Meet Our New Manager of Branch Services, Jane!
What’s your role at the Somerville Public Library?

I manage the West Branch in Davis Square. Sometimes, you’ll see me on the circulation desk or at a (future) program, or moving things around in the adult collection. I oversee the day to day work here, and do a little bit of everything in the process. As Manager of Branch Services, I’ll be looking at ways to expand the library’s presence into other spaces in the city, and supporting our East branch in their work.

What do you wish people knew about the Somerville Public Library?

I’m still learning about the library myself! Beyond all of the great programs and activities at the library, I hope everyone knows how accessible and receptive librarians are; don’t be shy about suggesting new ideas and telling us what you’d like to see here.

Tell me about something or someone who influenced your decision to work in libraries.

There are many people and jobs that nudged me in this direction, but big surprise, it was probably a book that first planted the seed: Beverly Cleary’s My Own Two Feet. I think she’s a pretty A+ library role model!

What types of books do you enjoy reading most? 

I probably read literary fiction and popular nonfiction the most, but golden age mysteries are my go-to summer reads. Some of my favorite writers are Laura Hillenbrand, Winston Graham, Damon Runyon, and Amor Towles. I also did a lot of rereading for comfort during Covid.

What might someone be surprised to know about you? 

I’m a Shellback (to all you sailors out there).

If you weren't working at the library, what would you be doing instead? 

If I had followed my first boss’s advice, probably mucking stalls in a horse barn somewhere. In reality, probably practicing some kind of environmental law.

What do you like to do outside of the library?

My big hobbies are knitting and sewing - anything yarn or fabric related will get my attention immediately! I also do a bit of biking, hiking, and climbing but without enough dedication to any of the three to call myself serious.

Upcoming Programs
Thursday, October 7 at 7pm, East Branch Library, registration required
Violinist Joshua Peckins returns to the live concert stage, presenting an immersive solo violin recital experience, pairing beloved music by J. S. Bach with fresh works by living and upcoming geniuses from around the world and rich commentary about the composers and their music.
Thursday, October 14 at 3pm on Central Library Lawn, registration required
Join us for a hands-on gardening workshop with our farmer from Green City Growers!

In today's workshop, we will harvest all our remaining produce, plant garlic for next year and prepare the garden beds for a winter snooze.
Saturday, October 23 at 11am on Zoom, registration required
Want to learn about the components that make up our urban environment?

Join the SPL on for a family-friendly, hands-on, virtual workshop that encourages urban explorers of all ages to get outside and pay closer attention to the world around them. In this workshop, you'll learn to recognize living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors, both of which coexist to make up our urban landscape!

Reserve a space for you and your group, and pick up a kit at the library the week of October 18. 
Mondays at 3pm on Central Library Lawn, registration recommended
Join Ms. Laurie for a fun filled hour of creative play. Ages 7-11.

Registration is encouraged.
It's Spooky Season!
Your SPL Librarians recommend their favorite reads for spooky season!

Looking for more recommendations? Check out our What Should I Read Next? reading recommendation service!
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A fast-paced psychological thriller where all of the characters have secrets, and none of them can be trusted. There are horrors behind closed doors and even on the back porch.
 
Doesn’t get much creepier than this fun page-turner!

Recommended by Mary, Reference Librarian
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. And then someone turns up dead. Who didn't wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why? 

Recommended by Brigid, ESL and Literacy Coordinator
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
This book follows four Blackfeet men who have been hiding a horrible secret for years - and they can hide it no longer as it has begun to hunt them down.

An eerie and dark story, it threads together elements of family, indigenous identity, vengeance, and what we as humans owe to the natural world.

Recommended by Laura, Generalist Librarian
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
Elsie is newly widowed and inherits her late husband's crumbling estate, complete with eerie wooden figurines that seem to move freely about the house. Is something supernatural afoot, or is Elsie overwhelmed by paranoia and grief?

Fans of gothic literature and ghost stories will want to save this one for a stormy night.

Recommended by ShanTil, Reference Librarian
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
This tense locked-room thriller from the Queen of Mystery herself will keep you guessing until the very last page. 

Recommended by Abby, Generalist Librarian
Ghoulia by Barbara Cantini
Ghoulia lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed and spends most of her time playing with Tragedy, her beloved albino greyhound. But things aren’t as easy as they seem for this little zombie girl—all she wants is a real friend.

A relatable story about making friends, plus the book has many wonderful detailed illustrations. Not just for Halloween, but also for lovers of "not so scary" stories.

Recommended by Annamarie, Children's Librarian
The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Three kids wake up to find their mother gone and a news story of three missing children - with their exact same names and birthdates. Can they figure out what is going on, or are the risks too great?

We read this book in Page Turners (book club for ages 9-12) and some members were too scared to finish it! First in a trilogy, for those who like scary books.

Recommended by Alison, West Branch Children's Librarian
Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard. clomp, clomp clomp, shake, shake, shake, and boo, boo, boo!

And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything, had the scare of her life!

This is a perfect read aloud story for kids.

Recommended by Ann, Head of Youth Services
We're Extending Our Hours!
And as the days get shorter, our hours are getting longer…. we are excited to announce the return of evening hours!

Starting Monday, October 4 the SPL will be open the following hours:

Central Library
Mon - Thurs: 9am - 9pm
Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 5pm
Sun: 1pm - 5pm

West Branch
Mon: 9am - 9pm
Tues - Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 1pm

East Branch
Mon - Wed: 9am - 6pm
Thurs: 9am - 9pm
Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 1pm