For Brookline resident Christie Ricaldi, taking a memoir-writing class through the Boston Public Library felt like a gift — an opportunity to focus on her family’s story after she spent long days working at Boston Children’s Hospital. Once a week, she made her way to the North End Branch for the eight-week course, offered in partnership with the writing center GrubStreet.
“My mother and I immigrated from Peru to the United States when I was young,” Christie said. “She worked hard to build a new life here and never had time to write down her experiences. Because of this writing class, I asked her questions, and she’s been so supportive in helping me tell the stories that shaped me. It’s such a privilege to have this time and space to write.”
The course is part of a larger effort by the BPL’s Community History Department, which helps individuals and community groups document their stories through programs and workshops at the Central Library and at branches across the city.
Although the class is now complete, Christie continues to write. Her first poem — about how her parents chose her name—is finished, and she has ideas for future work. Her advice for others: “Your story matters. The BPL’s memoir classes are such a great opportunity to improve your writing skills and learn about yourself.”
Community History programming is made possible with the support of Bank of America, through the Boston Public Library Fund. Learn more about Community History programming.
Photo caption: Christie (right) and her mom (left).