Brookline Opens Public Health Plaza Tuesday, Earns State Climate Leader Designation
Two community milestones land this week: the town's new Public Health Plaza holds its ribbon-cutting Tuesday, June 16, and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources has formally designated Brookline a Climate Leader Community.
TOWN HALL
Brookline Public Health and Human Services is inviting residents to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and pollinator garden planting at the new Public Health Plaza on Tuesday, June 16. The event marks the public opening of the facility and is open to all.
The Climate Leader Community designation from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources recognizes the town's sustained commitment to climate action. The June Town Administrator Newsletter — now posted on the town website — covers the recognition alongside other milestones and events for the month.
The Department of Public Works also holds its next bi-weekly Household Hazardous Waste drop-off on Tuesday, June 16, at the Brookline Transfer Station, 815 Newton Street. Accepted materials include lightbulbs, batteries, oil-based paint, mercury-containing products, fuels, pesticides, and small electronics and tires. The outdoor facility may modify hours for inclement weather; residents should check the DPW webpage before heading over.
SCHOOLS
The academic year is nearly done. Brookline Public Schools will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, and the last day of school is Monday, June 22.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Brookline Public Library's 2026 summer reading program, "Plant a Seed, Read," is underway following kickoff events last week at all three branches. On Monday, June 15, the library offers three programs: "Reading Rocks!: A Bubble, Comedy, and Music Show with Turtle Dance Music" for children; the Council on Aging Book Group, available in person and virtually; and the Virtual Afternoon Book Group for adults.
The Brookline Village Library will host the first-ever Brookline Queer Zine Fest on Saturday, June 20, where attendees can browse and purchase zines and artwork from local artists; the Brookline Booksmith will supply a selection of free zines. All three branches will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"🌱 Patch AM: Hear what a young Brookline violinist plays on national radio" — A young Brookline musician recently had their playing featured on a national radio broadcast, per Brookline Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline)
"🌱 Patch AM: What Brookline families should know about the new Pierce School design" — Patch highlights key details about the evolving Pierce School building redesign that families should follow — a project the district also tracks on its own website, Brookline Patch reports. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline)
"Brookline Student's Invention Aims To Help Restore Forests" — A Brookline student developed biodegradable seed pods intended to shield young plants during their most vulnerable early stages while breaking down naturally in the soil, Brookline Patch reports. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/brookline)
COMING UP
- Tuesday, June 16: Public Health Plaza ribbon-cutting ceremony and pollinator garden planting, Brookline Public Health and Human Services - Tuesday, June 16: Household Hazardous Waste drop-off, Brookline Transfer Station, 815 Newton Street - Friday, June 19: Juneteenth — Brookline Public Schools and all library branches closed - Saturday, June 20: Brookline Queer Zine Fest, Brookline Village Library, 361 Washington Street - Sunday, June 21: International Day of Yoga, free session at the park - Monday, June 22: Last Day of School, Brookline Public Schools