The Everett Public Libraries are excited to invite the community to the official kick-off of their 2026 Summer Reading Challenge on Saturday, June 13, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
This year’s celebration will feature a special theme honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, bringing a festive, patriotic spirit to this beloved annual tradition.Children, teens, and adults are all encouraged to attend and take part in a fun-filled afternoon designed to inspire a love of reading throughout the summer and beyond.
The kick-off party will include:
Food and refreshments
Games and activities for all ages
Music and entertainment
Information about the Summer Reading Challenge and how to participate
Whether you’re a longtime library supporter or a first-time visitor, this event is the perfect way to kick off a summer of learning, exploration, and community connection. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable start to summer! For more information, please visit the Parlin or Shute Memorial Library.
https://www.everettpubliclibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/everett-public-library-logo.cleaned.svg00Aubrianna Skaggs-Bradshttps://www.everettpubliclibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/everett-public-library-logo.cleaned.svgAubrianna Skaggs-Brads2026-05-26 14:48:352026-05-26 14:48:37The Everett Public Libraries Announce Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off Party
The Everett Public Libraries are excited to announce that on Wednesday, May 27th at 7:00 pm, Stephen Puleo, author of Dark Tide, is back to discuss his new book, The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union.
Before, during, and after the Civil War, Charles Sumner was the most influential politician fighting for abolition. Throughout Reconstruction, and till the day he died, he championed the rights of emancipated people, moving America toward the goals of abolitionism and equal rights. He laid the foundational arguments that civil rights advocates would build upon over the next century.
Please join us in the Parlin Memorial Library Meeting Room. If you have any questions, please email Kathleen, the Adult Services Librarian, at slipp@noblenet.org or call (617) 394-2300.
https://www.everettpubliclibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/everett-public-library-logo.cleaned.svg00Aubrianna Skaggs-Bradshttps://www.everettpubliclibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/everett-public-library-logo.cleaned.svgAubrianna Skaggs-Brads2026-05-12 14:46:472026-05-26 14:47:36Local Author Returns to the Everett Public Libraries
Antique Appraiser Returns to the Parlin Memorial Library!
Last year, Mr. Rick Keller, of Perfect Pastime 617, offered his two decades of experience hosting antique and collectible appraisals at 40 libraries, including the Parlin Memorial Library. If you have antiques or collectibles at home and you want to know what they might be worth, appraiser Mr. Keller can help! Last year, a $500.00 dollar bracelet from an estate sale was found to have the value of $5,000.00. Bring anything from trading cards to coins to comics to video game consoles! What do you have at home?
To sign up for a 10 minute time slot with Mr. Keller, email photos of three items, along with your name and phone number, to Kathleen Slipp at slipp@noblenet.org. Appointments will be available from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Space is limited. To ensure your spot, please register by March 13th.
If you have any questions, please call Kathleen at (617) 394 2300.
Rick Keller examines a perfume bottle at the Parlin Memorial Library in March, 2025.
https://www.everettpubliclibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/everett-public-library-logo.cleaned.svg00Aubrianna Skaggs-Bradshttps://www.everettpubliclibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/everett-public-library-logo.cleaned.svgAubrianna Skaggs-Brads2026-02-27 10:47:162026-02-27 10:47:19Antique Appraiser Returns to the Parlin Memorial Library!
It has been an eventful year at the Everett Public Libraries! As the year comes to a close, the librarians were excited to look back and reminisce about the best of 2025. Here are just a few of the wonderful highlights:
“I have loved how so many parents,grandparents and children have enjoyed Kristin and my storytimes. It has been such a pleasure to interact with such wonderful people. It warms my heart to see the adorable children either listening to a story or shaking their sillies out!” – Karen
“For me, the best part of the year has been seeing so many people enjoying the Children’s Department at the Shute Library. It has cozy community vibes. People feel comfortable spending hours browsing, reading, playing, socialising, doing homework, and just hanging out at the library.” – Valerie
“My highlight has been the trust of patrons giving me the responsibility to pick out their books to read and movies to watch, and then hearing their reactions when they come to return the items.” – JoAnne
“My highlights were building the kind of trust where patrons regularly turn to the staff for book recommendations, knowing we’ll help them discover new titles they’ll love, and watching Gandalf, our visiting cat therapist, work his gentle magic, offering purr-filled comfort to anyone who needs a quiet moment during their busy days.” – Trisha
From Poetry Month to the Halloween Masquerade to the Christmas Tree Lighting, this year has been so full, and we at the library are so thankful for all of you. We are looking forward to even more programming, services, and books in the new year. We’ll see you then!
https://www.everettpubliclibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/everett-public-library-logo.cleaned.svg00Aubrianna Skaggs-Bradshttps://www.everettpubliclibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/everett-public-library-logo.cleaned.svgAubrianna Skaggs-Brads2025-12-30 14:41:232025-12-30 14:41:262025 at the Library – A Year in Review
One Card, Endless Possibilities: Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month this September
This September, the Everett Public Libraries invite you to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and discover how a single card can open the door to endless opportunities.
With a library card, you can do more than check out books. From free events and job resources to homework help and streaming media, today’s libraries connect communities to information, inspiration, and each other.
This year’s theme, “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” is a reminder that libraries are for everyone—no matter your age, background, or goals. Whether you’re diving into a new hobby, searching for your next great read, brushing up on tech skills, or helping your child succeed in school, it all starts with a library card.
At the Everett Public Libraries, you’ll find:
Online Resources – With access to eBooks, audiobooks, streaming services and research databases, a library card will show you the world of free online information.
A Library of Things – You can borrow much more than books! We have board games, museum passes, wifi hotspots, assistive glasses for the colorblind, and many “things” you might not expect to find at the library.
Programs and events for all ages – From storytimes and book clubs to tech help and resume assistance, there is something for everyone at the Everett Public Libraries.
Getting a library card is free, easy, and empowering. For students, it’s a key to academic success. For adults, it’s a gateway to lifelong learning. For everyone, it’s a smart way to stay connected to your community.
Find us throughout September at these locations:
Everett City Hall (5pm on Sept. 8th & 22nd)
Edward G. Connolly Center
Samuel Gentile Recreation Center
Everett Parks: Glendale, Florence Street, Meadows, Swan St.
The Well Coffee House
Night Shift Brewing
Stop by the Parlin Memorial Library or the Shute Memorial Library, or visit us online at everettpubliclibraries.org to sign up for your card today. Because with a library card, the possibilities are truly endless.
Everett Public Libraries Kick Off Summer Reading Challenge with Celebration on June 14
Celebrate art and creativity with the Everett Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge! This year’s theme, “Color Our World: A Journey of Art and Creativity”, invites readers of all ages to explore how art enriches our lives—from painting and music to storytelling and design. Read books, join fun events, earn prizes, and let your imagination shine. Whether you’re discovering new passions or diving deeper into past skills, this summer is your chance to make the world your canvas.
The Summer Reading Kickoff will take place at the Parlin Memorial Library located at 410 Broadway on June 14th, from 11am to 1pm. Organized by Everett’s dedicated library team, the kickoff event promises something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy:
Interactive art stations and crafts
Face Painting
Refreshments, music, and giveaways
Onsite registration for the Summer Reading Challenge
The fun doesn’t stop there! Everett has the fortune of having two vibrant library locations serving the Everett community, and the Shute Memorial and Parlin Memorial libraries will be offering a wide array of programs, resources, and spaces that make it easier than ever for families to stay engaged, entertained, and learning all summer long.
“Having both the Parlin and Shute Libraries means more opportunities, more events, and more access for our community,” said Kevin Sheehan, Director of the Everett Public Libraries. Children’s Librarians Kristin McAuliffe and Valerie Terenzi have a variety of educational and entertaining programs on the calendar aiming to reduce the “summer slide”, when children experience a decline in their ability to read.
The Summer Reading Challenge runs from June 14 through August 23, encouraging readers of all ages to explore books, attend programs, and create art inspired by what they read. Participants can earn prizes for each challenge they complete in their Summer Reading Passport and take part in special events throughout the summer.
Whether you’re a lifelong library lover or a first-time visitor, come help us Color Our World and experience everything your Everett Libraries have to offer.
The EPL Annual Poetry Contest is back, complete with cash prizes! Open to all Everett students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, original poem submissions will be accepted through April 14th. Finalists chosen by the judging committee will be invited to read their poem at the contest awards ceremony, held on April 29th at the Shute Memorial Library. Learn more about the contest at everettpubliclibraries.org/annual-poetry-contest/.
The Everett Public Libraries are excited to announce the arrival of our new, limited edition library cards! These designs are the results of the Library Card Design Contest held at the end of 2024. All final designs were decided by community vote!
After the cards arrived, we had the honor of interviewing each of the winners. Here is what they had to say about the experience, and what inspired them in designing their cards:
Grace Jackson, winner of the Youth Category, has lived in Everett her entire life and was excited to hear about the Library Card Design Contest. She told us her “fifth grade teacher Mrs. Russel, who is now an art teacher, came up and said ‘Grace, I know you like drawing, there’s a cool contest that the library is doing’…I ended up taking home the paper and finishing it overnight!” In creating her design, Grace says “I picked up drawing a couple years ago, and I love it…I like to use markers, pencils, and paint.” Grace used colored pencils to create her illuminated bookshelf of the Everett Public Libraries.
Angela Su was the winner of the Teen Category of the Library Card Design Contest, and is a frequent visitor of the Everett Public Libraries. Angela has been doing digital art since middle school and shared with us an interesting fact about her artwork: “I drew it all on my phone!” She offered to share the speed-painting of her completing her design, which you can view on the libraries’ website to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Pictured on the card are colorful images of a group of individuals near the water fountain in Everett Square; Angela says, “Everett is such a diverse community. I wanted to include every type of person.” As for her artistic endeavors, Angela has a big goal: “I want to illustrate a children’s book one day… I think this was a trial to see what kind of art style I want to do with it.”
Graziela Flor-Fanjul, the Adult Category winner, created a lovely rendition of the Kathleen A. Donnelly Reading Room at the Parlin Memorial Library to be featured on her design. The room was dedicated in 2024 in honor of a former Everett resident who generously bequeathed a significant financial gift to the Everett Public Libraries at her passing. In Graziela’s depiction of the room, sitting in the cozy chairs, you will see the likeness of her and her partner, and even their dog on the front cover of the book pictured in the design!
Want to get your own limited edition card? Hurry to the library to choose from any of our new designs while they last! NOTE: Even if you already have a library card, you can exchange your old one for any of the new designs.
BONUS: Watch out teen winner, Angela, create her winning design below!
The winners have been selected for the Everett Public Libraries 2024 Library Card Design Contest!
Youth Category Winner: Grace Jackson
Teen Category Winner: Angela Su
Adult Category Winner: Graziela Flor-Fanjul
Thank you to everyone who participated and voted in the contest. These designs will be available as limited-edition library cards in the near future, so stay tuned for updates!
