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Somerville Reads Costume Party

Joins us for an after-hours costume party at Central!


In honor of our 11th annual Somerville Reads, we're putting together a costumed celebration! We're going to keep the library open for an extra three hours on Saturday, October 22nd so folks can look forward to a costume contest, face painting, selfie stations, indoor cornhole, karaoke, refreshments and more! All ages welcome.

Spotlight: Somerville Reads Programs

This October, we're highlighting our upcoming Somerville Reads programs!


Thursday, October 13 at 7pm at Aeronaut Brewery

Join the library for another in our canon of Somerville Reads programs--this time, and adult story time themed around Edgar Allan Poe's short stories and poems! Volunteers will be selected prior to the event to read some of the classic Poe works. If you're interested in reading, contact Laura at lmorgan@somervillema.gov.

Register here

Wednesday, October 19 at 2:30pm at the Central Library

Teens and tweens are invited to explore various types of divination techniques at our Divination Fair! We'll have practitioners showcasing, tarot, astrology, tea leaf reading, and more! For ages 10-18.

More Info

Wednesday, October 19 at 7:00pm in the Central Library Auditorium

Are you curious about your family’s history? Are you not sure where to get started? Join Somerville Public Library's Local History Librarian, Kevin O’Kelly, for an introduction to genealogy research. He’ll present some basic strategies and principles in researching historical materials. Learn about resources available from the Somerville Public Library and the federal government as well other Internet resources. 

Register here
Upcoming Programs

Wednesdays, October 5 - 26 at 7:00pm in the

West Branch Community Room

Get into the spooky season spirit with us at the West Branch Library! Each Wednesday in October we'll be crafting together, nibbling on tasty snacks, and watching some of our favorite witchy shows. Check out all of our offerings in the list below:


  • Week 1 (October 5th): Moon salts & Practical Magic
  • Week 2 (October 12th): Candle making & Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
  • Week 3 (October 19th): Witch's brooms & The Craft
  • Week 4 (October 26th): Design your own tarot & oracle cards & The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell
Register here

Saturdays October 1 - 29 at 10:00 in the West Branch Backyard

Join the library to learn five qigong exercises this fall. Falun dafa qigong is a traditional Chinese mind-body practice that consists of five easy-to-learn exercises and meditation. It is guided by the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. It is free to learn and is practiced by people from all walks of life in over 130 countries worldwide.

Register here

Spooky Reads

Looking for recommendations? Check out our

What Should I Read Next? reading recommendation service!

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

The horror elements pulse throughout this dark story about illness, small-town claustrophobia, and twisted mother/daughter dynamics that will likely haunt you after you put it down. Gripping in the same way a bad car wreck is--you just can't look away.



Recommended by ShanTil, Community Services Librarian

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

Set over the course of one night and populated by ghosts of the recently passed and the long dead, Lincoln in the Bardo is a thrilling exploration of death, grief, the powers of good and evil.


Recommended by Tim, Reference Librarian

The House with a Clock in the Walls by John Bellairs

In this middle-grade classic, a shy, bookish orphan and his eccentric magician uncle discover that their old house's secrets are linked to a wicked scheme from beyond the grave.



Recommended by Annie, Children's Librarian

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

Carly Kirk settles into Fell, New York, where her Aunt Viv vanished thirty-five years ago. Soon Carly picks up where her aunt left off, working the night desk shift at the Sun Down Motel, and puzzling out the mysteries her aunt was piecing together, including tracking down a possible serial killer in the town.


Recommended by Bethany, Reference Librarian

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

Thought provoking and propulsive this book will stick with you long after you finish. If you read for great characters this one is for you.



Recommended by Brigid, Generalist Librarian

The Return by Rachel Harrison

A book not afraid to ask the real question: what if the real horror is growing apart from your friends? 


Recommended by Brigid, Generalist Librarian

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

Lynnette meets with five other final girls in a support group for survivors. One of the women goes missing and Lynette and the others are in danger again as they try to learn who is hunting down final girls.


Recommended by Keri, Generalist Librarian

Hell Followed Us by Andrew Joseph White

Infected with a bioweapon and on the run from the cult that raised him, Benji is offered shelter from a ragtag group of queer teens, but he soon discovers that the leader of the group might have a hidden agenda.


Recommended by Kayla, Generalist Librarian

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