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9 Things You Didn’t Know Your Boston Public Library Branch Has To Offer

By Pebbles

When you think about the library, what comes to mind? Books, of course. Quiet and kids, sure. But did you also know that your local Boston Public Library branch has sewing classes, homework help, technology assistance, and more? The possibilities are endless when it comes to the library, with new events being added every day. I am a huge fan of the library, and love that it continues to grow and evolve as the ultimate community space. Our libraries are so incredibly important, and offer a welcoming environment for all.

Where’s my Boston Public Library branch?

First of all, something you should know about the Boston Public Library is that it was the first large free municipal library in the United States. Not only that, it was the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Yay Boston!

There are 25 branches across the city of Boston, and each branch offers everything from WiFi, information about citizenship, computer access, and more. There are locations in Roxbury, Dorchester, East Boston, and Chinatown, just to name a few.  They offer things for people of all ages. Kids can stop by for storytimes, arts and crafts, help for homework, technology classes and more. And for adults, you can participate in anything from yoga and sound baths, to language classes and book clubs.

How can I get a library card, and what can I use it for?

So glad you asked. It’s simple. Getting a library card is free and easy. You can even do it online. Sign up for an eCard to use their electronic resources. And if you want to borrow physical materials like books and DVDs, you can upgrade to a physical card in person. All you have to do it go to the circulation desk in any BPL location. Once you have your card you can borrow ebooks, audiobooks, physical books, get passes to various museums in the city, and more. Your library card is the greatest FREE resource you can have.

If you’re looking for something new to try, or want to keep the kids busy for a little while, there are lots of events you can attend for free at your local branch. Here are just some of the many events you can take part in. Enjoy!

 

  • Homework Assistance at the East Boston Branch

    Homework Assistance Program

    Free, drop-in after-school homework help and mentorship provided by trained, high-achieving high school students. No registration required. Open to students in grades K-8.Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the "Contact Info" pane on the right.

    Does your child need some homework help? Are you struggling with helping them with that math? It’s the Library to the rescue!  Check out their free, drop-in program for kids K-8.

  • Teens Upcycle with Nandra! at the Codman Square Branch in Dorchester

    Teens Upcycle with Nahdra!

    Learn to upcycle with Nahdra from House of Nahdra! This 4 week hand sewing session will teach you how to turn your old clothes into new fashions with thread and a needle! Materials will be supplied, but feel free to bring any old clothes you'd like to save.

    Do you have a teen that aspires to be a part of the world of fashion? Or maybe they just want to update some of their current clothing. Well they can learn how to upcycle with Nahdra from House of Nahdra! It’s a 4-week session that will teach them how to turn old clothes into new fashions.

  • Sweet Justice: Cooking MLK's Favorites at the Mattapan Branch

    Sweet Justice: Cooking MLK's Favorites

    We will make and enjoy some of Dr. King's favorite foods, deviled eggs and cornbread, and hear the story Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Mara Rockliff to learn about an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Era. Registration required.

    On Tuesday, January 16th from 6pm – 7pm, make some of Dr. King’s favorite foods, including deviled eggs and cornbread. You’ll also hear the story Sweet Justice: Georgina Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Mara Rockliff.  Registration is  required, and you can register by emailing [email protected] or by calling the branch.  Cooking MLK’s Favor

  • Youth Lead the Change: Idea Collection Workshop at the Grove Hall Branch

    Youth Lead the Change: Idea Collection Workshop

    In this workshop, the goal is to collect as many ideas, from as many eligible youth, from as many backgrounds (cultural, socio-economic, neighborhood, etc.) as possible. Ideas can range from one sentence suggestions to improve an aspect of life in Boston, to more fully fledged project outlines involving locations, specific changes, and more.

    “Youth Lead the Change (YLC) gives young people power over one million dollars of the City’s capital budget. The process is led by youth in Boston. The program is led by the Youth Lead the Change Committee of the Mayor’s Youth Council and the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement. Anyone aged 12 to 22 who lives, works, or goes to school in the City of Boston is invited to participate in this process by submitting ideas, and voting on the finalists.”

  • Crafternoon: Craft Circle for Adults at the Brighton Branch

    Crafternoon: Craft Circle for Adults

    Crafternoon is a casual, bring-your-own-project craft circle for adults. Drop in at your convenience. The definition of craft is up to you! Whether you knit, crochet, paint, journal, or something else entirely, you're welcome at Crafternoon. Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible.

    Are you a crafty person? Or want to become more crafty? Looking to meet up with other crafty people? Be sure to head to the Brighton Branch of the BPL for a Crafternoon. What is that? It’s a casual, bring-your-own- project craft circle for adults. You can stop by when you want, and how you define craft is up to you. It could be kniting, crocheting, painting, journaling, or anything else!

  • Technology and Job Help By Appointment at the Codman Square Branch

    Events - Boston Public Library

    Explore Boston Public Library. New titles, recently rated, and recently tagged by the library community.

    Looking for a job but need a little help with the process? Make your appointment for some technology and job help at the Codman Square Branch. Not sure how to fill out that online job application. Get all the help you need and reserve your spot.

  • 4 Angle Mindfulness at the Parker Hill Branch

    4 Angle Mindfulness

    4 Angle Mindfulness is a five-week meditation workshop to promote wellness. Participants will learn to relive stress, increase energy, efficiency, and productivity. Each week facilitator Max Johnson will teach a new relaxing technique. No registration required. Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible.

    Need to relax? In this day and age, I think we all could us a little relaxation. “4 Angle Mindfulness is a five-week meditation workshop to promote wellness. Each week facilitator Max Johnson will teach a new relaxing technique.” No registration required.

  • Indigenous Traditions & Lifeways of Southern New England at the Hyde Park Branch

    Indigenous Traditions & Lifeways of Southern New England

    Join us for a presentation with Silvermoon LaRose of the Tomaquag Museum as she offers a first-person perspective on the history, culture, and traditional arts of Southern New England Tribal Communities. Cultural belongings will illustrate the talk. Audience participation is welcome! Silvermoon LaRose, a member of the Narragansett Tribe, is the Assistant Director of the Tomaquag Museum.

    The Hyde Park Branch of the BPL offers a presentation with Silvermoon LaRose from the Tomaquaq Museum in Rhode Island. Silvermoon LaRose is a member of the Narragansett Tribe and  will offer a first-person perspective on the history, culture, and traditional arts of Southern New England Tribal Communities.

  • Sublime Sound: Sound Healing Ceremony at the Central Library at Copley Square

    Sublime Sound: Sound Healing Ceremony

    We invite you to embark on a transformative journey-a 45-minute sound healing ceremony using the ethereal tones of crystal bowls. As you settle into a cozy spot, the air hums with anticipation. Please join us for a relaxing sound healing experience using crystal singing bowls.

    From the library: “Please join us for a relaxing sound healing experience using crystal singing bowls. Each bowl, meticulously crafted from pure quartz, emits a distinct frequency that harmonizes with different energy centers in your body.” 

  • So much more at ALL Boston Public Library Branch locations

    Events - Boston Public Library

    Explore Boston Public Library. New titles, recently rated, and recently tagged by the library community.

    No matter what you’re looking for, there’s always something for you at the library. Visit this link to find out everything they have to offer, and which branches you can visit to find them. Crafts, classes, book clubs, and more. It’s all at the library!

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