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Why did the vampire come to the library?
Because she heard it had great circulation. Get it?!
SECTIONS
& FEATURES
- Meet the Staff
- Featured Programs
- Children's Events
- Fire Prevention Week Activities
- Teens
- November Program Preview
- Community Events
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Columbus Day Holiday and Sunday Hours
The Library will be closed Monday, October 9th, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday. We will reopen Tuesday the 10th at 9am.
And don't forget! The Library will be open on Sundays from 1-5pm, starting October 15th. We're kicking off the first Sunday with the help of the Friends of the Library Annual Fall Book Sale.
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Dan Scharfman Run
For the second straight year, the Library staff started off October by participating in the 5th annual Dan Scharfman Run. What an awesome event filled with great community members all joined in for a good cause. Thanks to all the event coordinators and volunteers, we will be ready for the hills next year!
Team Belmont Public Library
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New Library Project Update
The Board of Selectmen voted 3-0 at a meeting in September to create a Warrant Article for special town meeting in November. The Library Trustees will ask Town Meeting members to vote on the article asking for appointment of a Building Committee, and funding to create schematic and design for the purposes of fundraising. For more information please contact Library Director
Peter Struzziero, or members of our
Board of Library Trustees.
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Please note: In preparation for the book sale, the Friends of the Library will not be accepting donations until after October 21st.
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MEET THE STAFF
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Rachel
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MEET THE STAFF: RACHEL, OUR NEW TEEN LIBRARIAN
Rachel received her Master of Information Science degree from the University of Michigan's School of Information. She has worked previously at the Ann Arbor Public Library as a Public Library Associate in IT, and at the Worcester Public Library as their teen librarian. She's had the pleasure of running all kinds of programs, from escape rooms to college readiness classes, creating an LGBTQ+ Young Adult Literature outreach collection, and earning the nickname "mad scientist." She is a big nerd who loves comics, cartoons, podcasts, and campy television (especially Xena: Warrior Princess). Her favorite young adult books are Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Ash, and The Hate U Give. She enjoys drawing, sculpting, and poking about at all manner of harebrained projects. Rachel is happy to answer any question you throw at her, so if you want recommendations of any kind, or you just want to chat with someone about the cool new fact you learned come find her at the library!
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Chris
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MEET THE STAFF: CHRIS, OUR NEW REFERENCE LIBRARIAN
Chris comes to Belmont from Abbot Public Library in Marblehead, where he worked for over 7 years, working his way up from part-time library assistant to adult services librarian, and earning his library science degree from Drexel in 2014.
Chris primarily reads nonfiction, especially history, sports, and science, though if you see him reading fiction it will likely be
David Baldacci's latest. Chris also enjoys bowling, live entertainment, traveling, Nintendo, and the
Oxford comma.
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FEATURED PROGRAMS
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DICK LEHR PRESENTS
TRELL
Thursday, October 5th, 7pm
Library Assembly Room
Come hear Dick Lehr discuss his new novel, Trell, "inspired by the true story of a young man's false imprisonment for murder and those who fought to free him." (Candlewick Press). The author, known for Whitey and Black Mass, was on the Boston Globe's Spotlight team that brought the wrongful conviction to light. Told from the viewpoint of 13 year old Van Trell Taylor, the wrongfully convicted's daughter, this is Lehr's first foray into young adult literature.
"Former reporter Lehr (Black Mass) recounts a suspenseful story inspired by a case he investigated in the 1980s."
- Publishers Weekly
"In a Boston swirling with racial tensions and public corruption, a story of false imprisonment based in fact, from a longtime investigative journalist." - Kirkus Reviews
"Trell is an appealingly gutsy heroine whose belief in her father is strong enough to drag an attorney and a down-on-his-luck journalist into her orbit...Younger YA readers will enjoy this fast-paced thriller."
-School Library Journal
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Dick Lehr, author of
Trell (2017),
The Birth of a Nation (2014),
Whitey (2013),
The Fence (2009),
Black Mass
(2001),
Judgment Ridge (2003),
& The Underboss (1989).
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Dick Lehr is a professor of journalism at Boston University. From 1985 to 2003, he was a reporter at the Boston Globe, where he was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in investigative reporting and won numerous regional and national journalism awards. He served as the Globe's legal affairs reporter, magazine and feature writer, and as a longtime member of the newspaper's investigative reporting unit, the Spotlight Team. Before that, Lehr, who is also an attorney, was a reporter at The Hartford Courant.
Lehr is the author of The Fence: A Police Cover-up Along Boston's Racial Divide, a non-fiction narrative about the worst known case of police brutality in Boston. He is coauthor of the New York Times bestseller and Edgar Award winner Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI and a Devil's Deal, and its sequel, Whitey: The Life of America's Most Notorious
Mob Boss.
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BEGINNING OF THE MONTH
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English Conversation Circle
Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm
Starting October 11th
Library Flett Room
Come have a conversation in English. Improve your language skills, share experiences, learn about others' cultures, practice grammar, and have fun to boot! This group is geared toward a high-beginner to low-intermediate level.
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Last Farmers' Market Table of the Season
Thursday, October 12th, 2-5pm
Town parking lot, Cross St at Channing St.
We'll be at the Farmers' Market one last time this year. Come shop for great produce and treats, pick up a bestseller and hear about all the great programs we have lined up for fall.
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Workshop: Online Genealogy Resources
Wednesday, October 18,7-8:30pm
Library Assembly Room
Learn about three great genealogy resources, available through the library: Ancestry.com; American Ancestors; and HeritageQuest. We'll discuss the highlights, and give you tips on how to get the most out of each.
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TAI CHI AT THE LIBRARY
Saturday, October 21, 10-11am
Library Flett Room
Join us for tai chi at the Library. Tai chi practitioner and coach, Aisling O'Shea, will guide you through this beautiful and low impact form of martial art and meditation. NO equipment necessary, just bring yourself and wear comfortable clothing.
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Halloween Party at the Library
Thursday, October 26th 6:00-8:30pm
Library Basement (just a spooky name for Flett and Assembly Rooms)
Dress up in your Halloween finest and join library staff for crafts, movies, games, storytimes and of course, candy! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (or all 3!) for more information on this ALL AGES Monster Mash.
Activities include:
*Spooky storytimes, led by our Coordinator of Children's Services, Deborah;
*Crafts for all ages including making Halloween treat bags, masks, and skeletons;
*An escape room for teens: match your wits against ZOMBIES!
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Fireside Chat: Cyber Security
Monday, October 30th, 6:30-8:30pm
Library Assembly Room
Gather round cyber security expert Scott Donnelly to discuss the latest news in cyber security and why it matters to you, cyber threats you might face at home, tips for protecting yourself online.
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| Scott Donnelly |
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Tackling national and corporate security issues for over a decade, Scott is the Director of Technical Solutions at Recorded Future and a former officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. Scott and his team work closely with leading cyber security teams at Fortune 1000 companies and government organizations, where they help develop cyber threat intelligence capabilities for threat hunting, risk mitigation, and incident response. Scott is a sought after speaker at cyber security events and regularly contributes to
recordedfuture.com's blog. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a BA in Political Science from Villanova University.
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 SENIOR BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Friday, October 13th, 11am-12pm
The book to be discussed is The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. The senior book discussion group is co-sponsored by the Belmont Public Library and the Belmont Council on Aging. All are welcome to attend.
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 AUTHOR SERIES
Daniel Golden, Spy Schools
Thursday, November 9th, 7-8pm
Library Assembly Room
Daniel Golden, Pullitzer Prize winner and bestselling author of
Price of Admission, will discuss his new book,
Spy Schools: How the CIA, FBI, and Foreign Intelligence Secretly Exploit America's Universities on Thursday, November 9th at 7pm in the Library Assembly Room. Grounded in extensive research and reporting, Spy Schools reveals that academic globalization has transformed higher education in the U.S. into a front line for international spying. In labs, classrooms, and auditoriums, intelligence services from countries like China, Russia, and Cuba seek insights into U.S. policy, recruits for clandestine operations, and access to sensitive military and civilian research. The FBI and CIA reciprocate, tapping international students and faculty as informants. Universities ignore or even condone this interference, despite the tension between their professed global values and the nationalistic culture of espionage.
Some annoyed college administrators have called him a muckraker, or a gadfly. Both are labels he wears with pride.
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CHILDREN'S EVENTS
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 Weekly Storytimes and Playgroups
All storytimes and playgroups are held in the Library Flett Room unless specified otherwise.
*PLEASE NOTE: storytimes and playgroups will not meet the week of October 8th due to set-up for the Friends of the Belmont Library's Annual Book Sale.
Infant Lapsit
Wednesdays at 10:30am
No lapsit on October 11th
For infants up to 12 months and pre-walkers, this short program of songs and rhymes is followed by time to play and socialize.
Storytime for 1's
Thursdays at 10:30am
No lapsit on October 12th
For walkers and toddlers under 24 months. We'll share simple stories, songs, and nursery rhymes, and end with time to play.
Storytime for 2's and 3's
Tuesdays at 10:30am
No storytime on October 10th or October 31 (Halloween concert)
Come listen to stories and rhymes, sing, and even dance!
Preschool Storytime
Wednesdays at 9:30am
No storytime on October 11th
We'll read longer books, sing and dance, and make simple crafts. Children ages 3-5 with longer attention spans.
Early Literacy Playgroup
Fridays at 10:30am
Friday, October 13th's playgroup will happen in the Children's Room!
This parent and child group supports your child's language and literacy development. You'll play, read, sing and take home new ideas! Presented by educators from the CFCE grant program; for children ages 4 and under.
Fire Prevention Week, October 8th-14th
 Storytime with the Belmont Fire Department
Tuesday, October 10th, 10:00 am
Library Flett Room
Join a SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) instructor from the Belmont Fire Department to read books about firefighting and learn safety tips the whole family can use during this special Fire Prevention Week event.
 Touch a Fire Truck
Saturday, October 14th, 9-11am
Concord Avenue in front of the Underwood Pool
Come and visit the Belmont Fire Department's Engine Number 2 and explore a fire truck. Please note that the engine will be on duty and may have to leave to respond to emergency situations.
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Other Children's Programs
Music and Movement with Rubi
Monday, October 23rd, 9:30am & 10:15am (Please choose one session)
Library Assembly Room
This active program will get kids (and their grownups) moving, dancing and having fun! Ages 2-5.
Lego WeDo Robotics
Tuesday, October 24th, 3:30pm
Library Flett Room
Kids in grades 2-4 are invited to explore LEGO WeDo robotics in this monthly program. Registration required; registration for this session will open on October 2nd. Space is limited.
 Hands on Nature Presents: Nature's Real Vampires - Leeches, Bats and Other Spooky Creatures!
A Special Early Release Day Program
Wednesday, October 25th, 1:30pm
Library Assembly Room
Just in time for Halloween, come learn from Hands on Nature about real animals that scare us all year round and make a fun craft to bring home. For grades K-4.
Parent-Child Book Club
Wednesday, October 25th, 6:30pm
Library Assembly Room
This book club is for children in grades 3-6 and their parent or other special adult. This month's title is Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate; all registered families can pick up a copy of the book to borrow at the Children's Room desk. Pizza will be served.
Spooky Sing-Along with Jeff Jam
Tuesday, October 31 at 10:30am
Library Assembly Room
Celebrate Halloween with Jeff Jam and his guitar! Join us to hear favorite songs as well as some classic Halloween songs for this not-too-spooky concert. Costumes encouraged! Ages 2-5.
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TEEN NEWS & EVENTS
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 Teen Art Club
Saturday, October 7th & October 21st, 2-4pm
Library Flett Room
This teen-led art club meets every week to create art, play art games, talk about techniques, work on your art portfolios, eat snacks, and support each other in creative endeavors. 7th grade and up. Drop-in, no sign up necessary.
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 Python Programming Class
Wednesdays, October 18th - November 8th
, 2-3:30pm
Library Flett Room
This class for 9th-12th graders will teach beginning and intermediate Python skills. No prior programming or teaching experience is required (though students with prior experience are encouraged to participate!). In addition to teaching basic Python skills this class will cover advanced debugging techniques, error catching (using try-except), and database topics.
Students who take this class are invited and encouraged to participate in a new community service opportunity at the library: serving as volunteer teaching assistants for future computer programming classes and hackathons. We will review the hackathon curriculum in detail and explore common mistakes made by beginner programmers. Students who attend the series will be eligible to serve as volunteers at future hackathons and library Python classes and may apply for community service credit.
If bringing a computer from home, please make sure Python 3 is installed (you can download and install Python 3.6.2 for free from
www.python.org/downloads/).
View the Python Programming Class
flyer.
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Teen Hackathon TRAINING
Saturday, October 21st, 12-1pm
Library Flett Room
Calling all Software Engineers and Data Scientists! In response to requests for more computer programming opportunities at the library, two after-school Python programming classes and two Saturday 'hackathons" (programming workshops) will be offered this Fall. In order to serve as many students as possible at our hackathons, we need your help!
From 12-1PM on Saturday, October 21, we will hold a volunteer training for adults who wish to help with one or both of the Saturday hackathons. Even if you can only stay for one hour of the hackathon, your time will make a big impact on students learning Python for
the first time.
Interested volunteers should have experience working in Python either in a professional setting or on personal projects. Python 2 experience is completely fine; during the volunteer training we will summarize Python 3 syntax and review the topics covered at the hackathon.
 Teen Hackathon
Saturday, October 21st, 1-4pm
**No prior computer programming experience required**
This is a 3-hour hackathon about data science. We will provide you with data from a real piece of software. Your job will be to study the data and then write a Python program to analyze the data.
If you would like to use a library laptop, send an email to Rachel at
rmoir@minlib.net . If bringing a laptop from home (Mac or PC), please make sure Python 3 is installed (you can download and install Python 3.6.0 for free from
www.python.org/downloads/).We will provide guidance on Python syntax and debugging techniques but this event is primarily aimed at students who can work independently (this is not a lecture or class). Students may work individually
or in teams. No registration necessary.
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NOVEMBER EVENTS
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 Workshop: Emotional Eating
Tuesday, November 14th, 7-8pm
Library Assembly Room
Join Mind-body Wellness Consultant Kali Patrick
on a fascinating journey into the rational reasons for our seemingly irrational eating habits
In this interactive talk, Kali will cover:
- knowledge about how stress, relaxation, pleasure, thoughts, feelings, and long-held beliefs impact your nutritional metabolism and health;
- a more compassionate approach to your relationship with your body (hint: it doesn't involve attacking problems with willpower);
- discoveries about how your ever-changing relationship with food presents a unique opportunity for you to grow and evolve into the very best version of yourself;
- some simple, natural strategies that will help you make real, lasting changes-possibly without changing anything about WHAT you eat!
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Kali Patrick |
 Kali is a Mind-body Wellness Consultant specializing in improving people's health with more ease & enjoyment. Her specialties include emotional eating, sleep difficulties, chronic pain, & stress. Her knowledge is based on training in natural / holistic modalities such as Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, Mind-body Nutrition, Dynamic Eating Psychology, & Reiki. Prior to A Journey Into Health, Kali was a User Experience Designer & Manager at several hi-tech companies. Kali coaches people all over the country & works with organizations to implement health & wellness programs.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Belmont Gallery of Art Exhibition HOME
On view October 19th through December 20th
Opening Reception, Nov. 3, 7-9pm
3rd Floor Homer Building, 19 Moore Street, Belmont MA
Over thirty artists celebrate what "home" means to them. Please visit the
gallery website
for more information and details on our special programs.
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Brought to you buy:
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The Friends of the Belmont Public Library
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Join Us!
The Friends of the Belmont Public Library sponsor this newsletter,
and many of the Library's other programs and services. Be a Friend; support the library!
Join or renew at
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