Your Library Invites You to Dance, Cook, Craft, & Create
May 15, 2020 | Special Edition
A Message from Your Library
We've heard from many of you that we are doing an awesome job, and we want to thank you, but don't forget — we miss you. We miss answering your questions, connecting you with your next book to read or movie to watch, and seeing you in the library each day. We are envisioning how we can safely bring library materials and services back into your lives, and will have more information for you soon.

We are grateful for all you do to support the library. If you haven't joined us for a Zoom program yet, we'd like to see you try it soon. To help us connect with the Belmont community, we ask you to share this newsletter with your friends and family and encourage them to sign up for future updates from the library.
Introducing Creativebug
Creativebug offers thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by the world's top artists, designers, and crafters.

Spend your time at home learning to draw, paint, sketchbook, sew, quilt, knit, make jewelry, and much more .
Text reads Calling all makers! above two hands painting a bird
Virtual Events
Check the  events calendar  on our website as we add more online programs.
Craft & Chat
Mondays  • 2 pm
All ages, crafts, and skill levels are welcome at this social afternoon on Zoom! Bring your latest artistic endeavor and come hang out with other crafters.
Registration required — details here.
Cooking Class with Chef Meryl MacCormack
Thu. May 21 & 28 • 5:30 pm
On the 21st, learn to make kid-approved snacks. The following week, discover how to bake bread with or without yeast.
Registration required for each class — here for 5/21 and here for 5/28 .
Nonfiction Book Club
Thu. May 21 • 7 pm
Discuss  What if? by Randall Munroe , in which the former NASA roboticist uses humor and real science to answer some ridiculous hypothetical scenarios.
Registration required — details here .
Music & Movement with Rubi
Wed. May 20  • 10 am • Ages 2-5
This active program will get kids (and their grownups) moving, dancing, and having fun!
Registration required — details here.
Matt Heaton Virtual Concert
Tue. May 26  • 11 am  • Ages 2-5
Sing and dance along at home with Matt's classic and original songs
Registration required — details here .
Habitat: Raising Baby Animals
Wed. May 27 • 3 pm • Ages 9+
What do animal babies need in order to survive and how do they get it? Join us as we learn about baby animals with Mass Audubon Habitat’s Barbara Bates.
Registration required — details here.
Tell Your Story
What does your day look like in quarantine? 

Help the Belmont Story Project capture your unique experiences during the Great Pandemic of 2020. To contribute, fill out our  Belmont Quarantine Journal  form. Submit just once, or once per day — it's up to you.

The  Belmont Story Project  (BSP) is a local, oral-history recording project, modeled after NPR’s StoryCorps . We collect the stories of the  people  of Belmont. Listen to past recordings from your fellow Belmontonians online here .
Just for fun
Your Thoughtful Messages
Blue quotation marks on a pale pink and blue background
"I never had heard of Zoom until the Library started using it for programs, but I love it. So proud of our Librarians, and can't wait to see them soon." 

"The care packages have been so wonderful. My children miss seeing Miss Deborah, but we still have the joy of going to the library. Thank you all so much."

Thank you for sharing your messages with us during this time. We love hearing from you! If you'd like to send us a note, email Peter Struzziero, Library Director, at pstruzziero@minlib.net .
Staff Recommendations
Here are a few titles we suggest on OverDrive, hoopla, Kanopy, and Acorn TV ! Need more ideas? We're posting daily staff picks on Twitter and Facebook .
Book cover for At Home by Bill Bryson
Go on a room-by-room tour with Bill Bryson in At Home, on ebook or audio from OverDrive
Album cover for Hamilton the Original Broadway Cast Recording
If you can't wait for Hamilton to debut on Disney Plus in July, listen to the original Broadway cast recording on hoopla.
DVD cover for And Then There Were None
Watch the BBC's adaptation of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None on Acorn TV.
Stay informed
Be wary of news reports that sound dangerous, sensational, or too good to be true. Always check the source, verify the information in other places, and seek advice from trusted experts.

Learn the facts from the World Health Organization with these COVID-19 myth busters .

Read about what didn't happen in the news with weekly updates from the AP in their Not Real News series .

Avoid coronavirus scams — learn more from the FTC .

Dial 2-1-1 or chat online to ask general COVID-19 questions — open 24/7 with translators in multiple languages.

Belmont's COVID-19 informational phone line: 617-993-2222 Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm
The Belmont Public Library building is closed until further notice, but library staff are available Monday through Friday 9am-5pm to answer questions and connect you to resources.

Need to get a library card or reset your password/pin? Click here .

Questions? Ask A Librarian or l eave us a message and we'll return your calls as soon as possible:
Reference: 617-993-2870
Circulation: 617-993-2855
Children's: 617-993-2880

Trusted Health Resources