As August begins, we take one more step toward my favorite season—autumn—and one giant leap closer to one of the most exciting moments in Belmont history: the opening of our brand-new library.
But summer’s still going strong, and that means it’s the perfect time to soak up some culture and air conditioning at the incredible destinations included in our Museum Pass Program. Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Library, Belmont residents have access to free or discounted admission to many of the region’s top cultural spots—like the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts and Gardner Museum. We also offer passes to gems outside the city, like Orchard House in Concord, The New England Botanic Garden in Boylston, and the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem.
Most of these passes admit up to four people, which means one family trip can save anywhere from $60 to $140. If every available pass were used every day, the total annual savings for our community could exceed $300,000. That’s an incredible return—and a powerful reminder that at the Belmont Public Library, we don’t just lend books. We open doors.
So whether you’re planning a weekend family outing, looking to enrich a staycation, or hoping to spend a cool afternoon somewhere inspiring—let your library card be your passport to discovery.
And speaking of fall (and things that make me smile)… mark your calendars! One of my absolute favorite community events is coming up fast: the third annual Belmont TownWide Yard Sale, happening Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with a rain date the following Saturday, Sept. 27).
Whether you’re setting up shop in your driveway or out treasure-hunting around town, this event is a blast for everyone. Last year, we had more than 100 homes participating—that’s a whole lot of great finds, good neighbors, and shared energy.
Why do we love this event? Here are just a few reasons:
- The yard sales are better, bigger, and more fun when they’re all happening at once.
- Shoppers come out in droves, which means better success for sellers.
- A digital map makes it easy to find participating homes.
- Tons of items find new life instead of ending up in the landfill.
- And it brings a real boost to our local economy—cafés, shops, and restaurants get a bump too.
So if you’ve got a garage full of things ready to pass on, or you’re just itching for a good deal and a great day out—join us. Registration is now open!
And stay tuned… because pumpkin pie, hoodies, and backyard fire pits are around the corner.
Peter Struzziero has been the library director since 2015. He lives in Weymouth with his wife and four pets.
