Blog
Mar 01

March 2019 Library News and Events

March 2019 Library News & Events

All programs take place at the Roslindale Branch Library and are free of charge unless noted otherwise.  Call the branch at 617-323-2343 for more information, go to friendsofroslindalelibrary.org.

Annual Yarn and Craft Book Sale
February 28 - March 2
Come buy some of the best yarn, craft books, patterns, and accessories in the city! All proceeds from the sale will go towards programming, publicity and other building improvements at the library!

Thursday, February 28, 5-7:45 PM - Preview Sale & Knitting Circle
Friday, March 1 - Sale Hours 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday, March 2 - Sale Hours 10 am - 1 pm

A People's American History Lesson
Saturday, March 2, 9:15 - 11 AM
We will discuss Howard Zinn's classic on the version of American history you didn't learn in school! The discussions will be led by local educator Josh Frank and books are available to borrow from the library now.  Please start reading chapter 16 for the March 2 discussion.

Library Maker Programming!

Roslindale Library

Come see what “maker space” activity is all about!  All ages welcome but best for school-age children!

Roslindale “Try-It” Showcases 

Thursday, March 7, 6 - 7:30 PM (pizza provided)

Activities will include repurposing candy tins, building game controllers with household objects, balloon rockets, and paper crafts.

Saturday, March 16, 10 am-Noon

Activities will include building marble roller coasters, creating bookmarks, and Lego constructions.

Evaluation and Planning Discussion 

Saturday, March 23, 10-11 AM 

Anyone interested in supporting more activities like these is welcome as we review how the showcases went and plan for more activities like these.

Revisiting A Raisin in the Sun

Saturdays, March 9, 16 & 30, 9:15 - 11 AM

We will read Lorraine Hansberry's classic play about the experiences of a black family in Chicago. The discussions will be led by local educator Josh Frank and books are available to borrow from the library now.

This groundbreaking play starred Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeill, Ruby Dee and Diana Sands in the Broadway production which opened in 1959. Set on Chicago's South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family.

Prelude to Spring: A Midsummer’s Night Dream Discussion

Thursdays, March 21 & 28, 6:15-7:45 PM

Come explore an old favorite with a local Shakespeare lover and teacher.  John Galton will summarize the play, share some context and background, and then lead a two-part discussion of the play’s themes, ideas, memorable scenes and more. Copies are available for checkout at the circulation desk. You may also request a DVD from the BPL system, find it free online in text, audio, and video format, or just come get reacquainted through the discussion!

After studying at Columbia and the University of Rochester, John taught college, elementary school and high school in New York, California and New Hampshire, leaving appreciative students in his wake.  He and his wife, Dori, recently moved from Vermont to Roslindale to be closer to their youngest daughter’s family.

Knit/Crochet Circle
Wednesdays, 1:30-3 PM
Come to the library to craft and have a pleasant conversation with your neighbors in this weekly drop-in social group. All levels of skill are welcome.

Teen Crafts with Sherry Eskin: Make Shrinky Dinks
Monday, March 5, 3-4 PM 
For ages 12 and up

Crafternoon at the Library: Make Suncatchers with Sherry Eskin,
Monday, March 11, 4:30-5:30 PM 
For ages 5 and up.

Spring Singing Lessons 8 week series with Maire Clement
Wednesdays, March 20- May 8, 3-4:30 PM
Limit: 10 participants.  You must be able to attend all or most of the 8 lessons.  The program will be open to 8 adults and 2 teens. Areas that Maire covers are: Breathing, Projection, Language, Expanding your range, Vocal Health, Resonance, How to Practice, Artistry and Performance Skills. Please speak with the Head Librarian if you have questions or if you would like to register: 617-323-2343 or email [email protected]

Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, March 21, 1:30-2:30 PM
We will be discussing The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. Newcomers Welcome. Enjoy refreshments. Meet new friends.

Rozzie Reads Poetry and Open Mic
Thursday, March 28, 7-9 PM, Roslindale House, 120 Poplar Street
Featured readers:  Krysten Hill and Dennis Daly

Current Exhibit: "What the Hubble Didn't See" - Display of 10 Unique Paintings, Beautiful Recreations, Our Children's Place in the Universe!  Artist Tod Gaines
Through March 24

Weekly Children's Programming

Preschool Movies
Mondays, 10:30 am

Toddler Time
Tuesdays, 10:30 am

Creative Drama
Tuesdays, 4-5 pm
(Time may be changed to 4:30)

Lego Club
Thursdays  4:30-5:30  pm
(for children ages 4 and older, with caregivers )

Homework Help
Mondays - Thursdays, 3:30- 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!

Baby Time with Sherry Eskin
April 3

Just Mercy
Book Discussion
April 6, 13 & 27

Roslindale Community Libraries Project

The Friends are increasing the number of free book sharing libraries in neighborhood businesses and yards to make sure you can get books during the library’s renovation starting later in 2019.  With the help of wonderful partners, we will have handcrafted libraries to give away to people who would like one on their property and meet the criteria.  The little libraries come in a wide variety of designs, shapes, colors, and sizes!

If you are interested in having a library on your property starting this summer, please see the criteria on the application available on our website, or at the circulation desk at the library.  Submit the application by the end of April. For more information, contact [email protected].

Boston Marathon Fundraiser For The Library

Friends member Greg Tobin is running in this year's Boston Marathon to raise money for library's programming, such as Toddler Story Hour here at the branch.   Greg's "run for the readers" will be his first marathon, as part of a 15-member BPL team. Come cheer for them on April 15! And if you would like to support him, here is the link for donations. Greg's wife Jeannette is creating a beautiful quilt to be raffled off, and the Friends will be holding a drawing for the winner.  Each donation of $5 to the BPL Marathon team will earn a chance in the drawing!  The quilt (in progress) will be on display at the library.  

Rozzie Reads One Book!

The Friends of the Roslindale Library will host another community-wide Rozzie Reads One Book while the library is undergoing renovation. Help us decide what to read! Here are the general criteria:

--Local author preferred

--Possibilities for multigenerational programs

--Available in paperback

Please recommend a book on our nomination form.

Donate your yarn at the Roslindale Library

Donate your yarn, needles, project bags, fabric, and any other accessories at the library during library hours (or we may be able to arrange pickup in the area).  The Friends annual yarn sale is February 28-March 2, and proceeds benefit all of the Friends programs at the library, including race and inclusion education programs, events and speakers, book discussions, ESL groups, children’s and teen programming and more.

Makerspace Programming!

We are thinking of new ways of using the library in the future, and especially after the renovation is completed.  We are hosting two sessions - March 7 and 16 - to showcase the types of maker programming that are possible with our space.  Then on March 23, we will host another session on planning future maker events.

Recyclables that could be useful for maker programming on March 7 and 23:

  • Clean cardboard, especially small and medium Amazon boxes or similar
  • Plastic berry baskets
  • Soda bottles and soda bottle tops
  • Yogurt containers, especially pint size, and similar dairy containers
  • Any old electronic devices such as phones, tablets, gaming consoles, printers, weather stations, etc.
  • Cardboard tubes
  • Styrofoam and shaped packaging materials
  • Styrofoam trays
  • Colored paper/cardstock

Volunteers Wanted

We are looking for volunteers for a number of Friends' and library programming.  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 "First Ladies"
In honor of Women's History Month, we have compiled a list of books celebrating first achievements by women that broke gender barriers and have led to major cultural shifts.

Books about Irish Heritage
St. Patrick's Day is almost here, and we are celebrating Irish literary traditions.  Check out this booklist that features literature either written by well-known Irish authors and/or about the Irish experience.

Words of Wisdom
To me, success means effectiveness in the world, that I am able to carry my ideas and values into the world - that I am able to change it in positive ways. - Maxine Hong Kingston

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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