Summer is here and everyone at HHSL is looking forward to the 4th of July! See our library hours for the holiday weekend. The weather forecast says it will be mostly sunny on the 4th and 5th, but scattered showers throughout the weekend, so keep that umbrella in your bag! Here are our suggestions for how to enjoy a happy and healthy holiday weekend:

Fireworks Over Boston by Mike Halsall is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

The quintessential Boston 4th of July celebration is the Boston Pops performance and fireworks show on the Esplanade. Visit the official event website for a rundown of the schedule and more event details.

By jimsideas CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 via Flickr

For fun throughout the weekend, head down to Boston Harborfest. Dedicated to celebrating Boston’s harbor and history, it’s the largest 4th of July festival in the country and features tons of activities, some free and some paid. Here’s the full schedule. Don’t miss the fireworks over the Inner Harbor on Tuesday night!

USS Constitution fires a 21-gun salute toward Fort Independence during the ship’s July 4th underway (US Navy) / CC BY 2.0

Go check out the USS Constitution turnaround! Watch the USS Constitution take her annual voyage to Castle Island to fire a 21-gun salute. You can buy a ticket for the cruise or watch from the shore!

Newton Fireworks at at Halloran Sports and Rec Complex by Owen and Aki is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Don’t want to fight the crowds for Boston fireworks on the 2nd or the 4th? Here’s a list of all the fireworks displays planned for this summer in MA. Of particularly local note, Somerville will be having a display on Thursday 6/27 at 9:15pm and Newton and Waltham will also have fireworks displays on Thursday 7/4.

By Bertram Nudelbach CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, we hope you have a happy, healthy, and safe Independence Day. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Have a Happy 4th of July!