Decodable books are books written primarily using words that follow the rules of phonics and include skills children will encounter while learning to read, like short vowels, digraphs, long vowels, and more. The Children's Room has a growing Decodable Collection to help new readers and caregivers develop these skills!
October Artist of the Month
Edie Tang Artist Edie Tang was born and raised in China. She began painting in 2019. She is totally self-taught. Her first experience as an artist was when she painted a cartoon portrait on a pair of shoes. She discovered she really enjoyed it and had a natural talent. She soon started painting people, animals and landscapes. Edie believes that being an artist is something that one is born to do and not learned at school. She went on to study through practical experience, learning through trial and error, and studying the works of YouTube and their techniques. With family encouragement and support, especially from her father who is a calligraphy artist, Edie became a full-time artist, part-time model and actress while taking care of her own children.
Top 10 Most Challenged Books
Every year, the American Library Association compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books based on reports from the field and media coverage. Here at MHL, all of these books are available to read freely. Banned Books Week is an important reminder to celebrate our freedom of speech. You can learn more about banned and challenged books at the American Library Association's Banned Books Week website.
October 2025 Puzzle: Hard to Do
It's October and the Red Sox made it to the playoffs. Getting into the post season isn't easy. Nor are the feats that make up the theme of this month's puzzle. You know what's not hard, though? Getting a library card! You just have to live in Massachusetts, fill out this form, and you'll have a card in no time.
October 2025 Book of the Month
This season, magic is in the air—and in our pages. Our October Book of the Month is The Change by Kirsten Miller, a witchy, empowering read perfect for crisp autumn nights and cozy fall vibes.
New Chinese Books for September
MHL's Chinese collection includes fiction and non-fiction. Take a look at the new books on this list. Better yet, come in and browse on the 2nd (top) floor.
Climate Ribbon Project
Add your voice to MHL's Climate Ribbon Project during Climate Preparedness Week - September 22-30, 2025. Consider the question: “What do you love and hope to never lose to climate change?”
2025 Pura Belpré Awards
Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to check out the winners of this year's Pura Belpré Awards. These awards are given out annually by the American Library Association to honor Latino authors and illustrators whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children’s books. The awards are named for New York's first Puerto Rican librarian.
Children’s Room Reader Spotlight
Looking for something new to read? Check out reading recommendations from other kids in our Reader Spotlight series!
September 2025 Mid-Month Sudoku
Hi everyone, In case you haven't heard, our Friends group is holding their Fall Book Sale this year from September 24th to September 28th