WPL’s Book Club books are passkeys to other worlds. To ancient times, to foreign countries, to new knowledge, to alternate ways of thinking, and sometimes, literally, to galaxies far, far away. 

And what could be better than reading? Sharing your reactions with your fellow readers!

WPL currently hosts three book clubs: 

Librarian Olivia leads our Snacks and Suspects: True Crime Book Club, Librarian Dot leads our Best Sellers and Bites: Popular Fiction Book Club, and Librarian Melody leads our Science Fiction Book Club. 

I [Melody] interviewed Olivia and Dot about their experiences in their respective clubs, and added my own thoughts about the SF Book Club. 

Here is what we three wanted to share (lightly edited): 

Wait, You Can Do That at the Library?: Preserving Family Memories

The holidays are coming up and that might mean you may see family members you haven't seen in a while. This is a great time to break out the old shoeboxes full of family photos or the dusty VHS tapes of home family videos so that you can reminisce together. Now, you might think to yourself, "Self, how do I view these moments in time with my family if I don't have a VCR anymore?" Or, "Self, my family lives across the country and there's no way I'm paying for an extra checked bag by carrying these photo albums on the plane." Or, "Self, I need to clear out my house before company arrives and what better way than tossing these things taking up space?" We have a solution to some of your problems: our Digital Studio!*

Scan of a 35mm color slide from circa November 1972

Digital Studio 101

So what is the Digital Studio and how can someone use it to preserve their family memories? According to our Digital Studio webpage, "The Digital Studio will provide patrons 18+ with the means to digitally organize and preserve audio and video family history through the use of our scanners, computers, and software. The Digital Studio is intended for those who want to use the library's photo digitization equipment, audio cassette tape or VHS conversion equipment." 

The Digital Studio opened to the public in 2021 and is located on the first floor of the library opposite the Newspapers & Magazines desk near the Franklin Street entrance. Our Digital Studio has two PCs and two Macs, but this post is going to focus on the PCs and the equipment connected to them. 

Digital Studio

Baby Photos, Family Vacations, Family Portraits, and More

Our two PCs on the right side of the Digital Studio are used for separate purposes: the PC on the left is used for digitizing photos, slides, and negatives and the one on the right is used for converting VHS tapes and cassette tapes to digital video and audio files. 

We have two Epson scanners for digitizing print photos: a Epson Perfection V39 flatbed scanner used to scan one photo at a time and a Epson FastFoto FF-680W high-speed scanner that can quickly scan batches of approximately 30 photos of similar sizes at a time. The included Epson software allows for scanning customization (For example, you may use a specific image file format or resolution size if you're sharing the photo on social media versus needing a higher quality image in order to print an enlarged photo to hang on your wall).

Photo circa 1970s and the scanned image using the Epson Perfection V39 flatbed scanner

Epson FastFoto FF680-W

Finally, we have a Kodak Scanza digital film scanner that can be used to digitize slides and negatives. Most of the slides and negatives scanned using this machine are 35mm (this is what you probably have at home if you have any slides or negatives). Incidentally, the same model of the Kodak Scanza digital film scanner is available to borrow from our Library of Things collection at both the Main Library and the Frances Perkins Branch. Ask our librarians if you need help putting a LOT digital film scanner on hold. Note: a regular SD card is required to use any of our digital film scanners.

Slide Carousel with Slides of Al Banx Cartoons

Kodak Scanza Digital Film Scanner with Negative of an Old WPL Branch

Wedding Videos, School Plays, Oral Histories and More

On the video side of things, we use VidBox equipment and its included software attached to a VCR to convert VHS tapes to MP4 files in real time. In addition, we might be able to convert hi-8 tapes using a camcorder or VHS-C tapes using a VHS-c cassette adapter. Please talk to our Digital Studio staff if you have a specific question about converting videos. Unfortunately, we do not have the equipment to convert Super 8 film reels. 

Using the VidBox and VCR to Convert VHS Tape

We have the ability to convert cassette tapes to MP3 audio files in real time using a special cassette player along with Audacity software on the same PC that is used for VHS conversion. You can also use Audacity to edit the audio files after you convert them.

Super USB Cassette Capture Device

Saving and Sharing the Memories

You will need a flash drive or other method of storage to externally save your new image, audio, or video files because our computers are designed to wipe the files at the end of each computer session. There are many options for sharing your newly saved files with friends and family across the country, including using a shared cloud storage account, emailing the files, uploading to your social media account, or even snail mailing the storage device.

Teaching the Basics

Of course, we're not going to make you use all of this new-to-you equipment without giving you some instructions on how to use them. In fact, our Digital Studio orientations are mandatory in order for you to be able to use the equipment in the future. We've found that people take comfort in these orientations because they learn to use the equipment more confidently with a little metaphorical handholding. Once you are fully certified with a snazzy Certificate of Completion, the training wheels come off and you will be able to use any of this equipment by yourself without us sitting next to you. 

Certificate of Completion

Accessing the Digital Studio

Those who have received a Certificate of Completion for attending our orientations may use the space for up to two hours on a first come, first serve basis. We do block off access to the digitization and conversion section of the Digital Studio for our dedicated orientation appointment slots on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 P.M. and on occasion we will block off the space for scheduled one-on-one appointments with people who aren't able to make it to the Wednesday orientations. Other than that, as long as no one else is using a specific computer, that space can be all yours for the two hours once you sign in with our Newspapers & Magazines department staff. 

Touching Up Your Images or Videos

Now we did mention the Macs before, and while they're not directly used with our equipment to preserve your family photos or videos, they can be used if you want to use the Adobe Creative Cloud software to edit your files. In fact, the Digital Studio PC used for digitizing photos, slides, and negatives also has Adobe Creative Cloud (so does our Adobe computer on the 2nd floor). So, if you want to touch up a faded photo or remove an estranged relative from an image, you can freely use our Photoshop software to edit the photos. We do not offer any classes or tutorials on using any of the Adobe Creative Cloud software so it is expected you know how to use them. Access to Adobe Creative Cloud in the Digital Studio does not require a Certificate of Completion so you can just sign in first come, first serve with our Newspapers & Magazines staff.

Next Steps?

There you have it: the basic guide to what's offered in our Digital Studio and how you can use the space so you can learn how to preserve your family memories! Want to make an appointment for a Digital Studio orientation? Contact us via this form: one-on-one appointment form or see if any of our Wednesday time slots are available on our online calendar.

P.S.

*You're on your own with the cleaning and decluttering of your house: we're a library, not a housekeeping service! We do have books on those subjects if you need tips though (648.5 and 648.8 are two good call numbers to start with if you're in need of assistance!). 

Get Ready for Fall and Financial Literacy with WPL’s Money Matters Series

Our work life takes up a large percentage of our time. Do you often find yourself thinking about what do you have to show for it money-wise? If that’s you, maybe it’s time to get serious about what you do with your money and to commit to improving your financial prospects. In order to help you get started, the library hosts a Money Matters series for several months throughout the year. We’ve partnered with the MA Office of Economic Empowerment to bring in-person learning experiences that address important aspects of financial literacy.

Our upcoming Money Matters series begins in September:

How Money Works

Tuesday, September 9th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., WPL Main Branch, Computer Lab 

Learn key financial fundamentals in order to make wise choices with your money.

This class is designed to provide foundational information and insights about credit cards, debt, investments, home ownership and basic taxation. Gain a better understanding of financial concepts in order to make informed decisions that will help you grow wealth over time. Presented by Mike Ford, a member of the Shrewsbury Toastmasters, who has had a distinguished career in business and helping families make informed financial decisions.

You can register by clicking this link. 

Considering Home Ownership

Tuesday, September 16th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., WPL Main Branch, Computer Lab 

An overview of the home buying process.

In this workshop we'll guide you through essential aspects of one of life most important decisions. Review costs and responsibilities, explore loans and repayment, and learn about financial readiness, pros and cons, and the cost of buying a home. By the end, you'll be equipped to make informed choices and achieve your housing goals.  

You can register by clicking this link. 

Planning for Retirement

Tuesday, October 14th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., WPL Main Branch, Banx Room 

Learn the fundamentals of planning for retirement.

There are crucial factors to consider when planning for retirement. This class will cover various saving and planning strategies to maximize savings at any age, along with different types of retirement plan options to help best address future financial goals. 

You can register by clicking this link. 

Managing Debt

Tuesday, November 18th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., WPL Main Branch, Computer Lab 

Learn the fundamentals of managing debt and improving your finances.

This class will cover budgeting and debt management strategies designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge needed to control your financial future. Learn the common reasons behind debt accumulation and compare various solutions such as debt consolidation and credit counseling services in order to achieve financial stability. 

You can register by clicking this link. 

How to Spot a Scam

Tuesday, October 21st, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., WPL Main Branch, Computer Lab 

Learn how to protect yourself from the latest scams with experts from the Better Business Bureau. Scammers are increasingly becoming more sophisticated with techniques that can even trick the most informed consumers.

You can register by clicking this link. 

Also, a special mention about a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs. The library will host a Lawyers for Civil Rights BizGrow Workshop on October 23 at 3:00pm. BizGrow provides free legal assistance, business support, and technical assistance to minority, immigrant, and women business owners. Come learn about the variety of resources and support that BizGrow offers to help you grow your business and chart a course for success. Lawyers for Civil Rights has an impressive history of supporting the legal, economic, and educational needs of individuals, families and members of the small business community.

You can register by clicking this link. 

 

Black History Month 2026

Support Black-Owned Businesses

Use the links below to identify and support Black-owned businesses in the Worcester area this month and every month throughout the year. 

Black-Owned Worcester Restaurants - Use Discover Central Massachusetts 2023 list highlighting Black-owned restaurants. 

Local Black-Owned Businesses - A useful blog post by Luk, Inc that pulls together resources to help locate and support Black-owned businesses. 

Black-Owned Local Businesses in Worcester - A project co-created in 2020 by two former Holy Cross students, Sienna Ablorh and Dorean Asuako, who aimed to build a list of Black-owned businesses in the Worcester area. 

Diverse Business Directory - The City of Worcester's list includes local businesses who elected to be included on the list.

WPL Resources

Black History Month Reading list - A selection of fiction and nonfiction titles highlighting Black authors and books on Black history.

Black Women Poets - A collection of classic and contemporary poetry by Black women poets. 

How to Be an Antiracist Booklist - Titles to help you understand and respond to racism.

Cookbooks & Cooking Memoirs for Black History Month - A selection of cookbooks written by Black authors to celebrate their culinary heritage.

Langston Hughes: Poet of the Harlem Renaissance - Read about one of the most talented and prolific writers to emerge during the Harlem Renaissance.

Mysteries and Crime Fiction by Black Authors - A selection of Black-authored mystery novels featuring Black detectives, private investigators, and amateur sleuths. 

Sci Fi & Fantasy by Black Authors - Want to read more Black authors but don't know where to start? Check out these recent sci fi & fantasy reads. 

Kanopy Black History Watchlist - Access a variety of films celebrating Black History Month. Learn more about how to access films on Kanopy.

Book displays throughout the Main Library

Notable Black American Biographies 

Black Artists and Writers

Black Musicians

Book Display at the Worcester Senior Center

Throughout the month of February, WPL will host a Black History book display at the Worcester Senior Center. These books are not part of our collection and are yours to keep — they do not need to be returned to the library. A special thanks to the Friends of the Worcester Public Library for their generous donation of these books.

Worcester Public Library Events

Worcester Community Events

Echoes of Hope, Anchored in Resilience

Wendesday, February 11, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Living Word Church, 30 Tyler Prentice Blvd, Worcester, MA

Registration Required

Black History Month Luncheon, co‑hosted by Open Sky, DMH, and Advocates. This luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate Black history, engage in meaningful conversation, and reaffirm our shared commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Magic of Motown: A Music Celebration Presentation

Thursday, February 12, 10 - 11:30 am (Snow Date: February 26)

Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street, Worcester, MA

What was billed as "Music for Young America" struck a chord with millions in the 1960s. This lively and enlightening celebration of Motown hosted by author and pop culture historian Marty Gitlin features performance videos of the best of the best, including the Temptations, Supremes, and Four Tops. Marty will talk about the impact Motown made on music, pop culture, and society, and challenge the audience with fun trivia questions to ponder and answer.

Motown Music and More with P.E. James

Thursday, February 12, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (Snow Date: February 26)

Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street, Worcester, MA

P.E. James has been entertaining audiences by singing and playing acoustic guitar for over four decades. His specialty is upbeat songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, including early rock and roll and sing-along folk tunes!

Black Women at the Center of Revolution

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7 - 8 pm

American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 

Registration Required

As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, AAS brings together a panel of distinguished Black women scholars to reconsider how the nation defines “revolution” and whose struggles are recognized as revolutionary. Moderated by AAS Council member Deborah Hall, the panelists will examine how Black women have demanded freedom through social, political, and legal activism over the past 250 years, from early petitions and collective resistance to organized movements for justice and liberation.

Check out more community events on 2026 Black History Month Community Calendar curated by The Village Worcester.

Commemorate Juneteenth

Learn about Juneteenth with the Worcester Public Library! Juneteenth, a federal holiday, is a portmanteau of June nineteenth, and commemorates the emancipation of African Americans after the Civil War. Below are a variety of resources and events to help us learn about this important day.

WPL JUNETEENTH RESOURCES

Reads for Juneteenth - Titles to help everyone learn about the significance of Juneteenth and the Black American experience.

Kanopy Watch List - Kanopy, streaming service that is free to use with your WPL card, has assembled a collection of films to honor Juneteenth.  If you do not have a Kanopy account, create one here. 

• Miss Juneteenth 
• Roots
• The Uncomfortable Truth
• Liberty & Slavery: The Paradox of America's Founding Fathers
• The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song 
• Ralph Ellison: An American Journey
  

Visit our display on the 1st floor of the Main Library to check out books and other resources related to this important holiday.

LOCAL EVENTS:  

Worcester City Hall: 2024 Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, Friday, June 14, 5:00 PM

Institute Park: Annual Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival, Saturday, June 15, 12 - 8 PM

Fitchburg Abolitionist Park: Juneteenth Celebration, Wednesday, June 19, 11:00AM - 1:00PM

Discover Central Mass

Boston Events

OTHER RESOURCES:

National Museum of African American History and Culture

• Explore NMAAHC's resources
• NMAAHC Juneteenth Reading List

Library of Congress

• Library of Congress: Today in History

Events Calendar and Study Room Bookings

We’re excited to share we’ve switched to a new system for our events calendar and study room bookings.

Attend – Events calendar

Key Features:

Listing page 

The main listing page provides you with the option to search by keyword, or filter by branch, age, and event type. Use an easy calendar picker, with day, week, and month views. Events are color coded by age group for ease.

Library card
You have the option to sign up for an event using your library card. If you choose to do so, the system will auto populate the name, email and phone number fields from the information on your library record. If you do not know your card number, you can fill out these fields manually.

Custom events brochure

Interested in specific events only? Need a print out of everything happening at your favorite branch during a specific month ? You can now generate a personalized, printable pdf version of events to download or to your email. Find your favorite events and register at your convenience.

To get to events, go to mywpl.org -- Classes & Events -- Online Calendar.

Reserve - Study Room

Key Features:

Library Card
Just like with events, you can reserve a study room using your library card number or choose to sign up manually by filling out all fields.

Multiple bookings 
The shopping cart feature allows you to make multiple bookings at once. While the new layout looks different, all policies remain the same. Study rooms can be booked up to a week in advance with a limit of one reservation per day.

Notifications 
You will receive an email notification after making a booking. You can now view the status of your booking at any time or cancel your reservation online using either your library card number or reference number.

To go to study room bookings, go to mywpl.org -- About -- Meeting & Study Rooms

Adult Winter Reading Challenge

Welcome to WPL's adult winter reading challenge! This winter, WPL is offering two fun prizes. Learn how you can read to win!

Prize 1: Pirates 2023 Season Kickoff Package
In partnership with The Massachusetts Pirates, we are offering readers a chance
to win a pair of tickets for any regular 2023 season home game and Pirates swag!

Prize 2: Cozy Readers Dream Package
Win this package geared towards all readers! Includes a neck reading lamp,
page holder, library-themed socks, and WPL swag!

***How to Win***

If you don't have a Beanstack account, click here to create one. Beanstack is an online tool where you can track reading, post book reviews, discover good reads, win prizes, and stay connected with library-related programs and resources!

To win, readers need to log books, write reviews, and/or attend

virtual author talks to earn badges. With each badge, the reader will receive

a certain number of tickets to put towards the prize of their choice.

The more tickets earned, the more likely you are to win!

Drawings will be held shortly after February 28, 2023.

Winners will be contacted directly by staff. One winner per prize.

*Books read starting December 1, 2022 must be logged by February 28, 2023.

*Must be a Worcester resident to win prizes. Staff and members of their household are ineligible.

***WPL Programs and Resources***

Attend a WPL writing or poetry workshop to improve upon your writing skills.
Join one of our WPL virtual author events featuring bestselling authors. Be sure to log these in the activity badges to earn tickets!

Visit WPL’s Reader’s Corner for staff picks, new titles, book lists, and more.
Attend one of our several librarian-led WPL book clubs to discuss books and meet like-minded readers.

***How to Track Reading and Share Reviews***

Use the "Log Reading and Activities" and "Add a Review" buttons on the top of the page to
add to your log and share your reviews. Reviews are shared on Beanstack, and may also be
shared on WPL's Blog and Facebook page.

For mobile users, download the Beanstack Tracker app to get started.
For more information, call 508-799-1655 ext. 3 to speak to a librarian.

Big Library Read: A Snake Falls to Earth

From November 2-16 library users can participate in The Big Library Read featuring A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger. This e-book club connects readers with the same book at the same time without any waitlists or holds. Download the discussion guide to start a conversation with other readers. You can also visit the Overdrive discussion board to share your thoughts. 

The book follows Oli and Nina, two very different people in very different circumstances — Oli, a cottonmouth snake from the Reflecting World where animal people roam and Nina, a teenage Lipan Apache girl in our world. Nina and Oli have no idea the other exists. But a catastrophic event on Earth, and a strange sickness that befalls Oli’s best friend, will drive their worlds together in ways they haven’t been in centuries.

Listen to the Big Library Read interview with Darcie Little Badger

To borrow the title, go to mywpl.org. Under Resources, select eBooks and Digital Media. Click on OverDrive to check out A Snake Falls to Earth from the catalog. 

To read this book on a handheld device, download the Overdrive app or Libby app. 

Readers  have a chance to win a tablet, a blanket or Libby swag if they use #biglibraryread on social media from November 2-16. 

NEW! Virtual Author Talk Series with Best Selling Authors

 

Worcester Public Library now offers a new virtual author talk series connecting our patrons with best selling, contemporary authors. This exciting new series will cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres including historical fiction, contemporary fiction, romance, OwnVoices, poetry, business, personal growth, social justice, history, art, culture and more. Each talk will include Q&A sessions. Patrons can look forward to multiple talks each month.

Patrons can view and register for upcoming events here. All talks will be recorded and can be viewed here. 

Get the books by visiting our booklist and placing your hold today.

Visit our Adult Classes and Programs page for more programming.

Read Beyond the Beaten Path: Summer Reading for Adults 2022

 

Read, Learn, and Connect with WPL

Sign up for this summer's adult reading challenge from June 4 - August 13 at mywpl.beanstack.org - a place to track reading, share reviews (which may shared on our blog and Facebook page), engage with the community through our classes and programs, and win prizes through our challenge drawings.

To be entered into drawings, earn badges by logging books AND activities 
such as attending WPL events, classes and programs.

Attend & Log Events, Classes, and Programs

• Summer Reading Kickoff: June 4 from 10 am -1 pm
• Adult Classes and Programs happening throughout the summer

Read & Log Books

• Visit WPL’s Reader’s Corner for staff picks, new titles, booklists, and more.
• Fill out a Book Recommendation form for personalized picks from a librarian.
• Borrow an e-book or audiobook to read or listen to on your device.
• Attend one of our librarian-led book clubs to discuss books and meet like-minded readers.
• Read whatever you like! Just be sure to log it.

Challenge Drawings*

Weekly drawings:

Log at least 3 books or 3 activities to be entered
 into weekly drawings to win a
$30 gift card to a local restaurant or a fun, handmade National Parks mug!

Earn any of these badges to be entered into Weekly Drawings:

• Logging Badge
• Kickoff Badge
• Learn Something New Badge
• Review Badge
• Survey Badge

Grand Prize Drawings:

Log at least 10 books for two chances to win a MoMA book lamp!

*Must be a Worcester resident to win prizes. Staff and members of their household are ineligible.

For mobile users, download the Beanstack Tracker app to get started
For more information, visit mywpl.org or call 508-799-1655 ext.3.