Roxbury Reads Book Club Discussion and Author Visit: Another Appalachia, by Neema Avashia

Join the Roxbury Reads Book Club! This month we are discussing Another Appalachia, by local author and educator Neema Avashia. And as a special treat, Neema Avashia will be joining the discussion! Please note, the discussion will be held at Frugal Bookstore, on 57 Wa......More

Join the Roxbury Reads Book Club! This month we are discussing Another Appalachia, by local author and educator Neema Avashia. And as a special treat, Neema Avashia will be joining the discussion! Please note, the discussion will be held at Frugal Bookstore, on 57 Warren Street.  About the book When Neema Avashia tells people where she’s from, their response is nearly always a disbelieving, “There are Indian people in West Virginia?” A queer Asian American teacher and writer, Avashia fits few Appalachian stereotypes. But the lessons she learned in childhood about race and class, gender and sexuality, continue to inform the way she moves through the world today: how she loves, how she teaches, how she advocates, how she struggles. Another Appalachia examines both the roots and the resonance of Avashia’s identity as a queer, desi, Appalachian woman, while encouraging readers to envision more complex versions of both Appalachia and the nation as a whole.  About the author Neema Avashia was born and raised in southern West Virginia to parents who immigrated to the United States. She has been a middle school teacher in the Boston Public Schools since 2003. Her essays have appeared in the Bitter Southerner, Catapult, Kenyon Review Online, and elsewhere. Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact Akunna Eneh at [email protected], 617-442-6186

Songs and Stories

Join us every week for an enchanting adventure into the world of stories and music at our song and story time! We welcome all little explorers and their families to join in the fun as we embark on magical journeys through the pages of fantastic tales. Together, we'll d......More

Join us every week for an enchanting adventure into the world of stories and music at our song and story time! We welcome all little explorers and their families to join in the fun as we embark on magical journeys through the pages of fantastic tales. Together, we'll dive into vibrant stories that spark imagination and curiosity!​ Get ready to sing, laugh, and clap along to captivating tunes that will have everyone tapping their toes and smiling from ear to ear. Our cozy gathering is a perfect blend of laughter, learning, and shared moments for both children and their caregivers!​

Tai Chi for Fall Prevention: Level I

Tai-chi for Fall Prevention utilizes Sun-style Tai Chi for its ability to improve relaxation, balance, and ease of use for older adults. Health outcomes of practicing Tai Chi can include: Improved balance and mobility Improved strength and flexibility Improved rel......More

Tai-chi for Fall Prevention utilizes Sun-style Tai Chi for its ability to improve relaxation, balance, and ease of use for older adults. Health outcomes of practicing Tai Chi can include: Improved balance and mobility Improved strength and flexibility Improved relaxation Decreased pain and falls This program is appropriate for adults: With or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases, or related musculoskeletal conditions With mild, moderate, or severe joint involvement and back pain With a high risk of falling Instructor Maria Tumang is the Injury Prevention Coordinator at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Class is limited to 20 participants. No class on March 19 and March 26. Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the "Contact Info" pane on the right. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.

American Mahjong

The Friends of the West End Library are pleased to announce we are offering lessons in American Mahjong to new and experienced players on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or la......More

The Friends of the West End Library are pleased to announce we are offering lessons in American Mahjong to new and experienced players on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, please contact [email protected]. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.

Construction Club: LEGO And More!

Join us at the library for an exciting adventure in our Construction Club! Unleash your imagination and dive into a world of building possibilities with LEGO, Duplo, Wooden Blocks, and more! Whether you're a building master or just starting out, there's something for e......More

Join us at the library for an exciting adventure in our Construction Club! Unleash your imagination and dive into a world of building possibilities with LEGO, Duplo, Wooden Blocks, and more! Whether you're a building master or just starting out, there's something for everyone in our fun-filled sessions. ​ Come meet new friends, explore endless building challenges, and let your creativity soar to new heights!

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Group

Practice speaking English with other adult learners in an informal and friendly group setting. The group is led by a volunteer teacher and will take place in-person at the West End Branch Library.  Class requires basic English-speaking skills. Beginner students should......More

Practice speaking English with other adult learners in an informal and friendly group setting. The group is led by a volunteer teacher and will take place in-person at the West End Branch Library.  Class requires basic English-speaking skills. Beginner students should contact the Literacy Services department for a list of beginner class options. This is a drop-in program. No registration is required. For more information, contact the West End Branch Library at 617-523-3957; Literacy Services at 617-859-2446 or [email protected]. Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the "Contact Info" pane on the right. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.

Intermediate English Class: Level 3 *Registration Required*

This English class is for students who can understand most conversations encountered in work and school and can deal with most situations traveling in an English speaking country. Intermediate level students can describe personal experiences, events, their own hopes an......More

This English class is for students who can understand most conversations encountered in work and school and can deal with most situations traveling in an English speaking country. Intermediate level students can describe personal experiences, events, their own hopes and goals, all while using connected speech to provide reasons and explanations. This level provides more complex textual and grammatical input, such as longer readings and conditionals, and improves your fluency in spontaneous/unplanned exchanges. Registration required. Please contact the Literacy Department at [email protected] or call 617-859-2446 to register.

Boston Teachers Union: Homework Help

Visit the West End Branch Library and get homework help from a Boston teacher.

Arts and Crafternoons for Kids and Families

Calling all budding artists and craft enthusiasts to join us in a world of imagination and hands-on fun! We're painting smiles and weaving wonders every other week with our special arts and crafts program. From finger-painting escapades to DIY masterpieces waiting to b......More

Calling all budding artists and craft enthusiasts to join us in a world of imagination and hands-on fun! We're painting smiles and weaving wonders every other week with our special arts and crafts program. From finger-painting escapades to DIY masterpieces waiting to be created, there's a whole universe of creativity waiting for you.​ Whether you're a seasoned artist or just dipping your brush into the colorful world of crafts, this is the perfect chance to let your creativity sparkle. Join in the fun and discover the joy of turning everyday materials into extraordinary works of art. See you there!​

Mindfulness for Older Adults Workshop

The instructor for this mindfulness workshop is Bob Linscott, MTS - Certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher, Behavioral Health Manager. BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS INCLUDE: - Reduced Stress & Anxiety - Enhanced Attention & Memory - Improved Mood & S......More

The instructor for this mindfulness workshop is Bob Linscott, MTS - Certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher, Behavioral Health Manager. BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS INCLUDE: - Reduced Stress & Anxiety - Enhanced Attention & Memory - Improved Mood & Sleep - Strengthened Cognition in Aging SERIES SCHEDULE: April 12: Introduction to Mindfulness  April 19: Stopping, Calming & Resting May 3: Mindfulness & Stress Reduction May 10: Creating Healthy Sleep Habits May 17: Mindfulness Tools for Chronic Pain May 24: Yoga Breathing for Relaxation June 7: Loving Kindness and Gratitude  Please contact Wesley Fiorentino at [email protected] to register.

Line Dance Classes for Older Adults (60+)

Join the line dance movement! The City of Boston's Age Strong Commission has partnered with Boston Rhythm Riders to bring line dance classes to the West End Branch of the BPL. Classes for adults 60 and over will be held every Saturday from May 11th to June 29th from 10......More

Join the line dance movement! The City of Boston's Age Strong Commission has partnered with Boston Rhythm Riders to bring line dance classes to the West End Branch of the BPL. Classes for adults 60 and over will be held every Saturday from May 11th to June 29th from 10 AM to 11 AM.

Songs and Stories

Join us every week for an enchanting adventure into the world of stories and music at our song and story time! We welcome all little explorers and their families to join in the fun as we embark on magical journeys through the pages of fantastic tales. Together, we'll d......More

Join us every week for an enchanting adventure into the world of stories and music at our song and story time! We welcome all little explorers and their families to join in the fun as we embark on magical journeys through the pages of fantastic tales. Together, we'll dive into vibrant stories that spark imagination and curiosity!​ Get ready to sing, laugh, and clap along to captivating tunes that will have everyone tapping their toes and smiling from ear to ear. Our cozy gathering is a perfect blend of laughter, learning, and shared moments for both children and their caregivers!​

Tai Chi for Fall Prevention: Level I

Tai-chi for Fall Prevention utilizes Sun-style Tai Chi for its ability to improve relaxation, balance, and ease of use for older adults. Health outcomes of practicing Tai Chi can include: Improved balance and mobility Improved strength and flexibility Improved rel......More

Tai-chi for Fall Prevention utilizes Sun-style Tai Chi for its ability to improve relaxation, balance, and ease of use for older adults. Health outcomes of practicing Tai Chi can include: Improved balance and mobility Improved strength and flexibility Improved relaxation Decreased pain and falls This program is appropriate for adults: With or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases, or related musculoskeletal conditions With mild, moderate, or severe joint involvement and back pain With a high risk of falling Instructor Maria Tumang is the Injury Prevention Coordinator at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Class is limited to 20 participants. No class on March 19 and March 26. Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the "Contact Info" pane on the right. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.

Construction Club: LEGO And More!

Join us at the library for an exciting adventure in our Construction Club! Unleash your imagination and dive into a world of building possibilities with LEGO, Duplo, Wooden Blocks, and more! Whether you're a building master or just starting out, there's something for e......More

Join us at the library for an exciting adventure in our Construction Club! Unleash your imagination and dive into a world of building possibilities with LEGO, Duplo, Wooden Blocks, and more! Whether you're a building master or just starting out, there's something for everyone in our fun-filled sessions. ​ Come meet new friends, explore endless building challenges, and let your creativity soar to new heights!