News & Notes from the Blanding Library

Solar Eclipse Program April 8
There’s lots going on at the Blanding this spring, starting with an astronomy program on Mon. April 8, from 6:30 to 7:30. Join Astronomical Society of Southern New England member Jason LeGrow, who has been an amateur astronomer for 30 years, while we will experience a near-total solar eclipse. There will be eclipse-viewing glasses available at the event and Moon Pies while they last!  Jason will also have several telescopes set up outside the library if it's a clear night.

School Vacation & More      
FAMILY YOGA will be offered again on Wed. April 17 at 10:30. Instructor Rebecca Mele from Little Yoga will lead a program designed for children and their caregivers. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle for this fun program for all levels. No need to register. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Blanding Library.

PUPS RETURN!  Remember Delish and Bachus from their February visit? Dog owners Avis and Cotton will return for another visit with their two therapy dogs on Wed. April 17 at 12:30. For all ages; no registration necessary.

LEARN ABOUT COYOTES on Thurs. April 18, 2-3 pm. No, actual coyotes won’t be there, but preschoolers can learn all about these fascinating animals in this children’s program presented by the Mass Audubon Southeast Sanctuaries and designed to give children a deeper understanding of the natural world. It is brought to you by the Friends of the Blanding Library. Registration is required. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5, siblings welcome. 

EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES Tues. April 23. The Rehoboth Garden Club will offer a fun Springtime/Earth Day family event at 6 pm, suggested for children in grades K to 4, siblings welcome. Listen to several stories about caring for the earth and complete a planting to take home. Registration is required.

Virtual Baking Demo April 17  
"Cooking with Scraps" is an online event slated for Wed. April 17 at 7 pm featuring cookbook author Lindsay-Jean Hard and Amy Emberling of Zingerman’s Bakehouse. The duo will also discuss how to get the most out of our foods, including scraps, and answer questions. To register for this unique online event, go to www.blandinglibrary.net  and click on Programs and Events Calendar, where you will find the link to register.

Eagles Nest Live Open Mic April 20
There will be a fun evening of live music at an open mic session at Goff Hall on Sat. April 20 from 5-8; sign-up begins at 4:30. There is a 3 song, 15-minute limit per performer. PA system and microphones will be provided or you can bring your own mic. Coffee/tea/snacks available for $1.

The Sinking of the Larchmont May 2
Providence Journal columnist Daniel Harrington will share his knowledge of the worst maritime disaster in Rhode Island history. This was the sinking of the Larchmont on Feb. 11, 1907, when the steamship collided with the schooner Harry Knowlton in Block Island Sound. Come to the library at 6:30 on Thurs. May 2 to learn more about this gripping story. No registration necessary.

Special Mother’s Day Tea May 11
You are invited to enjoy afternoon tea with Mrs. Michael Gordon, a fictional middle-class housewife from 1908. Mrs.  Gordon will talk about different aspects of her life in that era. This is an interactive program where the audience is free to ask questions of Mrs. Gordon. This event will be on Sat. May 11 at 2 pm. To register please call the library at 508-252-4236.

Ongoing Programs for Kids
Story hours continue on Tuesdays at 10:30 for babies and toddlers (older siblings welcome) and at 10:30 on Thursdays with stories and crafts for children ages 3 to 5, siblings also welcome. No registration necessary.

The Kids Book Club meets on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 for those in grades K-4. Legos at the library will be held next on Sat. April 13 from 10 to 2.

History Discussion Group
The History Discussion Group led by Hank Coleman will conclude this semester with meetings on April 10 and 24, and May 8 and 22, before taking a break for the summer.

Look for more library programs to be offered later this spring. Further details on any Blanding Library programs and events may be found on the library’s website www.blandinglibrary.net or call 508-252-4236. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 8, and on Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Monday April 15 for Patriots Day.