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February 2025 | Events & Updates | |
Library Hours:
Beech Street Center
- Monday – Thursday: 9am - 7:30pm
- Friday: 9am - 5pm
- Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Benton
- Monday: 9am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 5pm
- Tuesday: 9am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 7:30pm
- Wednesday & Thursday: 10am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 7:30pm
- Friday: 9am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 5pm
- Saturday: 9am - 3pm
We will be closed on the following date:
Monday, February 17th
Email: askbelmont@minlib.net
Phone: 617-489-2000
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Dear Library Patrons,
The Library’s Museum Pass program just got even better! Thanks to generous support from the Friends, we’re adding three fantastic cultural destinations to our lineup. That means more opportunities to explore, learn, and have fun—all at a discount!
New Museum Passes Now Available
Gore Place – Step back in time at this stunning 19th-century estate in nearby Waltham, MA. Wander the grand Mansion, visit the authentic 1793 Carriage House, or explore the working farm. Whether you're into history, architecture, or adorable sheep (don’t miss the annual Sheepshearing Festival!), there’s something here for everyone. Bonus: outdoor concerts in the summer!
Historic New England – Ever wondered what life was like in a grand Victorian home? Or a sleek Arts & Crafts-style abode? Historic New England owns and operates 36 historic house museums across the region, each offering a unique peek into the past. With properties in nearly every New England state, you’ll never run out of places to explore!
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill – A paradise for plant lovers! This 132-acre Boylston, MA gem is open year-round, featuring breathtaking gardens, scenic trails, and a rotating lineup of events like art exhibits, concerts, and hands-on classes. Need a peaceful escape? This is your spot.
Like all of our museum passes, these new additions provide discounted or free admission. Reserve your passes online with ease, or reach out to our Reference Desk (617-993-2870, askbelmont@minlib.net, or via website chat) for help planning your next adventure.
Attention Belmont High School Seniors: Win a $500 Scholarship!
Calling all BHS Seniors! Do you have fond memories of childhood storytimes, cramming for exams at the library, or discovering a favorite book in our stacks? Tell us how the Belmont Public Library has shaped your academic journey, and you could win a $500 Friends of the Belmont Public Library (FOBPL) Scholarship!
How to Apply:
- Answer a few short questions about your experiences with the library.
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Submit your application through Naviance.
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Need more details? Email hannah@peterandhannah.com.
We can’t wait to hear your library story—apply today!
As a reminder, all of our Trustee and Building Committee meetings are open to the public, each meeting about once a month. Come join us and learn more about the Library. Staff are available daily to help you with your research and information needs too: in person, via phone, on our 24/7 chat service, and also via text message at 617-906-6770.
Kindest Regards,
Peter J. Struzziero
Library Director
Belmont Public Library
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Democracy Talks: A Migrant Family's Search for Home in MA
Wednesday, February 19th, 7pm
Zoom
Join WBUR journalist Simón Rios as he shares his journey reporting on the plight of migrants in MA amidst changing shelter policies and shifting political climate.
Rios is an award-winning bilingual reporter. At WBUR he covers the ways Greater Boston is changing, with an eye on demographics, immigration and inequality.
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Candle Making Workshop
Monday, February 24th, 6pm
Parish Hall at All Saints Episcopal Church
17 Clark Street in Belmont
Akvile from Hand.The.Light by C.S.E. will be here to guide us through making our own candles.
Space and supplies are limited. Registration required to participate.
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Children's & Teen Programs | |
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Intergenerational Valentine's Day
Friday, February 7th, 9:30-11:00am
Beech Street Center
February is the month we celebrate love! We are calling on all generations to come together for friendship, celebration and creativity!
Seniors will have the opportunity to create a Valentine keepsake to keep or give as a gift. Youngsters may craft a special card for a nursing home and receive a Valentine craft to take home as well as listen to a story or two and enjoy a treat. All can enjoy some wonderful live music. Join in the festivities and enjoy the fun.
Please sign up to reserve a space.
This program is brought to you by the Belmont Council on Aging, the Friends of the Belmont Public Library, and Watertown Families Together.
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Storytime
Littlest Ones (ages 0-2): Wednesdays at 9:30am
Beech Street Center
Multipurpose Room
All Ages: Thursdays at 10am
Beech Street Center
Multipurpose Room
Preschool (ages 2-5): Tuesdays at 10am, Benton Library
There will be no story times February 17-21.
Story times will resume week of February 24th.
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Little Puzzlers
Monday, February 10th
10am, Benton Library
Come solve some puzzles and play some games with us! We will provide puzzles and simple games for you and your little ones to play with together. Recommended for ages 2 to 5.
Puzzles and games courtesy of the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.
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Mindfulness with Sheryl White
Monday, February 10th, 3:30pm Benton Library
This class is designed to practice mindfulness with young children by modeling for the adults how to help the children be more aware and in the present moment.
The class is designed to experience what mindfulness is and to show caregivers how to use it in their lives in a practical way. The instructor uses a bag of props to engage in sensory activities to help practice being more present.
Some activities are: a kindness rock, puppets, chime bells, animal breathing exercises, friendly wishes heart bell and more.
Sheryl White is a certified Infant Massage Instructor, Baby Signer, Reiki Master and mother of three. Her background includes a B.A. in Psychology and Corporate Classroom Trainer.
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Pajama Story Time
Thursday, February 13th, 6:15pm Benton Library
Wind down with pajama storytime at the Benton! Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome as we curl up with some cozy books and relaxing rhymes. Don’t forget to bring a favorite stuffed animal to join in the fun!
The Benton Library is located at 75 Oakley Road; at the corner of Oakley Road and Old Middlesex Road in Belmont.
Recommended for families with children of all ages. Please register.
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Global Tour with Wildlife Encounters
Wednesday, February 19th
1:15pm
Belmont Town Hall Auditorium
455 Concord Avenue
Does your family love animals? Meet some amazing wildlife right here in Belmont!
Kids will have the chance to meet animals from all over the world and learn about all the amazing things they can do.
This program is recommended for families with kids ages 4 years and older but all are welcome.
Please RSVP to help us estimate the number of people to expect.
Space and parking are limited.
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Puppet Storytime with Nicola Rose
Thursday, February 20th, 10am
Belmont Town Hall Auditorium
455 Concord Ave
Join Nicola the puppeteer and her band of puppets for a winter-themed puppet story time appropriate for ages 6 and under — and their parents!
We'll read some stories, sing some songs and enjoy a cozy time with puppets.
Nicola Rose is a filmmaker and a puppeteer.
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Infant Massage with Sheryl White
Friday, February 21st, 10:30am
Benton
Learn how to massage your baby in a calm environment. This class will give you the information that you need to start massaging your baby right away. Please bring a baby blanket and dress in comfortable clothing.
Benefits of Infant Massage include deepened bonding, promoting the strengthening of the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems, helping relieve the discomfort associated with gas and colic, better sleep, stress release which builds daily from new experiences, increased confidence and sensitivity to baby’s cues, and improved relaxation and soothing.
Sheryl White of Baby Kneads has been teaching programs and working with families for 25 years. She is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Baby Signer, Reiki Master and mother of three.
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Joey's Junior Book Club
Monday, February 24th, 3:30pm
Benton Library
Join our monthly book club just for new readers and their grownups! Read the book at home, and then gather at the library to discuss the story and do fun activities.
This program will celebrate African American History Month and will be co-sponsored by Belmont Against Racism.
This program is for kindergarten, first, and second graders and their grownups. Space is limited. Please register.
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Successfully Navigating College Admissions
Wednesday, February 5th, 7pm, Zoom
This program is recommended for parents and their high school teens and is a detailed and strategic overview of what students should focus on for a successful college admissions process.
This program covers current college admissions trends, the changing test-optional environment, admissions strategies, college visits, a timeline and other action steps that can be taken to make this Fall productive and to help reduce the stress around the admissions process. We’ll also discuss the importance of community service in the review process.
The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC. (www.standoutforcollege.com)
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Teen Advisory Board
Thursday, February 13th, 4pm
Belmont Town Hall
Conference Room #4
455 Concord Avenue
The Teen Advisory Board is open to teens in grades 7-12. Come meet with other teens and your adorable young adult librarian to help brainstorm new programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities. This is a Community Service Opportunity. Questions? Email Maya Escobar at mescobar@minlib.net or
askbelmontya@minlib.net.
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Teen Reference Hour
Wednesdays, Feb. 12th & 24th, 2-3pm
Reference Desk, Beech Street Center
The Young Adult Librarian will be on desk to assist teens and teen-adjacent folks with research and homework questions, book suggestions, and any other teen-service-related topics!
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Ongoing Programs & Book Clubs | |
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Practice Your English
English conversation circles are back for the spring! These volunteer-led groups provide a safe space to practice English speaking skills. Registration is required. Please email any questions to Elise at ecluster@minlib.net.
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Genealogy One-on-One Appointments
Fridays starting at 12:30pm
Beech Street Center
Reference Room
Interested in learning about your Genealogy or family history?
Meet with our Reference and Local History Librarian, Logan, to learn more about how to use the library’s online genealogy databases to discover your family’s history.
In these sessions Logan can help you get started with genealogy research, learn about the library's digital resources, or help you research a particular family member.
Registration is required, so please check our calendar for a date and time to sign up.
Please note that patrons are limited to one session per month.
Questions? Email Logan at lmanchester@minlib.net.
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Writers Group
Wednesday, February 5th, 6pm
Beech Street Center
Classroom A
If you've got something you're working on or something you want to start writing, join us!
All levels of experience are welcome.
Adults only. Please register!
Questions? Email Janina Majeran at jmajeran@minlib.net.
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50+ Job Seekers
February 5th & 19th, 9:30am
Zoom
Join us in a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help in your career transition.
Each meeting features a new topic. Meetings include a presentation and interactive workshop on topics relevant to career transition, guest speakers, access to hiring managers, small group breakout rooms to network, and 1-on-1 coaching guidance.
Participating on a regular basis will give job seekers the many tools and strategies needed for a successful job search.
Register for these sessions below.
February 5th: Mastermind
February 19th: Career Story
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Virtual Trivia Night
Wednesday, February 19th, 7pm
Zoom
Join us for an evening of Virtual Trivia for solo players and teams!
Registrants (soloists and team captains only) will receive a link to access the Zoom Meeting. On the afternoon of the event there will be a follow-up email that will include the rules and an answer sheet. Team captains should share this information with their team members.
Our questions are geared towards adults in challenge rating, but for families who want to play together, please know that there are no "embarrassing" questions or content.
Participants' will not need video participation, so no need to worry about having a working webcam to play. The ability to access Zoom and view slides on a screen is all you need for this fantastic trivia fun!
Since this event is using Zoom, teams who don't live together will need to communicate by some non-Zoom means - for example, texting, Facetime, Google Hangouts, etc.
Let us know if you have any questions by sending an email to askbelmont@minlib.net.
Please register for the Zoom link!
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Cookbook Club
Tuesday, February 11th, 6:30pm
Beech Street Center
Classroom A
Join the Cookbook Club as we cook through a title together each month! We will be reading Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love.
Copies of the book are available in the display across from the circulation desk. Participants should each cook a recipe of their choosing and bring it ready to eat to Classroom A at the Beech Street Center at time of the meeting.
Email Ellen Girouard at egirouard@minlib.net with any questions.
This event is a potluck as defined under the Massachusetts Potluck Law.
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Page of Enlightenment Book Club
Thursday, February 13th, 7pm
Zoom
We will discuss Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba and Then Lost it to the Revolution by
T. J. English.
Questions? Email Chris Tremblay at ctremblay@minlib.net.
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Book a Trip Abroad: World Lit Book Club
Tuesday, February 25th, 6pm, Hybrid (Beech Street Center, Classroom A & online)
We will discuss The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng.
Questions? Email Logan Manchester at lmanchester@minlib.net.
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Dial M for Movies
Friday, February 21st, 6:30pm
Beech Street Center
Multipurpose Room
Join Director Peter Struzziero and fellow movie aficionados for a movie screening of William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet.
We'll bring the concession snacks, you bring yourself!
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Celebrate Black History Month with BPL & Belmont Against Racism | |
For more information and to register for these programs, please click here. | | | | |
