Unless noted otherwise, all programs are free of charge and in person at the Roslindale Branch. Learn more at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org. The library will be closed on February 20 in observance of Presidents' Day.
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 Jobs
Do you need a job? The Boston Public Library is hiring system-wide. They have MANY positions that need to be filled. The sooner we get the vacancies filled, the sooner we can look forward to a second late night, faster building repairs, and a less stressed staff!
https://www.bpl.org/jobs-at-the-bpl/
Volunteers Wanted!
The Friends Steering Committee is seeking new members. Learn more about the committee roles here. If you are interested in hearing more about this, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
February/March Events
Annual Yarn Sale!
March 9-11, Roslindale Branch
We will host our annual yarn sale on March 9-11! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, which supports funding for library programming. Yarn, crafting, and book donations can now be dropped off at the Roslindale branch. There is a bin near the library entrance to leave your donations.
Book Discussion Club: Klara and the Sun (2021) Kazuo Ishiguro
Wednesday, February 1, 11 am – 12 pm
Thursday, February 2, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Join Branch Librarian Jennifer Hawes on either 2/1 or 2/2 to discuss Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel Klara and the Sun. Attendees may choose either day or time to meet.
Growing Together Garden & Plant Club
Wednesday, February 1, 4 – 5 pm
Interested in gardening and plants but need a little direction? Passionate about plants and want to share your knowledge? Join our plant and garden group, dedicated to all things plants and gardens. This month we will explore seed harvesting with an accompanying demonstration. No registration is required.
Spanish Conversation for English Language Speakers
Saturday, February 4, 12 – 1 pm
Practice your Spanish language with other adult learners in an informal and friendly group setting. Email [email protected] to register.
Resume Writing
Monday, February 6, 11 am – 12 pm
Need help writing your resume? In this virtual workshop, you will learn how to write a resume, discover different types of resumes, and learn useful tips to make your resume shine. Email [email protected] to register.
Protect Your Rights at Work: Workshop
Thursday, February 9, 5:45 – 7:45 pm
At your job, were you injured or made sick? Discriminated against or sexually harassed? Not paid for work you did? Join Rick Rabin of Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health to learn about your rights at work. Spanish and Haitian Creole translations are available. Refreshments and welcome at 5:45. Program begins at 6:00 pm. This program collaborates with Roslindale’s Casserly House, a place of welcome and connection for immigrants. Registration is not required.
Children's Book Sale and Give Away for Teachers
Friday, February 10, 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday, February 11, 9 am - 1 pm
We have tons of great-condition donated children’s books! Stock up for school vacation week and/or for your classroom. Teachers choose a bag’s worth of books free - come during your lunch hour or after school on Friday.
Cover Letters
Monday, February 13, 11 am to 12 pm
Questions about cover letters? In this workshop, you learn how to write a professional cover letter and learn why cover letters are so important for your job search. Email [email protected] to register.
Quirky Film Comedies: Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
Monday, February 13, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Barry Marshall, Senior Affiliated Faculty member in the Visual and Media Arts Department at Emerson College, leads pre and post-discussion of the film. Powerful but unethical Broadway columnist J.J. Hunsecker coerces unscrupulous press agent Sidney Falco into breaking up his sister's romance with a jazz musician. Directed by Alexander Mackendrick and starring Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, and Susan Harrison. 1 hr 36 min.
Meet Your Neighborhood Age Strong Advocate
Tuesday, February 14, 2 – 4 pm
Age Strong's Mary Sullivan will assist older adults with applying for city services and government benefits and connect them to programs and resources. Mary will return monthly on the second Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 pm. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Thinking About Writing a Book?: The Publishing Landscape for Aspiring Authors
Thursday, February 16, 6:30–7:45 PM
Are you a first-time author with a book idea but needs help getting published? Few people who aren't seasoned veterans of the traditional publishing process understand how a book goes from a little germ of an idea you think up in the shower to a real, live, hefty object sitting on the shelf. This workshop, led by literary agent Sarah Khalil of Kneerim and Williams, will take attendees through the lifecycle of a book and how literary agents fit into that process, including tips on how to find one. Co-sponsored by Rozzie Bound.
Rozzie Reads Poetry and Open Mic
Roslindale House, February 16, 7 PM (Hybrid event)
Featured poets: Susanna Kittredge and Tom Daley
For the Zoom link, contact [email protected]
Banned Books Club: All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Thursday, February 23, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Since its publication in 2020, George M. Johnson’s powerful memoir and manifesto, All Boys Aren’t Blue, has been banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered sexually explicit. Join us to discuss this "critical, captivating, merciful mirror for growing up Black and queer today" (Kirkus). Books are available to borrow from the library or purchased at Rozzie Bound. Co-sponsored by Rozzie Bound Co-op Bookstore. Register here: [email protected].
Black History Month Program for Children: Creative Sewing with Artist Zahirah Truth
Thursday, February 23, 1 - 2 PM
Ages 6-11 - Local artist Zahirah Truth will lead children in a creative sewing project. Please register for this program at https://rb.gy/59sdep
Homeschool Book Club for ages 6-8
Friday, February 24, 11:00 AM
This month we will read Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson. The Hart family of Portland, Oregon, faces many setbacks after Ryan's father loses his job, but no matter what, Ryan tries to bring sunshine to her loved ones. Based loosely on a reimagining of Ramona Quimby's exploits, Ways To Make Sunshine weaves together slice-of-life moments of loss and joy, showing a tight-knit family navigating difficulties with plenty of courage and plenty of love. Please register at tinyurl.com/WaysToMakeSunshine
Homeschool Book Club for ages 9-12
Friday, February 24, 12 PM
This month we will read Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel Jose Older. It's 1863, and dinosaurs roam the streets of New York as the Civil War rages between raptor-mounted armies down South. Magdalys Roca and her friends from the Colored Orphan Asylum are on a field trip when the Draft Riots break out, and a number of their fellow orphans are kidnapped by an evil magistrate, Richard Riker. Can Magdalys and her friends learn to ride back and save their friends before it is too late? Blending real history and epic dinosaur adventures, Dactyl Hill Squad is a delightful romp that inspires timely discussions about race, gender, and identity. Please register at tinyurl.com/DactylHillSquad
Community Forum on Housing: Federal Policies and Local Housing Development for Renters, Homeowners, Prospective Residents, and Everyone in Between
Saturday, February 25, 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Join our community conversation about federal regulations that guide local affordable housing development for advocacy. This event is sponsored by Tufts University's Department of Urban and Environment Policy and Planning and presented by Nathalie Jean, Tufts University's Research Affiliate.
Job Searching
Monday, February 27, 11 am to 12 pm
In this interactive role-playing workshop, you will learn how to conduct a job search and learn useful job search tips. Email [email protected] to register.
Quirky Film Comedies: Real Life (1979)
Monday, February 27, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Barry Marshall, Senior Affiliated Faculty member in the Visual and Media Arts Department at Emerson College, leads pre and post-discussion of the film. A film crew sets out to record a year in the life of an average family, but things quickly start going wrong. Directed by Albert Brooks and starring Dick Haynes, Albert Brooks, and Matthew Tobin. 1 hr 39 min.
Online Race and Inclusion Book Discussion:
Begin Again
Saturdays, March 11, 18 & 25
9:15 - 11 AM (Morning) or 2 - 3:45 PM (Afternoon)
We will read Eddie S. Glaude Jr.'s book Begin Again. This is one of the great books on James Baldwin and a powerful reckoning with America’s ongoing failure to confront the lies it tells itself about race. Just as in Baldwin’s “after times,” argues Eddie S. Glaude Jr., when white Americans met the civil rights movement’s call for truth and justice with blind rage and the murders of movement leaders, so in our moment were the Obama presidency and the birth of Black Lives Matter answered with the ascendance of Trump and the violent resurgence of white nationalism.
The discussion will happen on Zoom and will be led by local educator Josh Frank. You can get the book from bpl.org or purchase it from Rozzie Bound.
We will have two sessions with 20 participants each on the three dates. Times: Morning session at 9:15-11 AM and an afternoon session at 2-3:45 PM.
To register, please email Roslindale Branch librarian Jennifer Hawes at [email protected]. Please write "Begin Again Discussion" in the subject line when you RSVP.
- You only need to register once for all three dates, even if you think you might miss a date.
- Please choose the morning or afternoon time, and you will be registered for that same time for each date.
- Jennifer will register the first 40 people, 20 each, for the morning and afternoon groups. You will get an email if you are registered. If you are still waiting for an email from Jennifer, please assume that you still need to register.
Regular Adult Programming
Tech Goes Home Computer Class Series
Classes are 2x a week, Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 – 3:30 pm – FULL/REGISTRATION CLOSED.
Virtual Career Workshops with Joyce Mandel – via Zoom
Employment Skills Trainer Joyce Mandel of JMGM Employability Training facilitates the workshops. All workshops will be held via Zoom. A Zoom invite will be sent to you upon registration. Email: [email protected].
Grupo de conversación en inglés para hispanohablantes de nivel básico / English Conversation Group for Spanish Speakers
Mondays, 12 – 1 pm
En esta clase a cargo de un maestro voluntario practicarás el hablar en inglés con otros estudiantes adultos en un ambiente informal y amigable. Esta clase es para estudiantes cuyo primer idioma es el español y tienen un conocimiento básico del ingles. Registro no requerido.
Practice speaking English with other adult learners in an informal and friendly group setting. The class is designed for Beginner English speakers whose first language is Spanish and is led by a volunteer teacher. Registration is not required.
Knit/Crochet Circle
Tuesdays, 11 am - 1 pm
Bring your projects and enjoy the company of other crafters. Crafters of all levels are welcome.
Elementary-Level ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Classes
Wednesdays, 12:45 – 2 pm
This class is for speakers of other languages who know some basic English and would like to learn more. Students will expand their vocabulary and grammar and practice conversation and writing. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 617-859-2446. Please note that this is a class rather than a conversation group.
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment
Thursdays, 1 – 3 pm
Need help with your laptop, cell phone, or tablet? Looking to learn more about computer basics on our public computers? Make a 30- or 60-minute appointment with a librarian for one-on-one help. Reservations are required by calling 617-323-3243.
Regular Children's Programming
Homework Help
Mondays and Wednesdays: 3:30 to 5:30
Thursdays: 4:00-6:00
High school student mentors are available on Mondays and Wednesdays to help you with your homework. On Thursdays, a teacher from the Boston Teachers Union is available for homework help.
Anime/Manga Society
Mondays, 4 – 5:30 PM
Watch Anime, discuss Anime and Manga, and try some Manga drawing. For ages 9 - 14. No registration is required.
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 many movement activities to promote early literacy.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11 AM
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.
Tales for 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s
Wednesdays, 10:30 AM
Children ages 2-4. Join Miss Celeste for stories, songs, and rhymes to promote early literacy.
Lego Club
Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Ages 4 and up - Welcome to LEGO Club! Come build with the library's collection of LEGO and DUPLO blocks.
Kids Club
Thursdays, 4:30 PM
Ages 5 and Up. Each week Miss Celeste will read from biographies, folk tales, mythology, or chapter books. Reading will be followed by open-ended art, craft, or stem activities related to the book.
Explore and Play
Fridays, 9:30 - 10:30 AM
Best for ages 0-2 - 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.
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