March 28, 2024

News & Notes from the Blanding Library

Posted

Welcome Back to the Blanding!
The library is open to visitors again! There are computers and printers for your use and books waiting for you. In order to protect the health and safety of our community and reduce transmission of the virus, the library is requiring mask use for everyone in the building. Please continue to return items into the outside book drop instead of to staff members. Group meeting space remains unavailable at this time.

To make sure a space is reserved for you when you arrive at the library, please call (508) 252-4236 to schedule a one-hour computer session or 1/2 hour browsing session. Or, you may drop by the library and see if space if available.

The library’s online services continue to be available any time from www.sailsinc.org, as well as the Overdrive and Libby eBook apps. You may also sign up for an e-card with Boston Public Library to access additional online resources, https://www.bpl.org/ecard/

Library director Whitney Pape says, “Thank you for your patience and understanding while our building was closed, and please come see us when you’re comfortable doing so.”

Flags of Hope Project
The Blanding Library has small blank flags that can be decorated by our patrons with images or texts that have a special meaning to them, as part of a community project at the Blanding. Themes can be universal such as hope, peace, love, strength and courage. During these difficult times, it is hoped that these images of hope will express everyone’s wish for better times to come.

Fabric ink and flags will be available at the library; you may also may take them home to decorate. Words, drawings or symbols can be used.  An outside display at the library will showcase the completed flags, which will hang outside for a period of time, hopefully as an inspiration to all who pass by. To find out more about this project, stop by or call 508-252-4236.

Ongoing Used Book Sale
We regret that we will not be able to hold our annual used book sale as a special event this fall, but there are lots of great used books for sale on tables in the hall at the library. Feel free to browse any time the library is open.

Virtual Programs for Children
You can find children’s programs to watch for free on the library’s website (www.blandinglibrary.net) under Program and Events Calendar. Just click on the program you want to watch.  

Miss Joyce: the Blanding’s own Miss Joyce presents special story times featuring books, songs, activities and visiting nature outdoors. Join in anytime!

Nancy Cote, local author and illustrator, continues to share her collection of picture book stories, such as “Leonard’s Beard” and “Mrs. Frickle’s Pickles”.

Puppeteer Leigh Baltzer has added new titles to Newton’s Puppet Stories. You can watch her puppets read stories like “The Little Engine that Could” or “Augustus and His Smile.”

For a listening treat on video, the Storytime Quintet, five women musicians from Massachusetts, perform the musical adaption of “Ferdinand the Bull” with music from Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen”.

The Boston Public Library, as well as the New York Public Library, often share free programs including art and music on the library’s Facebook page. Check often for new postings to enjoy. The Library often posts Face book links from the Mass. Library Association of recommended reading for young readers, along with postings from the NASA Science Center.

Special thanks to Jennie who brings Kindness Rocks to the library’s garden. These rocks are painted with simple inspirational messages and pictures to share.

The Blanding Public Library, 124 Bay State Rd., is open Mon. through Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays. Phone 508-252-4236. www.blandinglibrary.net.

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