December 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, December 25 for Christmas and Monday, January 1 for New Years Day. Call the branch at 617-323-2343 for more information. Learn more at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org.
A History of Boston in 50 Artifacts
Thursday, December 7, 6:30 pm
Joe Bagley, City of Boston Archaeologist, will make a presentation about his book, A History of Boston in 50 Artifacts. Read a review of the book here. He will also sign and sell copies of his book. Packed with vivid descriptions and art, this lively history of Boston will appeal to all manner of readers, locals and visitors alike.
Annual Posada Navideña
Saturday, December 16, 10:30 am - 11:30am
A true Mexican and now Roslindale tradition - the Nativity re-enactment of Joseph and Mary seeking lodging. Come dressed warm and ready to carol for “Posada” or “Shelter" around Roslindale Village accompanied by Mariachi Estrella de Boston and expect to be greeted with goodies for the children, warm tamales, champurrado (hot chocolate) and other Mexican treats at the library.
We will depart from the library at 10:30 am sharp to Adams Park and other participating businesses. We will return to the library to end our celebration where the Friends will greet participants with books, piñatas and goodie bags for the kids. Everyone will also be able to decorate holiday ornaments with Michelle Brooks from 11 am - 12:30 pm.
See pictures from last year's event and a short video about Las Posadas at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org/posada-navidena
The Friends will also host a holiday book sale in the library rotunda on December 16 from 10 am - 1 pm! We will have children’s books, recent fiction, and gift-worthy books for sale.
A People's American History Lesson
Saturday, December 2, 9:15 am - 11 am
We are hosting our last in a special, five-week series of book discussions about Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, a sweeping narrative of America's untold stories. The discussion will be led by local educator Clayton Brown. The Friends purchased limited copies of the book, which are available to borrow now from the Roslindale library on a first-come, first-served basis. For December 2, we will discuss chapters 20 and 21.
More information: friendsofroslindalelibrary.org/inclusion
Computer Literacy Drop-In Clinic
Monday, December 4, 10:30 am - 11:30 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 device. Bring your computer (if you have one) and questions for quick advice!
The Wonders of Hanukkah!
Saturday, December 9, 10 am -11 am
We will celebrate Hanukkah with Israeli songs and dance as celebrated in Israel and led by musician & Berklee Graduate Sagit Zilberman, who will play traditional songs using untraditional instruments: hang drum, didgeridoo, saxophone, recorder and more. It will be a celebration of light, joy and spiritual music. Israeli Sufganiyot (jelly donuts) will be served.
Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, December 14, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
We will be discussing You Can't Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. Refreshments will be served and newcomers are always welcome.
December Vacation Art Workshop with Michelle Brooks
Wednesday, December 27, 11 am - 12 noon
We will make a Snowman Plate Face for ages 5-12. Please call the library to register.
Exhibit: Irving Middle School Art Exhibit
Through December
Visting Staff from Dudley Branch!
There are some new staff faces at the library from the Dudley Branch, which is currently closed for renovation. Next time you are at the library, please say hello to Allen Knight, Tracy Wiggins, and Ron Shelbourne.
Weekly Children's Programming
Preschool Movies
Mondays, 10:30 am
Chess Club
Mondays, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Toddler Time
Tuesdays, 10:30 am
Library Creative Drama
Tuesdays, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
LEGO Club
Thursdays, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Homework Assistance
Mondays - Thursdays
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Weekly Adult Programming
English Conversation Group
Thursdays, 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Spanish Conversation Group
Saturdays, 11 am - 12 pm
Coming Soon!
Invisible Man
Book Discussion
January 6
Rozzie Reads
Poetry Discussion
January 9
Yarn and Craft
Book Sale
March
Books by Larry Spotted Crow Mann at the Library!
Thanks to everyone who came out for our insightful discussion with Larry Spotted Crow Mann on November 9. He sold out all of his books before the end of the event. The Friends have purchased copies of his books, Dreaming and Drumming, Tales from the Whispering Basket, and The Mourning Road to Thanksgiving, which can be borrowed now from the circulation desk. You can also purchase the book on his website.
Raves for A People's American History Lesson
Our special series, "A People's American History Lesson," has been a success! The Friends are working on bringing it back in 2018. In the meantime, here's what some participants have had to say about the series.
It was a really neat way to network and connect with others in the community. I was a history teacher and it was great to revisit this book. I have a greater appreciation of the labor movement. This has been a great intergenerational experience. - Josh Frank, West Roxbury
It's terrific. The conversation is interesting. I had the book and never read it. This class gave me the opportunity to read and discuss it with others. - Pat Yingling, Roslindale
I have learned so much. I had a hazy idea of the labor and civil rights movement from what they were teaching when I was in school. There has been a wealth of information in the book and I am glad I'm reading it now. - Margo Coletti, Mattapan
Holiday Shopping with the Friends!
If you do any shopping on Amazon this holiday season, please consider registering with the Friends' AmazonSmile account. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the Friends will receive 0.5 percent of the purchase price. There is no additional cost to the Friends or to 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, especially during the holidays.
Of course, if you just 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!
Volunteers Wanted
We are looking for volunteers for a number of Friends' and library programming, including 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].
Books of the Month
Each month we feature themed booklists grouped for adults, teenagers/young adults, and children, and can be borrowed from the Roslindale Library!
Books about Holiday Traditions
Want to learn more about Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Posada Navideña, Epiphany and even Festivus and how others celebrate these traditions around the world? We have a booklist for that!
2017: The Year In Books
Did you miss any of our booklists from the past year? We have compiled them all on one page for your perusal.
Send us your book recommendations!
These booklists have been very popular and we will continue making them in the new year. Did you read a book that you would like Roslindale to know about? Let us know about it! It can be about any topic for any age group. We might include it in a future book list. Email your recommendations to [email protected].
Words of Wisdom
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. - Washington Irving
Support the Friends!
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 making a donation, 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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