Library Blog

As National Women's History Month draws to a close this week, our spotlight is on Mae Durell Frazar (1852-1919) an accomplished writer, editor, world traveler, and entrepreneur who lived most of her life on or near Prospect Hill.

Frazar is chiefly known as Somerville’s first female publisher. In 1887 she created a 16-sheet paper called The Home Life, which was printed by the Somerville Journal, and "crammed with original matter, illustrated stories, prizes, premiums, music and book... Read Post

By now, you have likely heard of the passing of Dr. Stephen Hawking, one of the most celebrated thinkers of our time. Dr. Hawking was a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, advocate for disability rights, and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. 

If you would like to learn more about his work or life, the Somerville Public Library owns several of his books, as well as biographical books and films written or produced about... Read Post

Are you a graphic novel fan? Why not check out your local library for your favorites? We have an entire area dedicated to graphic novels. Is there a title missing, that you’d like to see added? Just ask a reference librarian! Or just come sit and read in our lovely little alcove.

Below are some great titles that you shouldn’t miss!

Saga. Book Two- By Brian K. Vaughn

"Saga. Book Two continues the action-packed education of Hazel, a child born to star-crossed parents... Read Post

Monday was a big day in the children’s literature world -- the American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Awards were announced!  The annual awards include not only the big two -- Caldecott and Newbery -- but a number of other awards recognizing a broad spectrum of children's and young adult literature.

The Randolph Caldecott Medal, which recognizes the most distinguished American picture book for children each year, was awarded to “Wolf in the Snow,” illustrated and... Read Post

African-American history is endlessly fascinating: it's the troubling, complex counterpoint to the sanitized, triumphalist version of American history so many of us were taught in school and that still appears in popular historical works. The Internet is a trove of riches on the black American experience.  Below are links to a small, eclectic sample of what's available online.

At the Library of Congress you can listen to, or read transcripts of, interviews conducted with former... Read Post

FOMO alert!

If you haven’t explored our magazine section lately, you could be suffering from the Fear Of Missing Out on our new titles! Just to tempt you to come to the second floor of the Central Library and take a look, here are a few of our edgier ­­­­­­new additions... With a valid Minuteman library card, you can check out all magazines, even the most recent issues, for one week.

Bitch – a feminist essential for any reader. Expect snappy reviews, in-depth... Read Post

Looking for some new toys?  Check something out from the Library!  We’ve got you covered with fun games like...

Feed the Monkey: work on that pincer grip and feel like you’re accomplishing something.

Easy-Twist Animal Builders: fine motor skills, matching, and crazy animals.

And a personal favorite, Don’t Let the Bugs Fall: it’s like Jenga with dice.  (You can see SPL librarians playing this game at the Somerville Media Center!)

Available at all... Read Post