On September 22nd, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Massachusetts Center for the Book, and public libraries across the commonwealth, including Beaman Memorial Public Library, are partnering on a "National Book Festival Near You" event. The event opens at 7 p.m. with a group watch party of a video created for National Book Festival that features Isabel Wilkerson, author most recently of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. At the conclusion of the video, there will be a commonwealth conversation, led by former State Representative and noted historian and library advocate, Byron Rushing, and Salem State professor Roopika Risam, recent recipient of a Mass Library Association Intellectual Freedom award. The event is open to all and promises to be a lively and informed discussion of the diversity, equity, and inclusion issues sparked by Wilkerson's analysis. Please note that participants need not have read Caste in advance. An overview of Wilkerson's argument will be available in the materials sent to all registrants.

A Massachusetts Library Event via Zoom in partnership with the Library of Congress and National Book Festival. Registration is now open: https://bit.ly/NBF2021MassWatchParty

Beaman Library is excited to announce an amazing upcoming opportunity!

During September, young adults and professionals working with young adults are encouraged to read Jennifer De Leon's YA novel, Don't Ask Where I'm From. Following the month-long read, our One Book Communities will have the opportunity to meet Ms. De Leon and discuss her debut novel on Wednesday, October 6 at 4:00 p.m. on Zoom. Four lucky winners will receive an autographed copy! This event is sponsored through a partnership with your local libraries in Auburn, Bolton, Hudson, and West Boylston. Please visit Beaman Library to borrow a copy of the book.

This virtual event is FREE; space is limited. Register at huds.pl/damwif to receive the Zoom link invitation.

At Beaman Library, there are graphic novels available for all ages! A number of new titles were recently added to both our adult and young adult graphic novel collections and more titles arrive regularly. While graphic novels are simply enjoyable to read, graphic novels provide a number of other benefits. For example, the illustrations in graphic novels can improve a reader's comprehension by providing the support needed to understand the text. In addition, the need to decode both the text and the illustrations often encourages a reader to slow their reading speed, allowing adequate time to fully interpret the entire page. Finally, graphic novels can provide an engaging format for those more reluctant readers. Next time you are at the Library, take a look at our graphic novels and check one out!

Click below to view some of the new additions to our young adult and adult graphic novel collections. You can easily place holds on items you would like to borrow!

Library passes are available for borrowing! Library passes provide discounted admission rates or free entry to a number of local venues. To view the list of available passes and the policies regarding the borrowing of passes, please visit our Library Pass Program page. 

Please note: While Library passes are available for borrowing, many of the hours of operation and procedures for admittance have changed as a result of COVID-19. Before visiting a venue, please check the venue's website.