MELROSE — Following are some announcements from the staff of the Melrose Public Library.
Special Announcement from the Friends of the Melrose Public Library: Book donations are not only welcome, they are needed. We need to restock before our next book sale at MPL at the Beebe on Sunday, September 8. Please bring your gently used books, DVDs and CDs to the library during open hours and leave them in the designated bin near the circulation desk. No encyclopedias, coloring books or textbooks please. Thank you.
Summer Hours July and August: Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. in the children’s room); Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Summer Reading Program for all ages is in full swing! Read, Renew, Repeat! Visit melrosepubliclibrary.org for further information about all the fun we are planning or stop by to see us at MPL at Beebe School.
Massachusetts Center for the Book Reading Challenge: Melrose Public Library is participating in the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2024 Reading Challenge. Read twelve books in twelve months, a different challenge each month. The challenge for July is to read a book by an author born outside of the United States. ADULT PROGRAMS Tuesdays, July 30 and August 6, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom, Summertime Yoga with Michelle: Please join us as Michelle Heron leads a 4 week online yoga series where participants will explore the practice of yoga from the comfort of one’s own home. Renew your spirit with a gentle yoga flow combined with restorative poses, focused breathing and mindful meditation to soften into summer. A yoga mat/towel or blanket, blocks, extra pad for knee cushioning, bolster(s) and/or pillow(s) are great support props to have nearby. Cameras can be on or off, options are given using invitational language and props are encouraged. Classes are free and open to all to join, however, separate registration is required for each session. Online registration opens one week prior to class.
Thursday, August 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. online, VIRTUAL Art History Webinar: The Quiet and Wonderful World of Vermeer: Johannes Vermeer, who created the iconic painting “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” is considered a world renowned Dutch Master of the 17th century. That painting is one of only 37 works of his that scholars believe survive today. For the first time ever, 28 of those 37 were exhibited in 2023 at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. In this lecture, study his quiet, luminous interiors that seem to capture the daily life of ordinary people in his hometown of Delft. Learn the latest insights into this beloved but enigmatic artist. Led by art historian Mary Woodward, a guide at several Historic New England properties. She previously served as Public Programs Coordinator and Educator at the Concord Museum. Sponsored by the Tewksbury Friends of the Library, Corning Community Impact & Investment and a collaboration of libraries. Please register online.
Wednesday, August 7, 7-8:45 p.m. in person at the Milano Center, 201 W. Foster St., History Book Club: Join a lively discussion group focused on history. Members are asked to read a book or article on the monthly topic and be prepared to tell the group about it, or just listen and learn. New members are welcome to join and experience history from many points of view on one topic. This month’s topic is The 1920s. Americans refer to this decade as the Roaring Twenties or Jazz Age while Europeans call it the Golden Twenties or Années folles (French for ‘crazy years’) whatever you wish to call it, it was a lively time period. Choose a non-fiction book or article focusing on an aspect of your choice an event, a movement, a person anything goes as long as it is set within the context of the 1920’s. Please register online or with a library staff member if you plan on attending. Please check in at the front desk when you arrive; doors will be locked by 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 13, 10:30 a.m. in person at the Milano Center, Tuesday Morning Book Club: Join us for a lively discussion of Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead. Physical copies are available at the Melrose Public Library. Limited e-book and e-audio books may be available through Libby by Overdrive. Unlimited e-book and e-audio books are also available to Melrose residents through the Hoopla platform. Please be sure to register online for the meeting using the Library Event Calendar so the library can accommodate all those planning to participate.
Wednesday, August 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. online, VIRTUAL Mass Audubon Virtual Series: Bald Eagles on the Rise: The Bald Eagle, formerly endangered, now has a thriving population over much of the country including the northeast. Learn the natural history and life cycle of bald eagle as well as the historic restoration project in Massachusetts resulting in a healthy population and removal of endangered species status. Eagles are seen in the northeast throughout the year and during fall migration you might be fortunate to see a non-nesting golden eagle. Led by Patti Steinman, the Education Coordinator for Mass Audubon’s Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries, based out of Arcadia in Easthampton and Northampton. Sponsored by the Tewksbury Friends of the Library and a collaboration of libraries. Please register online.
Wednesday, August 14, 7-8 p.m. online via Zoom, VIRTUAL Farm Fresh Tacos, Cooking with Chef Kelcy: Join us virtually when Chef Kelcy will present “Farm Fresh Tacos”. Discover how to transform the season’s bounty into delicious, inspired tacos that are perfect for Taco Tuesday or any day of the week. Learn easy, creative ways to use fresh, local ingredients to elevate your taco game and delight your taste buds. Vegetarian and omnivore options will be shared. Recipes will be shared prior to the event so feel free to cook along or make on a different day. Chef Kelcy is a Lowell-based Chef and Educator with a focus on eating with the seasons and supporting her local community through private cooking classes and dinner parties. She is also the Farm Chef at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester where she runs a variety of educational programming for people of all ages and creates delicious farm-to-table food experiences. This program is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Melrose Public Library. To obtain the Zoom link, please register online.
Thursday, August 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m. online, VIRTUAL Art History Webinar: Summer Adventures-Art Colonies in New England: Explore eight late-19th and early-20th century summer art colonies across New England. Discover the incredible, creative energy that still exists. Led by Martha Chiarchiaro, owner of Seeing History, who has brought history to life through the art of the times for more than 30 years. Sponsored by the Tewksbury Friends of the Library, Corning Community Impact & Investment and a collaboration of libraries. Please register online.
Thursday, August 15, 7-8:30 p.m. in person at the Milano Center, Beach Blanket Book Club for Adults: Come and discuss the books that you have read so far this summer. There will be prizes, refreshments and good conversation. Please register online so we can anticipate the number of attendees. Can’t attend in-person? Check out the virtual meeting on Thursday, August 29 on Zoom.
TEEN PROGRAMS Tuesday, July 30, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Beebe Playground, Board Games and Brownies (ages 11-18): Prove you are the board game champion. Defeat your friends in a riveting board game while feasting on sugary goodness. Please register online.
Wednesday, August 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Beebe Playground, 263 W. Foster St., Teen and Tween Advisory Group (ages 11-18): Join Teen Services Librarian Amanda on the first Wednesday of the month to share your thoughts about teen and tween events, books, displays and more at the Melrose Public Library Teen and Tween Advisory Group. Snacks will be served! Please register online.
Tuesday, August 13, 6-7:30 p.m. at Gooch Park, corner W. Foster & Florence Streets, offsite location, Mini Field Day (ages 11-18): Celebrate summer with relay races at the park. Water balloon tosses, shoebox races and other outdoor activities await! Come in clothes you wouldn’t mind getting messy and wet. Registration for this event opens Tuesday, July 30.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Join the Children’s Department for an exciting summer as you Read, Renew, Repeat! Kids entering pre-kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to join us for the 2024 Summer Reading Program featuring programs for kids of all ages focused around our theme of conservation and restoration. Summer Reading runs until Friday, August 16.
Tuesday, July 30, 10:30-11 a.m. at the Beebe Playground Greenspace (behind fenced-in area weather permitting), Sing Along Stories (ages 0-4): Join the staff of the Children’s Department for songs and stories this summer as we Read, Renew, Repeat. This program will feature songs and movements that will get little ones wiggling, bouncing and grooving to the beat. With an early literacy focus, kids and their caregivers will meet new friends, learn new songs and discover new books. Recommended for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with their caregivers. Socialize and play together after the program. Register for only one program each week. This program happens twice each week to offer more spaces for families to join. Space is limited and registration is required for all participants. Please register for all who will attend, i.e. register for 3 people if a child and two adults will attend. Bring your own blanket or towel to sit on.
Wednesday, July 31, 3-4 p.m. at the Beebe Playground Hardtop (next to fenced lot weather permitting), Creative Kids Jr. (ages 5-7): Join the staff of the Children’s Department for an afternoon workshop of creative fun this summer as we Read, Renew, Repeat. Explore new outlets for your creative talents and learn something fun while meeting new friends. This program is for kids ages 5-7. Space is limited and registration is required for all participants. Register separately for each child attending. Caregivers must remain in the vicinity. Meet library staff outside the old main entrance of Beebe School.
Wednesday, July 31, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Beebe Playground Hardtop (next to fenced lot), Family Challenge Night (ages 5-10): Join the staff of the Children’s Department for a night of summer fun family-style as we Read, Renew, Repeat. In the style of a popular game show, families will compete in trivia challenges that test their communication, creativity and skill in different ways. This program is recommended for kids ages 5-10 and their family groups. Space is limited and registration is required. Please register once for each family group attending. Program will take place in the playground area, weather permitting. Please register online.
Thursday, August 1, 10:30-11 a.m. at the Beebe Playground Greenspace (behind fenced-in area weather permitting), Sing Along Stories ( ages 0-4): Join the staff of the Children’s Department for songs and stories this summer as we Read, Renew, Repeat. This program will feature songs and movements that will get little ones wiggling, bouncing, and grooving to the beat. With an early literacy focus, kids and their caregivers will meet new friends, learn new songs and discover new books. Recommended for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with their caregivers. Socialize and play together after the program. Register for only one program each week. This program happens twice each week to offer more spaces for families to join. Space is limited and registration is required for all participants. Please register for all who will attend, i.e. register for 3 people if a child and two adults will attend. Bring your own blanket or towel to sit on.
Monday, August 5, 2-2:40 p.m. at the Beebe Playground Greenspace (behind fenced-in area weather permitting), Book Buddies (ages 4-7): Join the staff of the Children’s Department for a story time program for older kids this summer as we Read, Renew, Repeat. This program will feature books, activities and songs that will engage and entertain families. Each program will feature something new to learn and explore. This program will feature longer books and activities. It is recommended for kids ages 4-7 and their caregivers. Space is limited and registration is required for all participants. Please register for all who will attend, i.e. register for three people if a child and two adults will attend. Please register online starting July 29. Bring your own blanket or towel to sit on.
Thursday, August 15, 2-4 p.m. at the Memorial Hall, 590 Main St. (Offsite Location), Whale Mobile (kids ages 5+): Meet Nile, a life-sized humpback whale! Join the Melrose Public Library at Memorial Hall for a final Read, Renew, Repeat summer program with a visit from Cynde McInnis and the Whale Mobile. Kids will meet Nile, a 36-year old humpback whale whom McInnis has seen almost every summer since 1994 off the coast of Massachusetts. They can go inside of the inflatable whale and learn about how whales are similar and different to humans. Kids will learn about Nile’s migratory path, how many calves she’s had, as well as how researchers learned this information. Artifacts such as baleen, teeth and bones are available for children to see and feel. At the end of the presentation, they will be encouraged to become Playground Protectors and see how much trash they can collectively pick up this summer! This program is for kids ages 5 and over. Kids will enter the whale on their own while parents remain in the auditorium. Registration is required and space is limited. Register separately for each child over age 5 who will be going into the whale. Only register for one timeslot.
