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Find Yourself in a Book Challenge 9.1.25-6.30.26

Summer is over, the Autumn crush has started, and you may be feeling like reading for pleasure isn’t a priority right now. But reading for yourself should always be a priorty! And to give you a little encouragement MPL has set up a low stakes reading challenge.

Step 1: Log in or sign up to Beanstack either on the web or via the Beanstack Tracker app. (Make sure you are signed into Malden Public Library’s Challenge site. Don’t use Beanstack Go)

Step 2: Register for the “Find Yourself in a Book Challenge”

Step 3: Read (at least) one book a month that is strictly for you. Not a school book, something for work, not a side hustle. Just something you think you will enjoy.

Step 4: Collect a stamp from the library that shows you’ve completed the monthly reading. (Bookmarks available at Info and the Children’s desk, so you can log your stamps).

Step 5: Get a stamp for each month between September and June and qualify for a fun enamel pin to celebrate your accomplishment.

That’s it! Just at least one book a month. We know how hard it is to make a reading commitment sometimes. And also how easy it is to let free time slip away without using it to recharge. This challenge is here to combat that with a gentle nudge to do something wholly good for you. And to up the stakes just a little, we are adding a community goal of 10,000 books read by June. The hope is that all the other books you read each month will make their way into our stats and help us celebrate how spectacular our reading community really is. So lets make a commitment together to try to read at least a little bit every month, as a community. It will help inspire the busy library staff to keep up on their reading too, so do us a favor and sign up!

ART Community Mural Workshop 9.8.25

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/

Young Adult Mini Painting Craft, Thursday Sept. 18th @3PM

Young Adults in the 5th through 12th grade are invited to become Miniature Happy Little Tree paintings at the library on Thursday, Sept. 18th from 3:00-4:00. Everyone will have their own art supplies including a miniature easel to make a small painting of based on an episode of Bob Ross’s painting instruction.

Space is limited so make sure to sign up today via our online calendar here:

https://maldenpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/young-adult-miniature-bob-ross-painting/

YA Craft: Perler Bead Craft – Thurs. Sept 11th @ 3PM

Young Adults in the 5th through 12th grade are invited to join us on Thursday September 11th from 3-4:00 PM in the Program Room to create and craft with Perler Beads!

Make whatever your imagination and time allows and turn your creation in a button, magnet or keychain. Space is limited but no sign up is required.

Song & Rhyme Time, Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

This early literacy program for young children (6 months to 4+ years) features songs, nursery rhymes, and a short picture book and takes place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday mornings. The program lasts for about 45 minutes, and no registration is required. Just come on by!

Song & Rhyme Time will be offered on alternating Saturdays at 10 a.m. beginning October 11.

3rd Annual Coffee, Cookies & Conversation For Welcoming Week

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.

 

Welcoming Week Movie Night: Wed., Sept. 17th: 6:00-8:00pm

Please join us for our Welcoming Week Movie Night on Wednesday, September 17, 2025: 6:00-8:00pm at the Malden Public Library.

We will be showing a “hidden gem” of a movie about Peace By Chocolate. “When a Syrian family flees civil war to small-town Canada, the son is torn between his dreams of becoming a doctor and helping his father rebuild his suddenly burgeoning chocolate business. Based on the incredible true story.” Not Rated, All Ages (96 min.) (2021)

Free snacks will be provided. Movie times are approximate.

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

Welcoming Week: September 12-21, 2025

Join us at the Malden Public Library for Welcoming Week on September 12-21, 2025. The theme for this year’s Welcoming Week is “Stories We Share.” Celebrated in communities around the globe, Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that connects neighbors of all backgrounds through community-informed activities and events. Welcoming Week provides communities the opportunity to publicly proclaim welcoming values, foster a mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, and build a deeper sense of belonging for all.

Throughout Welcoming Week we will provide information about local community organizations, including resources for English classes, food & housing information, job information, language learning, and more. We will also have some take & make craft kits for children and adults.

The Malden Public Library will have some resources and information for the Welcoming Week Kickoff which will be at Malden City Hall on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 215 Pleasant Street, City Hall Plaza. You can find out more information here: https://www.cityofmalden.org/1130/WELCOMING-WEEK-2025

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025 we will have a Story Time for children (ages 4-8) at 3:00pm and a “Take & Make” craft for children (ages 3+) at the Malden Public Library.

And don’t miss our Movie Night on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 6:00-8:00pm. We will be showing a “hidden gem” of a movie about Peace By Chocolate. “When a Syrian family flees civil war to small-town Canada, the son is torn between his dreams of becoming a doctor and helping his father rebuild his suddenly burgeoning chocolate business. Based on the incredible true story.” Not Rated, All Ages (96 min.) (2021) Free snacks will be provided and movie times are approximate.

This year on Saturday, September 20, 2025: 10:00-11:00am we will have our 3rd Annual “Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation” at the Malden Public Library. Meet your neighbors in a relaxed environment for a cup of coffee and great conversation! The Welcoming Week theme this year is “Stories We Share.”

All events are co-sponsored by The Friends of the Malden Public Library.

 

Family Movie Night at the Park at Rivers Edge (200 River’s Edge Drive)

Join us for a “Family Movie Night in the Park at Rivers Edge” on Friday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m.. The movie will be on The Park at Rivers Edge Great Lawn adjacent to 200 River’s Edge Drive in Medford. The Great Lawn section of the park will be transformed into an outdoor movie theatre where residents and visitors of all ages are welcome to gather and enjoy a free movie night featuring Despicable Me 4. MPAA Rating PG.

The event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by Preotle, Lane & Associates and the Malden Public Library. Attendees should bring their own blankets and chairs for use. There will be free snacks and water provided. Wellington Station is just 0.4 miles from Rivers Edge. Free parking is available at the Rivers Edge Garage.