English NOW! Conversation Group

Wednesdays, May 31, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

English NOW!, an Arlington-based group, offers English-language learners opportunities to practice their conversation skills, advance their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, and make connections in the community.  Participants in conversation groups typically discuss varied subjects under the supervision of native speakers.  Zoom conversation groups are also available. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the Zoom links for the groups on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. or Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Visit the Old Burying Ground

Tuesday, May 30, 2 to 3 p.m.

Participants should meet in front of the Robbins Library entrance

Near the Robbins Library is Arlington’s Old Burying Ground, established in 1724 when Arlington was the Second Precinct of Cambridge and called Menotomy. In this program, Local History Librarian Steven Prochet will give a tour of the Old Burying Ground, profiling those buried in the cemetery, such as Jason Russell and Samuel Abbott Smith; explain the meaning of the winged skulls; and describe local history sources that discuss these figures.

Space is limited, register by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling (781)316-3218. Registration closes on May 16.

Queer Book Group

Wednesday, May 31, 7 to 8 p.m.

Robbins Library Conference Room, with remote attendance option

This month’s Queer book group selection is "Love in the Big City" by Sang Young Park. This book is contemporary fiction set in Seoul, Korea. Copies are available at the Robbins Library circulation desk. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. This event is co-sponsored with Arlington’s Rainbow Commission.

Zoom Meeting ID: 825 7419 5308

Plug-In To Natural Remedies

Wednesday, May 31, 7 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

People can empower themselves to treat everyday health issues with safe, effective, fast-acting and inexpensive natural remedies: cuts and scrapes, colds and flu, burns and bruises, sports injuries, travel illnesses, bee stings and allergies. Homeopath Begabati Lennihan, RN, CCH, of Green Healing, will share how to treat oneself, family members and even some pets. The presentation will include practical resources to start using the information right away. Masks are optional; chairs will be spaced out for social distancing. Plug In is an ongoing Robbins Library series, supported by the Barry Fund.

See the full list of Teen programs at robbinslibrary.org/events

Town News and Updates

 Arlington to Update its Veterans’ Honor Roll in Town Center 

The town is asking veterans family members to review and confirm the names on the roll.

Attention all Arlington veterans. The Town will begin redeveloping the Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to the central fire station this year. The existing Honor Roll will be removed and replaced by a granite wall with the engraved names of all Arlington veterans.

More than 12,000 names are to be added to the Honor Roll. Learn more at arlingtonma.gov/veterans 

Holiday hours in June: Robbins Library is closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

Robbins Library Summer Reading Begins!

Summer reading programs are back at Arlington’s libraries with fun activities and reading suggestions for kids, teens, and adults. This year’s theme is “Crack the Case.” Registration for all ages begins Saturday, June 17.

Drop-in Tech Help

Thursday, June 1

Tuesday, June 20

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Conference Room

Stop by and ask a librarian your technology-related questions. If we can't help with a specific issue you are having, we will do our best to point you to resources that can! Email arlingtonThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Native Americans of New England: History, Colonial Legacies, and Survival

Thursday, June 1

7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Zoom Program, Register here: https://rb.gy/53qzv

Explore the history of Native Americans in New England. We will examine some of the colonial legacies that still shape the views and (mis-) perceptions about Indigenous peoples to this day.  Led by Christoph Strobel, a Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is the author of many books including Native Americans of New England (2021 Choice Outstanding Academic Title). 

NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program.

Find Happiness through Mindfulness, Yoga, & Meditation

Thursday, June 1, 15

7:15 - 8:00 p.m.

Zoom Program

Experience ancient practices of breathing and meditation in an informal virtual setting. Discover secrets to increasing happiness in everyday life and learn ways to make it grow each day. No previous experience is required. Sessions are led by mindfulness, yoga, and meditation teacher Janhavi Wadwhani. The sessions will continue on the first and third Thursdays of the month from September-June. 

Zoom Meeting ID: 2916902039 Password: SKY

Robbins Library Book Discussion Group

Monday, June 5

7:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Conference Room, with remote attendance option

This month’s book is Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead, available for pickup at the Robbins Library. Follow the group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/212703859877372/

Zoom Meeting ID: 820 3737 4910 Passcode: vBb13Q

Fox Walking Club

Mondays, June 5, 12, 26

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Fox Library

We will meet at the library and walk between 1.5-3 miles mostly along the Arlington Cultural District and Minuteman Bikeway. This is a great way to stay active and make some new friends in your community. Getting regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health. Weather permitting.

Beehive Poetry with Arlington's Poet Laureate

Tuesday, June 6

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Third Floor Beehive Table

All aspiring and experienced poets are invited to the Arlington Poet Laureate's Drop-in Hours.  Participants should have 10 copies of a poem they’d like to share — and a notebook for workshop writing exercises.  Contact Jean Flanagan at  jean.poetlaureatearlington@gmail.com

The LGBTQ+ History of Massachusetts

Tuesday, June 6

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Zoom Program, register here: https://rb.gy/ex9wn

Join Joan Ilacqua, Executive Director of The History Project, for a presentation and conversation exploring the history of LGBTQ+ people, community, organizing, and change in Massachusetts. Drawing on sources like court cases, diaries, letters, photographs, videos, oral histories, and more, Ilacqua will take you through over 400 years of history -- from romantic friendships to Boston marriages, the gay liberation front to marriage equality and beyond -- all in one hour!

NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program.

English NOW! Conversation Group

Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28

11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

English NOW!, an Arlington-based group, offers English-language learners opportunities to practice their conversation skills, advance their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, and make connections in the community.  Participants in conversation groups discuss varied subjects under the supervision of native speakers.  Zoom conversation groups are also available. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the Zoom links for the groups on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30 p.m. or Fridays from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Guys Book Group

Thursday, June 8

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. 

Fox Library Community Room, with remote attendance option 

This month we’re reading The Bees, a novel by Laline Paull. Copies can be picked up at Robbins or Fox Branch libraries, just ask for the Guys Book Group book. Unless otherwise indicated, we always meet on the second Thursday of the month at the same time and place. Newcomers identifying with any gender are welcome.  Zoom Meeting ID: 827 1758 3579, or you can get the Zoom link by emailing Bob Schueler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Reel Queer: Reel in the Closet

Thursday, June 8

7:00 p.m.-8:45 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

This documentary features LGBT home movies, videos, and other archival footage from the 1930s to 1980s, and stresses the importance of finding and restoring these films and videos. After the movie, there will be time for discussion.

Speculative Fiction Book Group

Monday, June 12

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Conference Room, with remote attendance option

Come join our book group if you love science fiction, fantasy, and tales of alternate realities! We’ll be discussing The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin. New members are always welcome! Books are available to pick up at the Robbins Library. 

Zoom Meeting ID:  859 3845 1417

Social Worker Drop-In Hours

Mondays, June 12 and 26

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Robbins Library Conference Room

Struggling to meet basic needs such as housing, food, or employment? A social worker is available to answer questions about social services in and around Arlington.

A Celebration of Massachusetts Libraries - A History of Libraries In The Bay State

Wednesday, June 14

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Zoom Program, Register here: https://rb.gy/o883b

Massachusetts author and historian Alan Earls will present a slideshow and discussion of some of the important milestones, architectural gems, and key figures in this story as well as an overview of just how richly endowed we are with libraries of all kinds today. Highlights include Ben Franklin’s gift to found the first free public library in Franklin; the first library for industrial workers; the first children’s library; and the first tax-payer-funded town and city libraries, as well as pioneering cataloging systems, philanthropists, architects, and more. 

NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program.

Poet Laureate on Duty

Thursday, June 15

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Third Floor Beehive Tables

Are you working on a poem you’d like to share but don’t feel it’s ready for your poetry group?  Did you just start writing poetry and you’re not sure of what you have on the page?  Come share and work on your poetry with the Arlington Poet Laureate, Jean Flanagan.  

Explore Massachusetts - Off The Beaten Path

Tuesday, June 20

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Zoom Program, Register here: https://rb.gy/ipyp4

Author Maria Olia will discuss her brand new book, Massachusetts Off the Beaten Path. Discover some of Massachusetts's unique offerings with this guide: Visit a wooden boat shop that has been in business since 1793; admire the pressed-glass galleries at the Sandwich Glass Museum, or travel back in time to the nineteenth-century Old Sturbridge Village. Maria Olia is a travel writer and essayist. She has written extensively about Boston and New England and has authored several travel books on the region. 

NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program.

Cookbook Club

Monday, June 26

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

Our cookbook will be Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen by Adeena Sussman. To register, send the name of the recipe you want to bring to Linda at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Space is limited; registration closes June 21.

The Original Dropkick Murphy with The Boston Globe's Emily Sweeney

Tuesday, June 27

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Zoom Program, register here: https://rb.gy/g9par

Author Emily Sweeney will discuss her new book, Dropkick Murphy: A Legendary Life. This book chronicles for the first time the unbelievable life of Dr. John “Dropkick” Murphy, a professional wrestler who put himself through medical school during the Great Depression and then opened Bellows Farm, a one-of-a-kind institution that served as both a facility where elite athletes could train as well as a secluded place where down-on-their-luck alcoholics could go to sober up discreetly.

NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program.

Crack the Case: Genealogy at the Robbins Library

Tuesday, June 27

7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room with remote option

Have you been looking to solve the mystery of who your ancestors were? Robbins Library can help you out! Learn what resources the Robbins Library has to offer to help you with your genealogy research to crack your genealogical cases and brick walls. Contact Steven Prochet at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (781) 316-3218 for more information 

Meeting ID: 836 2590 9747

Nancy Horan in Conversation with Therese Fowler 

Wednesday, June 28 

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Zoom Program, Register here: https://rb.gy/2pph6

Nancy Horan, the author of the million-copy New York Times bestseller Loving Frank, talks about her new book The House of Lincoln with bestselling author Therese Fowler.

See the full list of Teen programs at robbinslibrary.org/events

Last Day of School Game Day Celebration

Thursday, June 22

1:30 - 5:30 p.m. 

Robbins Library Teen Area

Celebrate another school year in the books with video games and crafts at the library! Make your own buttons with the button maker, play Mario Kart with your friends, and celebrate having your whole summer vacation out ahead of you.

Rockabye Beats for All Ages

Saturday, June 3

10:00-10:30 a.m.

Fox Library Community Room

A unique and interactive music experience for the whole family! Includes Spanish language, freestyle dance, musical jams, and more! For all ages. Please pick up a free ticket 1/2 hour before the program.

Toe Jam Puppet Band Concert on the Lawn

Wednesday, June 28

6:00-7:00 p.m

Whittemore Robbins Lawn (Behind the Library)

Kick off the summer and rock out on the lawn with this family-favorite band! For all ages, no ticket required.  

Town News and Updates

MBTA Communities Draft Map Presentatio

June 8, 7:30 p.m., Community Center, Main Hall, 27 Maple Street

The MBTA Communities Working Group invites all members of the Arlington community to join us for a discussion of Arlington's draft MBTA Communities zoning map. Based on the community outreach done to date, this first draft of Arlington's potential MBTA-Communities compliant district will be presented, details about how the map was developed will be shared, and opportunities for public comment and discussion of alternatives will be provided. More info at arlingtonma.gov/planning