Boomerangs is the re-sale store run by the AIDS Action Committee. You can find clothing, furniture, home goods, CDS, movies, and lots of other stuff all gently used and available "new to you." The stock changes all the time, so you need to stop in often. The store windows on Centre Street change often too - and are really public art pieces more than retail tools. They cleverly feature items on sale but in unusual tableaus. Proceeds from the store support the work of the AIDS Action Committee. You can make donations of goods around at the back of the store - but please only during the set hours (otherwise you are subject to a fine for illegal dumping). Donations are also taken at the Boomerangs Donation Center at the Brewery Complex. And they will come and pick-up furniture -- call to discuss details.

TIPS FOR THE BOOMERANGS NOVICE:

• To find the truly fabulous deals, you need to scour the racks on a regular basis (at least once a week).
• Boomerangs staffers showcase seasonal goods--ranging from Halloween trinkets to Christmas snow globes--located at a table in the front of the store.
• The die-hard Boomerangs junkie knows that the shop also has brand-new clothing from top-tier shops like Brooks Brothers and Filene's Basement. The only catch? Staffers mark the collar with a black marker to prevent returns to the original location.
• Common brands found at Boomerangs include Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole and even Armani.
• Boomerangs has a strict "no returns" policy. So, don't even try.
• The store offers daily specials on clothing marked with a color-coded tag. So, if a specific shirt you like has a red tag, wait until it's "red tag day" to get additional savings.
• The staff is generally very knowledgeable so if you're looking for a hidden gem buried within the racks of clothing, they're always willing to help out.
• Centre Street regulars have come to expect funny, usually elaborate, window displays (their recent "Circus Freaks" sideshow-themed window, for example, is stunning) that creatively uses goods found within the store.
• Interested in purchasing items showcased in their elaborate window displays? Boomerangs now auctions of the goods in a raffle at the front desk.
• The staff's taste in music is impeccable--with indie-rock gems like Guided By Voice's "Bee Thousand" and Matador lo-fi classics like Yo La Tengo--seranading customers as they browse the racks.

_

Connolly offers weekly film programs for children. The Homework Assistance Program (HAP) runs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30pm for children in grades 3 through 8. Preregistration is required.

JP was the first branch library set up in the BPL system and the building is a bit worse for the wear. Still, the librarians are happy to provide you with excellent service even if the heating often leaves them shivering! Excellent children's section and expanded area for readers with the re-opening of the mezzanine level. Library includes public internet terminals (you need a library card) signed up for on a first-serve basis. The new head librarian, Jim Morgan, has added more programming - surely no other branch has had a punk band in to perform!

Not just a local bookstore with a very large selection, but a multicultural bookstore that celebrates the diversity of its community. There are great cards as well as books on every topic. Jamaicaway hosts a weekly jazz jam on Sundays, in its downstairs room as well as other events - author readings, talks and lectures.

Truly a local bookstore, Rhythm & Muse is in the lower story of a house on Centre Street. And the ambience here really is like stepping into a living room -- one filled with a lot of bookshelves. They sell books, music and magazines - so you can stop in for whatever you need. If they don't have what you are looking for, they will order it for you. The staff is happy to make suggestions and really works to help you out. It's why a local bookstore beats those national chains anytime.
Rhythm & Muse runs a book group which meets on the first Wednesday of the month. You get a discount on the book chosen each month and then can come in to discuss its finer (or lesser) points with the other members.

_