All ages welcome. Come eat snacks, play old favorites, learn a new game, or bring one to share!

We have traditional games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Boggle, chess and checkers. Or, try one of our newer games like Catopoly, Galaxy Trucker, King of Tokyo, and Sushi Go!

Thursday, August 16th at 6:30pm, Library Assembly Room

MORE 8 TO 12 YEAR OLD SESSIONS ADDED!

Escape rooms make their return to Belmont Public Library, and this July 30th and 31st we’re celebrating the birthday of one Harry James Potter with a game set at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

It’s 1997, and what would be Harry Potter’s seventh year at Hogwarts. He’s not here, however, because he’s searching for the Horcruxes, so it’s up to you and your friends to stand up to the Death Eaters, Amycus and Alecto Carrow, that now run amok in the school. You have 45 minutes to find the mysterious something that Professor McGonagall hide that will help you stand up to the Death Eaters currently running Hogwarts. Can you follow her clues, find the thing she sent you to her office for, and escape before the dreaded Carrows catch you in the act? Find out at Belmont Public Library’s Harry Potter Escape Room! Costumes absolutely encouraged (and wands – we’ll be making them Thursday July 26th at 6:30 pm in the assembly room!), and magic absolutely to be expected!

We’re having sessions for children, teens, and adults, so make sure you reserve your space in the right age group.

July 30th Escape Rooms:

• 1 pm: Session 1 for ages 8 to 12 sign up here (FULL)
• 2 pm: Session 2 for ages 8 to 12 sign up here (FULL)
• 3 pm: Session 1 for ages 13 to 17 sign up here
• 4 pm: Session 2 for ages 13 to 17 sign up here
• 6:30 pm: Adult session 1 sign up here

July 31 Escape Rooms:

• 3 pm: Session 3 for ages 13 to 17
• 4 pm: Session 4 for ages 13 to 17
• 6:30 pm: Adult session 2 sign up here (FULL)

August 1 Escape Rooms:

• 1 pm: Session 3 for ages 8 to 12 sign up here 
• 2 pm: Session 4 for ages 8 to 12 sign up here
• 3 pm: Session 5 for ages 8 to 12 sign up here

Join us for the kickoff to our LIBRARIES ROCK! Summer Reading program with this ‘60s and ‘70s groove-fest.

Friday, June 22nd, 6-8pm, Library Assembly Room

We’ll have:

• A 60s & 70s trivia;
• A paint-your-own pet rock craft;
• A Blast from the past snacks;
• A  and a groovy photo booth!

So, put on your best bell bottoms and most righteous shades. It’s time to get down at the library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.

Enjoy free access to the New York Times online!

What makes Belmont unique? Take a look at the following video, you might discover something you didn’t already know!

Join Wendy Jacobs, Director of the Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School, for a discussion on the current state of environmental law affairs and how citizens can utilize the law to restore protective regulations.

Part of our Citizen Literacy Series, science-media-civic literacy for a more informed public, sponsored by the Belmont Public Library, Belmont Media Center and Science for the Public.

Join bestselling authors Stephen McCauley (The Object of My Affection and Alternatives to Sex) and Anita Diamant (The Red Tent and Boston Girl) for a discussion of McCauley’s latest novel, My Ex-Life, which examines how we define home, family, and love. David Hedge’s life is coming apart at the seams, so what better time to travel cross-country to help piece together the life of his ex-wife? Be prepared to laugh, shed a few tears, and have thoughts of your own ex-life.

Friends Author Series: Stephen McCauley in conversation with Anita Diamant

“As always, McCauley’s effervescent prose is full of wit and wisdom on every topic—college application essays, Airbnb operation, weed addiction, live porn websites, and, most of all, people.” Kirkus Review

 “McCauley’s best novel so far—and that’s saying a lot.” Anita Diamant

 “A wise, ruefully funny, and ultimately touching exploration of mid-life melancholy and unexpected second chances. Stephen McCauley is a wonderful writer, and this may be his best book yet.” Tom Perrotta

Stephen McCauley, named a Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture, has written seven novels, three of which were turned into feature-length films. Incapable of writing at home, he’s committed to working in libraries.

Anita Diamant is the bestselling author of The Red Tent. Her 2014 novel, The Boston Girl, was the 2016 One Book One Belmont community read. She and Stephen are part of the same writing group.

The Friends Author Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library. Visit the Friends page to learn more about joining or renewing your membership.

Using Your Cellphone to Share Your Life Story 

This two-night workshop is designed for beginners who want to learn how to use their smartphones to share events, personal stories, or make documentaries to share with family and friends. Taught by Emmy award winning videographer/editor/producer and Belmont resident, Bob Craigue, you’ll learn simple techniques and practice shooting video with an awareness of lighting, composition, and sound. Students will use in-camera editing to trim video, and will explore simple editing software such as iMovie or Microsoft Movie Maker to edit and add effects.

Immerse yourself in the world of winged creatures through this presentation by local wildlife photographer, Carole Smith Berney. View beautiful photographs of local birds and bees, learn about their habitat, their interdependence with other  living things, and how we can help to protect them from population decline. Q&A to follow.

Then, this summer, join Carol at Habitat in Belmont for two nature walks. Registration is appreciated!

Carole Berney is a wildlife photographer, local advocate, and member of Watertown Friends of Bees, which offers programs related to protecting pollinators and educates the public about the importance of eliminating pesticides and advocating for legislation that can protect the natural world.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Belmont Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.