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Love Your Library Selfie Campaign

Posted on by Cait Quinn

February is love your library month! 2025 was not an easy time for American libraries and so we would like to encourage our community to show the love with a “Love your Library” campaign. We are asking members of the community to submit a selfie holding a book or their library card with one or two sentences on why they love their library. Pictures can be submitted online via FB or Instagram by tagging the library @maldenmalibrary. Your selfie can be uploaded to our Google Form: https://bit.ly/Love-MPL-Selfie Or can be emailed to cquinn@maldenpubliclibrary.org for inclusion in our wall of library love display and for promotion on social media. You can also stop by the Information Desk and ask about having your photo taken with our Instant Camera, ask for Cait, she would love to take your photo!

This campaign signals to people both in our community and in other places just how important libraries are to residents. It also demonstrates how vital public institutions are to thriving cultural life. Please consider supporting us and all libraries by snapping a photo and saying a few words. It would mean the world to us.

Thank you for your support!

Malden Reads Opening Celebration 2.9.26

Posted on by Cait Quinn

Free community celebration on Feb. 9 features protest music, art, and activities for all ages

MALDEN, MA — Malden Reads invites residents of all ages to kick off its 2026 communityreading program with a free celebration on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Malden Public Library, 36 Salem Street.

This year’s book selection, Our Missing Hearts by bestselling author Celeste Ng, explores themes of love, resistance, and belonging. The kickoff event will bring together literature, history, art, and conversation through interactive activities and experiences for all ages. No need to read the book in advance – everyone is welcome.

Event Highlights

● Musical Performance: The band Tale Spin, fronted by chef and musician David Stein and his wife Sue, will perform acoustic protest music of the last century, including a community singalong. David and Sue have deep connections to Malden as former residents, and David is a former Malden Reads committee member who created memorable programs including a pop-up restaurant and music club event featuring his band Soulshine.

● Yarn as Protest Art: Exploration of how fiber arts can be used as tools for peaceful protest and self-expression

● Art Exhibition: View prints by Corita Kent (also known as Sister Mary Corita), the artist best known for her art on the Boston Gas tanks along Route 93 southbound in the 1970s as well as the Love stamp in the 1980s. Corita’s work and her messages of peace and social justice reflect her understanding of the power of language, just like in Our Missing Hearts, and continue to resonate today.

● Revolutionary Photo Stations: Step back in time with colonial costume photo opportunities and a model of a Boston Tea Party ship where participants can toss tea bales overboard, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and Malden’s role as the first town to declare independence.

● Video Screenings: Short videos by Malden Revolution’s Mark Linehan showcasing Malden’s revolutionary history and drawing connections between past and present acts of civic engagement

● Arts & Crafts for All Ages: Led by Malden High’s Love 4 Kids club, offering creative projects that encourage connection and creativity

● Heart-Shaped Cookie Decorating: A fun and delicious hands-on activity for participants of all ages

● Refreshments: Food and drink will be available throughout the evening.

● Books Available: Attendees can borrow Our Missing Hearts from the library circulation desk with their Malden Public Library card. Volunteer support for the evening will be provided by the Malden High YMCA Leaders.

About the 2026 Malden Reads Program Now in its 16th year, Malden Reads will explore themes from Our Missing Hearts related to civic ideals, revolution (including one’s own personal revolution), resistance and courage. The program purposefully coincides with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and will highlight Malden’s unique role as the first town to declare independence from Britain in 1775.

Age-appropriate companion books for younger readers and English learners will be announced soon and will be available to borrow from the Malden Public Library and donated to the Malden Public Schools and community organizations.

Our event season is planned to run into spring to provide opportunities for conversation and connection during the cold months and will include book discussions, film screenings, and other special programs. For more information on why we chose Our Missing Hearts visit maldenreads.org and follow along on social media. The event schedule will be added as details become available.

About Malden Reads “What if all of Malden reads the same book?” Malden Reads is a community reading program that seeks to answer that question. Organized by volunteers in collaboration with the Malden Public Library, the program invites the entire community to read the same book and participate in events related to its themes. The goals are to promote literacy, a love of reading, appreciation of city resources, and—most of all—to build community.

Volunteers are always welcome. For more information or to get involved, email maldenreads@gmail.com or visit maldenreads.org.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Malden Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency

Wonder Community Workshop

Posted on by Cait Quinn
You are invited to the rescheduled Wonder Community Workshop at the Malden Public Library on Thursday, January 29, 6-8 PM.  We hope to see you there. Please click here to RSVP for free.
Join us for hands-on workshops to unlock empathy and understanding inspired by A.R.T.’s world premiere new musical, Wonder. Participants will use theater skills and tools to engage with the story’s themes of kindness, empathy and accepting differences to create collages that visually represent the production’s essential question of “How can we change the way we see?” For ages 8+. Free and open to the public, RSVPs are encouraged.
 
The new musical Wonder is based on R.J. Palacio’s bestselling novel and Lionsgate & Mandeville Films’ critically-acclaimed hit film adaptation. It features music and lyrics by A Great Big World and a book by Sarah Ruhl. Learn more at AmericanRepertoryTheater.org/Wonder.
Malden Public Library: Thursday, January 29, 6- 8 PM (36 Salem St., Malden, MA 02148)

Malden Reads Film Sceening & Discussion: Wed., Feb. 25th: 5:30-8:30pm

Posted on by Stacy Holder

Please join us for the Malden Reads Film Screening and discussion of the musical Broadway play based on the life of Alexander Hamilton. We will be showing the film of this Broadway play at the Malden Public Library on Wednesday, February 25, 2025: 5:30-8:30pm. This play won a Pulitzer Prize, a Grammy, and 11 Tony Awards. It stars Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs, Reneè Elise Goldsberry, Leslie Odom Jr., and Anthony Ramos. This musical was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Don’t miss this film that portrays “The real life of one of America’s foremost founding fathers and first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Captured live on Broadway from the Richard Rodgers Theater with the original Broadway cast.” The film is Rated PG-13 (160 min.) (2020).

Please join us for many events during Season 16 of Malden Reads. This year’s book is Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. This year’s Malden Reads program will use Our Missing Hearts as a lens to explore themes that resonate deeply with our current times:

  • Civic ideals and the foundations of democracy—and how they are tested when fear and control take hold.
  • Children’s experiences during times of social and political upheaval—their resilience, loss, and capacity for empathy.
  • Revolution, resistance, and courage—and the role of ordinary people in standing up to injustice.

Pick up a copy of the book, Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng, at the Malden Public Library or find the digital e-book or digital e-audiobook on the Libby app. We also have copies of this book in French, Portuguese, and Spanish, and in large print.

For more details about our Malden Reads Film Screening & Discussion, please contact the Malden Public Library at 781-324-0218. Movie times are approximate. Light refreshments will be served. This event is co-sponsored by Malden Reads and Malden Public Library.

YA Craft: Make Your Own Lip Balm on Tues. Feb. 10th @ 3:00 PM

Posted on by Patrick Brennan

Young Adults in the 5th through 12th grade are invited to the MPL on Tuesday, February 10th at 3:00 PM to protect their lips from this cold winter. We will be designing and pouring our own chapsticks and lip balms in the Program Room for an hour long craft. Sign up today in order to secure your spot.

https://maldenpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/ya-craft-make-your-own-lip-balm/

The library is closed Monday, January 26 due to weather

Posted on by Cait Quinn

Due to the upcoming snow forecast, the Malden Library will be closed on Monday January 26th. We will reopen once the city says the streets are clear enough to return.  You can access our online library anytime. Check out our Eresources and our apps for more options!

Stay safe everyone!

YA Movie Matinee on Thurs., Feb. 26th @ 3PM

Posted on by Patrick Brennan

Youth and Young Adults are invited to the Maccario Room for the latest and greatest in Disney Animation. Join us on February 26th from 3:-5 PM for an animal filled adventure, some snacks and light refreshments. No sign up is required but snacks and seats are limited.

YA Model Crafts – Thursday, February 5th @ 3:00

Posted on by Patrick Brennan

Young Adults in the 5th through 12th grade are invited to the Malden Public Library to construct Bandai model kits from the Pokemon and Gundam universe. Join us on Thursday, February 5th at 3:00 PM in our Program room for this fun and fast kit. No model building experience is needed and you can keep your creation, but sign up is limited so reserve your spot today.

https://maldenpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/ya-model-crafts/

Movie Night: Wed., January 21st: 6:00-8:30pm

Posted on by Stacy Holder

Please join us for Movie Night on Wednesday, January 21, 2026: 6:00-8:30pm at the Malden Public Library. We will be showing Part 2 of a movie based on the bestselling novel, Wicked, by Gregory Maguire. The film stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Bowen Yang. The movie just won an American Film Institute (AFI) award for one of the top ten films of 2025.

“Elphaba, cast out as the Wicked Witch, hides in the forest, fighting for Oz’s oppressed Animals and seeking to reveal the Wizard’s lies. Glinda, now a beloved public figure, enjoys fame in Emerald City but is troubled by her lost bond with Elphaba. As she tries to reconcile them, tensions rise, affecting Boq, Fiyero, and Nessarose, especially when a girl from Kansas arrives. In the face of rising conflict, Elphaba and Glinda must reunite, confronting truth and empathy to change Oz forever.”

Rated PG (137 min.) (2025)

Free snacks will be provided. Movie times are approximate.

 

Young Adult January Jewelry – Tuesday, Jan. 13th @ 3:00 PM

Posted on by Patrick Brennan

Young Adults in the 5th through 12th grade are invited to an hour of super fun crafting in the Program Room of the MPL on Tuesday, January 13th from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. We will be beading handmade bracelets and necklaces, creating priceless presents for friends or yourself.

Sign-up is required and space is limited next week so follow this link to secure your position today:
https://maldenpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/ya-crafts-january-jewelry/