News and Notes from the Blanding Library

Fun and Games at the Library
CANDY LAND: Join us at the library for a life-sized version of the classic children's game, Candy Land. From April 18 to 20, the downstairs level of the library will be transformed into a magical Candy Land.  Make your way along the colorful path through the Lollipop Woods and the Peppermint Forest, where you may meet Lord Licorice and Queen Frostine.  Come as a family, with friends, or individually to play your way to the finish.   This event is free and all ages are welcome. 

GAME DAY:  On Friday April 21, Game Day returns to the Blanding from 11 to 2. Join us in Goff Hall for an afternoon of pizza, board games and bingo.  We'll have games out from 11-2, pizza at 12, and bingo at 1.  Play one of the library's games or bring a favorite from home to share. This event is free and all ages are welcome.

Library Road Trip
Take the Ultimate Library Road Trip by exploring libraries in the SAILS library network between April 18 and 29. Your SAILS library card works at them all so feel free to borrow something while you're there. You can return the item to the Blanding.  Many libraries will have special events or a treat for our Library Road Trippers during these two weeks.  While you're in the neighborhood seek out locally known treasures like the best ice cream or a Nimbus 2000 or the whale of a tale. You can find the map of participating SAILS libraries in Southeastern Massachusetts, local events and suggested local sights at www.malibraryroadtrip.com.

Mango Language Learning  
Want to learn a new language? The Blanding is now offering Mango Language Learning free to Rehoboth library card holders. You can find out how on the library’s website (www.blandinglibrary.net) by clicking on an image on the home page to get started or call 508-252-4236 for more information. If you don’t already have a library card, stop by the Blanding to register.

Children’s Story Times
Now that it’s spring, our Story Walk has returned to the library's front garden area.  Walk along page-by-page to enjoy a picture book featuring a tortoise and a hare.  This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.  Stop inside the library for a Take & Make springtime craft.  Thank you to our Friends of the Blanding Library for sponsoring both our Story Walk and Take & Make craft

Baby/Toddler Storytime will continue to meet Tuesday mornings at 10:30, featuring BIG books, songs, movement and more.  This is geared for those children and infants under 3 years.

Special Story Hour:  On Tuesday April 18 at 10:30, Miss Joyce will have a special guest.  Yoga instructor Rebecca Mele will present "Little Yoga--Think Spring".   Rebecca has designed a program especially for little ones and their caregivers structured to be interactive and fun!  No special mats or yoga gear required.

Story Hour for preschoolers (and siblings), meets Thursday mornings at 10:30.  Several stories are read, followed by a story-related craft.

LEGOS & Earth Day  
LEGOS will return on Saturday April 8 and May 13.  Drop in between 11am and 2pm.  We'll supply the LEGOS; you supply the imagination.  Young children may work with an adult.

The library celebrates Earth Day on Sat. April 22. Be kind to Mother Earth. Stop by the library between 11 and 3. There will be tables set up for special crafts and activities to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day. No registration is needed, but supplies may be limited.

Book Groups & More
The Blanding Library now has two book groups that meet monthly. The Blanding book club meets at 7 pm on the first Wednesday of the month. Call the library at 508-252-4236 for information on the book chosen for May. An afternoon book group meets the second Wednesday of the month from 3 to 4. The book for April 12 is the novel “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman.  For more information, call Desire Palmer at 508-717-1230.

Hank Coleman continues to lead the history discussion group on Wednesday mornings at 11. They are now exploring Reconstruction and the post-Civil War years. For more information, contact hjcoleman@comcast.net.

The Blanding Public Library, 124 Bay State Rd. in Rehoboth, is open from Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Mon. April 17 for Patriots Day. www.blandinglibrary.net or call 508-252-4236.