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Storefront Library Calendar

Weekly Events

  • Saturday Morning Storytime
    Saturdays 11:30am 

    Picture books, songs, and activities for little ones. Suggested for ages 1-3 with adult companions

  • Thursday Night Storytime
    Thursdays 6:00pm 

    We’ll bring together the best English language storybooks and favorite Chinese language folk and fairy tales for a bilingual storytime. Stories will be read in English and Chinese languages.

    Suggested for ages 4 and up.

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  • English Conversation Practice
    Mondays 1:00pm-2:00pm 

    Practice your English language skills through guided conversation in a group. Free and open to all ages.

Special Events

  • Capturing a Rainbow
    Sat, Jan 16 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
    Have you ever wanted to try and capture a rainbow? Are you interested in being a scientist for a day? In this activity you are going to be the scientist, and it will be your job to make scientific observations about your own rainbow. A science activity for kids of all ages
  • Drawing Workshop in the Drawing Lab
    Sunday, January 10, 12PM-3PM. 

    MAKE YOUR MARK and DRAW in the Drawing Lab! Come DRAW and EXPLORE with artist, Deb Putnoi. You will: Draw to music and different sounds; Draw using your sense of TOUCH as your guide; Experiment with DIFFERENT DRAWING MATERIALS; Draw on different kinds of papers and surfaces. This workshop is for EVERYONE to DRAW: young and old, experienced artists and beginners. It is for those who love to draw and for those who may be afraid to draw. The Drawing Lab is created to engage everyone in the drawing process.

    • Discussion on the History of Chinese Restaurants
    Sunday, January 10, 2PM. 

    Join in for a facilitated discussion on the history of Chinese restaurants. This event is presented by the Chinese Historical Society of New England in conjuction with the exhibit “Chow Mein Sandwiches, Chicken Wings, and Cheese Burgers,” which is on view in the Storefront Library through January 17. Curators of the exhibit, John Eng-Wong and Heather Lee, from Brown University, will be on hand to facilitate.

  • Chinese Opera—Story and craft projects
    January 9, 12-1PM
    Join educators from Opera Boston for an hour of special storytelling and craft workshop inspired by one of China’s most beloved stories, Madame White Snake. Madame White Snake, a powerful white snake demon, wants more than anything to become a human and experience love. After meditating for one thousand years, Madame White Snake is granted her wish. Come and learn about the many adventures that she and her maid, Lady Blue have as they begin their human lives in Hang Zhou, China. We’ll also make Chinese opera masks to take home.
  • HDODThe Chinatown Human Development Studio is hosting free resource workshops at the Storefront Library. The sessions will be in-depth introductions to programs that provide direct assistance to Chinatown residents and small businesses. All workshops will be conducted in both English and Cantonese, and are open to the public.
    • Comprehensive Home Ownership Program for First Time Homebuyers at Asian CDC
      January 11, 5PM-6PM
      The Comprehensive Home Ownership Program (CHOP) of the Asian Community Development Corporation will be offering a short workshop describing its two-day First Time Homebuyer session for first time home buyers, particularly low-income Chinese families. These homebuyer education sessions will assist potential homebuyers in learning all aspects of the home buying process. Program participants will be issued a City of Boston certificate that qualifies them to apply for lower interest mortgages and government benefits, and receive one-on-one counseling service as well as updated listings on affordable housing opportunities.
      講座由亞美社區發展協會介紹其為首次購屋者﹐特別是低收入的華人家庭提供的 綜合業主計劃﹐包含為期兩天的首次購屋課程﹐學習購屋過程中的各方面知識以及 問題。參加計劃者還將獲得波士頓市頒發的證書﹐從而有資格申請低利息貸款和 政府優惠﹐同時還可以獲得一對一的咨詢服務以及定期更新的可負擔平價住 信 息。
    • ESOL Courses & Scholarships: Winter & Spring Semesters at ACCESS, 免費講座﹕基督教華人社區服務中心成人英語冬季強化班和春季班及獎學金
      January 4, 5PM, 1月4日﹐星期一﹐下午5時於臨街圖書館, 華盛頓街640號 

      The American Chinese Christian Educational and Social Services (ACCESS) will be presenting information on its adult ESOL program. This workshop will focus on the Winter Intensive courses for improving pronunciation and English for Restaurant Workers, as well as the Spring semester courses for beginning to intermediate levels. Finally, information will be presented on qualifying for full and half scholarships for the Spring semester, as well as for enrollment in the after school “Enrichment Program” for grades K2-5. The presentation and resources will be in English and Cantonese. 基督教華人社區服務中心將詳細介紹它們開設的成人英語課程。本講座重點介 紹提高讀音水平和針對餐館工人開辦的冬季強化班﹐以及從初級到中級水平的春 季班。最後﹐還將介紹有關申請春季班全額或半額獎學金的情況,以及面嚮K2至K5 年級的放學後豐富課外活動的計劃。講座以及散發材料均為中英文。

    • Childcare with the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
      December 21, 5:00PM 

      Learn about BCNC’s Child Care programs, including family child care homes, the Acorn Center for Early Education and Care, and the Red Oak After School program. This workshop will help attendees answer: What should I know about selecting a quality child care program? How do I enroll a child in one of the programs? What will it cost?

    • ESOL and Job Training with the Asian American Civic Association
      December 14, 5PM 

      Educational programs at AACA will then be discussed in more detail, including the three job training programs, the full range of ESOL classes, and the new programs that bridge the gap between intermediate level ESOL classes and work or job training. This workshop will cover basic curriculum and goals of the courses, eligibility, and how to apply for funding for classes.

    • Legal Services for Individuals with the Lawyers’ Committee
      December 7, 5PM 

      The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan legal organization that provides pro bono legal representation to victims of discrimination based on race or national origin. This workshop will be a discussion of the types of cases that are handled, as well as a summary of some of the current cases.

    • Legal Business Services with the Belin Economic Justice Project
      December 7, 5:25PM 

      The Belin Economic Justice Project, an initiative of the Lawyers’ Committee, uses the tools of business law to promote sustainable community development. The project offers legal business education workshops, legal clinics, and pro bono representation. This workshop will focus on how to bring these services to Boston’s vibrant Chinese community.

  • shadowpuppetsbcmlogoShadow Puppets
    Saturday, December 12, 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
    Sunday, December 13, 2:00pm – 4:00pm. 

    Come learn about Chinese Shadow Puppets through hands-on activities, guided by Storefront Library staff, using kits provided by the Boston Childrens’ Museum. We’ll be creating videos of your puppet shows—so you can watch your work afterwards. Drop in anytime.

    For all ages.

  • Papercut Zine Workshop
    Saturday, December 12, 3-6PM. 

    papercutAn introduction to zines and zine-making for teens. This workshop will cover the basics: How to spot zines, where to look for them and what they can be used for. It will also feature step-by-step instructions on how to construct a zine and opportunities to make your own zine. From the Papercut Librarians:

    “We hope this will be the first in a series of “Immediate Zine” group zine-making experiments hosted by The Papercut Zine Library, in collaboration with the Chinatown Storefront Library.

    longarmstaplerPapercut staffers will lead a conversation exploring the big questions of whats a zine? Where do zines come from? Why do people make them? What do they look like? If I were to make a zine, how big should i make the margins? How do I work this long-arm stapler? etc.

    Participants will then be asked to build themselves a page or two for a group-zine on the topic of: Free Expression. Take some time to write something up, draw a cartoon, build a collage, whatever. The results will be laid-out, photocopied and collated on the spot, giving participants a full seed-to-cabbage type of zine-making experience–plus a new zine full of original art and ideas. More.

  • Special Bi-lingual Tours of the Central Branch of the Boston Public Library, Copleyheader_logo-1Please join us for the final of three, special guided tours of the Central Branch of the Boston Public Library at Copley. These free, guided tours have been specially arranged with the Chinatown community in mind, and Storefront Library volunteers will provide translation in Cantonese. The first tours gave an overview of the Copley Branch including the collections, programs and services. The final tour on Dec. 12 will highlight the art and architecture of the Copley Branch.Tours meet at McKim Building, Boston Public Library, Dartmouth St. entrance.Saturday, Oct 31, 1PM general tour

    Wednesday, Nov 18, 6PM general tour

    Saturday, Dec 12, 3PM art and architecture tour—LAST CHANCE!

    Thanks to the Boston Public Library for offering these tours to the community. Groups welcome: please contact info@storefrontlibrary.org or 617-275-8117 so we can help make arrangements.

  • Bone Marrow Drive
    December 12, 12-4PM
    bethematchPBHAThousands of patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases depend on the Be The Match Registry to find a match to save their life. Patients need donors who are a genetic match. Even with a registry of millions, many patients cannot find a match. Donors with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds are especially needed. Asian donors in particular are the least represented in the registry, and this significantly impacts the Asian-American community because the chance of finding a match becomes even smaller. Becoming a donor is fast and easy. Come by to learn more about the registry, what being a donor means, and how you can help. Sponsored by Philips Brooks House Association, Harvard University.
  • Hep B Education Day
    Dec 13, Sunday, 11am – 2pm
    logo-without-textThe mission of Hepatitis B Initiative-Boston is to help communities prevent hepatitis B among at-risk groups, such as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by: developing culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach materials; collaborating with existing community resources to launch educational campaigns; providing free screenings and vaccinations. 

    On Sunday, 12/13 the Initiative will host story-time for kids at 11am, plus FREE animal balloons and informational brochures. Please stop by to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself against Hepatitis B!

  • celebrations_bcm-logoChinese Celebrations
    Saturday, December 5, 2:00pm – 4:00pm. 

    Sunday, December 6, 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

    Come learn about Chinese celebrations through hands-on activities, guided by Storefront Library staff, using kits provided by the Boston Childrens’ Museum.

    Drop in anytime. For all ages.

  • microphoneSpoken Word Performance
    December 7, 6:30-8:00pm 

    This event is sponsored by students of a Storytelling, Performance and Production class at the University of Massachusetts, Boston in collaboration with the Asian American Studies Program at UMass. Come out for a relaxing night of poetic performances and read something of your own! Event starts at 6:30 but be sure to come early to sign up to get on the mic. Limited space available.

    For information, visit the students’ Facebook event page or contact Rich at sann.richard@gmail.com

  • Home Movie Night at the Storefront Library
    Saturday, December 5, 5:00-8:00pm. Here’s an Event Flyer—help us spread the word. 

    homemovieThis event is brought to you by the Boston hosts of the annual nationwide Home Movie Day. Home Movie Day celebrates amateur film by inviting people to bring their films to be screened. We will show film on super 8, 8mm, and 16mm, as well as DVD and VHS (limit 5 minutes, and tapes must be cued ahead of time). Local film archivists will be on hand to discuss home movie preservation. If you don’t have films to show, come down and watch someone else’s! Check-in with your films at 5pm; Films will screen 6-8pm. Refreshments provided. For more information, contact Amy Sloper, Harvard Film Archive Assistant Film Conservator at 617-496-8394, or asloper@fas.harvard.edu

  • Film Screening: From Hutong to Highrise: The Transformation of Beijing, a documentary by Jasper Goldman and Beatrice Chen
    Friday Dec 4 6pm100px-hutong. (20 minute film). Here’s an event Flyer—help us spread the word. 

    In the summer of 2001, urban planning students Beatrice Chen and Jasper Goldman, traveled to China to document the rapidly disappearing urban fabric of historic Old Beijing. Amidst observations in the hutongs (narrow lanes) and the siheyuans (courtyard houses) that are unique to Beijing and conversations with Beijing residents, they discovered an escalating debate about the endangered fate of these historic neighborhoods that extended beyond the technical issues of architecture. The people, the community, the lifestyle, the culture, the politics and economics were all central to the debate that could easily tip the scale between the preservation of a neighborhood and the demolition of a neighborhood. More.

  • Public Meeting: Friends of the Chinatown Library
    Friday, December 4, 4:00pm. All welcome. For more information and to rsvp, contact Lisette Le, Civic Action Coordinator, Chinese Progressive Association, 617-357-4499 or lisette@cpaboston.org
  • BCNClogo_200Tours and English Conversation Groups for Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center ESOL Students
    Thursday, Dec 3, 1PM and 4:30PM and 6:30PM 

    Thursday Dec 10, 4:30PM and 6:30PM

  • So, You Wanna Be a Comic Book Artist?
    Dec 3, THU, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
    clc0438ComicBookArtistJoin local authors Phil Amara and Richard Jenkins for an evening workshop on comic-making. Phil is the author of So, You Wanna Be a Comic Book Artist? and former editor of Dark Horse Comics, and Richard is the author of Comics in Your Curriculum. Phil is also a teacher at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School, just down the street from the Storefront Library. For ages 9 – 11. Here’s a flyer for the event—help us spread the word.
  • New-Years-2009-023Lion Dance Workshop
    Sunday, November 29, 2:00pm. 

    Come learn about the Lion Dance and its history with Adam Cheung of Woo Ching White Crane. Try on the lion head and play the drum.

    All ages.

  • ATASK Meetings
    ATASKAsian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK) will hold three organization meetings in the Storefront Library. ATASK primarily serves Asian families and individuals in Massachusetts and New England who suffer from or are at risk of suffering from domestic violence. Clients include a range of Asian ethnic populations. ATASK embraces and represents all ages, cultures, abilities, and sexual preferences.
    Nov. 19, Dec 3, Dec 17
  • Asian American Resource Workshop Writers’ Group
    Nov 18, 5-7PM
    The Storefront Library hosted a session of the AARW Writer’s Group around the conference table in the Library’s community area. Writers met to share their work and visit the Storefront Library as well.
  • Public Meeting: Friends of the Chinatown Library
    Friday, November 20, 4:00pm.
    All welcome. For more information and to rsvp, contact Lisette Le, Civic Action Coordinator, Chinese Progressive Association, 617-357-4499 or lisette@cpaboston.org
  • Drawing Workshop in the Drawing Lab—POSTPONED
    Sunday, November 22, 2:00pm. 

    shapeimage_1MAKE YOUR MARK and DRAW in the Drawing Lab! Come DRAW and EXPLORE with artist, Deb Putnoi. You will: Draw to music and different sounds; Draw using your sense of TOUCH as your guide; Experiment with DIFFERENT DRAWING MATERIALS; Draw on different kinds of papers and surfaces. This workshop is for EVERYONE to DRAW: young and old, experienced artists and beginners. It is for those who love to draw and for those who may be afraid to draw. The Drawing Lab is created to engage everyone in the drawing process.

  • Explore Ancient Egypt!
    Saturday, Nov 14, 2:00PM 

    Sunday, Nov 15, 11:30AM

    Discover mummies and the pyramids of Ancient Egypt. Try hand-on activities guided by Storefront Library staff, using exploration kits provided by the Boston Childrens’ Museum.

  • Tour of the Storefront Library for Youth from ASPIRE Youth Leadership Program (YLP).Picture-16ASPIRE is a youth development program for Asian American teen girls. YLP Participants learn about developing their leadership, building their identity, and the importance of civic engagement. The YLP meets twice a month for workshops and social events.
  • Talk Read Playreadtalkplay
    Friday, Nov 13, 11AM-12:30PM. Talk Read Play is a public awareness campaign focusing on the role of parents as their children’s first teachers from birth to age five. The campaign provides critical information and resources to support parents in educating their young children. Friday, November 13 is Talk Read Play Day in the City of Boston. Sponsors of the campaign will be at the Storefront Library from 11AM-12:30PM to provide goodie bags and share information with families of young children.

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  • Tour for Staff of Division of Capital Asset Management, Office of Planning, Design and Construction
    November 13, 2009
  • Common Boston Logo 2009_04_27Common Boston public brainstorm session on Chinatown’s Built Environment
    Tuesday, November 3rd, 6:30-8:00pm 

    Join Common Boston to kick off a series of brainstorming sessions in the neighborhoods which will be featured for Common Boston Week ’10.

    Common Boston is a volunteer organization and committee of the Boston Society of Architects, working to expand public awareness of Boston’s built environment through interactive programs, and to foster collaboration between design professionals and those for whom they design. Common Boston does this through an annual weekend of neighborhood tours, open buildings, design build projects, and design displays. The next Common Boston Weekend will be in late June 2010. Events are focused around particular neighborhoods, and next year’s program of events will include Chinatown. Come join architects and community members engaged in shaping the neighborhood and share your ideas for buildings, places, and activities to highlight in June.

  • Urban Wildlife with naturalists from Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center.logoCreepy Creatures on Halloween! Does it crawl? Does it slither? Does it fly? Join the Teacher Naturalist from the Boston Nature Center to investigate insects and other small creatures found right here in Boston. Children will take part in hands-on activities while discovering how these animals are more interesting then creepy. Suggested for ages 9-11 Saturday Oct 31, 11am-12:30pm
  • Public Meeting: The Chinatown Coalition
    Storefront Library preview. Thursday, October 8, 9:30AM – 11AM.
    All welcome. For more information, contact Enoch Liao or Sherry Dong.
  • Public Meeting: Friends of the Chinatown Library
    Storefront Library preview. Thursday, October 8 4:00 pm.
    All welcome. For more information and to rsvp, contact Lisette Le, Chinese Progressive Association.
  • gr_cover_smAuthor Workshop: The Grapes of Math
    Saturday, October 17 , 11AM 

    Join Greg Tang, author of The Grapes of Math, for a math workshop. Learn effective ways to think about numbers and practical strategies that make math easy and fun! Parents and other homework helpers are encouraged to attend.

    Suggested for ages 8-12

  • fcl_logoFriends of the Chinatown Library Community Meeting with Candidates
    Thursday, October 22, 4pm – 5:30pm 

    Come hear about the campaign for a permanent branch library in the neighborhood, hosted by the Friends of Chinatown Library. Candidates for Mayor and City Council at-Large, and Councilor Linehan’s office have been invited, and will have an opportunity to share their ideas. All welcome.

    For more information and to rsvp, contact Lisette Le, Civic Action Coordinator, Chinese Progressive Association, 617-357-4499 or lisette@cpaboston.org

  • logoUrban Wildlife with naturalists from Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center.
    Thursday, October 22, 10am-11:30 

    Picture book reading, followed by nature talk and related activity. Snack provided.

    Suggested for pre-schoolers.

  • AACA_trimlogoAsian American Civic Association Class Tour
    Friday, October 23, 10:00am. (Contact: Shinobu Ando, AACA)
  • Voter Workshop, Chinese Progressive Association.
    Saturday Oct 24, noon
  • 6 Weeks, 6 Essays – Writing class for adults, brought to you by Grub StreetHosted by the Storefront Library. Sundays, starting October 25, 6-9pm (after hours)Level: Beginner/Intermediate. $275/$250 Grub St. members. Instructor: Chris BoginskiPicture 1Memoir writing doesn’t have to be just about relating trauma; it’s about spinning out compelling and entertaining stories. Find those stories in your experience with these writing exercises. In this class you will write five personal essays – which may or may not be part of a longer work – between 500 and 1000 words and revise one for submission. You’ll generate a lot of material, refine your editing skills and take a fresh look at your life experience. By working in a shorter format, you’ll also find ways to tighten your prose and heighten your storytelling skills. More info: www.grubstreet.org. To register, call Grub Headquarters at 617-695-0075.

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  • Bay State College, Student Tour & Class MeetingTwo classes to tour library and discuss information/internet issues. (Professor Wilson Wanjigi)