Boston Public Library announces programs for school vacation week

This February Vacation Week (February 20 - 23), Boston Public Library locations across the city host a variety of entertaining and educational programs funded by the Highland Street Foundation and with support from Boston Public Library donors. Children and families can enjoy a fun and funny concert by Matt Heaton, an interactive show about bubbles with Mike the Bubble Man, an educational, Brazilian-influenced concert from Sulinha’s Trio, and a musical retelling of Hansel and Gretel from the Boston Lyric Opera. For a complete list of offerings, locations, and dates across the city, visit www.bpl.org/calendar.

Boston Centers for Youth & Families' community centers across the city additionally host special programming during February Vacation Week, which can be viewed via www.boston.gov/bcyf.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Highland Street Foundation on this program series for the second year in a row, ensuring a break from the classroom can be both educational and entertaining,” said Farouqua Abuzeit, Boston Public Library’s Youth Services Manager.

Concerts with Matt Heaton: Children and their families will enjoy an entertaining concert by Matt Heaton. Matt’s songs are a mix of rockabilly, surf, American roots, and Irish traditional music, delivered with a sense of humor and sincere sense of fun. View dates and locations here.

Mike the Bubble Man: Mike the Bubble Man brings magic and science to the stage with this interactive show about bubbles. Through music, choreography, and comedy, bubbles — in all different shapes and sizes — come alive, sparking imagination and wonder. A love for bubbles is never outgrown, especially when there's a chance to see the world from inside of one. View dates and locations here.

Hansel and Gretel with Boston Lyric Opera:  Join Boston Lyric Opera to learn how they bring the story of Hansel and Gretel to life through music, acting, and movement. Two professional singers, a pianist, and a teaching artist engage audiences in this interactive introduction to opera through a one-hour retelling of the Brothers Grimm classic fairytale. Ideal for youth ages 6-12. View dates and locations here.

Concert with Sulinha's Trio: You will hear Itzy Bitzy Spider in a Bossa Nova beat, as well as many original songs with topics such as counting, the four seasons, elephants, and many other interactive and dancing songs. Children will be introduced to traditional instruments from Brazil such as Berimbau, Cuica, Pandeiro, and Surdo. View dates and locations here.

Boston Public Library has a Central Library, twenty-four branches, map center, business library, and a website filled with digital content and services. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts thousands of programs and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit bpl.org.