Blog: Community resource

Introducing My China Roots: A New Database for Researching Chinese Ancestors Livestream at MPL

Posted on by Cait Quinn
Thursday November 21st at 3pm on Zoom and  via Livestream in the Local History Room of the Malden Public Library. The Boston Public Library is hosting a program introducing a new Chinese Ancestry database available to library card holders: My China Roots. This program offers an introduction to the database and is led by researcher and Head of Global Collections for MCR, Clotilde Yap. She will provide a brief introduction to Chinese family history research, including how to get started, key challenges, and what clues to look for both at home and online. Finally, Clotilde will provide a live demo of the database, highlighting some of the new records and features that have recently been added.
 
In partnership with the BPL, the local history department will provide an interactive live stream. If you are interested in using My China Roots or are curious about the program join us at the Malden Public Library. We will handle the technology and even provide an opportunity to ask questions.
 
Of note: this program is conducted in English, but viewers from home can select live translation via their Zoom account. To join from home you can register with the BPL on their site or use this: https://bit.ly/MPL-LH-My-China-Roots
Clotilde Yap has assisted families from around the world in tracing their Chinese family history since joining My China Roots in 2017. As the Head of Global Collections for MCR, she researches untapped archives of Chinese communities across the globe, partnering with libraries, museums, and community organizations to preserve their collections for posterity.

Clean Water Action

Posted on by Stephen Deloney

Getting the lead out

Join us at the Malden Public Library for a presentation by Clean Water Action and the Mystic Valley NAACP on the status of lead piping here in Malden, the effects this has on our community, and how you can be part of the solution. Registration is not required but is requested.

*Earlier advertisements listed the availability of Free Child Care at this event. Unfortunately we are unable to make this accommodation.

 

https://maldenpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/clean-water-action/

 

For more information about Clean Water Action’s work in the Malden area:

https://cleanwater.org/2024/09/12/bringing-lead-service-lines-surface-malden

Artificial Intelligence in our Daily Lives.

Posted on by Marita Coombs

 

On Saturday Sept 28th  from 2-4pm the Malden Public Library will be hosting a unique workshop exploring the impact and implications of Artificial Intelligence in our daily lives.  We will discuss beneficial, real-world applications and how to safeguard against the risks posed by AI enabled deep fakes, scams and misinformation.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Malden Public Library.

Everyone is welcome to attend and registration is encouraged.

To Register at :  https://bit.ly/malden-ai

 

 

 

 

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group

Posted on by Katie Walsh

Are you over 50 and looking for a new job/career direction? Our FREE 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group will begin meeting again on August 7! Meetings are held every other week on a variety of topics, such as cover letters, LinkedIn, networking, interview strategies, and more. 35 members of this group found new jobs in the first half of 2024! It is not required to attend the first meeting, or every meeting, and if you need help with Zoom, we are happy to assist you at the library. If you have questions, please call (781) 324-0218, or email Marita at mcoombs@maldenpubliclibrary.org
Register at: www.tinyurl.com/library50plusjobseekers

Memory Kits from the Library of Things

Posted on by Katie Walsh
Now available from the Library of Things: Memory Kits! Memory kits are designed for people with dementia and other cognitive impairments (and their caregivers/loved ones) to help inspire memories on favorite topics, encourage conversation, or promote quiet enjoyment. Each kit comes with a combination of books, a CD/DVD, an activity, and an object to engage with, and each kit will have a different theme, including gardening, fishing, classic cars, birdwatching, and baking/cooking. More kits will be added soon, but we’re excited to offer our first memory kit, which is all about the Red Sox! This kit includes:
• Red Sox Matching Card Game (36 pieces)
• “The Boston Red Sox: Essential Games of Fenway Park” (6 full games, ranging from 1967-2007 on DVD)
• Baseball glove
• “The Hometown Team: Four Decades of Boston Red Sox Photography” by Steve Babineau & Mike Shalin
• “The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide for Caring for People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias” by Nancy L. Mace & Peter V. Rabins
• Resources folder
Memory kits can be checked out for 3 weeks at a time by patrons with a Malden library card in good standing. Be sure to keep an eye out as we add more memory kits, and you can place a hold on the “Let’s Go Red Sox! Memory Kit” now by calling 781-324-0218, or visiting this link:

Now Available: ChiltonLibrary for Car Repair

Posted on by Katie Walsh

Malden Public Library is excited to offer access to ChiltonLibrary, free with your library card! The comprehensive automotive resource ably supports both those who want to pick up a wrench as well as those researching repairs or a car purchase.

ChiltonLibrary covers all aspects of vehicle repair, from maintenance to mechanical to the interior and exterior body. People who want to replace the remote key battery, install brake pads, or just understand their vehicle better can tap into ChiltonLibrary for trusted information. The knowledge base of authoritative information saves time-consuming internet searches among distracting ads and information of unknown quality.

In addition to licensed auto manufacturer repair procedures, ChiltonLibrary features translation and accessibility tools, and brims with other valuable data. Labor times help estimate how long it may take to do a job. Bulletins and recalls clue in car owners to recurring component failures and what to do about them. Check out bulletins for a car you’re thinking of buying for information on common issues.

The VIN decoder provides the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) real-time data based on the vehicle identification number, specifying things like the original equipment, where the vehicle was built, and what equipment it has—helpful for those applying for electric vehicle tax breaks. The VIN tool also lists unrepaired safety recalls for the specific vehicle. For those buying a used vehicle, it’s helpful to know if the vehicle needs safety recall repairs.

Video and animation clips illuminate repair procedures and key concepts for those seeking deeper understanding. And, Automotive Service Excellence quizzes are available to test the knowledge of those preparing for ASE exams.

Best of all, ChiltonLibrary is free through Malden Public Library and there when you need it. Access it from any device online from this link.

Did you know, you can also check out a OBDII car scanner from our Library of Things? Place your hold here!

Death Cafe

Posted on by Marita Coombs

Have you ever wanted to talk about death but don’t know where to start?  The Malden Public Library will be hosting its first Death Cafe on Monday April 29th starting at 6pm. If you’ve never heard of them before, a Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session.

At a Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death.

To register: Death Cafe

Registration is required.

Community Resources for New Arrivals

Posted on by Katie Walsh

Being an integral part of the Malden community, the Malden Public Library provides the following community links and a resource to our local population. Here are some updated links and resources that may be useful to community members who are new to Malden and/or the United States, and those who wish to support them!

Click the name of the organization to be taken to their website; when available, direct contact information for the organization will be listed beneath their description. Descriptions in quotations come directly from the organizations linked.

New Arrivals Resources

Brazilian Workers Center

“The Brazilian Worker Center is a non-profit organization that capacitates immigrant workers to learn about workplace rights, immigration, and health equity. We empower immigrants with knowledge and skills to promote economic, social, political and racial justice for all.”

The Family Welcome Center at the Allston BWC provides assistance and resources (including emergency housing) to new arrivals from many countries.

The Everett Haitian Community Center

“The Everett Haitian Community Center (EHCC) is proud to have been serving immigrant and marginalized communities in Everett and Greater Boston for the past 7 years.” EHCC offers assistance with housing, food, citizenship classes, employment, and more.

MIRA Resources (Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition):

“MIRA is the largest coalition in New England promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees. With offices in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, we advance this mission through education and training, leadership development, institutional organizing, strategic communications, policy analysis and advocacy.”

MIRA Citizenship Application Assistance

MIRA Immigration Advocate Legal Helpline

“This helpline number is open to all Massachusetts-based providers serving immigrants and refugees and accepts voicemails 24/7 at (508) 293-1871. This helpline operates as a non-emergency service.

  • Callers are asked to leave a voicemail with their contact details and their inquiry (without disclosing any client-specific information).
  • The MIRA Helpline staff will review voicemails to assess urgency, directing urgent inquiries to our Staff Attorney for immediate response.
  • If a caller seeks resources, these will be sent via email.
  • For all other matters requiring an attorney’s response, the Helpline staff will arrange a callback and provide further instructions.
  • For expedited service, providers are encouraged to fill out the online intake form. Once the form is submitted, providers don’t need to call the helpline, the team will reach out to them with a response to their inquiry.”

Immediate Resources for Immigrants (MIRA): Links and contact information for emergency assistance shelter, Family Welcome Centers, Food/Nutrition/Medical Resources.

Immigrant Support Alliance, Melrose, MA (website under construction)

“A nonprofit coalition of volunteers that partners with resettlement agencies to provide food, housing, financial, and social support to our clients, helping them on their journey towards becoming independent, contributing members of our communities.”

  • info@immigrantsupportalliance.org

The Immigrant Learning Center, Malden, MA

The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) is a not-for-profit organization. The English Language Program provides free, year-round ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes to help immigrant and refugee adults in Greater Boston become successful workers, parents and community members.

  • (781) 322-9777

Rian Immigrant Center

“Rian empowers immigrants, refugees, and international exchange visitors on the path to opportunity, safety and a better future.” Rian provides immigration legal services, English classes, citizenship classes, resource and support services, education & career services, International Exchange Visitor Visa Program, community building opportunities, and advocating for just and humane immigration policies.

  • (617) 542-7654

 

We are out of Eclipse Glasses

Posted on by Cait Quinn

Our programs are full! We have completely maxed out our supply of eclipse glasses. But if you still want to view the eclipse with us we will be live streaming it through NASA on a big screen in the library. You can also join us on the lawn and bring your own viewing device such as a pin hole viewer. You can learn how to make one here: Pin Hole Camera 

We at the library hope that you have a happy and safe eclipse! And thank you for being so excited about science and our planet. It is wonderful that an event like this can bring so many people together!