October 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, October 9 in observance of Columbus Day.  Call the branch at 617-323-2343 for more information.  Learn more at friendsofroslindalelibrary.org.

A People’s American History Lesson
Saturdays, October 14, 21 & 28 & November 4 & 18
9:15 am – 11 am
The Friends of Roslindale Library will host 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 discussions will be led by local educator Clayton Brown. The Friends purchased a limited number of copies of the book, which are available to borrow now from the Roslindale library on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register for the series at the circulation desk or call (617) 323-2343.

A full schedule of what chapters will be discussed each week will be available in the next few days here: friendsofroslindalelibrary.org/inclusion.

Renovation Community Meeting
Tuesday, October 17, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Please come to a community meeting and contribute your vision for the renovation of the Roslindale Branch Library. This meeting is the next step in an exciting process that started several years ago and will result in a fantastic, updated library by summer 2020. Join representatives of the Boston Public Library, Leers Weinzapfel Associates, and Friends of the Roslindale Library to learn more about the process and share your creative ideas.

You can also send your ideas to Priscilla Foley, BPL Chief of Neighborhood Services, 617-859-2233, [email protected]. For more information about the meeting or the process to date, please contact Friends community representatives Greg Tobin ([email protected]). or Amy Gitlin ([email protected]).

For more info: friendsofroslindalelibrary.org/renovation.

Getting To Know Your Through Our Cultures
The Friends are hosting a special exhibit at the Roslindale Library showcasing diversity and inclusion through art.  The reception will be held Thursday, October 19, 6:30-7:30 pm. The art will also be available as part of the Roslindale Open Studios on Saturday, October 22 until 2 pm. Exhibit runs from October 9 through November 18.  Artist participants include Dan Jay, Nina Lev, Dianne Zimbabwe, Phyllis Bluhm, Greg Jundanian, Catherine Jaggi, Michele Audet, and Lilly Harrison.

Day of the Dead/ El Dia de Los Muertos
Saturday, October 28, 9 am – 12 Noon
Gather at Roslindale Library from 9 am – 10 am for Mexican hot chocolate and pan de Muerto. The costume parade departs from the library at 10 am sharp and ends at the Farmers Market main performance area. Traditional dances, games, and crafts by La Piñata. Photos of your deceased loved ones are welcome in our Community Altar.

Computer Literacy Drop-In Clinic
Monday, October 2, 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!

Stained Glass Pumpkin with Michelle Brooks
Monday, October 2, 4:30 pm -5:30 pm 

Adult Evening Concert with local musician Deborah Galiga
Thursday, October 5, 6:30 pm
Join us for a concert with local musician, Deborah Galiga, who is a singer/songwriter who plays keyboard and guitar. She performs original songs drawing from pop, folk and rock influences. She also plays songs from the 60s and jazz standards. Refreshments will be served.

Preschool Reading Readiness
Fridays, October 6-November 17, 10:30 am  (no meeting Nov. 10) Colors, numbers, letters, shapes, stories, and songs. Sign up at the library.

Rozzie Reads Poetry Discussion
Tuesday, October 10, 7 pm – 8:30 pm, Roslindale House
Dorothy Derifield will lead a discussion of poems by Alicia Ostriker.

Complimentary Introduction to Tai Chi and Quigong
Wednesday, October 11 and 18, 10:30 am
Call Human Harmonies in West Roxbury to reserve a spot at 617-327-5100.

Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, October 19, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm 
We will be reading The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars by Dava Sobel. Copies available for checkout at the circulation desk.

College Essay Workshop for Juniors and Seniors
Wednesday, October 25, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm 
Come to learn how to write great essays for your college applications.

Boston Book Festival
Saturday, October 28, Copley Square
Celebrating the power of words to stimulate, agitate, unite, delight, and inspire, Boston Book Festival presents year-round events culminating in this annual festival that promotes a culture of reading and ideas and enhances the vibrancy of our city. More information: bostonbookfest.org

Library Visit by Mary the Dog!
Do you want to read to Mary?  Mary is a registered therapy dog who will visit the library with her owner, Hannah, on the following days:

– Friday, October 6, 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm Time for Elementary School Age Children

– Saturday, October 21, 11 am – 12 noon  Family Time for ages 5 and up (Mary does best with age 5 and older)

– Friday, October 27, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm  Middle School Children and Elementary School children who are not in a late school.

Please Note: School-age programs are held weekly except during Boston Public Schools Holidays and Vacations. Due to the later dismissal of BPS, the afternoon programs are starting 30 minutes later this year.

Regular 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

Regular Adult Programming

English Conversation Group
Thursdays, 6 pm

Spanish Conversation Group
Saturdays, 11 am

Coming Soon!

Rozzie Reads Poetry
Open Mic with Simone John
November 2

Native Americans After
The Mayflower
November 9

Posada Navideña
December

Finding Love In The Library!
Congratulations to Pete Riesenberg and Janneth Moyano-Riesenberg who got married in August.  Pete is a regular attendee of the library’s Spanish Conversation Group and Janneth, a native of Colombia, came to Boston last year to sharpen her English skills in the English Conversation Group on Saturday mornings before the Spanish group. Janneth started attending the Spanish group soon after to provide her expert language advice and started a relationship with Pete. Their relationship blossomed, but Janneth moved back to Bogata, Colombia in December when her educational visa expired.  Pete visited Janneth in Bogata last April, where they announced their engagement to her family.  Their wedding was held at the Dedham Hilton with members of the couple’s families and friends from Boston and Colombia!

Janneth is a 2000 graduate of Universidad de Nacionalde Colombia with a degree in pharmaceutical chemistry and holds and advanced degree in production and productivity management from Universidad el Bosque. She is employed by the Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos (INVIMA). Pete is a UMass Boston graduate and the Producing Artistic Director of O.W.I. (Bureau of Theatre), which produces the Spring Summer Reading Series at the library.

Race and Inclusion Book Review and Added Books
Constance Martin, a race and inclusion committee member wrote a review of The Gilded Years, one of the three books we read as part of our summer reading series.  Linda Stern, another committee member, created her own list of recommended books.

Get a Book, Suggest a Book, Review a Book
We maintain a wide variety of topical books in our race and inclusion mega reading list for adults, teens/young adults, and children.  Borrow one of these books today!  We also welcome any book suggestions, especially ones for teens and children, to add to this mega list, which is mostly comprised of titles recommended by community members like you!  This book list is meant to be a community resource that encourages thoughtful conversation, education, and respect for diversity.  Also, if you read any of the books listed and want to write a review, let us know.  We will consider review submissions for publication in our newsletter and website. Send your suggestions and reviews to [email protected].

Your Thoughts on the Irving Adams Picture 
The restored Irving Adams picture is back in a temporary spot in the library and we’d love to have input as to how it looks and where the best place to put it would be.  Let us know at [email protected]

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].

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].