Visit
431 Main Street
Stoneham, MA 02180
Call
Main Line: 781-438-1324
Junior Room: 781-438-1325
© 2026 Stoneham Public Library
All Rights Reserved.
Website Design by Compete Now
New heat pumps are being installed at the library in January. These will provide heating and cooling without carbon emissions – using high efficiency electric heat pump technology. This project is replacing an old chiller unit. The new system, plus insulation throughout the library attic, is being paid for with the help of grant funds from the Massachusetts Green Communities program, utility incentive funds as well as town capital funds. The grant money, plus funding from National Grid, helps the town get the project done and minimize expense to the town.
There will still be back up natural gas heat available. The plan is that it will only be used if the temp is below zero or there is a black out.
This is a big win for the library staff and clients – who will have more comfortable, quiet heating and cooling. It’s a win for the town budget – we are receiving over $200,000 in grant funds and over $100,000 in utility incentive funds. And the climate will benefit from fewer carbon emissions.
New year, new reading challenge! Join in on the fun and complete our 2025 bingo challenge! Explore new genres, authors, and ideas.
See if you can check off all the boxes!
In January, read a book from a genre or on a subject that you wouldn’t usually read.
In February, read either a modern or classic romance novel.
In March, read a play, poetry collection, or a novel in verse.
In April, read a book on a scientific topic, or a science fiction novel.
In May, read a memoir or and autobiography.
In June, read a book about or that takes place in a tropical climate.
In July, read a novel of historical fiction or a nonfiction book about an historical period.
In August, read a prize-winning book (e.g. Booker, Cundhill, Pulitzer).
In September, read a book on a topic that you wish to learn more about.
In October, read a horror novel or a nonfiction book on a paranormal topic.
In November, read a cookbook and then try at least one recipe from it.
In December, read a mystery novel or a book about true crime.
Need some recommendations for each challenge? Never fear! Follow us on facebook, instagram, or sign up for our newsletter to get suggestions every month.
Download the bingo and tracker sheets here!
Why?
The CDC is reporting nationwide outbreaks of the highly contagious Norovirus (stomach flu). We take our role in the community very seriously and want to be proactive to help keep our patrons and staff healthy!
Why can’t they just be cleaned?
The Norovirus is extremely contagious and very difficult to kill on surfaces. A bleach solution is necessary, most household products will not work! Staff doesn’t have the time or ability to regularly bleach and sanitize the toys effectively to prevent this virus!
When will the toys be back?
Administration isn’t sure. The situation is being actively monitored and we plan to put them back out once cases see a steady decline!
I would like to update you that the Youth Services department will be having an extended break in programming, beginning August 17, 2024, through March 2025. This timeline is an estimate.
Why is this happening? The library’s historical Carnegie Wing (the Junior Library) has received ARPA funds from the town to address interior updates such as abating our current flooring, installing new flooring, fixing water damaged walls and repainting, and installing new custom shelving. This will mean temporarily closing the Junior Room. We are so excited for this refresh to our beloved Junior Library and are so grateful to the community for investing in this much needed update.
Why can’t we offer programs? The Youth Services staff has many tasks we need to take care of prior to the temporary closure of our wing and the complete overhaul of our library collection. A small example of these tasks: preparing everything in the Junior Room, including all furniture, toys, books, computers, etc., for storage, choosing items from our collection for a smaller, browsable collection that will be available during our closure, and moving the rest of the collection out of the Junior Library. These time consuming projects will prevent staff from having the time to prepare for and host programs. Once the wing closure is in effect for renovation (start date TBD), the department will be relocated within the library (area TBD) and will have a condensed collection for patrons to browse through. We will lose programming space due to the temporary relocation of our collection.
Our Youth Services staff would like to thank you for your continued support of our library and its programs. We will miss our storytimes and programs, but are so excited to share the many changes to come! Staff will be happy to help you find library programming in the area to support you during our break, to assist you in any way that we can, and to place as many holds as you’d like!
If you would like to learn more about:
-the ARPA decision, click here for the meeting minutes and ARPA funding
-what it means to be a historical Carnegie library, click here
Don’t forget to stop in to say hi and get a sticker!
Thank you for your support and understanding,
Kathleen Bardascino
Head of Youth Services
Stoneham Public Library
Have you had a chance to peruse the library’s new furniture? We’ve redone our computer stations, added tons of new practical (and comfy!) seats and booths, along with a new meeting room and pod. Swing by and take a look!
