Hours in December:
Robbins and Fox Branch libraries are to be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday.
Sunday hours at Robbins Library have returned. Visit from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays from October through May.
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Programs and Events for Adults
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Fox Walking Club
Mondays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18
10 to 11 a.m.
Fox Library
This club plans to meet at the library’s front door and walk between 1.5 to 3 miles along the Arlington Cultural District and Minuteman Bikeway. Weather permitting.
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English At Large 
Mondays, December 4 and 18
12:30 to 2 p.m.
Robbins Library Community Room
Tuesdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Robbins Library Conference Room
Register Here: http://www.englishatlarge.org/conversation-groups/
English At Large conversation groups are 10 to 14 intermediate to advanced English learners who meet weekly to practice English speaking skills. The groups provide an opportunity for learners to improve their speaking confidence and meet other adults who are learning English. Topics covered in conversation groups include American culture and holidays, idioms, casual spoken English and daily life situations (going to the doctor, speaking with landlords, meeting neighbors, etc.). Registration is required to attend conversation groups regularly.
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Robbins Library Book Discussion Group 
Monday, Dec. 4
7 to 8 p.m.
Robbins Library Conference Room, with Remote attendance option.
This month the group plans to discuss "On Beauty" by Zadie Smith, available for pickup at the Robbins Library. Follow the group on Facebook.
Zoom Meeting ID: 883 9156 5493
Passcode: 7v3nAi
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Gentle Yoga and Meditation 
Tuesdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26
5 to 6 p.m.
Robbins Library Community Room
A gentle yoga and meditation class hosted by the local studio Lotus Yoga. This is a beginner-friendly class focusing on stretching, breathing and mindfulness. Those interested in attending are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or use one of the provided chairs. Supported by the Friends of the Robbins Library.
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English NOW! Conversation Group
Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20 and 27
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 discuss varied subjects under the supervision of native speakers.
Zoom conversation groups are also available on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. or Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the Zoom links.
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Charlie Chaplin in The Gold Rush 
Wednesday, Dec. 6
7 p.m.
Robbins Library Community Room
The Friends of the Robbins Library plan to present the silent movie, "Charlie Chaplin in The Gold Rush." Richard Hughes returns to play live piano accompaniment that matches the action in the classic film. Chaplin’s character, the “Little Tramp” searches for gold, fame, fortune and most of all, love, in this story of the Klondike. This film has a runtime of 90 minutes.
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Poet Laureate on Duty
Thursday, Dec. 7
2 to 3 p.m.
Robbins Library Beehive Tables, Third Floor
Poets of any level, entry or experienced, are invited to bring their work to Robbins Library for the town's Poet Laureate, Jean Flanagan, to review and advise.
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Science Book Group 
Thursday, Dec. 7
7 to 8 p.m.
Robbins Library Conference Room
This book group is dedicated to reading and discussing books about science and the many different disciplines and topics it encompasses. The group expects to read "The Joy of X: a guided tour of math, from one to infinity" by Steven Strogatz.
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Social Worker Drop-In Hours
Monday, Dec. 11
11 a.m. to 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.
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Cookbook Club 
Monday, Dec. 11
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Robbins Library Community Room
The group is preparing to cook from Smitten Kitchen Keepers by Deb Perelman.
Registration is full for this meeting.
Contact Linda at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get on the mailing list for this group.
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Drop-in Tech Help
Tuesday, Dec.12
2 to 3 p.m.
Robbins Library Conference Room
Stop by and ask a librarian any technology-related questions. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.
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Beehive Poetry with Arlington's Poet Laureate
Tuesday, Dec. 12
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Robbins Library Beehive Tables, Third Floor
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Plug in to a Memoir Writing Workshop: Then and Now
Tuesday, Dec.12
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Robbins Library Community Room
Plug in invites residents to explore themes of change over time in a night of memoir writing. Memoirist Lynette Benton is expected to provide inspiration and guidance. Tips and resources will be provided, and there is time scheduled in the workshop to share writing and an opportunity to have writing questions answered.
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Verses Book Group 
Wednesday, Dec. 13
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Fox Library Community Room
Poet Laureate Jean Flanagan leads this poetry book group at the Fox Branch every second Wednesday afternoon of the month. This month, the group plans to discuss The Wild Iris by Louise Glück. Adults and teens are welcome to attend. Copies are available for pick up at Fox and Robbins.
For more information, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Guys Book Group 
Thursday, Dec. 14
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Fox Library Community Room, with remote attendance option
This month we’re reading The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester. Copies can be picked up at Robbins or Fox Branch libraries, just ask for the Guys Book Group book. Persons of all genders are welcome, always.
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..
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Speculative Fiction Book Group 
Monday, Dec. 18
7 to 8 p.m.
Robbins Library Conference Room, with remote attendance option
This is a book club for lovers of science fiction, fantasy and tales of alternate realities. The group plans to discuss "A Memory Called Empire" by Arkady Martine. Copies of the book are expected to be available for checkout at the Robbins’ circulation desk. The e-book is available through Libby.
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Zoom Meeting ID: 835 7438 1066
Invite Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83574381066
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New Book and Poetry Open Mic
Tuesday, Dec. 19
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Robbins Library Community Room
Arlington’s Beehive Poetry Group invites residents to its “New Book and Open Mic” series. Featuring readings from recent publications by local poets, followed by an open mic for other poets to share their work. December’s featured poets are Kathleen Aguero and Daniel Johnson. Introductions by Steven Rapp. Open mic reading slots are expected to be on a first come, first served basis and open 15 minutes prior to the start of each event.
For more information, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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The Thursday Craft Club 
Thursday, Dec. 28
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Fox Library Community Room
Crafters in town are invited to bring projects and enjoy the company of fellow crafters. All crafts and adults are welcome.
Contact 781-316-3198 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
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See the full list of Teen programs at robbinslibrary.org/events
Robbins Library Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Monday, Dec. 11
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Robbins Library Conference Room
Teens looking to get community service hours are invited to join the Teen Advisory Board and help plan teen-focused library programs and services. Snacks are expected be served, and service hours will be verified for both the planning meeting and any subsequent events board members help run.
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Children's Program Highlights
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La Noche Buena for Ages 5+
Sunday, Dec. 3
3 to 4 p.m.
Robbins Library Community Room
A reading of the bilingual story "La Noche Buena" is planned to teach kids about Christmas Eve traditions in Latin American countries. After the story, the group is expected to go over some Spanish vocabulary, play games and make a craft. Wear red, green or gold.
Pick up a ticket 30 minutes before the event.
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Kids' Holiday Craft Fair 
Saturday, Dec. 9
1 to 4 p.m.
Robbins Library Community Room
Residents are invited to support local youth by browsing a wide variety of items made by kids ages 8 to 18. Handcrafted soaps, ornaments, jewelry, recycled paper crafts, bookmarks, crocheted items, candles and more
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This news listing from Assistant Director of Libraries Amanda Troha was updated Nov. 30, 2023, by Brynn O'Connor, assistant to the editor.
