The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro is our book for this year’s Somerville Reads. Inspired by the 1990 Gardner Museum heist, the Art Forger is the story of Claire Roth, a struggling young artist who makes a meager living painting reproductions. Her luck seemingly changes when an art dealer offers a very large fee…
Today is the day the nation remembers those who have died serving in the armed forces. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday began to honor those men who had died for the Union in the Civil War. Time has a brief history of the holiday here. If you’re interested in learning more about the grim…
During lunch I was reading a book industry newsletter and came across this marvelous quote from Sarah McNally, a NYC bookshop owner: “Never forget the wonks, and the weirdos, and the people who will be delighted by this book that they never could even have imagined could exist and they will find on your shelf.”…
We’re all stunned and saddened by yesterday’s bombings at the Boston Marathon. The attacks were cruel and senseless. The only bright moment yesterday was when people ran towards the blasts to apply tourniquets or help people on to their feet. It’s nice when it’s possible to be proud of human beings. Actually helping others is…
Our thanks to the mayor for recognizing the essential and ever-changing role libraries play in the life of this city: http://www.thesomervillenews.com/archives/36202
Courtesy of storycorps.org It should come as no surprise to this city’s residents, but members of this diverse and vital community have a story to tell. And your library is going to help them tell it – thanks to a grant from the American Library Associaton and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which…
We knew you could do it, Somerville! Our fair city has won the library card sign-up competition that ran all last month against Lexington, Belmont and Arlington. Arlington challenged us to see who could get a higher percentage of card sign-ups in February 2013 compared to February 2012. Community pride was at stake – and…
The Somerville Public Library is introducing a new collection, Muslim Journeys, which is currently available for browsing and checkout at the Central Branch of the library. This bookshelf collection aims to familiarize residents and visitors with the places, history, faith and cultures of Muslims in the U.S. and around the world. It is intended to…
In a recent Somerville News column reflecting on the career of former Mayor Eugene Brune, Mayor Curtatone quoted a Boston Sunday Globe insert (below) from October 17, 1965 entitled, “The New Somerville–Colonial Birth, Space Age Rebirth,” extolling a “new Somerville” with state-of-the-art infrastructure and institutions emerging from one of the birthplaces of America. But as…
Last Saturday there was a community discussion with the founders of Cuppow. The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Sara Fix is a patron and volunteered this write up of the event…many thanks Sara! If you care about the environment, if you support local businesses, or if you’ve ever spilled coffee…
