If you're a knitter the Library has so much to offer you!
Drop in knitting evenings (Mondays at the West Branch, Thursdays at the East Branch.) Socialize with fellow knitters, work on your current project, maybe get some advice on the tricky parts. Community Scarf Projects at all three SPL locations - sit down, relax, and add a row or two! Get Cozy at the Library! Enjoy the coziness, cocoa, and company at this winter program in which you can choose to make the craft of the day or... Read PostLibrary Services
November 2nd 2017
We are happy to announce that our patrons can now access some of their favorite digital magazines using Flipster from EBSCO Information Services. Flipster is a next-generation magazine service that allows people to browse digital versions of the latest issues of popular magazines, courtesy of the library.
SPL provides access to the following digital titles:
The New Yorker ESPN Magazine Food Network Digital Photo National Geographic GQ (Gentlemen's Quarterly)... Read Post January 18th 2017
Players of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Chess Club! Players should be familiar with the game, though some limited instruction may be available. Monday, February 6th 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in the library auditorium. Generally, Chess nights are on the first Monday of each month. We hope to see you there!
June 13th 2016
The Friends of the Somerville Public Library are hosting a six-mile tour of the three library branches, with refreshments and activities along the way. The aims of this event - beyond celebrating the arrival of summer! - are to introduce Somerville residents to the three historic branch libraries and to highlight the wonderful programs and services they offer.
When: Saturday, June 18, 9:15 AM.
Where: The Library Ride starts at the West Branch, 40 College Avenue (near Davis Square).
Cost: $... Read Post
May 24th 2016
Our latest staff profile is of Heidi, our Technology Librarian extrordinaire.
Heidi says, "I deal with technology issues at all three library locations. I fix things when they get broken, and I also order and set up new tech equipment from computers, to scanners, to WiFi paraphernalia and more. I offer one-on-one technology training to our patrons, and collaborate with SCATV to provide a series of classes called Getting Comfortable in the Digital World. I work on technology programming too... Read Post
April 29th 2016
...is available for public review at the Central Library, 79 Highland Ave. Ask at the reference desk for help finding it.
February 26th 2016
Our latest staff profile is of Donna, a self-described "jill of all trades" who can usually be found at the Central Library.
"When I first started working at the Library I was in the audio-visual department, which I really enjoyed. Now my duties include payroll, administrative services, coordinating schedules, and working at public desks in a variety of departments including circulation, the children's and teen departments, and occasionally the East and West branches.
"I like many things... Read Post
December 22nd 2015
Is online privacy important to you? Worried that someone will hack into your account, or worse steal all your credit card and personal information? If so, you should practice internet security. A very important, part of internet security is choosing the right password. So, how do you choose the right password?
Well first off,
1. A password should be between 8-12 characters long.
2. Does not contain a solid word (especially not your name, username or company name!)
3. Must be different from... Read Post
September 4th 2015
Our latest staff profile is of Kevin, who you will recognize if you've ever been to the second floor of the Central Library.
“I'm Kevin. First and foremost, I work at the reference desk answering questions for library users, trouble shooting computers, helping people find books, and suggesting books to people who aren't sure what they want. I speak Spanish, so I often help Spanish-speaking patrons. I also select books for the Library in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Chinese. I find it... Read Post
September 2nd 2015
Did you know that the Somerville Public Library and SCAT TV have a combined membership? That's right, two of your favorite community places sharing spaces!
This combined membership includes technology instruction classes, specifically focused on media, which will be starting in October on the third Tuesday of every month! The first class will be on Social Media 101, Using your Smartphone and Digital Storytelling. So come join your favorite library at SCAT TV!
If your interested, call Heidi... Read Post
August 12th 2015
Welcome to the first in a series of short articles about the Library’s staff. First up: Ann (whose face is familiar to anyone who uses the Children’s Room at the Central Library) tells you all about her job – and a few other things too!
“I love my job! I love being with the kids. I’ve worked in a few different departments here at the Library, but this is the most rewarding. It’s hard work, but sometimes we’re having so much fun it feels like play. I tell stories, do programs, and when I... Read Post
August 12th 2015
We're still getting responses to our question about how the Library has impacted your lives. Some are short and simple, like this one:
The Library has taught me the invaluable lesson of research and how to learn something new by gathering the books to collect and learn. Whether it be the law, electrical, carpentry, computer knowledge, etc. And of course the simple pleasure of reading a good book.
and this one:
It’s great to be able to request books and DVDs through the Minuteman Network... Read Post
August 11th 2015
You might already know about Hoopla, the online service that allows you to instantly borrow free digital movies, music, eBooks and more, 24/7 with your Somerville Library card. But did you know that the service just keeps getting better and better? Now you can even download and read comic books on Hoopla, including titles from DC (The Dark Knight, The Flash, Wonder Woman) and Vertigo (Sandman, V for Vendetta, Fables) There are tons of others too, including comics for kids (Adventure... Read Post
August 5th 2015
First, the Library has allowed me to break the habit of overbuying books. In the last five years I've learned to ask the Library for a book, and wait, rather than to just buy a book and then have to store it, give it away, or chuck it. The Library always comes through.
Second, the Library takes gifts of books and videos and puts them to good use - in circulation, offered in twice-a-year sales, or to recycling. It's allowed me to slowly cull my book count by at least a bookcase worth. I hope... Read Post