Sharing Joy and Togetherness this Season: The Malden Public Library Featured a Busy Month of Holiday-Themed Events

Malden residents didn’t have to go far – or spend any money – to enjoy a variety of holiday-themed events this season. The Malden Public Library (MPL) offered numerous opportunities for the local community to celebrate the magic of the season together. Throughout December, the MPL hosted festive, seasonal programming that included an opera performance, a holiday sing-along, classic movies, crafts and more.

The Library’s holiday happenings kicked off with their annual winter concert, hosted by the Friends of the Malden Public Library (MPL) and the Malden Historical Society. This year’s event featured talented local musicians from Malden’s Mystic Side Opera Company, who performed winter-themed arias and duets from popular operas including Tosca, Samson and Delilah, Pagliacci, Rigoletto and Carmen. More than 70 attendees enjoyed the show and a post-concert reception in the Library’s beautiful Ryder Galley.

The Library’s Friends Winter Book Sale on Dec.13 was a big hit, as patrons stocked up on holiday gifts, as well as books to read during these cold winter months. Patrons were treated to complimentary gift wrapping and tasty beverages sold by the Traveling Acoffeecary. Several days later, patrons donned their most festive holiday sweaters for the Carol-Oke Campy Christmas Event, a lively seasonal singalong. This was an evening to remember, as neighbors sang classic holiday songs and sampled an assortment of delicious treats.

Throughout December, community members gathered at the Library to enjoy holiday-themed movies, game nights, and crafts. Attendees especially enjoyed making Perler bead ornaments and decorating gingerbread cookies in a warm, welcoming environment. The Library also hosted events for local children, including holiday-themed story times, crafts, and music classes.

As always, these events and programming were free and open to the public.

“It is always special to celebrate with our community during the holiday season. The Library staff loves bringing neighbors together to sing festive music, watch classic movies, create cute crafts, and spend quality time together. A personal highlight for me was the Carol-Oke sing-along. Throughout the event, I looked around and felt such authentic joy in the room,” said Malden Public Library Director Dora St. Martin.

For more information about upcoming events, please visit the Events & Programs page of the Library’s website: https://maldenpubliclibrary.org/.

The Malden Public Library provides free resources, items, services, and programming for the Malden community. As a private, non-profit corporation, the Library uses a trust – established by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Elisha Converse and his wife Mary Diana – to fund the building’s maintenance, renovations, artwork, and books. Thanks to the generous trust fund, the Malden Public Library costs local taxpayers less while providing the same essential services. The Library also receives generous donations from individuals and private foundations. The Library is located at 36 Salem Street in Malden.