Blog: Library Events

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

Tech on Your Terms: a panel discussion about making technology more intentional 1.7.26

Posted on by Cait Quinn

Want to use technology more intentionally? The Malden Public Library presents a free event featuring top experts on digital wellness and critical thinking. Learn practical tools to navigate tech on your own terms. Open to youth, parents, and all community members. Doors will be open at 615pm and the program will start at 630pm. We are joined by local resident and moderator: Shaleen Title, who will direct the panel and public Q&A session.

 

Our Panel:

 

 

* Dr. Susan Linn is a lecturer in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a ventriloquist who appeared on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Among other books, she is the author of “Who’s Raising the Kids? Big Tech, Big Business, and the Lives of Children”.

 

* Dr. Joan Donovan is a Malden-based professor and researcher who explores media manipulation. She helps people to detect, document, and debunk media manipulation campaigns.

 

 

* Liza Hirsch is the Director of the Children’s Justice Unit at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office where she works to advance justice and equity for Massachusetts children and youth through civil investigations, litigation, policy, and community engagement.

 

 

 

Please register to stay up to date on this event. Registration link

About the group:

Reconnect Malden is a community alliance dedicated to increasing our connection to each other and reducing our dependence on technology. We believe that technological devices can behelpful, but they should serve as a tool, not something that controls us.

World Movie Night: Nov. 19th, 2025: 6:00-8:00pm

Posted on by Stacy Holder

Please join us for World Movie Night on Wednesday, November 19, 2025: 6:00-8:00pm at the Malden Public Library.

We will be showing a martial arts classic of Chinese cinema about a House Of Flying Daggers. The film stars Ziyi Zhang, Andy Lau, and Takeshi Kaneshiro and it is directed by Yimou Zhang.

“During the reign of the Tang dynasty in China, a secret organization called “The House of the Flying Daggers” rises and opposes the government. Leo is a police officer who sends officer Jin to investigate a young dancer named Mei, claiming that she has ties to the “Flying Daggers” organization. Leo ends up arresting Mei, only to have Jin break her free in a plot to gain her trust and lead the police to the new leader of the secret organization. But things are far more complicated than they seem.”

Rated PG-13 (115 min.) (2004) (In Mandarin, with English subtitles)

Free snacks will be provided. Movie times are approximate.

Creature Feature on the Library Lawn 10.25 @ 6pm

Posted on by Cait Quinn

POSTPONED TO SATURDAY, OCT. 25! Join us on the lawn for a Halloween creature feature. We’ll be showing Creature from the Black Lagoon on a blow up movie screen. There will be warm drinks and of course Halloween candy. Please remember to dress for the weather as October nights get chilly. Also plan for the main library building to close at 6pm. So bathroom breaks may rely on local business generosity. Movie run time is a crisp 79 minutes. So unlike the current movies, it will be over before you know it. Sundown is at 5:45 and we should be rolling at 6pm. So bring your blankets, chairs, and love of old monster makeup because this is the movie night you shouldn’t miss. Costumes are encouraged but not necessary. Cait, your host, however will be dressed to impress.

Fall Book Sale by the Friends of the Malden Public Library!

Posted on by Cait Quinn

The Big Fall Book Sale is here! The Friends of the Malden Public Library will have a huge book sale on Friday, October 17th, from 6-9pm. This is an early access preview sale for Friends members only. Join the Friends on Friday night or renew your membership to gain the best access to the book sale.

The Friends Fall Book Sale is open to everyone on Saturday, October 18th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. We have thousands of books, DVDs, children’s books, cookbooks, and more! Cash, check or digital payments accepted. Stop by on Saturday for a delicious cup of coffee from Cornucopia Foods, and say hi to our book sale sponsors: The Malden Police Dept.

The Friends Book Sale helps raise money for Library programs, museum passes, technology, movie nights, teen programs, children’s programs, high demand bestsellers, and more. We look forward to seeing you there!

140th Celebration for the Converse Memorial Building and the Malden Public Library 10.8.25

Posted on by Cait Quinn

Come and celebrate the Malden Public Library’s 140th birthday on October 8 from 6-8pm! It will be a fun evening of music, history, reading, and food. From 6-7 will be a concert and talk titled “The Life and Music of Mary Parker Converse” in collaboration with Nightingale Vocal Ensemble. From 7:00-7:30 will be a “Read-A-Thon” where staff will read speeches and poetry from the 1885 dedication ceremony of the Converse Memorial Building. From 7:30-8:00 will be a reception for socializing, snacking, and enjoying the visual art on display at the library.

Movie Night: Wed., October 15th: 6:00-8:00pm

Posted on by Stacy Holder

Please join us for Movie Night on Wednesday, October 15, 2025: 6:00-8:00pm at the Malden Public Library. We will be showing a film about an AI robot named M3GAN 2.0. The film stars Allison Williams, Amie Donald, and Violet McGraw.

“Two years after M3GAN’s rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation in order to take down Amelia, the military-grade weapon who was built by a defense contractor who stole M3GAN’s underlying tech.” Rated PG-13 (121 min.) (2025)

Free snacks will be provided. Movie times are approximate.

Movie Night is generously supported by The Friends Of The Malden Public Library.

ART Community Mural Workshop 9.8.25

Posted on by Cait Quinn

You’re invited to join Roxbury muralist Dr. Rob “Problak” Gibbs, local artists, and A.R.T. in the collaborative process to create a new mural!

A.R.T.’s new home in Boston will feature a new piece of public art: a mural that reflects Boston’s residents and the future we envision together. The design process begins this fall at free workshop experiences co-led by Problak, celebrated local muralists, and members of A.R.T.’s Engagement team. No experience necessary to participate—just come ready to share stories about your past, present, and hopes for the future. The imagery and ideas sparked will help shape the mural’s design and help create something truly meaningful for everyone.

This program is gathering personal stories, shared values, cultural references, and community insights that will inform the concept, themes, and visual language of the mural at the new home of the American Repertory Theater in Allston. This workshop invites participants to share what makes their community feel like home, and how their stories can live on a wall that speaks to all of us.

The two-hour workshops are free and designed for all ages. Supplies and hospitality will be provided. All workshops are open to the public, but RSVPs are recommended.

https://americanrepertorytheater.org/shows-events/the-build-up-community-visioning-workshops/

3rd Annual Coffee, Cookies & Conversation For Welcoming Week

Posted on by Stacy Holder

Please join us for our third annual “Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation” Welcoming Week event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00-11:00am. Meet your neighbors in a casual setting, for a cup of coffee, some cookies, and relaxed conversation.

Welcoming Week is a global campaign that connects neighbors of all backgrounds in their communities. At the Malden Public Library we celebrate the values that unite us as neighbors.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Malden Public Library.