5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 8

1. It will be one of the most popular gifts under the Christmas tree or around the Menorah: Amazon's Kindle Reader is becoming THE way for many people to read books, magazines and the news. And one of the best places to pick up free books is at the . So join the Belmont Public Library's Technology Librarian, Emily Smith, for "OverDrive Simplified," a hands-on workshop on downloading free eBooks using the library's OverDrive Digital Media Catalog from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the Assembly Room. Bring your Kindle, USB cord, laptop – if you have one – Amazon login (user name and password) and your library card number. Space is limited.  Registration is required. Call 617-993-2870, or go to the webpage here.

2. Belmont Against Racism will be holding its monthly meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Staff Room of the Belmont Public Library. The BAR promotes dialogue, awareness, and understanding about prejudice and celebrates diversity in Belmont. Meetings are open to the public.

3. On a yucky morning like today, it's great to know that the Belmont Family Group is hosting its monthly PlayTime! at St. Joseph's Parish Center, 130 Common St., from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. It's a fun and casual non-denominational social event for youngsters and their caregivers hosted by parents with young children who are looking to connect and share ideas and resources with other Belmont families. So come play and meet other local young families at this free event. 

4. Drop-in Vinyasa-style yoga classes, taught by professional instructors, will be held this evening at 7 p.m. at the Plymouth Congregational Church, 582 Pleasant St. All levels welcome. Please bring your own mat. Free parking on Pleasant, Leonard, and in the Claflin Street Parking Lot behind Belmont Cener. The positioning will take place in Gardner Hall, at the back of the church – enter the hall from Alexander Street entrance. $10 for the session. All proceeds benefit Plymouth Nursery School.

5. Infant Lapsit Storytime is for infants and pre-walkers where they can enjoy songs, finger plays, and rhymes chosen especially for the youngest patrons of the Belmont Public Library. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Flett Room.