Parking lot pickup! Summer reading! Virtual author visits!
June 2020 | Events & Updates
Dear Belmont Library Patrons,
Photo of Peter Struzziero, Library Director
My name is Peter Struzziero, and I am the Director of your Public Library here in Belmont. I want to take this opportunity to do something I’ve never done before: write a letter to all Belmont Library cardholders. To start, thank you so much for all the kindness, support, patience, and understanding during this new era of uncertainty.

Going forward, our Library newsletter will be our primary source of news about library offerings, our service model, and most importantly, updates about when the library will add back services. I spent some time trying to discern the best way to accomplish this, and ultimately decided to sign up all Library cardholders for our newsletter. I hope that these twice monthly updates on the future of our services will be a welcome addition to your email inbox, but you may choose to unsubscribe via the link at the bottom of this newsletter. You can always stay connected to library news via our social media or through the newsletter archive on our website.

In the coming weeks and months, we will roll out a phased approach to returning the library services that you all love and depend on. Next steps will include: 
  • Scheduling staff to return to the library in small shifts, then larger groups
  • Continuing to offer virtual programming for all ages
  • Beginning a program called Parking Lot Pickup (see below)
  • Later this year, welcoming patrons back into the building for materials pickup, then quiet study, reading, computer use, and other services

We are hopeful that we will be able to begin the “Parking Lot Pickup” service on Monday, June 15th. We plan to start small, and build over the first few weeks, to give ourselves the needed space to refine the process as we go. Later this week, I will send out an email to anyone who has items currently ready for pickup. These items are the items that were on the hold shelf on March 12th, when we closed the Library. Any requests that you’ve made since March 12th will be part of the Parking Lot Pickup service that will begin on June 15th. 

Thanks so much again to you all. I believe in public service, and it has been strange to not provide these services the way that we usually do. I let my amazing staff guide and inspire me, but something that you just can’t substitute is getting to see you all. We can’t wait.

Your Library Director,
Peter J. Struzziero
Summer Reading 2020
The Belmont Library staff has been working together to organize a Summer Reading program for children, teens, and adults that will prioritize safety, emphasize reading, and support local businesses here in Belmont.

Starting on June 29th and running through August 14th, the library will challenge you to participate in activities at home and online. Complete activities to earn prizes like virtual stickers and postcards or entries into raffles to win gift cards for local stores including Rancatore's , Belmont Books , The Toy Shop of Belmont , Bessie Blue , Bellmont Caffe, and many more.

With the help and generous support of the Friends of the Belmont Public Library and the members of the Belmont Center Business Association , we are excited to provide a way to enjoy Summer Reading with the library as we do every year.

Further details about Summer Reading will be announced before June 29. If you have any questions, please email Deb at dborsuk@minlib.net or Corinne at ccoveney@minlib.net . Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
Events for Adults & Teens
This summer, our events will be held virtually on Zoom — register to get the link to join! Check the  events calendar  on our website as we add more online programs.
Knitting Club
Fridays • 12:30 pm
Bring your knitting, crocheting, or any fiber craft to a social afternoon on Zoom with fellow local crafters.
Registration required — details here.
Tai Chi Easy
Level 1: Sat. June 6 & 20 • 10 am
Level 2: Wed. June 10 & 24 • 5 pm
Tai Chi practitioner and coach, Aisling O'Shea, will guide you through this beautiful and low impact form of martial art and meditation.
Registration required — details here for Level 1 and here for Level 2. Check our events calendar for additional dates in July and August.
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.
Nonfiction Book Club
Thu. June 18 • 7 pm
Discu ss In Praise of Paths by Torbjørn Ekelund, a collection of essays about the journeys we take through nature.
Registration required — details here.
Books and Bites: Author Nina Sankovitch
Mon. June 22 • 11 am
Author Nina Sankovitch will discuss her book  American Rebels: How the Hancock, Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution , an exploration of how these intertwined families from Braintree, MA forged a new nation.  
Registration required — details here .
Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Mon. June 29 • 7 pm
Sam Ducharme bought a backpack and a plane ticket to Georgia. From there, he started walking north on the Appalachian Trail. The search for a positive recharge resulted in a life-changing journey.
Registration requ ired — details here .
Events for Kids & Families
Music & Movement with Rubi 
Wed. June 3, 10 & 24 • 10 am • Ages 2-5
This active program will get kids (and their grownups) moving, dancing, & having fun!
Registration required for each date — June 3, June 10, and June 24.
Virtual Concert with Emily Hall
Fri. June 5 & 26 • 10 am • Ages 0-5
Join Parents Choice Award-winning singer and musician Emily Hall for songs old and new and lots of interactive fun for your little one.
Registration required for each date — June 5 and June 26 .
Virtual Puppet Show with Leigh Baltzer
Tue. June 9 & 23 • 10 am • Ages 2-5
Listen to stories and sing songs with Leigh Baltzer and her puppet friends.
Registration required for each date — June 9 and June 23 .
Becca's Feat on Feet : Storytime with Becca Pizzi
Thu. June 18 • 3 pm • Ages 4+
Becca has been running since she was just six years old. She ran her first race with her dad by her side — and she’s never stopped. Join us for a live reading of the new book by Belmont's own author and endurance athlete Becca Pizzi!
Registration required — details here.
Virtual Concert with Matt Heaton
Fri. June 19 • 11 am • Ages 2-5
Sing and dance along at home with Matt's classic and original songs.
Registration required — details here.
That Lovely Summer Pond – Wait! Is that a Beaver!?
Tue. June 23 • 6:30 pm • All Ages
Pond life includes turtles, frogs, snakes, birds, and more. Join Mass Audubon Habitat’s Barbara Bates to find out what’s below the pond surface, what’s at the surface, who built it, and what they are doing there.
Registration required — details here .
Messages from you
Blue quotation marks on a pink, blue, and teal background.
"It is so wonderful that the Belmont Library is presenting these great Tai Chi classes with Aisling O’Shea and now also with videos! I’ve been taking her classes for a couple of years and she’s a great teacher and lovely person. Now we can do the classes whenever we want to! 

I’m grateful to the Belmont Public Library for supporting Aisling and her classes, and to you for coordinating this excellent project." — Abby Smith

"Thank you so much for giving us access to Acorn TV. It is such a treat! I am enjoying it very much. You all are doing a great job during this difficult time." — Alina

Thank you for sharing your thoughtful messages with us. We love hearing from you! If you'd like to send us a note, email Peter Struzziero, Library Director, at pstruzziero@minlib.net .
Community & connection
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