iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Prepare for the magic and mystery of #Halloween with these tales of spell-casters—from the treacherous and wicked variety to the more kindly sort of #Witch. 🧙‍♀️ For monthly book lists for kids and young adults, subscribe to our PerKIDS newsletter: Perkins.org/LibrarySubscribe

Books for younger readers: Witch reads
Book covers: Baba Yaga, Hansel and Gretel, Room on the Broom, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, The Witches of Dredmoore Hollow, Poison Princess

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

For our next Perkins Library Without Walls, Susan Wilson, author of Heaven by Hotel Standards, will explore the rich and surprising history of Boston’s iconic Omni Parker House. 🗓️ Tuesday, October 20, 2026 🕑 2:00 PM 📍 Zoom room To register, call 617-972-7852.

A discussion with Susan Wilson, author of Heaven by Hotel Standards: The History of the Omni Parker House
10.20.26, 2:00 PM EST
Perkins Library Without Wall
Image: A smiling Susan Wilson, a White woman with a gray pixie haircut and wearing tinted glasses and a black blouse

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Perkins Library will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday. 📚 We hope everyone has a pleasant holiday weekend.

Indigenous Peoples' Day Reminder: Perkins Library will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Based on data from the American Library Association, unfortunately, documentation of challenged books rose to 4,235 titles in 2025, the second highest number ever recorded. 📈 #BannedBooksWeek Check out and read 2025's most banned books by reaching out to Perkins Library.

Book cover: Sold
Description: A series of poems tell the story of a Nepalese schoolgirl who is sold into prostitution. She discovers hope when an American comes to the brothel in India to rescue the girls.

Book cover: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Description: Charlie is a high school freshman reeling from his only friend's recent suicide. He describes making friends with two seniors and growing up with their help.

Book cover: Gender Queer
Description: Started as a way to for the author to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, this memoir is a useful and touching guide on gender identity.

Book cover: Empire of Storms
Description: As monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

For October's reading challenge, read a mystery, thriller, or ghost story, such as Mary, One of Us Is Lying, or Never Whistle at Night! 👻 Our reader advisors are just a call away with even more ideas. #GhostStories #Mystery #Thriller #ReadingChallenge

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Today, September 30, marks 10 years since the #MarrakeshTreaty came into force. This agreement removes legal barriers that otherwise would block the creation and distribution of accessible books for readers with disabilities. 📚 Today, 132 countries are covered by the treaty. 🌐

The Marrakesh Treaty: 10 years, 132 countries
Graphic: A world map with 132 countries highlighted in light blue
Photos: A woman with white hair holding a mug and listening to over-the-head headphones, a man reading from a braille book, and a teach sitting next to a student who is reading from a braille book

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Disability placards and plates allow people with disabilities to park their vehicles in designated accessible parking spaces and to park at meters at no cost. ♿ Massachusetts residents can find the application here: tinyurl.com/DisabilityPlacard

How to apply for a disability placard
Image: A sign with a disability wheelchair icon reading, "Reserved parking" and "Van accessible"

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

For the 2026-2027 theatrical season, there are over 50 live shows in the Boston area with select performances that are audio described by a live narrator via headphones. 🎭 Check out our full guide: bit.ly/4xMOgE6 #AudioDescription #Accessibility

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

September is National Guide Dog Month! 🦮 You and the younger readers in your life can learn about these amazing canine companions together with these recommended reads for preschool through adult ages! 🐾 #NationalGuideDogMonth #GuideDogs #RecommendedReads

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Perkins Library is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Blinded #Veterans Association to distribute Ray-Ban #Meta AI #SmartGlasses to veterans who are patrons of NLS libraries in New England. 🎖️ Learn more at Perkins.org/MetaGlasses

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

In celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth (9/15-10/15), check out these recommendations that embody the spirit of Hispanic American cultures and the fight for #CivilRights! ✊ Find books from the #ReadingTheRevolution list available in accessible formats: Perkins.org/MA250

Read the Revolution MA250: Hispanic Civil Rights
Six book covers in a grid: Bless Me Ultima, Living Beyond Borders, The Undocumented Americans, A Seed in the Sun, Separate Is Never Equal, Esperanza Rising
Background: A colorful mosaic of tiles forming sun and star shapes

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

We stopped by Turtle Books for a special #ASL reading of "Amazing Me! The Right Way to Be," written by Perkins Library volunteer narrator Judie Yuill. 🌈 Misha Blood of Perkins' Deafblind School lead the group in activities and interpreted in sign language. 🤟

A smiling woman holds up an illustrated page with an ASL letter b on it while her other hand displays a b by pointing four fingers up into the air as the thumb crosses over the palm. Children sit around her. The book cover for "Amazing Me! The Right Way to Be," featuring woodland animals and a rainbow, is shown in the foreground.

A smiling woman with glasses performs ASL for an audience of children and adults in a bookstore

A young girl uses a glue stick to paste ASL signs on paper squares onto colorful paper

An a-frame chalkboard sign sits on a sidewalk with the words "ASL Storytime, Saturday 10 AM" written on it.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

We are pleased to offer our patrons Tanglewood Talks, recorded lectures focused on Boston Symphony Orchestra led by Jeremy Yudkin, Professor of Music and Co-Director of the Center for Beethoven Research at Boston University. 🎼 To subscribe, call us at 617-972-7240.

Tanglewood Talks with Jeremy Yudkin
Image: A pair of hands playing a cello next to a portrait of a smiling Jeremy Yudkin, a middle aged man in a dark suit

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Be informed for the November 3rd General Election! 🗳️ We have digital audio, large print, and braille versions of “Massachusetts Information for Voters” available for patrons by request. Receive a copy in the format of your choice by sending us a message or calling 617-972-7240.

Several red booklets, each with the Massachusetts seal on it and words reading "Massachusetts Information for Voters 2026"

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

For our next #LibraryWithoutWalls, DeAnna Quietwater Noriega, author of 50 Years of Walking with Friends, will reflect on decades of storytelling and adventures with her guide dogs. 🗓️ Tuesday, September 15 🕑 2-3 p.m. ET 📍 Zoom room To register, call 617-972-7852.

Perkins Library Without Walls: Author of 50 Years of Walking with Friends, Deanna Quietwater Noriega, September 15, 2:00 PM EST
Photo: A smiling Deanna Quietwater Noriega, a Native American woman with long dark side braids and a red dress sitting next to her German Shepherd guide dog.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Perkins Library is closed today, Monday, September 7, in observance of #LaborDay. We will resume normal operations on Tuesday. We hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend!

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Congratulations to Digital Production & Electronic Technology Manager Garo Papazian on being recognized with Perkins' Janet and William James Excellence Award! 👏 Thanks to Garo, our digital audiobook operations are timely and efficient and our virtual programs run smoothly!

Left to right: Perkins President/CEO David Barth (in a gray suit with an arm around Garo), Library Digital Production & Electronic Technology Manager Garo Papazian (wearing glasses, jeans, and a t-shirt and holding up a certificate), and Kim Charlson (wearing sunglasses, a floral dress, and holding a white cane also with an arm around Garo) all smile in front of a wooden stage.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

For September's reading challenge, read a book about a journey, such as The Odyssey, A Psalm for the Wild-Built, or Life of Pi! ⛵ Our reader advisors are just a call away with even more ideas. #TheOdyssey #ReadingChallenge

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Did you know that #DollyParton was a champion for reading and #Literacy? Through her advocacy, many kids grew up knowing her as "The Book Lady." 🦋 In honor of the country superstar, here are a few of her favorite books, all available in accessible formats at Perkins Library.

Dolly's favorite books
Image: A smiling Dolly Parton with long blonde hair in a tousled updo and a multi-color jacket, hold two picture books in front of a background of a light blue sky and fluttering butterflies.

Book cover: The Little Engine that Could
Text: When a train carrying good things for children breaks down, only the little engine offers to help, and everyone wonders if she can pull the train over the mountain. Preschool-Grade 2.

Book cover: The Count of Monte Cristo
Text: Young sailor Edmond Dantès, unjustly accused of helping the exiled Napoleon in 1815, escapes from jail after fourteen years to take revenge on the four men who caused his imprisonment.

Book cover: Water for Elephants
Text: 1931. Veterinary student Jacob Jankowski's world comes crashing down after his parents’ deaths. Broke, Jacob joins the circus, falls for a married circus star, and cares for animals like Rosie the elephant.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Perkins Library hosted an accessible voting equipment fair in collaboration with the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office to provide attendees an opportunity to evaluate models of voting equipment. 🗳️ Find more ways to vote accessibly in MA at: Perkins.org/VotingMA

A woman in a wheelchair observes a voting machine with a touch screen display as a man speaks to her from the side while holding a ballot

Two men, one holding a pair of headphones in his hand, speaking in front of a voting machine with a touch screen

A man holding a white cane checks out a voting machine with a touch screen

Two hands push a ballot into a slot which is illuminated by a green light

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

It's kinda chic to be a Perkins Library dog. 🐶 Happy National Dog Day! #NationalDogDay #GuideDogs #KindaChic

A German Shepherd in a harness stands guard beside a shelf of books.
Text: Kinda chic to be the guard dog for the largest braille collection on the East Coast

A black Pomeranian with her tongue out looks over the shoulder of a woman holding her
Text: Kinda chic to be so small and fluffy, everyone wants to carry you during tours

A close-up of the face of a black Lab
Text: Kinda chic to live your best retired guide dog life in a library

A yellow lab on a harness, which is held by her person in front of a tulip garden
Text: Kinda chic to always help your person get to where they’re going

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Did you know that more than 39 million books have been published in the United States? 📚 Here are some of the titles the National Library Service acquired this year thanks to patron requests. If there's a title you'd like to request, let us know! #Audiobooks

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

In celebration of #SeniorCitizensDay, check out these titles for younger readers that explore connections across generations. 🧓 For more book recommendations for kids and young adults, subscribe to our monthly PerKIDS emails: bit.ly/40Hq4Gj

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Join a special presentation of our Cape Cod Audio Soundscape episode followed by a discussion with Cape Cod National Seashore Ranger Aleutia Scott! 🐚 🗓️ Tuesday, Aug 25 🕒 3 p.m. 📍 Zoom room Leave a message at the Tele-Fun mailbox to be sent the Zoom link: 617-972-7272

Unearth a Story, 2026 Summer Reading Program
Narrated Soundscapes: Join a special presentation and discussion! Tuesday, August 25
Image: A Cape Cod lighthouse next to a red-roofed house

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Are you or do you know a #Massachusetts voter with a disability? 🗳️ Check out our #AccessibleVoting guide in preparation for the State Primary (accessible ballot request deadline: 8/25) and General Election (accessible ballot request deadline: 10/27): www.perkins.org/votingma

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Did you listen to Audio Descriptive Commentary for this year's FIFA #WorldCup? ⚽ Take @ACBNational's survey so your answers may help improve this #Accessibility program! #AudioDescription This survey is open until August 23, 2026. Submit your feedback: tinyurl.com/WorldCupAudio

Make your voice heard: Take the World Cup audio description survey!
Graphic: A phone screen showing a cleated foot about to kick a soccer ball next to a word bubble containing text reading, "He's heading toward the opposing goal."

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

For our next #LibraryWithoutWalls, Joe Walsh will introduce Adaptive Sports New England, highlighting how inclusive recreation and adaptive athletics empower people with disabilities. 🏀 🗓️ Tuesday, August 18 🕑 2 p.m. ET 📍 Tele-fun Zoom room To register, call 617-972-7852.

Perkins Library Without Walls: President, Adaptive Sports New England Joe Walsh, August 18, 2:00 PM ET
Image: A smiling Joe Walsh, with a white buzzcut and wearing a dark suit and tie

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

For August's #ReadingChallenge, read a book that could be considered taboo! 🫢 Our reader advisors are just a call away with ideas. Sign up for the challenge with Massachusetts Center for the Book today: bit.ly/4xBpack

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Join Eugenia Gold (they/them), paleontologist and anatomy professor for an engaging presentation on all things dino and more, Friday, August 14 at 4 pm! 🦖 Summer Reading registrants will receive the Zoom link via email. Register for Summer Reading: tinyurl.com/PerkinsSummer26

Perkins Summer Reading: A discussion with Eugenia Gold, paleontologist and professor, August 14
Image: A smiling Eugenia Gold, a White person with blond wavy hair and wearing a light bluish gray blouse. Behind their portrait is a leafy background and illustrations of a t-rex and brontosaurus.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Happy #AssistanceDogDay! 🐾 An assistance dog is a canine trained to perform tasks that support people with disabilities out in the @blindnewworld.bsky.social. This includes our library #GuideDog friends, Idabelle and Jazzy, who started their guiding journeys at a very young age! 🐶

Text: Now
Photo: Idabelle as an adult German Shepherd with large pointy ears and wearing a leather harness with a handle attached

Text: Now
Photo: Jazzy as an adult black Labrador wearing a blue Perkins-branded bandana around her neck while pointing her snout into the air

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Take a leisurely walk alongside the sandy beaches and blue waves of #CapeCod in our latest narrated #Soundscape episode! 🐚 Your narrators are our very own Perkins Library Director Kim Charlson and Children’s and Young Adult Services Librarian Andrea Everett! Listen now: bit.ly/3TqQA58

Narrated Soundscape: Take a Sea Shore Tour
Image: A red and white lighthouse standing tall before a clear, blue sky.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Having trouble reading printed text, completing paperwork, or enjoying hobbies that require seeing fine details? 🔍 Our patrons can get long-term loans of electronic video magnifiers, also known as CCTVs! For more information: Email Erin.Fragola@Perkins.org or call 617-972-7247

An elementary-age boy wearing glasses places a sheet of paper on a platform attached to a suspended camera and screen display. The screen shows a magnified version of the sheet, revealing a school agenda.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

As part of the NLS and Braille Institute #SummerReading programs, wade into the wetlands in the newest Narrated Soundscapes episode. This week, we’re exploring #EvergladesNationalPark in Florida. 💧 Listen now: bit.ly/3TqQA58

Narrated Soundscapes: Explore the Everglades
Image: A sunset sky reflected in the waters of wetlands surrounded by leafy bushes and trees

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Today is the 36th anniversary of the Americans with #Disabilities Act. ♿ Much progress has been made, but there is still plenty to be done to meet the #ADA's goals of full participation, independent living, equality of opportunity, and economic self-sufficiency. #ADA36

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

In honor of #DisabilityPrideMonth, check out these recommendations by activists, scholars, and storytellers who write with the spirit of the #DisabilityRights fight. ✊ Find the full list at: Perkins.org/MA250

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Our Summer Reading participants had a whale of a time meeting Nile, a life-sized inflatable humpback whale, right on the @PerkinsVision campus! 🐋 Thanks to the Whalemobile team for swimming by and sharing their passion with us! 🐳 #Whalemobile #SummerReading #Whales

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Congrats to our intern, Emma Brinkley, who is a recipient of an ALA Elder Justice Task Force mini-grant! 👏 Emma earned this honor from her digital/health literacy projects at Simmons University and the work she has done to help serve disabled patrons at Perkins Library!

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Our friends at DISCO are hosting an outdoor storytelling event in for Disability Pride Month! Stories, music, food, and partying! 🗓️ July 25 🕕 6-9PM 📍 Follow Your Art Community Studios, 647 Main St, Melrose, MA Want to share a story? Email: Info@DisabledStoriesCollective.org

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

We had a great time at the Boston's ADA Day celebrating the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act! ♿ It was a day of inspirational speakers, a disability resource fair, food, and fun! #ADADay #DisabilityPrideMonth

A group of people, including Boston Mayor Wu, posing behind black letters "ADA" that are about 4 feet tall

A smiling person in a wheelchair holding up a Perkins Library branded tote bag

People gather in front of a table filled with Perkins Library resources

A smiling service dog in a harness turning to look at something behind them

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

For our next #LibraryWithoutWalls, three acclaimed writers will come together to discuss their work, creative process, and how disability, identity, and lived experience shape their writing. 🗓️ July 21, 2026 🕑 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 📍 Zoom To register, call 617-972-7852.

Perkins Library Without Walls: Disabled Author Panel with Abbie Johnson Taylor, Lynda McKinney Lambert, and Dorothy Kelly - July 21, 2PM
Photo portraits: A smiling Abbie with short brown hair, smiling Lynda with curly white hair, and an illustration from Dorothy's book showing a girl with red hair and sunglasses

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Did you know that Perkins has its own adaptation of the #DisabilityPride Flag? ♿ Though ours differs slightly, both versions include five diagonal stripes cutting across a dark background to represent people with different types of disabilities breaking through barriers.

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

As part of the NLS and Braille Institute #SummerReading programs, visit the volcanoes at #HawaiiVolcanoes National Park in the second Narrated Soundscapes episode! 🌋 Listen here: bit.ly/43jFn7G

Narrated Soundscapes: Visit with Volcanoes
Image: A night scene lit up with bright red, bubbling lava spurting from a volcanic crater

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

For our next "Pages to Popcorn" books-turned-movies club, we're reading "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" and watching "The Shawshank Redemption." 🍿 Join the film viewing and discussion: Contact Gina Russo at 617-972-7683 or Gina.Russo@Perkins.org.

Pages to Popcorn: July 28, 2026
Movie poster: The Shawshank Redemption
Book cover: Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

NLS will host a Patron Corner celebrating 20 years of BARD. The program will feature NLS narrators who have experienced both sides of the coin. 🎙️ 🗓️ Monday, July 13 🕖 7 PM ET 📍 Via Zoom To get the Zoom link, leave a message on the Perkins Tele-fun line: 617-972-7272

NLS Patron Corner: Celebrating 20 Years of BARD, Monday, July 13, 7 PM EST.
Image: A dark silhouette of a man speaking into a recording studio microphone

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

For July's reading challenge, read a book found at a Little Free Library, tag sale, or used book store! 📚 Submit your books to the Massachusetts Center for the Book by the end of each month to be entered for prizes! Sign up for the challenge today: MAReadingChallenge.org

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Happy Independence Day and happy 250 years to the United States of America! 🎆 We hope everyone has a fun and safe celebration! 🎇

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Paleontologist Riley Black (she/they) will bring dinosaurs back to life–through narrative! Join us on Friday, July 10 at 4 pm! 🦕 Summer Reading registrants will receive a Zoom link via email for this event. Register for Summer Reading: tinyurl.com/PerkinsSummer26

Perkins Summer Reading: A discussion with Riley Black, paleontologist and author, July 10
Image: A smiling Riley Black, a White woman with brown hair dyed purple and pink in a few strands and wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a bandanna around her neck. Behind her portrait is a leafy background and illustrations of a t-rex and brontosaurus

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks celebration will be presented with live audio description on Saturday evening, July 4, 2026 from 8-10 PM ET (5-7 PM PT) on NBC. 🎆 Live audio description will be provided by Descriptive Video Works via Network SAP. #Fireworks #AudioDescription

4th of July Fireworks with Audio Description, Saturday, July 4, 2026, 8-10 PM ET, 5-7 PM PT
Graphic: Illustration of colorful fireworks in the night sky

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

In observance of Independence Day, Perkins Library will be closed on Friday, July 3. 🎆 Normal hours will resume on Monday.

Perkins Library Independence Day reminder: We will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Graphic: Fireworks in a dark sky

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Perkins Library @perkinslibrary.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

#LGBTQ #PrideMonth and the colors of the rainbow go hand-in-hand! 🏳️‍🌈 At Perkins Library, we want everyone to be able to enjoy the colorful celebrations, even if they are blind! That's why we make tactile graphics known as "swell form tactile images." #TactileArt

A pair of fingers feeling raised graphics on a page featuring stripes of the rainbow represented by different, tactile patterns.
Graphic: The colors of the LGBTQ Pride flag coming from a cloud

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