East Boston Branch of the Public Library now open for pick-ups

Need some summer reading books, dvds or some beach books? 

The East Boston Branch Library can help. The East Boston Branch Library is now open in the afternoon for holds pickups as part of the BPL to Go program.  Patrons can request items with their library card at www.bpl.org, email eastboston@bpl.org  or by calling 617-536-5400.

When the items come in, they will receive notification with instructions how to schedule a pick-up.  

The library is open for scheduled pickups, Monday-Thursday from 2 to 6 and on Fridays from 1 to 4.  

Books and other materials can also be returned during these hours.   

If you have others questions or need more assistance, please email eastboston@bpl.org. 

For more information please visit: https://www.bpl.org/news/bpl-to-go/

March 2020 Events at the East Boston Branch Library

Free U.S. Interview Classes
Thursdays, March 19th to June 4th, 5-8 p.m.

Participants will learn the answers to the 100 civic question and learn how to prepare for the reading and writing tests.  The class is in partnership with St. Mark Community Education Program.  Technical and legal help with N-400 application is provided by Project Citizenship.
For more information contact St. Mark Community Education Program, 617-288-8515 or stmarkesol@gmail.com
Register online at: http://bit.ly/StMarksRegistration 

Matt Heaton in Concert
Tuesday, March 24th at 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a performance by Matt Heaton.  Matt’s music mixes surf, American roots and Irish traditional.  For ages 1-5, accompanied by and adult.

Leprechaun Traps
Tuesday, March 17th at 3:30 p.m.

Use recycled materials to build a leprechaun trap.  See if you can catch your very own leprechaun for St. Patrick’s Day. Recommended for ages 5 and up.


East Boston by Map
Thursday, March 19th at 6:30 p.m.

At this event you will explore East Boston history through historical maps, photos & atlases from the BPL archives and beyond! In this class you will also try out a new tool from the Leventhal Map & Education Center called Atlascope for researching historic properties: https://atlascope.leventhalmap.org/

Annual Boston Bruins Pajama Drive at the East Boston Branch Library
February 1st-March 15th

We are teaming up with the Boston Bruins, Cradles to Crayons, and The Wonderfund, a partner of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, to collect pajamas for children in need! You can get involved by bringing new pajamas to the library and donating them to the drive.

Mars Exploration & Settlement 
Saturday, March 28th at 1 p.m.

Did you enjoy the book and film "The Martian", by Andy Weir, about an astronaut alone on Mars? Have you wondered how people might live on Mars? That future is not so far away! This talk will cover the natural resources available on Mars, the chemistry to make use of them, and related topics. Questions and discussion are encouraged. This event is organized by the National Space Society's Space Ambassadors program, which provides educational presentations about the human endeavor to create a future with people working and living in space. More information is at space.nss.org

Remembering the Women of East Boston
Monday, March 30th at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for this slide show on important women of East Boston presented by Maria D’Itria of the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail.  Since 1989, the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail (BWHT) has worked to restore women to their rightful place in the history of Boston and in the school curriculum by uncovering, chronicling, and disseminating information about the women who have made lasting contributions to the City of Boston.The efforts of students and teachers resulted in trails throughout many of our city’s neighborhoods. A group of fifth graders from the Harvard-Kent School and their teachers, Mary Rudder and Maria D’Itria, created an East Boston Trail and named it Remembering the Women of East Boston. Some of the women remembered are Annie Frasier Norton, Harriet and Margaret Curtis, Caroline “Orrie” Orr, and Albenia Martha Boole. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the East Boston Branch Library

What's Happening at the East Boston Branch of the Public Library: February Events Listing

Concert-Box Not Found: Stories Saturday, February 2nd at 3 p.m.
Box Not Found: Stories, comes to to the East Boston Public Library!  This performance is open to the public at no cost.  This program will feature brand new works by composers Camila Agosto, Ariel Friedman and Ian Wiese. Each composer has written a piece inspired by a story that has a significant impact in their personal life.

• Camila Agosto: Paper House
• Ariel Friedman: Joshua Fit The Battle
• Ian Wiese: What a Fast Little Engine! : Scenes from ‘Choo-Choo’
• Natalie Calma: going places

Paper Lanterns, Tuesday, February 5 at 4 p.m.
The Lunar New Year starts February 5.  Many families decorate for the new year by hanging lanterns around their house or marching through the neighborhood carrying lanterns. Come make your own paper lantern and celebrate the Lunar New Year. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

ESOL Intermediate English Class
Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 to 1 p.m.
Starting on February 6th
This is an adult ESL Intermediate English class for people with some English experience. You will review grammar basics, learn how to offer and request advice, talk about future hopes and plans, and fix common mistakes in English pronunciation! Registration is required. To register and for more information, please visit us, call 617.859.2446, or email literacyservices@bpl.org.
Classes are free.

Cooking for Babysitters
Thursdays, 2/7, 2/14, 2/28, & 3/7, 4 p.m.
Join us at the East Boston Branch Library as Debbie Alsebai (Kidz Cooking with Miss Debbie) teaches us how to cook some healthy and delicious meals perfect to prepare when babysitting!  This is part of a babysitting series. Dates for upcoming Babysitting Class presented by 4H will be announced shortly.
Space is limited to 15 kids, so please call the library at 617.569.0271 or speak to a librarian to sign up. THIS PROGRAM IS FOR KIDS IN GRADES 6-12 ONLY!!!


USCIS Immigration Information Session:
February 8th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration officer will be at the branch to answer questions on immigration issues including eligibility requirements; filing procedures; finding knowledgeable, low-cost and safe legal advice and how to avoid scams. This is a cooperative effort of USCIS, BPL and the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement.


Small Biz Basics: Flyers, Menus, and More
February 12th at 10:30 a.m.
Do you have a small business or side hustle that you'd like to promote? Don't have the time to learn graphic design? Canva is a free tool you can use to make fancy flyers, menus, and more without breaking a sweat.
You'll need basic computer/internet skills and a list of ideas and we will go over Canva basics and craft one item to print and take.
??Registration is recommended. Please RSVP to jidakaar@bpl.org.


Caravan Puppets
Friday, February 22nd at 3 p.m.
Caravan Puppets has delighted countless children and families throughout the USA, Canada and Japan.  “The Four Season Bear” is a delightful tale of the year of a young bear with memorable songs, beautiful puppets, storytelling and audience participation.  Funding for this program was made possible by the Highland Street Foundation.

Nov 3 is the day the East Boston Branch of the BPL celebrates the 5th Anniversary of its facility on Bremen Street

5th Birthday Celebration at the East Boston Branch Library!
Saturday, November 3rd

11 a.m.-Harry Potter Hogwarts Academy Training 

Celebrate the East Boston Branch Library's 5th Birthday with a special performance from Jungle Jim! Jungle Jim participated in our opening festivities in November 2013 and now he is back to continue the party! Harry Potter Hogwarts Academy Training prepares participants  to become wizards themselves! Professor Jungle-Flick teaches children how perform their own magic, play some Quidditch and even learn Defense Against the Dark Arts.

1 p.m.- Cake Cutting

3 p.m. - Going Shopping:  A lecture by Anthony Sammarco

In the late 19th century the rise of the department store changed the face of downtown Boston. Beginning with Jordan Marsh, founded in 1851, these large stores would cater to the rising middle class with every sort of luxury and staple goods that went the gamut from dry goods, furs, paintings, and every sundry item that could lure the shopper into the stores. This illustrated lecture  will outline how downtown Boston evolved in the 19th century to become the premier shopping district in New England.

What's Happening at the Library in East Boston this month

Check out what’s happening at the East Boston Branch Library

Family Story Time 
This weekly story time features books, songs, and movement. Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. (runs through May 24. No story time on May 10). For ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult. 

Baby Lapsit 
Join us for bounces, rhymes, stories and activities. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. (runs through May 25). For children under 2 accompanied by an adult. 


Countdown to Kindergarten Playgroup
Fridays at 10 a.m.
For children 1-5 years of age.Moms, dads, grandparents and other caregivers are welcome! Children will start to build on their school readiness skills.Para niños de 1 hasta 5 años. ¡Damos la bienvenida a los padres, los abuelos y otros adultos que cuiden a los niños! ¡Los niños comienzan a desarrollar sus habilidades de preparación para la escuela!


Need Homework Help?
Come to the library’s free homework help program. High school students help children in grades K – 8, Monday through Thursday from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
A Boston Public School teacher provides homework help on Mondays and Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. No registration is necessary. 


Drop-In Tech Help for Adults & Seniors
Mondays from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Tech confusion? We can help! If you have questions about a laptop, Chromebook, Android or iPad tablet, Kindles and eBook readers, iPods, or about smartphones of all sorts, drop by with your fully-charged device and we can help you learn a new technique or trick to get your tech device working for YOU!


Yu-Gi-Oh Club -meets every Saturday from 1:30-3:30. 

English Conversation Groups Mondays at 6:30 and Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Come practice speaking English with our conversation group.  It meets  meet on Mondays.These groups are free and open to the public.  No registration needed.


Monday Night Knit-in at the East Boston Branch Library
First Monday of the month at 6 p.m.
Unwind with your knitting at this monthly drop-in knitting session. Join us to meet new people, share ideas, get tips, learn from each other and have fun! Bring a project to work on. All skill levels welcome.

USCIS Information Session at the East Boston Branch Library
Thursday, March 22nd from 3-6
In this drop-in session, a USCIS (Citizenship and Immigration) officer will answer questions about immigration issues, including:
An Officer will provide information and answer your questions about: • Naturalization and Citizenship • Permanent residency •Immigration benefits •Avoiding immigration scams • Finding low-cost and safe legal advice NOTE: Staff will not address case specific inquiries. If you need case-specific information, call USCIS Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or visit your local USCIS office.


ESL Intermediate English Class
Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
This is an adult ESL Intermediate English class for people with some English experience. Registration is required. To register and for more information, please visit us, call 617.859.2446, or email literacyservices@bpl.org. Classes are free.

Karaoke Coding for Teens
Wednesday, March 7th at 5 p.m.
Join us in celebration of Teen Tech Week as the Rhode Island Computer Museum leads us in a coding workshop that uses portable mics and free coding software. Teens will use drag-and-drop "code blocks" and create interactive stories, animations, and sounds. By the end of the session, teens will have learned how to make their very own beat box.

Ready, Set, Start Your Seeds!
Saturday, March 10th from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Join Eastie Farm and the Bremen Street Community Garden to get ready for growing season. Plant seeds from our seed library, including leafy greens, veggies, and herbs. Take home your very own mini tray of good green growing things! For all ages!

Amulet and Good Luck Charm Workshop
Wednesday, March 14th at 3:30 p.m.
We will be creating small wearable bags of amulets and good luck charms.  Materials will be provided.  However, if you have a special trinket or charm of your own, bring it along and we can help you incorporate it into a wearable piece.  You are also welcome to add small notes of intention or inspirational quotes. For ages 6 and up


Let Freedom Ring! Music and Poetry of Black History
Thursday, March 15th at 6 p.m.

Bright Star Theater presents a powerful production that takes every audience member on a journey through African American history and culture. Follow the journey from Africa through slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and the powerful voices of today’s leaders. Hear Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Maya Angelou, and more. 


For information any of these programs, call or come in to the East Boston Branch Library, 365 Bremen Street, (617) 560-0271.

Vacation week events at the East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library

Concert with Matt Heaton

Tuesday, February 20, 10:30 a.m.

Children and their families are welcome to an entertaining concert by Matt Heaton. Matt’s songs are a mix of rockabilly, surf, American roots, and Irish traditional music, delivered with a sense of humor and sincere sense of fun. 

Concert with Sulinha’s Trio

Wednesday, February 21, 11 a.m.

Children and their families are welcome to attend this educational concert, which is highly influenced by the performers’ Brazilian background. You will hear Itsy Bitsy Spider in a Bossa Nova beat as well as many original songs with topics like counting, the seasons, elephants, and many other interactive and dancing songs. Children will be introduced to traditional instruments from Brazil like Berimbau, Cuica, Pandeiro, and Surdo. 

Funding for these programs was made possible by the Highland Street Foundation. 

What's happening at the East Boston Branch of the Public Library this month

JUNE LIBRARY HAPPENINGS


Lecture:  Self Defense Basics:  Monday, June 12th at 6:30 p.m.
Interested in staying safe?  Want to learn methods and techniques to recognize aggression and threatening body language?  Join Kristin Ann, founder of D.Y.A.T.A., for a lector on ways to stay aware, safe, and empowered.

Animal World Experience:  Wednesday, June 14th at 4 p.m.
Meet a variety of exotic animals from around the world.  Children get to truly “experience” mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates like never before.  For ages 4 and up, accompanied by an adult.

Family Yoga: Thursday, June 15th from 6:30-7:30
Join us on the third Thursday of the month from June through August for free yoga on the greenway. Instructor Theresa Okokon will show patrons of all ages how to stretch and move for better health. Bring a mat or towel and water. Don’t have a mat?  Borrow ours!  In inclement weather, we’ll adjourn inside.

Guest Speaker:  Douglas Chavez and Volunteer Fair:  Friday, June 16th from 2-4 p.m.
Join community leader and activist, Douglas Chavez for a conversation about how you can help your community in these challenging times.  RSVP to Margaret Kelly at the East Boston Library, (617) 569-0271The event is sponsored by Encore Boston Network.  “Every child deserves a fair chance. And every older person has something to give.”

Beau Kenyon and the Arneis Quartet: Saturday, June 17th at 1;30 p.m.
Join us for an exciting array of music with Beau Kenyon, BPL’s first Composer-in-Residence, and the Arneis Quartet. The Arneis Quartet will perform an original work by Kenyon as well as selections from the standard classical repertoire.  There will also be an opportunity for students and adults to experiment with stringed instruments in an “Instrument Petting Zoo”  setting supervised by members of the quartet, thanks to the generous support of Johnson String Instruments.

Celebrating the Tall Ships:  Monday, June 19th at 5:30
Join the Friends of the East Boston Branch Library for a packed program celebrating the arrival of the tall ships. The evening's events will include a performance from A Touch of Class, a dramatic reading of Sea Fever by actress Kathleen Monteleone, the unveiling of the restored painting, " The Flying Cloud" and a lecture on the Maritime History of East Boston by local historian, Roberta Marchi. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the East Boston Branch Library.

Inspect Your Gadgets:  Tuesdays, June 20th and 27th from 11a.m.-12 p.m. 
Do you have a smartphone, laptop, or tablet?  Want to get to know your tech better?  Join us for a casual drop-in session to learn about apps, sites and tips you can use to enhance using your devices. Whether you’re a computer whiz or just learning how to use technology, you’ll be able to take home useful information!

Resume Clinic:  Wednesday, June 21st at 4 p.m.
Make a resume or workshop the resume you have, get interview tips, learn how to tie a tie, and discover library resources that will help you prep for exams, master new software, write a cover letter and lots more.

Summer Reading Kick-off Party:  Monday, June 26th starting at 5 p.m.
Come celebrate the start of our Summer Reading program.  We will have ice cream starting at 5 p.m. Then at 7 p.m. the Museum  of Science is bringing live reptiles!  

Nail Art Party:  Thursday, June 29th at 4 p.m.
Get your nails ready for summer.  We’ll provide the supplies. You provide the creativity. Recommended for ages 6 and up. 

Gardening Days;  Thursday from 4-5:30
Thursday afternoons are for gardening in our community plot.  Help us plan, pull weeds, and keep our garden plots green this season.  For gardeners of all ages!

Yu-Gi-Oh Club - Saturdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Are you a teen who enjoys Yu-Gi-Oh! cards? Want to play with other like-minded individuals in the library?  Join us for weekly playing sessions.   No previous knowledge of the game is necessary. . 

Preschool Movies:   Tuesdays from June 20th-August 29th at 10:30a.m.
Join us on for short films featuring some favorite characters.  For all ages, accompanied by an adult.
No movies July 4

Family Storytime: Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. from June 20th  to August 29th
This weekly storytime features books, songs, movement and a craft.  For ages 1-5, accompanied by an adult.  Groups please register in advance.  No storytime on July 4.

Baby Lapsit on Wednesdays at 10:30 from June 21st-August 30th.
Join us for bounces, rhymes, stories, songs, and activities.  For children under 2, accompanied by an adult.

For more information

East Boston Branch Library
365 Bremen Street
East Boston, MA 02128
(6170569-0271

Events at the East Boston Branch Library

Bhangra Dance for Teens and Adults
Join us for our Bhangra dance class Mondays, February 27 and March 6 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bhangra has traveled around the world in pop culture, films and even electronic music.  Learn how to do bhangra dance, the traditional dance of the Punjab region of India.  We’ll celebrate our last class with traditional Indian refreshments, and students may choose to have their final class dance filmed to take home. 

Learn to Knit!
Learn basic knitting techniques and make your own blanket, hat or headband.  Bring your own needles and yarn - materials will not be provided. Knitting takes place on Mondays, February  28 and March 6th from 6-8. For teens and adults. Stop by the library or email mkelly@bpl.org for a list of suggested projects and supplies. 

English Conversation Group
Join us for English language practice with fellow language learners on Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. 

ESL Intermediate English Class
A weekly adult intermediate English class for people with some English experience.  Meets Friday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Mid-Winter  Storytimes at the East Boston Branch Library
Sing Along:  A weekly half hour of everyone’s favorite songs which meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.(Runs Feb. 7th-March 28th)   For all ages, accompanied by an adult.

Family Storytime on Tuesdays at 11:15 - This weekly storytime for ages 1-5, accompanied by an adult features books, songs movement, and a craft.  Groups please register in advance. (Runs February 7th-March 28th)

Baby Lapsit on Wednesdays at 10:30- Join us for bounces, rhymes, stories, songs, and activities.  For children under 2, accompanied by an adult. Runs Feb. 8-March 29.

Homework Help
High school students help children in grades K – 8,Monday through Thursday from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. A Boston Public School teacher provides homework help on Mondays and Thursdays from
 4 – 6 p.m.No registration is necessary. 

Yu-Gi-Oh Club
Are you a child or a teen who enjoys Yu-Gi-Oh! cards? Join us for our weekly Yu-Gi-Oh! Gaming sessions on Saturdays at 1 p.m. We ask that individuals come with their own set of cards to play.  No previous knowledge of the game is necessary. For ages 6 and up. 

“Pajama Party on February 21st at 4 p.m.
Enjoy a waffle bar and decorate your own pillowcase. Wear your pajamas! For all ages. Please bring a pair of new pajamas for babies, children, or teens to donate to our pajama drive.

School Vacation Movie
. Join us for our special School Vacation movie, Star Wars:The Force Awakens on Wednesday, February 22nd @ 1:00 pm!!!

All-Ages Snow Bunny Crafternoon
Crafters from ages 5 to 95 can come make a snow bunny to keep or give away on Thursday, February 23rd from 5:00-7:30 p.m.Sew and no-sew versions will be available to make participation easy for everyone.We will provide patterns, fabric (you are welcome to bring your own, too!), a sewing machine, and sundries. Young crafters must be accompanied by a parent to help with craft materials

The Pineapple Project
Please join us on Friday, February 24th at 2:30 p.m. for the Pineapple Project, an original play about gender, creativity, and each child’s freedom to be who they are. “The Pineapple Project was born during a moment of play between actor Mal Malme and her  niece in which her niece said” Boys Can’t be Princesses.!” As a gender non-conforming person and theater artist, Mal couldn’t ignore this statement. This led Mal and colleagues Becca A. Lewis and Renee Farster-Degenhardt to create a theatre piece for children ages 3-8 to broaden the gender conversation and validate each child’s identity.

Get Free Information on Getting into, Going to and Paying for College at the East Boston Branch Library

From the EB Branch of the BPL:

SALT is on the move-and bringing its free financial resources to East Boston on Tuesday, May 12th from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Thursday, May 28th from 2-8 p.m. Education Advisors will available for one-on-one sessions to give help with choosing a college and the admissions process, applying for financial aid and scholarships, advice on how to make smart decisions about paying for college and loan counseling to help you understand your repayment options.  For more information, visit saltlive.org

East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library Awarded Prestigious LEED® Green Building Certification

East Boston Branch Library, Bremen St. (Photograph Frank Conte for EastBoston.com

(BOSTON, September 30, 2014)  – Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that the East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library earned LEED Gold certification.   Established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the world's foremost certification program for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of green buildings.

“The City of Boston is committed to green design practices and eco-friendly development,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “By earning LEED Gold certification, the state-of-the art East Boston branch demonstrates how a successful architectural addition to a community can also be a sustainable one.”

The East Boston Branch, a 15,000 square foot building at 365 Bremen Street designed by William Rawn Associates Architects, Inc., opened in November 2013. The library building earned LEED certification for green design and construction in the areas of energy use, lighting, water, and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. The City of Boston’s Property and Construction Management department managed this capital project. The East Boston Branch was funded by the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
More Photographs from EastBoston.com

The East Boston Branch features an open floor plan with dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults. The library overlooks scenic Bremen Street Park, complete with views of the Boston skyline from the library’s reading porch. The diversity of East Boston is signified and celebrated by stone pavers on the exterior of the Branch that show the name and distance to the capital cities of the top 21 countries of origin of the residents of East Boston. As part of the sustainable design of the library site, storm water from the roof and site is directed to three "learning gardens" along the side of the East Boston Branch. At each garden is an interpretive panel which tells visitors about the sustainable aspects of the Branch and the gardens.

“Learning starts the moment you step onto the library property in East Boston,” said Amy E. Ryan, President of the Boston Public Library. “From the beginning, this project strived to be an environmentally responsible community gathering place. It’s rewarding to have achieved LEED Gold certification for what is already such a cherished asset in the neighborhood.”

LEED certification of the East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include: water conservation through storm water management, rainwater collection, underground recharge tanks, and low-flow bathroom fixtures; sustainably harvested and certified wood; underfloor ventilation and conditioning; a reflective roof; high-performance glass; daylight harvesting/dimming and occupancy sensors; 75 percent of construction waste was recycled; and use of low emitting materials and materials with recycled content.

“This building will not only have a long lasting impact on learning, but also on the City of Boston’s environmental footprint,” said Brian Swett, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open space. “Developing new municipal buildings in a sustainable way demonstrates the City’s commitment to building healthier buildings for our citizens and to reaching our goal of reducing municipal greenhouse gases 25 percent by 2020.”

About BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Boston Public Library has a Central Library, twenty-four branches, map center, business library, and a website filled with digital content and services. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts thousands of programs and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit bpl.org.

# # #