By Reference Department

Holiday Hours

The library will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 for Christmas and Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 for New Year’s Day.  

“Silent Saturday” study option

Those looking for a truly silent study room for deep concentration can sign-up at the Information Desk to use the ESL Classroom between 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings. 

The Holy Trinity of Milford Jazz: Boots, Ziggy & Bob

The Friends close out their programs and lectures for the year with a 90-minute presentation by Stephen Minichiello on Thursday, December 7 at

7 p.m. about three legends of jazz: Boots Mussulli, Ziggy Minichiello & Bob Varney.  

Henry “Boots” Mussulli made his reputation as a jazz great on the saxophone with the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the 1940s and 1950s and played at the Newport Jazz Festival. He founded The Crystal Room club in Milford. 

Ziggy ruled on the trumpet also with the Kenton Orchestra and other bands. Bob sat behind the drums with Kenton, the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and Jimmy McPartland and his Sextette. 

Apart from being Ziggy’s nephew, Stephen’s background as an award winning writer and producer makes him the perfect guide to Milford’s rich musical history. Stephen has written and produced for WBZ-TV, WGBH-TV (PBS) and WCVB-TV, Boston, including Chronicle. 

Poster Exhibit: Struggle for Women’s Equality

During December, Stephen Lewis shares posters on the Struggle for Women’s Equality. The exhibit will be displayed by the Reference Desk at the library and can be viewed throughout the month. 

Over the course of his career as a labor activist, Stephen has amassed a poster collection in the thousands from all over the world on a variety of social justice themes. The library has hosted several of his poster displays in previous years. The exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Milford Cultural Council.

Center Book Group

The Center Book Group will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Milford Senior Center to discuss Mr. Dickens and His Tale by Samantha Silva.

In what might best be described as a love letter to author Charles Dickens, Samantha Silva re-imagines Dickens’ state of mind and motivation that led to his enduring classic, The Christmas Carol. Her novel takes literary license while remaining true to the spirit of the times. While Dickens’ primary motivation in writing it was for the money to support his large family, the result was a tour de force that brought the social injustices of mid-19th century England to the public consciousness. 

To reserve a copy or to learn more about the Center Book Group, please call the Information Desk at 508-473-2145, ext. 219 or email Anne at [email protected]. 

ESL Drop in Classes 

Fall ESL classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 - 8 p.m. All adults who want to improve their English listening and speaking skills are encouraged to attend these free classes. Classes are held in the ESL classroom on the lower level of the library. No registration is necessary. Class materials will be provided. Classes end for 2023 the week of December 19-21. Classes return in 2024 the week of January 16-18.

As aulas de esl de outono são ministradas às terças e quintas-feiras, das 7 às 8. Todos os adultos que desejam melhorar suas habilidades de escuta e fala em inglês são incentivados a participar dessas aulas gratuitas. As aulas são ministradas na sala de ESL no nível inferior da biblioteca. Nenhum registro é necessário. Materiais de aula serão fornecidos. As aulas terminam em 2023 na semana de 19 a 21 de dezembro. As aulas retornam em 2024 na semana de 16 a 18 de janeiro.

Las clases de ESL de otoño se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves de 7pm-8pm. Se anima a todos los adultos que deseen mejorar sus habilidades para escuchar y hablar en inglés a asistir a estas clases gratuitas. Las clases se llevan a cabo en el salón de ESL en el nivel inferior de la biblioteca. No es necesario registrarse. Se proporcionará material de clase. Las clases finalizan para 2023 la semana del 19 al 21 de diciembre. Las clases regresan en 2024 la semana del 16 al 18 de enero.

Citizenship Classes 

This fall, citizenship preparation classes will be held on Saturdays from 1 - 3 p.m.While the classes are free , only those individuals who meet the criteria for citizenship (5 years US residency, 3 years if married to a US citizen) are able to attend. The course instructor Atef Sorial will screen all potential participants in person. 

Staff Comings & Goings

The Information Services Department recently welcomed two new librarians to the team. Welcome to MTL Kate Kazlauskas and Annie Glater. Michelle Moore, Information Services Librarian has been promoted to Technical Services Supervisor. Congratulations Michelle!

And we all send warm retirement wishes to Kathie Kirchner, retiring Technical Services Supervisor. Kathie’s career @ MTL spans more than 25 years. Her dedication, attention to detail and work ethic will be greatly missed. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Kathie!

Thank you, Milford!

We have a wonderful response to our call for Home Delivery Volunteers and now have a full roster of people who can deliver to those who need library materials delivered. Thank you.