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

Roslindale Village Farmers Market Book Sale
Saturday, September 9, 9 am – 2 pm, Adams Park

Second Saturday Play Reading Series
Saturday, September 9, Noon – 1:45 pm
Theater group O.W.I. (Bureau of Theatre) will do a play reading.  More information: officeofwarinformation.com

Computer Literacy Drop-In Clinic
Monday, September 11, 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!

Children’s Immigrant Story Project
Saturday, September 16, 11:00 am
The RISE Children’s Immigration Story Project is sponsoring a fun morning at the Roslindale Library that will include a story hour, art projects and a display of children’s books reflecting different cultures and age appropriate stories of immigration to the United States. The program will center on our own and others’ stories of coming to America. All children and their parents are welcome! Children ages 4 to 12, in particular, will have a great time!

Rozzie Reads Poetry Discussion
Tuesday, September 19, 7 pm, Roslindale House
We’ll be discussing poems by Alicia Ostriker. Those interested are invited to join us.

Adult Book Discussion
Thursday, September 21, 1:30 pm – 2:30  pm
We will be reading A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.  Refreshments will be served and newcomers are always welcome.  Books can be borrowed at the circulation desk.

Instruments and Jewish Dancing for Families with Sagit Gitzilberman
Saturday, September 23, 11:00 am  
Sagit Gitzilberman will introduce interesting instruments like Hang-drum and didgeridoo, saxophones, recorder, flute. She will provide fun activities for participants – dancing, singing, introducing music from different cultures; introducing her personal story (telling about the Israeli and Jewish cultures), meditative/mindfulness practices, maybe a little of yoga stretch and mindful breathing here and there.  More info: http://www.sagitzilberman.com

Rozzie Reads Poetry Open Mic
Thursday, September 28, 7 pm, Roslindale House
There will be a tribute to Marc Widershien with a reading and a musical performance by D’Anna Fortunata. Widershien was responsible for an initial poetry series in Roslindale at what was then Emack and Bolio’s. He died August 2016.

e-Library Tutorial
Saturday, September 30, 11 am – 1:30 pm
Did you know that you can borrow FREE e-books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and even laptops with just your library card?  Come to the Roslindale Branch for a free tutorial on how to access all the content available. Bring your devices for troubleshooting.

Fall Preview

Fall Arts Workshops with Michelle Brooks for ages 5-12  Please register at the library.

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

Autumn Wreath
Monday,  November 6,  4:30 pm -5:30 pm

Adult Evening Concert with local musician Deborah Galiza
Thursday, October 5, 6:30 pm

Please Note: LEGO Club and Chess Club will resume in October.  Homework Help starts up in late September.

Regular Children’s Programming

Preschool Movies
Mondays, 10:30 am

Toddler Time
Tuesdays, 10:30 am

Library Creative Drama
Tuesdays, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Regular Adult Programming

English Conversation Group
Thursdays, 6 pm

Spanish Conversation Group
Saturdays, 11 am

Talk About Hair!
Thanks to everyone who came out for our You Can’t Touch My Hair discussion on August 17!  We had a lot of great conversation about self-identity and women’s empowerment.  We also received a great feedback about the summer reading series, and we plan to do more book discussions in the near future. Stay tuned!

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].

Roslindale Library Renovation Update!
The contract with the architects, Leers Weinzapfel Associates, has been signed!  Here is the timeline for the next phases of the renovation:

The design phase is when the architects take the information from the completed programming study and start to create a design with the assistance of engineers. The design phase has three phases: Conceptual Design, Schematic Design and Design Development. In each phase, the design becomes more refined and detailed.  The design phase is where the community provides feedback and helps inform the design process. There will be three or four community meetings during this phase. Following the Design Development phase, the architects put together construction documents.  Approximate timeline for this process is between 12 – 18 months.

Bid for construction Summer/Fall 2018
Start construction early 2019

Seeking Roslindale School Parent Volunteers to Help with Library Card Campaign

If you are a parent of a preschool or elementary student who attends school in Roslindale, we would like to invite you to help connect your school with the Roslindale Branch Library for the purpose of signing up students for library cards and scheduling library tours for classes (weekdays) or families (Thursday evening or Saturday). For more information or to volunteer to help with this campaign, please contact [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]. 

Books of the Month
Each month we feature themed book lists grouped for adults, teenagers/young adults, and children, and can be borrowed from the Roslindale Library!

Books about Hispanic “Firsts”
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15, we have compiled a list of books celebrating first achievements by Hispanics that have led to major cultural shifts, ranging from government, literature, sports, and the arts.

Banned Books Week 2017
The American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) promotes awareness of challenges to library materials and celebrates freedom of speech during Banned Books Week, which takes place this year September 24 – 30.  Here are the top ten most challenged books as reported in the media and submitted to ALA by librarians and teachers across the country in 2016.  Also, here are 50 other banned e-books you can download right now from the BPL’s OverDrive system.

Words of Wisdom

A woman who writes has power, and a woman with power is feared. – Gloria E. Anzaldúa

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!