July 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 Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.  Call the branch at 617-323-2343 for more information.  Learn more at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org.

Book Discussion: The Gilded Years
Thursday, July 20, 6:30 pm
We will continue our Race and Inclusion Summer Reading Series with a book discussion about The Gilded Years, a novel recounting the real-life story of Anita Hemmings.  She was a Roxbury native and the first black woman to graduate from Vassar College but got caught up in a scandal when it was discovered that she “passed” for white to attend the school.  We will explore how she navigated race, gender, class, and identity at the turn of the 20th century.  The Friends purchased a limited number of copies of the book for patrons to borrow now on a first come, first served basis.

For more information about this and other events in the Race and Inclusion series, go to friendsofroslindalelibrary.org/inclusion.

Keep Reading With Us This Summer!
Did you miss our Redefining Realness book discussion last week?  That’s okay; you can still borrow the book!  All three books from the summer reading series will be available for patrons to borrow from Roslindale Library through Labor Day weekend.  The August 17 book discussion selection, You Can’t Touch My Hair, will be available for patrons in mid-July.

American Moor Special Friends Offer!
O.W.I. (Bureau of Theatre) is offering Friends members a 20 percent discount on tickets for its upcoming production of Keith Hamilton Cobb’s American Moor in the Plaza Theater at the Boston Center for the Arts.  Funny, ironic and deeply moving, American Moor explores the process of auditioning for the role of Othello. An audition process that invariably ends up with a large black man on stage responding to white middle-aged decision makers who portend to understand how a charismatic, intelligent, black man should react in an alien society.

Tickets can be purchased at American Moor – Boston Theatre Scene. The promo code is FRBL – Promo good for all performances from Thursday, July 20 through Saturday, August 12. Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.  Post-show discussion every Sunday & Thursday, beginning Sunday, July 23.

Read Your Way to Fenway Reading Program
In this annual summer reading contest, children and teens read three books and write an essay about their favorite book for a chance to win three tickets to watch the Red Sox play at Fenway Park on Sunday, August 28. Sponsored by John Hancock, The Red Sox Foundation, and The Boston Public Library Foundation.  Essays due on August 1.  One entry per person at one branch only.  Multiple entries will disqualify the entrant.  Find more information on the BPL’s website.

Computer Literacy Drop-In Clinic
Monday, July 10, 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 computer or tablet   Bring your computer (if you have one) and questions for quick advice!

Roslindale Village Farmers Market Book Sales
Saturday, July 15, 9 am – 2 pm, Adams Park
We will also sell books at the farmers market on August 12 and September 9!

Second Saturday Play Reading Series
Saturday, July 8, Noon – 1:45 pm
Theater group O.W.I. (Bureau of Theatre) will do a reading of the play, The Ontology Ward.  More information: officeofwarinformation.com

Summer Reading Club for Children
Tuesdays, July 11-August 15, 10:30 am

Children’s Arts and Crafts with Michele Brooks
July 12 and August 19, 10:30 am

Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, July 13, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
We will be reading The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.  Refreshments will be provided and newcomers are always welcome.

Children’s Books Author Visit with Matt Tavares
Tuesday, July 18, 10:30 am

Regular Children’s Programming

Preschool Movies
Mondays, 10:30 am

Chess Club
Mondays, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Toddler Time
Tuesdays, 10:30 am

Regular Adult Programming

English Conversation Group
Thursdays, 6 pm

Spanish Conversation Group
Saturdays, 11 am

Coming Soon!

Race and Inclusion
Summer Reading Series
July & August

Farmers Market
Book Sales
July – September

El Dia De Los Muertos
October 28

Getting to Know You Through Our Cultures
October

Job Opportunity: ESL Facilitator
The Roslindale Library is looking to hire a facilitator for the English Conversation Group on Saturday mornings.  Preference for someone with experience teaching ESL.  A stipend will be provided and negotiable. Please send a resume to [email protected].

Call for Artists!
Artists are invited to participate in a special exhibit at the Roslindale Library in October 2017. The theme of the exhibit is “Getting to Know You Through Our Cultures.” The cultures of Roslindale come from all over the world. We seek art that gives a visual of some aspect of these cultures and heritage, whether landscape, food, people, transportation, etc.  Deadline to enter is August 31. Email an image of your proposed art piece to [email protected] (subject line: Roslindale Library Exhibit) along with the following information: your name, address, telephone, the title of art, art medium, the size of the art piece, culture it represents and a paragraph about yourself and your culture.

Looking for Summer Reading?
In addition to the race and inclusion summer reading series, you can also choose from a wide variety of topical books from our mega reading list from our website for adults, teens/young adults, and children.  A new book list on disability rights was just added.  Borrow one of these books today!

Celebrate American Citizenship
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate Independence Day by welcoming nearly 15,000 new U.S. citizens during more than 65 Independence Day-themed naturalization ceremonies across the country this weekend!

As part of a concerted effort to empower immigrant residents and recognize their contributions to our city, last year Mayor Walsh launched Immigrant Information Corners at the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square and 24 neighborhood branches to provide information about resources and services available to help advance the well-being of the city’s immigrant residents.  The Immigrant Information Corners will also provide information about financial empowerment resources and general public and community services. Some Immigrant Information Corners will feature information sessions, office hours, and workshops.

The Roslindale Library Immigrant Corner can be found near the rear of building behind the teen computers desk.

Photos From Santa Monica Main Public Library

Are you vacationing out of town this summer? If you are and happen to visit a unique, interesting local library, please take pictures and send them to us.  We might feature them here in the newsletter and our website!

Wouldn’t it be cool to stop by the library on the way to the beach? This month we are featuring pictures a Friends member gave us of the Santa Monica Public Library main branch, which is just seven blocks away from the sunny beaches of Souther California  The original building for the library was built in 1904 with financing from Andrew Carnegie.  Construction of the current building began in 2003 and was opened to the public in 2006.  The new 104,000-square-foot facility includes a large public computer space, meeting rooms, an outdoor patio, a cafe, and houses the Santa Monica History Museum.   The Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library are hosting pop-up book sales and “Seaside Storytime” on the beach this summer!

See the photo slideshow here.

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 American History
Impress your friends and family at the July 4th BBQ this weekend with your knowledge of American history and civics.  Check out this list of books on how America became America.

Books on Travel Writing
Summer is a time for travel and adventure. We compiled a list of books showcasing the best in travel writing.

Words of Wisdom

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin

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!