Spring Has Sprung - Enjoy the courtyard, learn about sustainability and explore our Library of Things!

The arrival of nice weather means there's even more to take advantage at the Library! The outdoor tables are back on the brick courtyard at our Homer Street entrance. The trees and plants are blooming and the Bluebikes rack is freshly stocked. We're happy to host Green Newton's interactive Tic Tac Go Sustainable kiosk. Stop by to learn about what steps you can take to live sustainably.

The kiosk features a square about trying our Library of Things Collection - a tremendous way to explore a new hobby, tackle a home improvement project, and have fun with friends and family.  Borrowing - instead of buying - saves you money, reduces waste and household clutter!

On April 29th, the Library Board of Trustees held their annual Spring Fling Fundraising Gala which featured an appeal to help us expand and restock the Library of Things collection. Thank you to all our supporters! We look forward to growing this collection; here are some of our seasonal favorites:

Bocce Set
Gardening Tools
Bike Pump
Beach Tent
Balance Bike
Outdoor Screen/Projector
Garden Kneeler/Seat Bench

Library Receives Outstanding Employer Award from Elliot House

The Library circulates over a million items per year, and we employ a group of shelvers, (called Pages), to return these items to the shelf for the next borrower.

For 20+ years, some of these wonderful Pages have come from our strong partnership with Elliot House, an employment and recovery center that offers people with mental health challenges opportunities to achieve their full potential. Elliot house and their job coaches have continuously brought reliable, qualified, Clubhouse members to us, who join our staff and help re-shelve materials.

On April 18th, we received the Outstanding Employer of Clubhouse Members award through Elliott House, in partnership with Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (MCC), during an awards ceremony, with Representatives Ruth Balser and Kay Khan, longtime supporters of this initiative, and staff from the Library, MCC and Elliot House. We look forward to continuing the partnership with Elliot House for years to come!

Celebrating Our Community: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

We are delighted to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Visit the educational display in the lobby, explore some suggested titles and attend one of our upcoming events:

Polynesian Fusion
Thursday, May 11 at 2pm
Ages 6 and up

The Significance of Asian Festivals: Diwali, Eid al-Fitr and Lunar New Year
Wednesday, May 24 at 6:30pm

Meet Silvia, our New Assistant Supervisor of Borrower Services

Silvia Roma joined the Newton Free Library in 2021 as a part-time Library Assistant. They are ecstatic to have the opportunity to continue to serve Newton patrons and staff in their new capacity. Before moving to Massachusetts, Silvia honed customer service skills at Walt Disney World and the online video convention VidCon. When not at the Library, Silvia is probably either at class completing coursework for their Master's Degree, watching a ridiculous amount of television, or hanging out with their lovable and perfect cat, Inky.  

Feel free to swing by the front desk if you want to chat with Silvia about Disney, Sci-fi/Fantasy books, or any TV show.

Some of Silvia’s favorite reads include:

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
The Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey
All Systems Red by Martha Wells, The Murdrebot Diaries
A Psalm for the Wild Built

May Event Highlights

Upcycled Cinderella

Thursday, May 4 at 4pm

Power of Pollinators

Wednesday, May 10 at 4pm

Our beautifully renovated Children's Room is a great place for our youngest patrons to discover books,  engage in interactive play, do homework and more!

Check out some of the fun and educational programs we're hosting this month.