As Sudoku solvers who know and appreciate the numbers 1 through 9 we thought you might enjoy these helpful conversions for people who struggle with the metric system 1 million microphones 1 megaphone 2000 mockingbirds 2 kilomockingbirds 1 millonth of a fish 1 microfiche 4536 graham crackers 1 pound cake 10 rations…
2023 Stonewall Book Awards
Each year the American Library Association's Rainbow Roundtable presents the Stonewall Book Awards to "English-language works of exceptional merit for children or teens relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience." Here are this year's winners. There's a great variety here that should have something for every reader!
National Pet Appreciation Week
The first full week in June is National Pet Appreciation Week. If you've got pets in your life--whether they are cats, dogs, or more unusual creatures--MHL has books to help you make sure those pets are living their best lives. (And they might just improve your life, too!)
Rainbow Romance
June is Pride Month, so what better time to celebrate LGBTQ+ love? Here are some recent adult romance novels featuring LGBTQ+ characters. No matter what kind of romance novels you prefer--historical, contemporary, fake dating, royalty...this list has something for everyone.
Artist of the Month: June 2023 – Don Hammontree
“When it comes to my artwork, there are three personal traits of mine that are usually reflected in it, though not necessarily all at once. Firstly, I’ve got a vivid imagination. As an example, I’m fascinated by older cars and how their front and rear-end designs almost mirror human expressions – the headlights resemble eyes; a bumper may reflect a smile. There’s also a sense of deep curiosity — I’ll often seek out buildings in a new city that have unique (though not necessarily pretty) architectural details for inspiration, or I’ll search street-view sites online for interesting scenes of places I’ve never been. And lastly, I have a strong memory — if so moved, I’ll try to re-create scenes from my past that I find special or inspiring with as many details as I can recall.
June 2023 Book of the Month
Called "a laugh out-loud heart warmer" by Oprah Daily and named an NPR Book of the Year, The Guncle by Steven Rowley is June's Book of the Month.
June 2023 Puzzle: It’s all happening at the zoo
June is a great time to go to a zoo! We have passes that give you reduced admission to the Franklin Park Zoo, the Stoneham Zoo, the New England Aquarium and other neat places. Visit https://mhl.org/museum-passes for more information and to make reservations!
Fantasy and Science Fiction for Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Looking for something outside of Euro-centric fantasy and science fiction? Try out some Asian-inspired works of speculative fiction! Whether you're looking for a wuxia-inspired tale, a dragon fantasy, or a mecha science fiction set in the future, there's something here for you.
Get Grilling on Memorial Day
MHL will be closed on Monday, 5/29 in observance of Memorial Day. However we will be open our regular hours on Saturday and Sunday, so stop by to pick up these great cookbooks to prepare for your next cookout! (Or borrow a bocce ball or cornhole set from our Library of Things!)
Open House honoring Children’s Librarian Kate Dugan
All are welcome to stop by on June 1st to wish Miss Kate a Happy Retirement. Kate Dugan joined the staff at Memorial Hall Library in 1984 so she has read to and recommended books to children and families for almost 40 years! Stop by between 10am-12pm or 4-6pm to say goodbye for now!