Chelsea Public Library opens new programming in new space

Since opening the doors to its new building in March, the Chelsea Public Library has been looking for ways to continue to expand, said Library Director Dana Polk.

The library has seen a growth in its community reach, issuing 165 new library cards in its first six weeks and circulating more than 9,000 items, as well as its programming and offerings. In June, the library started circulating Rokus, a device that can help the library distribute the digital versions of movies, Polk said. 

In June, the library also launched a new coding class — which filled up before it even started, according to Polk — and the middle grade book club, which takes placeMondays at 2 p.m. 

The library will also host a “Hands-On Thursday,” a time for people to stop into the library anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to try out new technology offerings. There will be iPads, Cubelets (interlocking blocks that kids can use to build functioning robots), Lego Boost (specialty Lego blocks that can be used to also build robots), Code-a-piller (a “caterpillar” that can be rearranged to complete different functions) and other new technologies, Polk said.

Chelsea Public Library will also continue its sixth grade up and reading challenge, an adult reading challenge and its summer movie series. The remaining summer movies are Star Wars on July 3, Paddington 2 on July 10 and Peter Rabbit on July 17.

To stay up to date with library programming, go to chelsealibraryonline.com.