If you just want the useful part, here it is: Everett’s public libraries have a full slate of spring programs, plus the seed library is back.
That matters because unlike a lot of city programming, this is simple. You show up. Your kids do something that is not staring at a phone. You maybe leave with tomato seeds. Nobody has to form a task force about it.
The Everett Public Libraries are again offering seed packets at both the Shute and Parlin branches. Families can check out up to five seed packets, while supplies last. It’s a small thing, but it’s the kind of small thing people actually use. A few packets of seeds cost money. Not a fortune, but enough that “free” still means something.
At Parlin, the adult book group meets Monday, April 27 at 6 p.m. in the meeting room and on Zoom. The group will discuss Walter M. Miller’s A Canticle for Leibowitz. The program is for ages 18 and up. Anyone looking for details can call Kathleen at 617-394-2300.
Parlin also has a Gaming Club in the YA Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. for ages 12 and up. The library says teens can bring their own games or use what’s on site.
For younger kids, Parlin is running the usual lineup of hands-on programs. Lego Club is held Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Room. Storytime and Singalong with Karen runs Wednesdays at 11 a.m. for ages 0 to 6. Drama Class is Wednesdays at 3 p.m., with suggested ages 6 to 14. Story Time Adventures with Mrs. McAuliffe is Fridays at 11 a.m. in the Craft Room.
There’s also a low-cost, low-drama poetry activity running all month. Kids can stop by the children’s rooms at both Parlin and Shute to add lines to a magnetic poetry board, and Parlin is also encouraging children to add a poem to the “Poet-Tree.”
Over at Shute, the library is offering Ready Player One Games on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. in the meeting room, with Nintendo Switch and PlayStation games for ages 11 and up.
Shute also has Artisan’s Circle on Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 p.m. The library describes it as an open studio for artists and crafters 18 and up, with no registration required.
For children, Shute is running Blackout Poetry throughout April in the Children’s Department. The program is recommended for ages 6 and up, with younger children possibly needing extra help. Miss Val’s Storytime Pals is held Mondays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays at noon in the Shute Children’s Room.
None of this is earth-shattering. It is a public library doing public library work. Which, in a city where government too often confuses announcements with results, is refreshing enough.