our partner at Rozzie Bound to link to the book online. Rozzie Bound generously shares a portion of sales with Friends. Please email us at [email protected] the book title, author, format, ISBN, and a brief description.
Rozzie Bound Author Signings!
The following authors are scheduled to sign copies of their books at the Substation, 4228 Washington Street, on the dates below from 12 PM - 2 PM unless noted otherwise.
July 16 - Priscilla Flint-Banks, author of I Look Back and Wonder How I Got Over
July 23 - Traer Scott, author of Forever Home
Summer Reads 2022 Bookshelves!
The Friends has virtual bookshelves with book recommendations for summer reading - adults, young adults/middle graders, and children.
Powell & Pressburger Film Series
Join Barry Marshall, Senior Affiliated Faculty member in the Visual and Media Arts Department at Emerson College, to view and discuss three films directed by duo Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. No registration is required.
I Know Where I’m Going! (1945) Friday, July 1 at 2:30 – 4:30
Black Narcissus (1947) Friday, July 15 at 2:30 – 4:30 pm
The Red Shoes (1948) Friday, July 29 at 2:30-4:45 pm
Book Discussion Club
Home Made: A Story of Grief, Groceries, Showing Up - and What We Make When We Make Dinner (2021) by Liz Haucke
Thursday, July 7, 6:30-7:30 PM
Copies of the book can be picked up and checked out at the library’s main desk. Call 617-323-2343 or email [email protected] to register.
Anime/Manga Society
Mondays July 11 & 18, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Watch Anime, talk about Anime and Manga, and try some Manga drawing. For ages 10-18. No registration is required.
Laugh Out Loud Yoga
Saturday, July 16, 11:00 AM
Joanie Woodward, the author of Seven Little Monkeys, leads families in a program that joyfully weaves together laughter, yoga, mindfulness, deep belly breathing, and reading.
Lecture: Buffalo Soldiers
Thursday, July 28, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Educator Muqeedah Salaam will discuss the formation in 1866 of the first regular U.S. Army comprised of African American soldiers. No registration is required.
My Sister Daisy: Author Visit with Adria Karlsson
Saturday, July 30, 11:00 AM
The Roslindale Branch is pleased to bring local author Adria Karlsson for a special Story Time reading of her debut picture book, My Sister, Daisy. Adria will sign copies of the books to give to participants on a first-come, first-serve basis. Daisy’s older brother is thrilled when he gets a new sibling. They are best buddies who do everything together. But in kindergarten, things change. His sibling tells him she is a girl and wants to be called Daisy. Daisy’s brother must adjust to the change — including what it means for him and their relationship. A powerful, moving picture book based on a true story, My Sister, Daisy, handles a sensitive subject with warmth and love.
Write Your Way: Creative Writing Club for Tweens and Teens
Tuesdays in July, 4:30-5:30 PM
Your imagination contains an ocean of possibilities! Tweens and Teens are invited to join "Write Your Way!" a creative writing club for ages nine and up. Each week we will play creative writing games, do writing prompts, and work on YOUR stories in the way that YOU want. At the end of the summer, writing created by the Write Your Way participants will be collected in a zine to take home.
Chapter Chats: Family Book Club
Ages 5 and Up
Wednesdays, 4:30 PM
We will read the first chapter of a short book together each week and then do crafts and activities. Copies of the book will be available to check out.
Knit/Crochet Circle
Tuesdays, 11 AM - 1 PM
Bring your projects and enjoy the company of other crafters. Crafters of all levels are welcome.
Online Spanish Conversation Group
Saturdays, 11 AM - 12 PM
A casual conversation for Spanish speakers of all levels. Email [email protected] to get on the group's email list.
Baby/Toddler Storytime
Tuesdays 10:15 to 10:45 AM
Best for ages 0-2 - Join Miss Celeste for a short book, bouncing songs, baby sign language, and lots of movement activities to promote early literacy.
Preschool Storytime
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11 AM
*There will not be Preschool Storytime on April 20*
Best for ages 3-5 - Miss Celeste will read two to three stories, sing songs, and do activities that promote early literacy and school readiness skills. Note: if your family includes multiple children, please pick one storytime to attend each week. Pick the one that works best for you and your family.
Explore and Play
Fridays at 9:30 - 10:30 AM
Best for ages 0-2 - Come meet new friends and explore different stations full of sensory toys including shakers, bells, and other noisemakers; blocks and magnates; play dough; tunnels and playmats, and more! This is an informal playgroup, so feel free to drop in late or leave early to suit your family’s needs.
LEGO Club
Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 PM
The Roslindale Library is excited to bring the LEGO club back to the branch. Join Miss Celeste after school to see what you can build with the library’s collection of LEGO.
One-on-One Tech Help
By appointment
Get assistance with basic computer skills or with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Stop by in person or call 617-323-2343 to make an appointment.
Art Explorers
Thursdays, 4:30 to 5:30 PM
*There will be no Art Explorers on April 21*
Come learn about the life and work of famous (and not so famous) artists with Miss Celeste! After reading and listening to a short biography and looking at the artist’s work, kids will have an opportunity to make their own art inspired by the artist of the week. We will explore painting, collage, clay, and more!
BPL Online Resource Highlight: Housing, Health, Hunger & Help
This guide contains information to help people who are housing and food insecure. If you need assistance ask a library staff member to help.
Business Donations!
Thanks to recent donations from Google, John Hancock, and Bain Capital, we can continue online programming during the pandemic. We welcome donations large and small to help defray costs to keep us going. If you work with a company that offers donations and corporate matches to 501c3 nonprofits like the Friends, please consider contacting your human resources or external giving department and email us at [email protected].
Amazon Shopping with the Friends!
If you are doing more Amazon shopping during the lockdown, please consider registering with our Friends' AmazonSmile account. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the Friends receive 0.5 percent of the purchase price year-round. There is no additional cost to the Friends or AmazonSmile customers. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for donation” on their product detail pages. The shopping experience is identical to Amazon.com, with the added benefit that the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate that percentage to the Friends! The percentage might seem minuscule, but this adds up if you are a regular Amazon customer who makes purchases several times a week or month. Of course, if you want to donate directly to the Friends, you can do so on our donation page or become a Friends member. Every dollar and cent counts!
Online Resources at BPL.org
There are many ways to use the Boston Public Library during this period. You can sign up for a BPL library card at bpl.org/get-a-library-card to get an eCard. The eCard provides access to millions of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, newspapers, magazines, journals, databases, and other online resources, including OverDrive, Kanopy, and Hoopla. All you need is a computer, phone or tablet, and an internet connection to access these resources and then log in to bpl.org with your eCard or physical library card. The BPL is also offering a full listing of online services. Send your questions to [email protected]. Please leave your gently-used donated books in any little library in the Roslindale Community Library Network.
Online ESL Classes
The BPL offers various online courses for those learning English:
- Beginner Class for Spanish Speakers, Fridays, 10:30-11:30 am
- High Beginner/Elementary Class, Fridays, 11:30am-12:30pm
- Intermediate Class, Wednesdays, 1-2:15 pm
- Advanced Class, Tuesdays, 1-2:15 pm
- Reading and Discussion Class, Thursdays, 11 am-12:30 pm
- Conversation Classes, Mondays, 3-4:15pm, Tuesdays, 5:30-6:45pm, Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm, Fridays, 1-2:15pm
Students can register by emailing [email protected] or calling 617-859-2446. They also have an online ESL Singing Class with the Back Bay Chorale, Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 pm, students can register at https://bbcboston.org/bridges/esl. The BPL is partnering with St. Mark Community Education Program to offer online Citizenship classes. The classes have already started, but students can sign up for the waitlist at https://www.stmarksesol.org/copy-of-classes-resources.
Museum Passes
The Boston Public Library also announced it is reinstating a version of the Museum Passes program, granting BPL patrons access to free and discounted passes to Massachusetts museums and cultural institutions. As museums continue to open in Phase Three of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan, the library will add more institutions to the program. Patrons can call or visit their websites directly for more information on COVID-19 safety requirements when visiting these organizations.
Books about Animals and Us
Discover the world's animals and the remarkable bond we share with them.
Books about Queer Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Whether you're planning to storm the castle or aiming for deep space, you'll find fantasy and science fiction novels filled with queer characters here.
Words of Wisdom
If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. - Henry David Thoreau
Sharing is Caring
The best way to know about upcoming offsite Roslindale library programs, special events, news, and renovation updates is to stay on this email list, like our Facebook page, and regularly visit friendsofroslindalelibrary.org and bpl.org. If you know anyone who would like to join our email list, please tell them to sign up on our website's homepage at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org. We would also appreciate it if you forward our emails and share and like our Facebook posts with your networks to help get the word out.
Support the Friends!
We are a volunteer-run organization. All the work we do for library programming, publicity, and building improvements is done with support from the community. There are many ways to support the Friends, like donating, becoming a Friends member, and even shopping on Amazon!
Contact the Friends
For information about the Friends, contact us. We also share information about upcoming events, photos from past events, and other library news on Facebook, and on our blog!
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