Throughout the month of November, the Belmont Public Library will be slowing down our normal business to focus on packing and moving. We will have less programming and will be adjusting the process of requesting and receiving holds.

November 22nd will be the last day to pick up any holds for 6 or 7 days as it will be our final day of service in the current building. At this point we will close for 3-4 days after the Thanksgiving holiday. On Monday, November 27th we will move items on hold into our temporary locations, and resume holds pickup; we hope to make those items available again by November 28th.

While we are packing up and moving, we will have some more services still available:

1. We will allow book returns in our book drop even after our final day of service. Once we begin moving, returns will also be accepted at the Beech Street Center.
2. At the Beech Street Center, we will have Museum Pass pickup available. You can still reserve museum passes via the normal procedure but for passes that required a physical pass to be picked up, those will be available at the Beech Street Center. While you are there, do not forget that they have computers, comfortable seating, magazines, and programming. They are looking forward to seeing you!
3. We will continue to offer limited programming, both in person and virtually on Zoom, so check our events calendar for offerings.
4. Librarians will be standing by to help you between the hours of 9am and 4pm, both with our online chat, as well as our new Library Hotline number (617-993-2871). Do not forget, you can always use the online chat function, even in the middle of the night. Staff will see your questions once we begin work in the morning.
5. As mentioned above, we aim to have holds pickup available again by November 28th.

This is an exciting time for us all, and we ask you to stay patient as we navigate the transition of our services. You can find more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, on the library website.

Last but not least, come and say goodbye to the current library building and enjoy some refreshments and fellowship on Saturday, November 18th from 2-4pm. We will have CAKE! And some brief remarks at 3pm.

Maya Escobar is excited to return to Young Adult services after taking time off to complete an MFA at the Center for Cartoon Studies. Along with making and reading comics, she loves horror movies and having too many plants. If you have read a funny book lately, please let her know. Maya looks forward to getting to know Belmont's tween and teen library patrons! If you get a chance, stop by the library today, November 1 at 1:30 pm for a Meet & Greet with Maya.

Wrap up the Fall Music on Saturdays concert series with Jeff Snow's The Softer Side of Celtic concert on Saturday, November 4 at 3pm. Growing up as the son of a drummer in a Bagpipe band and in a home where older Celtic songs were the everyday sounds, Jeff developed a love for the music of Scotland, England and Ireland. His concerts have been described as "quiet and relaxing " and much of it is, but sometimes he'll break out and the foot stomping begins.

The magical sounds from the instruments coupled with vocals and Jeff's love and knowledge of his Scottish heritage create a delightful program of traditional and original tunes and songs. Much of the history of Scotland, England and Ireland is preserved in song. Hearing those stories along with the songs educate as well as entertain. You will see singing, laughing, lots of smiles and perhaps a few tears.

Join us for the power of live music - register to let us know you are coming! Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.

In the coming days, there will be less in person programming, but there will still be a number of programs available via Zoom. Please check the events calendar and know that we look forward to seeing you again soon! (Pictured is the Kinship Group that will continue meeting at the Beech Street Center; you can check their calendar of events here.)