Blog: Malden Reads

Malden Reads Book Discussion with Mayor Christenson 3.11.26

Posted on by Cait Quinn

The Malden Public Library and Malden Reads invite you to join Mayor Gary Christenson to discuss this year’s book selection Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, March 11, from 6:30–7:30 pm in the beautiful art galleries at the Malden Public Library. Light refreshments will be served.

Set in a near-future America marked by fear, censorship, and division, Our Missing Hearts explores what happens when a society built on democratic ideals begins to fracture. The novel follows a young boy searching for his missing mother—a poet whose words have been deemed dangerous by the government—and examines how art, storytelling, and human connection can resist oppression and ignite hope.

Malden Reads is a community reading organization run by residents in collaboration with the Malden Public Library. Each season, we invite the city of Malden, Massachusetts to read a selected book and participate in a program of events, projects, and community initiatives centered around the themes of the book. We look forward to having you join Mayor Christenson and the Malden community to discuss this book.

Copies of both the physical book and downloadable versions are available at the Malden Public Library and copies may be purchased at The Gallery@57.

Can’t attend in person? Join via Zoom

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.

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

Malden Reads Film Screening & Discussion: Wed., March 26th:6:00-8:00pm

Posted on by Stacy Holder

Please join us for the Malden Reads Film Screening and discussion about William And The Windmill. We will be showing this film at the Malden Public Library on Wednesday, March 26, 2025: 6:00-8:00pm. This documentary explores the life of William Kamkwamba, author of the book, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, Malden Reads’ 2025 selection.

“With only a library book as his guide, 14-year-old William Kamkwamba builds a windmill in his Malawian village that changes his life forever. Using junk parts and an inexhaustible imagination, he harnesses enough energy to power a generator that saves his family from famine and resuscitates his dying farming community. An instant media sensation, the teen soon has the ability to chart a previously unimaginable future of TEDtalks, Ivy League schools, and speaking tours. But despite the help of an American entrepreneur who helps navigate his success, some changes threaten to capsize him. He was once just a kid back home, but suddenly he’s a village leader.” William And The Windmill is directed by Ben Nabors. The film is Not Rated (97 min.) (2013).

Pick up a copy of the book, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, at the Malden Public Library or find the digital copy on Libby.

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

Mayor’s Book Discussion for Malden Reads

Posted on by Caron Guigli

Join Mayor Gary Christenson on Wednesday, February 26th at 6:30 pm in the Malden Public Library’s Ryder Art Gallery to discuss The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, the book selected for the 2025 Malden Reads community. There will be light refreshments offered beforehand. The Zoom link is listed below for those who would prefer to join virtually.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this year’s selection.

Topic: Malden Reads Book Discussion with Mayor Christenson
Time: Feb 26, 2025 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85178787625?pwd=XjyarI9FgFruVgkP7ev8ugxtaxdwB6.1

Meeting ID: 851 7878 7625
Passcode: 908940

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Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kehJOQlTeV

Mayor’s Book Discussion for Malden Reads

Posted on by Caron Guigli

Join us on Wednesday, March 27th from 6:30–7:30 pm for a book discussion with Malden Mayor Gary Christenson of this year’s Malden Reads selection Being Heumann by Judith Heumann. We will meet in the Ryder Gallery of the Converse Art Galleries and light refreshments will be offered. A Zoom link will be provided closer to the date, for those that would like to attend from home.

Join Malden Reads: One City, One Book as we explore themes related to Being Heumann for our 14th year, including disability awareness; hidden disabilities; the benefit of ADA to non-disabled people; advances in technology for people with disabilities; civil rights, human rights, and how bills like the ADA become law; the power of one person working in collaboration with a team to create change.

Zoom login Here:

Malden Library is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Malden Reads Book Discussion with Mayor Christenson
Time: Mar 27, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82244751568?pwd=rd6LsUGD4MsdmOCHdvV882giP4ruxX.1

Meeting ID: 822 4475 1568
Passcode: 683203

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• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
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• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US

Meeting ID: 822 4475 1568
Passcode: 683203

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kb8LusDEZb

 

Malden Reads Kickoff @ the Library

Posted on by Caron Guigli

Join us on Thursday, January 25th, from 6–8 pm for an evening of entertainment and information here at the Library to kick off our 2024 season of Malden Reads.

The book chosen this year is Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann. The book highlights the history of the disability rights movement in our country through a personal memoir of one of its most recognized leaders.

Music, speakers, and light snacks will be available while you share an evening with friends and learn more about our community.

Drawn Together: The Intersection of Graphic Novels and Social Justice

Posted on by Marita Coombs

Award-winning cartoonist, TV creator, and Malden native Dr. Keith Knight (the Knight Life, the K Chronicles) will be presenting a slideshow making the case that comics and graphic novels are the key to a more informed and compassionate world.

Thursday November 16th at 6:30pm.

The Malden Public Library is excited to host this event. Keith Knight is many things–rapper, social activist, father and educator among them.  He is also one of the funniest and most highly regarded cartoonists in America.

For nearly three decades, this multi-award-winning artist has brought the funny back to the funny pages with a uniquely personal style that’s a cross between Calvin & Hobbes, MAD, and underground comix.

Keith Knight is part of a generation of African-American artists who were raised on hip-hop, infusing their work with urgency, edge, humor, satire, politics and race. His art has appeared in various publications worldwide, including the Washington Post, the New Yorker, San Francisco Chronicle, the Nib, Ebony, ESPN the Magazine, MAD Magazine, and the Funny Times.  In 2020, the world was introduced to Knight’s work in a whole new way–as the inspiration for the live-action streaming television series, Woke, courtesy of Hulu. Knight serves as a co-creator, writer, and executive producer on the show.

(taken from KChronicles.com)

This event is sponsored by Malden Reads and Malden Arts.