Blog: Instructional

It’s Crafting Season!

Posted on by Katie Walsh

As the weather gets colder, now is the perfect time to pick up some new crafting hobbies (especially if you’re thinking of making some of your own homemade holiday gifts as well)! In case you didn’t know, the Malden Public Library offers several great resources to help you get started. From crafting websites with thousands of videos, to knitting kits and sewing machines, check out what we’ve got to offer!

Craftsy

“Craftsy is an online resource for all creative makers, where you can find everything you need – from basic instruction to advanced techniques. It’s a community of enthusiastic makers, from quilters and sewers, to cake decorators and painters, wanting to create beautiful things and express their creativity.

  • Over 1,400 in-depth instructional video classes; covering 20 different creative passions
  • Over 3,500 total hours of detailed commercial-free video instruction
  • Each class includes downloadable class materials to support the video
  • Access to thousands of written articles, projects, and tips”

You can access Craftsy by clicking HERE, selecting “Boston Public Library”, and entering your library card barcode number (without spaces) and your 4-digit pin number.

Creativebug

“Creativebug.com has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. Creativebug is the number one inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers.”

You can access Creativebug by clicking HERE above, entering your library card barcode number (without spaces) and your 4-digit pin number, and creating a free account.

Malden Public Library’s Library of Things

Want to get crafting, but don’t have the equipment? Check out our Library of Things, where Malden residents with a library card in good standing can borrow a number of items for free. To see crafting items in particular, filter by category, select “Crafting/Cooking” and click “Apply Filter”.


 

Community Food Resources 2025

Posted on by Cait Quinn

As of November 1st members of our community lost one essential government service that keeps them and their families fed. Many organizations, community leaders, neighbors and friends are coming together to fill in the gaps while we wait for the government to fulfill its obligations to the SNAP food assistance program. If you or someone you know is looking for food access, here are some resources that should help.

 

SNAP Resources by Caitlin Quinn

Book Log Snakes!!!

Posted on by Cait Quinn

To get Sssssstarted…what’sssss thisssss about?

There are snakes at the Malden Public Library! Book snakes! This year we wanted a way to log books and encourage reading that was fun and educational. And thanks to TikTok and the internet we have this cool and crafty project. For this project you will crochet or knit a log of all your reading by assigning colors to genres or themes and then adding them each time you finish a book that matches those categories. In the end you’ll have a cute, plush log of all you’ve accomplished.

Sssssupplies…

We have provided kits with a crochet hook, some eyes, stitch markers, a pattern, and a pre-crocheted head to get you started. We are also stocking the card catalog with loads of yarn for you to choose from and some back up supplies. Stop by the library and get your kit, pick up some yarn, or just get a pattern and start logging your books. You can view the crochet pattern here:

Don’t like to crochet?

No problem…we have a knitting pattern! And you can still use the yarn, the eyes, the stitch markers. You can also bring your knit snake to one of our knitting programs and ask questions or seek assistance.

Need ssssome more help?

The library is hosting our first Book Log Snake Class and Clinic on Thursday, March 13th at 6pm. Stop by to learn how to crochet your snake from scratch. You will need your own 4.5mm hook, but we will provide the rest. There will be other snake clinics as we go and you can email cquinn@maldenpubliclibrary for updates on classes or suggestions for snake resources. In the meantime, here are some free online tutorials the staff found helpful:

And for kids too little to crochet or knit…

We have a coloring sheet. You can ask for copies at the children’s desk or pick them up near the yarn station. You can also print this template at home!

Everyday Creativity with Lisa Sears 5.22.25

Posted on by Cait Quinn

Do you walk into a stationary store and see piles of sketchbooks and swoon? Do you love nothing more than the feel of a fresh page waiting to be filled? But do you also have stacks of those same pages waiting for when you feel the moment is right?

We’ve got good news… the moment is now. Join local artist Lisa Sears for this accessible, friendly art program: Everyday Creativity! Commit to a sketchbook with Lisa Sears. 

Start a new habit–a good one! — pick up a sketchbook and get creative. You’ll get to experiment with different, easy to come by art materials to explore a new sketchbook and get your creativity flowing. Lisa will help you with hands-on prompts, ice breakers, visual inspiration, and creative conversations to start you off on your artistic journey. This program is for adults and young adults over 16. It is perfect for anyone who needs to slay some self doubt demons, or just needs a reason to spend an evening learning something fun and creative. This is also the perfect way to kick off an artistic habit and build the skills to keep practicing that habit in their everyday lives. No artistic skills are necessary to start, creativity is a practice and this is a great way to start.
Participants will receive a brand new sketch book as part of the class. You will also have the opportunity to try out that sketchbook in a special bonus class on Saturday, May 24th at 2pm in the Converse Art Galleries of the Malden Public Library

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

Odyssey Puppetry Workshop with the ART 2.20.25

Posted on by Cait Quinn

Do you love the Odyssey? Or Puppetry? Or would like to learn more about the inner working of theater?
Then join A.R.T’s Engagement Team for an introductory, hands on workshop that explores puppetry design and shadow work and how they can advance theatrical storytelling. This interactive workshop will allow participants to learn by doing and engage with thematic elements from the production.The workshop experience runs for two hours. A.R.T.’s Engagement workshops allow community members from across Greater Boston to deeply engage in the themes, questions, and ideas sparked by our productions through theatrical frameworks, generative dialogue, and community building activities.

RSVP is required, recommended for ages 13+. You can sign up here.

Refreshments will be provided.

The workshop begins at 6pm and runs until 8pm and will meet in the Macarrio Room of the Malden Public Library.

Origami with Carol 1.14.25

Posted on by Cait Quinn

Origami with Carol is back for2025! If you are looking to de-stress or make a little something to add color and texture to your month, then join Tuesday, January 14th, from 6-8pm. This month we are learning how to fold an origami flower. Hint: this is a great piece to liven up any room in the dead of winter.
Space is limited, so please call 781-324-0218 to sign up, or register at the information desk. This program is best for adults and crafty teens. Supplies are limited and we ask that you bring a ruler to help sharpen the folds.

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

 

 

 

 

Jellyfish – Pastel Workshop with Greg

Posted on by Stephen Deloney

Award-winning pastel artist Gregory John Maichack (http://gregorymaichack.com/) will present “Jellyfish,” a Zoom pastel
painting workshop for adults and teens 18+ hosted by the Malden Public Library on Monday September 30th, from 6-8pm. This
fun, two-hour workshop, with materials included, guides everyone from the sheer beginner to advanced participants in
producing their very own personalized and original pastel of a stunning jellyfish.

Participants will leave the workshop with their own 12 X 18 painting, all the supplied pastels, pencils, paper, blending
material, and photo references of various and sundry jellyfish for future painting.

Registration Required, limited supplies. Sign up online.

This project is supported in part from a grant from the Malden Cultural Council.

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

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!