Holiday Hours in April

Robbins Library is closed on Sunday, April 9 in observance of Easter and Monday, April 17 in observance of Patriots Day.

For National Poetry Month, Arlington's newest Poet Laureate, Jean Flanagan, brings back the Beehive Poetry workshops, hosts a reading with local poet Fred Marchant, and offers drop-in hours for poets looking for advice. Looking for some poetry to read? Stop by the library and browse our collection to find a poetry book that speaks to you. However you chose to celebrate National Poetry Month, we hope you do it at the library!

All best,

Anna Litten

Director of Libraries 

The Friends of Robbins Library Reading Room Concert Series - “Crazy B%$ch!” -Classical Music’s Difficult Women

Sunday, April 2

2:30 p.m.

Robbins Library Reading Room

The Friends of the Robbins Library are delighted to bring you creator and singer Heather Gallagher and accompanist Yukiko Oba. If well-behaved women seldom make history, they certainly don’t make for good theater! Join Ms. Gallagher and Ms. Oba for an irreverent take on Classical Music’s most timeless heroines. Enjoy musical selections from Handel, Mascagni, Bizet, and Weill, among many others. Space is limited, come early for a seat.

Robbins Library Book Discussion Group

Monday, April 3

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Conference Room, with remote attendance option

This month’s book is Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, available for pickup at the Robbins Library. Follow the group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/212703859877372/

Zoom Meeting ID: 824 9097 7762, Passcode: 8u6ipe

Drop-in Tech Help

Monday, April 3

Wednesday, April 19

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.

Beehive Poetry with Arlington's Poet Laureate

Tuesday, April 4

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Conference Room, with remote attendance option

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 [email protected]gmail.com 

Meeting ID: 880 9407 8712 Passcode: FpSMf3

Between Us Sisters: A Dialogue with Louisa and May Alcott

Wednesday, April 5

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

Please join the Friends of the Robbins Library for this intimate conversation with two storied sisters. Concord playwrights Amy Cole and Stefanie Cloutier,, have created an intimate living history performance that brings these two siblings to life. Based on primary sources including letters, journal entries, and books, Cole and Cloutier uncovered the innermost details between these beloved Little Women. Their 1.5-hour-long production, “Between Us Sisters” features period costumes and a close-up conversation between Louisa and May.

English NOW! Conversation Group

Wednesdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26

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.

Science Book Group

Thursday, April 6

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Conference Room, with remote attendance option

This month we’ll be discussing Some Assembly Required: Decoding Four Billion Years of Life, From Ancient Fossils to DNA by Neil Shubin. Books are available to pick up at the Robbins Library. 

Zoom Meeting ID: 893 3771 4248 Passcode: 72V5kK

Poet Laureate on Duty

Thursday, April 6

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 12 

4:30 - 5:30 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. 

Find Happiness through Mindfulness, Yoga, & Meditation

Thursday, April 6, 20

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

Speculative Fiction Book Group

Monday, April 10

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 Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. New members are always welcome! Books are available to pick up at the Robbins Library. 

Zoom Meeting ID: 820 4236 3749

Social Worker Drop-In Hours

Monday, April 10, 24

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.

NASA: Hunt for the X-15 Rocket Plane

Wednesday, April 12

12:00-1:00 p.m.

Zoom Program, register here: http://bitly.ws/BUaW

As a Solar System Ambassador with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory NASA volunteer-educator David S. Ball presents topics related to American activities in space. In 1993, Mr. Ball organized a search in the Mojave Desert for parts from X-15 #3 which came apart in flight in 1967. During this program, he will share what made the X-15 the greatest research plane ever built and his theory on why one was lost. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Library.

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

All News is Local News 

Wednesday, April 12

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

Robbins Library Community Room

The Friends of the Robbins Library presents a moderated discussion on local news along with their Annual General Meeting. The discussion will feature ACMi News Director Jeff Barnd, Boston 25 Anchor and Reporter Crystal Haynes, and founding editor and publisher of Yourarlington.com, Bob Sprague. Hear from these experienced journalists on the state of local news reporting and how the world of media has changed. The program will be preceded by our brief Annual General Meeting.

Arlington Author Salon: Poetry

Thursday, April 13

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. 

Kickstand Café

The spring theme is “Poetry” with authors Ben Berman, Charles Coe, and Cathie Desjardins. The Arlington Author Salon is a free reading with a twist: each author’s presentation includes something special to tickle the senses. Music, paintings, photographs, and more. Let yourself be transported with an immersive, literary experience. No advance sign-up needed — just walk in! This event will also be recorded and posted online. Supported by the Arlington Libraries Foundation.

Guys Book Group

Thursday, April 13

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. 

Fox Library Community Room, with remote attendance option 

This month we’re reading Norwegian by Night, a novel by Derek B. Miller. We previously read the sequel, American by Day, and it was well received. Copies can be picked up at Robbins or Fox Branch libraries, just ask for the Guys Book Group book. For this hybrid meeting, library visitors can join us in person in the Fox Library Community Room or via Zoom to attend from home. 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..

Film Screening: Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution: Rescheduled ART Event

Tuesday, April 18

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

As entertaining as it is inspiring, Crip Camp uses one group's remarkable story to highlight hope for the future and the power of community. A groundbreaking summer camp galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, forging a new path toward greater equality. The 2020 award-winning documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution features Judy Heumann Directed by James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham and produced by the Obama Higher Ground Production team. Rated R for some language including sexual references. Runtime 147 mins.

Fred Marchant Poetry Reading

Thursday, April 20

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

Well-known Arlington poet Fred Marchant will read from his book Said Not Said followed by a discussion. Marchant is the author of five books of poetry, and won the 1993 Washington Prize from Word Works Copies of his books are available at the Robbins Circulation desk.

The Friends of Robbins Library Reading Room Concert Series - Erin Ash Sullivan

Sunday, April 23

3:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Reading Room

To close this season’s Reading Room Music Series the Friends of the Robbins Library is delighted to welcome Erin Ash Sullivan. Erin is a Massachusetts-based, Americana/folk singer-songwriter who loves a good storytelling song. In 2021 she released her debut solo album, We Can Hear Each Other, which reached #10 on the FAI Folk DJ Chart. This year, she has been a Grassy Hill Emerging Artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, the recipient of the Mark Erelli Judge’s Choice Award in the New England Songwriting Competition, and a Songwriter Serenade Semifinalist. She was also a 2021 Finalist in the Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Competition and a finalist in the 2021 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. More information about Erin and her music is available at www.erinashsullivan.com.

Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cookbook Club

Monday, April 24

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

Our cookbook will be King Solomon’s Table by Joan Nathan. **Registration is full for this month.** To get on the email list, contact Linda at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

New Perennials: A Love Story with Deborah Chud

Wednesday, April 26

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Zoom Program Registration is required: http://bitly.ws/Bywb

Please join the Friends of the Robbins Library and the Arlington Garden Club, for a virtual presentation by Deborah Chud, retired Massachusetts physician turned garden-maker, consultant, and educator. Deborah’s talk, “New Perennials: A Love Story,” is a personal introduction to the design principles of the New Perennialists who gave rise to the hottest gardening trend in the world today—naturalistic landscaping. In the US, their influence can be seen in New York’s High Line, Chicago’s Lurie Garden, the Oudolf Meadow at Delaware Botanic Gardens, and Oudolf Garden, in Detroit. Bring your questions and join the conversation.

Reel Queer Film Screening - Swan Song (2021)

Thursday, April 27

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

Retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger, once renowned as the "Liberace of Sandusky", takes a long walk to style his former client's hair for her funeral. Rated R for Language. Runtime 1 hour 45 minutes.

Reel Queer is an intergenerational movie night co-sponsored with the Arlington Council on Aging and the Arlington Rainbow Commission. The next Reel Queer screening will be on June 8.

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

Tarot Talk

Wednesday, April 19

4:00-5:30 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

Join Leeza Masia from The Tarot Collective and learn about the way that tarot cards can be a wonderful tool for self-reflection, self-discovery, and intuitive development. Tarot reading encourages us to reflect on ideas that can help develop a sense of who we are and where we are on our life's journey. Bring your own deck or borrow one to explore! For grades 6-12. 

Teen Led Dungeons and Dragons Club

Monday, April 24

5:30-7:30

Robbins Library Conference Room

Teens and Tweens can join an intrepid crew of teen volunteers for a fun swords-and-sorcery roleplaying game adventure at the Robbins library! New players and veterans are encouraged to attend, dice and character sheets will be provided. For grades 6-12.

Violet the Clown for All Ages

Wednesday, April 19

10:30-12:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room 

Come join Violet the Clown for her Career Day Show! Violet arrives dressed as a mom, and then she transforms into a clown right before your very eyes! She’ll perform a comedy magic show, followed by photo ops with the kids. Pick up a free ticket 1/2 hour prior.

Deconstruction Clinic for Grades K-5

Thursday, April 27

3:30-5:00 p.m.

Robbins Library Community Room

Take things apart! Grab some of our provided tools and take a peek at what’s inside some everyday appliances and technology.  

Co-sponsored by the Department of Public Works.

Town News and Updates

What’s Your Vision for Multifamily Housing?  

Take the Multifamily Housing in Arlington: MBTA Communities Visioning Survey 

On March 9th the Town kicked off a visioning phase to identify community goals and priorities regarding where multifamily housing should be allowed by right in compliance with new state regulations. If you missed the event, you can still participate! A community-wide survey is now available, along with materials from the kick-off meeting and additional engagement tools – learn more about MBTA Communities and share your vision for multifamily housing in Arlington at arlingtonma.gov/planning.