News & Notes from the Blanding Library

Regular Hours Return
We are happy to announce that the library is now open for all of its regular hours, Monday through Thursday 10-8, and Friday and Saturday 10-4.  Books and other library items being sent to and from other SAILS libraries are no longer being quarantined for a few days as they have been for the past months, so you will get your holds sooner now.

The library will be closed on June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Legislation designating Juneteenth as a Massachusetts holiday was passed last July. In addition to the Juneteenth holiday, the library will be closed for the Independence Day holiday on Mon. July 5 this year.

Paranormal Program Online
“When Objects Talk Back”:  For all those interested in the paranormal, the library is offering an online program on June 21 at 6:00 p.m. presented by the Southcoast Six library group.  “When Objects Talk Back" takes a look into haunted objects and paranormal research with Cody Ray DesBiens and Satori Hawes. Viewers will get the chance to see some of these objects claimed to be haunted and hear the intriguing stories about each item. You can register on their website and a link will be emailed to you before the event. You can register at: https://tinyurl.com/453um3t2

Summer Fun at the Library
June brings the summer solstice on June 20 and a new StoryWalk will feature Mirra Ginsburg’s book, “How the Sun Was Brought Back to the Sky”, illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey. Come and enjoy this StoryWalk which will be on display throughout the summer months in the library’s front garden.

During the week of June 20 - June 27, young patrons may stop in or call to reserve a new Take & Make activity, featuring supplies to create a fairy/gnome home for your home garden.  This kit will be offered only the last week of June and numbers are limited.

Library staff say, “We are thankful to be able to offer programs this summer, either outdoors or inside the library, minding social distancing.”  The Friends of the Blanding Library are sponsoring a Mobile Mini-Golf afternoon Saturday July 10.  The Rehoboth Cultural Council is sponsoring both Magician Scott Jameson in July, as well as Jungle Jim with a performance in August. All three of these events offer fun for the whole family. More details on these programs will be announced soon.  

Other summer events will feature Miss Joyce’s Adventures, Newton’s puppets, author/illustrator Nancy Cote’s virtual stories, and more.  All are listed on our website calendar http://www.rehobothantiquarian.org/blanding-library/ You can also find the Blanding on Facebook or call the library at 508-252-4236 for more information.

Our statewide reading theme this summer is “Tails and Tales”, supported by the MA Library System, the Boston Bruins, Boston Pride (NWHL), and the MA Board of Library Commissioners.  Summer reading packets will be available for Blanding library’s patrons 5 years and older, filled with a reading log, stickers to track reading, a starter Brag Tag, reading lists, and more. 

Suggested reading goals will be listed; however, parents are encouraged to adjust children’s goals to fit the age, reading ability, and “wiggliness” of the child.   New this year are special “Book Buddy” packs for Blanding library’s younger patrons under the age of 5. We will be providing our school’s suggested reading lists, and all library staff members are eager to help you out!