I grew up in Belchertown Ma, near the Quabbin Reservoir. My street, Old Enfield Road ends in the water of the reservoir, and you can see the pavement trail off under the water. That’s because the town of Enfield Ma (along with 4 other towns) were demolished in the 1930s to build the Quabbin Reservoir (which … More Library Story: Wash
When I was writing my first novel, more than 20 years ago, the Brookline Library had a secret stash of books, the stacks. They took up all of what’s now downstairs. If you were very nice to the librarians, they’d let you explore the stacks. It was a magic world for me, full of shelves … More Library Story: a rarity recovered
It is almost eleven and a mere two hours since I have washed the breakfast dishes and emptied the drainer, replacing my coffee mug, (Guilford College Mom) and Mark’s (Smithsonian Bug Mug, memento of a playful trip to DC) in the crowded cabinet that holds our tenderly mismatched assortment. Like us, they are a bit … More Library Story: Swoon, a domestic reprieve
My library story involves my mom and dad. Years ago when i was was 2 or so, mom suspected dad was cheating on her. When she finally had proof and knew the truth, she confronted him in the library and threw her wedding ring at him. She always talked about how it ping, ping, pinged … More Library Story: Ping, ping, pinged
Join Liz Nofziger to infiltrate the Brookline Library with your own images and ideas! Tuesday, October 18th 3:30-4:30 Tuesday, November 1st 3:30 – 4:30 All Ages Welcome! Before the internet there were newspapers. Have you ever flipped through actual newsprint pages? Would you like to help infiltrate the reading rooms of the Brookline Library? Come … More All Ages Workshop with Liz Nofziger
An older man once embarrassed me in front of a group of people when he announced I was a sculptor, asked what the monument outside was about and by whom, and then shamed me when I didn’t know. I still don’t. — anonymous Sculpture, large print Fine Arts Reading Room Main Branch
While a student at Runkle School, in the late 50’s, our music teacher, Ursula Feychek, inspired us with the love of music. One of the ways she had us really pay attention to a piece was to introduce the sound of an instrument and then have us listen to it within a composition. We … More Library Stories: Feeling the Music
Perhaps you have seen things on social media and around the Brookline Library asking you to submit a story to our Artist-in-Residence, Liz Nofziger. Have you found the Ruby Carrel and wondered what that was about? In addition to delving into the recorded history of the Brookline Library, which resides in the stacks, Liz is delving into your … More The Library Stories Series
I am honored as incredible library stories are coming in, primarily through the story submission form on this site, as well as via the Ruby Carrel in the Main Branch. Through these personal library story submissions, I’ve been privy to deep library crushes, revelations, embarrassments, secret drawings, and sonic explorations. I’ve learned of a beautiful … More incredible stories coming in…
The Public Library of Brookline 