Unless noted otherwise, all programs are free of charge and in person at the Roslindale Branch. Learn more at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org.
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.
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/
One-Day Gift and Book Sale
Saturday, December 3, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Come to the library Saturday, December 3, between 9:30 and 1:30, to buy puzzles, some handcrafted mittens, earrings, and gift-worthy books. All proceeds go to support programming and other needs at the library.
Roslindale Library Wishlists
Our children's librarian Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri has put together two wishlists, asking library patrons and other community members to help purchase much-needed items for children's activities at the Roslindale Branch. There is an Amazon Wishlist and a Lakeshore Learning Registry. Thank you!
Volunteers Wanted!
We are looking for book sorters, sellers, and program coordinators. Interested? Email: [email protected].
Thinking About Writing a Book?: The Publishing Landscape for Aspiring Authors
Thursday, December 15, 6:30-7:45 PM
Are you a first-time author with a book idea but doesn't know how to get 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.
November + December 2022 Book Ambassador
Candelaria Silva-Collins
Candelaria Silva-Collins is the author of the children’s books Stacey Became A Frog One Day and Jump, Jump, Jump, Stacey. Her books can be borrowed from the library or purchased from Rozzie Bound.
The Roslindale Book Ambassador Program is a joint effort of the Friends of the Roslindale Branch Library and Rozzie Bound.
Holiday Shopping with Rozzie Bound
Rozzie Bound curated over 200 books and put them into eleven categories - Adult Fiction and Nonfiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Kids, Food & Drink, Holiday Traditions, Coffee Table Books, Craft & Hobby, Poetry, and Self-Care. They are all located in their online store to help you do your holiday shopping with ease! There is also a BIPOC Preorders List, where 50% of proceeds from that list will be donated to the Friends of the Roslindale Branch!
Abria Smith Book Signing
Author and Boston Cultural Council member Abria Smith will sign copies of her book of poems, Somebody Soup, on Saturday, December 10, at Rozzie Bound, 4228 Washington Street, 11 AM - 1 PM. The book will be available for purchase at the event. The following author events occur More information: rozziebound.com.
Library One-on-One Tech Help
By appointment
Get assistance with basic computer skills or your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Stop by in person or call 617-323-2343 to make an appointment.
Book Discussion Club: Born a Crime (2016) Trevor Noah
Thursday, December 1, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Join us for a lively discussion of Trevor Noah's memoir of growing up in South Africa during Apartheid.
Turbulent Times: Films of 1920s Ireland: The Informer (1935)
Monday, December 5, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Barry Marshall, Senior Affiliated Faculty member in the Visual and Media Arts Department at Emerson College, will lead a pre-and post-viewing discussion of the 1935 film The Informer. Dublin, 1922: “Gypo” Nolan stumbles through a foggy Irish night, his brain pickled in whiskey and his soul tormented by shame and fear. Gypo is an informer, a turncoat who betrayed his friend to the British police for 20 pounds. Now he can't spend the money fast enough, nor can he run from his treachery fast enough as he brawls, brags, swaggers, and lies his way toward his fate. Directed by John Ford and stars Victor McLaglen, Heather Angel, and Preston Foster. 1 hr 31 min.
Fill the Space: Poetry Workshop and Open Mic with Boston Youth Poet Laureate Anjie Birkett
Friday, December 9, 3:30 – 4:30 PM
The pandemic has made taking space normal and acknowledgment of our surroundings relevant. Spatial awareness of ourselves, relationships, and our universe is the ultimate reflection of the new norm in our lives. For more information, email [email protected] or call 617-859-2335. No registration is required.
Turbulent Times: Films of 1920s Ireland: Shake Hands with the Devil (1959)
Monday, December 12, 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Barry Marshall, Senior Affiliated Faculty member in the Visual and Media Arts Department at Emerson College, will lead a pre-and post-viewing discussion of the 1959 film Shake Hands with the Devil. In 1921, Kerry O'Shea, an American medical student living in Ireland, learns that his esteemed professor, Sean Lenihan, is also a leader in Ireland's rebel army. Even though Kerry's father and roommate have both been killed by British troops, he refuses to join the Irish rebellion. However, after Kerry is unjustly imprisoned and tortured by the British "Black and Tans," he fully commits himself to the cause of Irish freedom. Directed by Michael Anderson and stars James Cagney, Don Murray, and Dana Wynter. 1 hr 51 min.
Meet Your Neighborhood Age Strong Advocate
Tuesday, December 13, 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 be returning monthly on the second Tuesday of each month from 2:00-4:00 pm. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Tech Goes Home Computer Class Series (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
Classes are 2x a week, Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:00 – 3:30 pm
In partnership with Tech Goes Home, the library offers a 6-week computer class covering basic computer skills, including Gmail, Google Drive, and more. Participants who complete all 6 weeks (15 hours) of training receive a Chromebook to keep. Those who have no working computer and who are new to computers or who have limited technology skills are eligible for the class. Enrollment is prioritized for those who are 55+, but all in need are welcome to apply. To register, call 857-342-2677 or email [email protected]. Registration is limited.
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 – 2:00 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, as well as 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.
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.
Spanish Bingo for Kids
December 10 at 12:30 PM
Ages 5 to 11 - Join Ms. Jeannette of ConvoSpan for fun songs to build Spanish vocabulary, followed by Spanish Bingo! This program is intended for English-speaking elementary school kids who want to learn Spanish.
1,000 Books before Kindergarten
Reading to your baby right from birth promotes brain development. The more you read with your little one, the more prepared they will be when starting school. See Miss Celeste to register for the 1000 Books before Kindergarten program and earn free books and other prizes along your reading journey. For more information, contact Miss Celeste at: [email protected]
Homework Help
Mondays and Wednesdays: 3:30 to 5:30
Thursdays: 4:00-6:00
On Mondays and Wednesdays, high school student mentors are available 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.
Teen Time
Tuesdays at 3:30-5:30 pm
Join fellow teens ages 12-18 to chill at our after-school program with crafts, games, music, and more.
Preschool Storytime
Wednesdays, 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.
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.
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
Ages 5 and Up
Thursdays at 4:30 PM
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.
Memory Kits
Memory Kits are now available for public use. A collaboration between the City of Boston’s Age Strong and the library, the kits are for use with those who have dementia, memory loss, or cognitive impairment and are intended to stimulate conversation and create positive interactions between caregivers and loved ones. The kits can be loaned for two weeks with a Boston Public Library card. There are three themed kits: Arnold Arboretum, Pets, and Roslindale History. Each kit contains conversation cards, a journal for caregivers to share their thoughts and experiences, art supplies, information for caregivers, and an assortment of picture-based books, DVDs, and music CDs.
Online Race and Inclusion Book Discussion:
The 1619 Project
Saturdays, January 7, 21 & 28
9:15 - 11 AM (Morning) or 2 - 3:45 PM (Afternoon)
We will read Nikole Hannah-Jones's acclaimed book, The 1619 Project. In late August 1619, a ship arrived in the British colony of Virginia bearing a cargo of twenty to thirty enslaved people from Africa. Their arrival led to the barbaric and unprecedented system of American chattel slavery that would last for the next 250 years. This is sometimes referred to as the country’s original sin, but it is more than that: It is the source of so much that still defines the United States. This is a book that speaks directly to our current moment, contextualizing the systems of race and caste within which we operate today. It reveals long-glossed-over truths around our nation’s founding and construction—and the way that the legacy of slavery did not end with emancipation but continues to shape contemporary American life.
The discussion will happen on Zoom and will be led by local educator Josh Frank. You can get the book from bpl.org or an online bookstore like Rozzie Bound, which has the book listed on the Friends "Black Histories and Futures" adult virtual bookshelf. The Friends will receive 50% of the proceeds from each book sold. You can find the virtual shelf here: https://bookshop.org/shop/rozziebound.
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 "1619 Project 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.
Gardening Seminar
Thanks to those who attended the gardening seminar hosted by Amy Meltzer. If you missed the seminar, you can see the whole presentation here.
BPL Online Resource Highlight: MediaNews Group
Patrons of Boston Public Library have full access to online versions of the Boston Herald, Sentinel & Enterprise, and The Lowell Sun.
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