Next time you are out and about by the West Branch Library in Davis Square – since we can’t yet go in – take a moment to appreciate the details of the entrance to the building that has welcomed readers for more than 100 years. Lamps are positioned on either side of the staircase, and on the…
April 23 is the day observed as Shakespeare’s birthday throughout the world. Normally the occasion would be marked by live play performances, open-air celebrations, sonnet slams and Shakespeareaoke. Due to COVID-19, events have been postponed, or cancelled altogether, and others have moved online. So this year (or this month at least), celebrations of the bard’s birth will…
The wood carving on the ground floor is one of the most well-known pieces of art in the Central Library. Located opposite the elevator, the carving depicts key local events before and during the Revolution: the 1774 confiscation of munitions from the Powder House by British soldiers; the 1776 raising of the first flag of…
We are missing our patrons and we hope you haven’t forgotten what we look like! Maybe you are one of our patrons who would come in and head to the third floor balcony to find a cozy spot to do your work. Here’s a fun library fact for you, there wasn’t always a third floor…
Use this step-by-step guide to access the OverDrive digital collections on your computer, phone, tablet, or Kindle. To get started, you’ll need your library card number and your PIN/password. Your PIN was created when you applied for your library card. If you don’t know your PIN, email spl@minlib.net to request a new PIN. Be sure…
St. Patrick’s Day will soon be upon us, and for many that’s an occasion to wear green and drink a Guinness. But I’m using the occasion to recommend books by Irish writers. Not that there’s anything wrong with green clothes. Or Guinness. Given Ireland’s history, imperialism is a compelling subject to many Irish writers. Booker-winner…
March is Women’s History Month! We hope you’ll enjoy this list of recommended reads from SPL staff. The image of three women reading above is from the Donald C. King Family Photographs in our local history collection. View the collection online at Digital Commonwealth! Formation: a Woman’s Memoir of Stepping Out of Line, by Ryan Leigh…
As Black History Month draws to a close, we wanted to share recommendations for a few of the African-American history resources available online. Last year was the 100th anniversary of the official end of World War I. The National Museum of African-American History and Culture marked the occasion with an exhibit on African-Americans in World War…
In recognition of Black History Month, here is a selection of books by Black authors, recommended by SPL staff. We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy, by Ta-Nehisi Coates. An eloquently written, meticulously analyzed, powerfully presented, and completely unwavering gaze at the major role that racism has played in American history, and still plays…
Check out Margaret Atwood’s latest novel The Testaments. Available as a lucky day book here! Which means you need to visit your library to pick it up! Other formats the item is available in include: Large Print Spoken CD Playaway Audiobook e-book
