City of Somerville and Somerville Public Library Announce Temporary Modified Hours at Central Library

Starting Wednesday, August 28, the Central Library of the Somerville Public Library will temporarily implement a modified afternoon schedule during weekdays. Weekend hours will remain unchanged. 

Please note the following modifications to the Central Library’s Operating Hours for this Wednesday and Thursday:

• Wednesday, August 28: Closed from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Thursday, August 29: Closed from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Central Library will be open for regular business hours of 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday, August 30.

Beginning Tuesday, September 3rd, the temporarily modified hours will be as follows:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: Closed from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesdays: Closed from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We are temporarily modifying the Central Library hours to better understand the needs of our community, and to work towards enhancing the City’s resources and programming to create spaces that provide local teens a place where they feel safe, welcome, and have the opportunity to engage in programming that feels meaningful and exciting for them. 

The City of Somerville and Somerville Public Schools are actively working to implement alternative after school programming for teens. Additionally, the East Branch (115 Broadway) and West Branch (40 College Ave) of the Library will remain open for visitors with normal operating hours. 

All Somerville Public Library locations will continue to offer programs and services for the diverse populations it serves, including programming for youth. More information about upcoming programs and events can be found on the Library's calendar. Residents of all ages are also encouraged to sign up for the Library’s newsletter to learn about the upcoming events and news. 

The City of Somerville’s Parks & Rec department has several options for local teens looking for supportive, and fun spaces to hang out in Somerville. 

Parks & Rec Teen programming for this fall includes: 

Somerville Teen Center

• When: Programming will run throughout the school year.
• About: A Teen Program membership gives youths 12-18 free access to Parks & Rec programs offered at a variety of gyms and spaces, unique programs, and more. Interested teens and their families can register here starting Sunday, September 1.

Fall Open Gym

• When: Beginning Wednesday, September 11, the Edgerly Gym will be open for teens on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. The program will run through Wednesday, October 11.
• About: Parks and Rec provides sports equipment, staff, and music for all participants.

LGBTQIA+ Art Program @ Powderhouse

• When: The PowderHouse teen LGBTQIA+ art space will reopen for the fall on Thursday, September 26
• About: This program gives local teens the opportunity to express themselves, showcase their art, and possibly learn some new creative outlets and enjoy some free snacks and drinks.

Somerville High School and Next Wave / Full Circle also offer a number of after school clubs and athletics including: 

• The high school library is open to Somerville High School students until 4 p.m. on weekdays.
• SHS is holding a Club Fair on September 18 where students can learn about all club options. SHS clubs are also open to Full Circle students.
• SHS offers many athletic programs, which are also open to Full Circle students. The deadline for fall sports has passed, but students may contact the Athletics Department for opportunities and information.
• NWFC offers a variety of clubs for students. The club schedule will be finalized the first week of September.
• The NWFC and SHS guidance counselors are available to provide support to students seeking after school jobs.

Changes to Central Library Events and Programming

Library patrons with questions about events and pick-up schedules impacted by the temporary schedule change can contact the Somerville Public Library by calling 617-623-5000 or by calling 311. 

Staff have already adjusted planned events to accommodate the new hours. Current updates include:

SPL Citizenship Classes - Will be hosted at the West Branch Library, located at 40 College Ave. The West Branch location is conveniently located near all of the Davis Square public transit stops.

Free Choice CRAFTernoon - Classes on September 18 and October 16 will run from 2 to 5:30 p.m.

We will keep the community informed of any changes to the Central Library’s operating hours. 

Library patrons with questions about events and pick-up schedules impacted by the temporary schedule change can contact the Somerville Public Library by calling 617-623-5000 .We will keep the community informed of any changes to the Central Library’s operating hours. For more information, please visit somervillepubliclibrary.org.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.