News Flash

BLACKSTONE — Library Director Lisa Cheever and the Blackstone Public Library Board of Trustees warmly welcome members of the community to come enjoy this holiday season at the library, releasing an engaging, festive schedule of events for this December, including a holiday wrapping party and the 11th annual Cookie Walk fundraiser. The Blackstone Public Library is located at 86 Main St.

Monthly Activity Highlight:

Sweet Steps: Take Your Pick at Library's Annual Cookie Walk

This is your chance to get a custom combination of the many styles of homemade cookies made by some of the best bakers from the Blackstone community.

Blackstone Public Library's annual 11th annual Cookie Walk fundraiser is taking place on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is hosting the event at its 86 Main St. building. For just $10 per pound, guests get to mix-and-match, loading up on a wide variety of homemade cookies, in addition to a selection of individually priced specialty treats that will be available for purchase. Guests should arrive early for the best selection.

All proceeds from the cookie walk will help fund library events, programs
and purchases that are not covered by the library’s operating budget. More volunteer bakers are still needed to help make this event a success. Anyone interested in contributing should reach out to Senior Library Technician/Head of Circulation Ellen Goudreau at ellencookielady@gmail.com or call 508-883-1931.

• WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library, 86 Main St.
• MORE INFO: Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. The library cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Persons with food allergies are responsible for self-monitoring food served/used at the library. Ingredient lists for each item will be available upon request. If you are interested in baking cookies for the fundraiser, or would like further information, reach out to Senior Library Technician/Head of Circulation Ellen Goudreau at ellencookielady@gmail.com or call 508-883-1931.

Holiday Happenings:

That's a Wrap: Stop at the Library to Wrap All Your Gifts

Need some space to wrap all your holiday gifts in peace and quiet and privacy? Come to the Blackstone Public Library for its holiday gift wrapping party. For two eight-hour sessions, on Dec. 18 and Dec. 22, the library will provide all the materials and the space for gift wrappers to get all their work done. In addition to wrapping paper, the library will provide bows, labels, gift bags, tissue paper, tape and
 boxes. Materials will feature winter, Hanukkah and Christmas designs. Don't wait until it's too late, wrap up your holiday gift preparations once and for all.

• WHEN: Noon to 8 p.m., on both Thursday, Dec. 18, and Monday, Dec. 22
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Please note, this event is not a gift-wrapping service, and all patrons will be responsible for wrapping their own gifts. For more details, call the library at 508-883-1931, visit www.blackstonepubliclibrary.org or visit the library’s Facebook page.

Fall into the Big Annual Holiday Craft Drop-In Event 

Make some seasonal decor and get in the holiday spirit. The Blackstone Public Library is welcoming the community to the annual holiday craft drop-in event. Guests will get the chance to make one of several crafts, by either choosing from a project template or by creating one of their own, using craft foam, glitter, pipe cleaners, pompoms and other materials. On top of all of that, cookies and hot cocoa will be served during this event. No experience is necessary, and no registration is required. This event is open to all children ages 3 and older.

• WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library, 86 Main St.
• MORE INFO: This event is open to all children ages 3 and older. For more details, call the library at 508-883-1931, visit www.blackstonepubliclibrary.org or visit the library’s Facebook page.

Make New Year's Eve-Themed Cityscape Art

Ring in the New Year by making a special holiday cityscape, arranging this art project using images of stars and fireworks. Held on Dec. 29, just days before the arrival of 2026, this event is appropriate for participants ages 4 and up.

• WHEN: 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 29 
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: For more details, call the library at 508-883-1931, visit www.blackstonepubliclibrary.org or visit the library’s Facebook page.

Children's Programs:

Wag, Read, Repeat: Therapy Dogs Return to Blackstone Library

The therapy dogs are back at the Blackstone Public Library and they're not leaving without hearing a story. Children are invited to read books aloud to a specially trained and certified therapy dog as part of the “Wag and Read – Reading with a Therapy Dog” program. Parents can sign their children up for 15-minute sessions during Monday evening meetups that are scheduled for Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 22 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., as well as Dec. 15 from 5 to 6 p.m. This is a chance for children ages 5 and up to practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog who never complains, judges or spoils the ending.

• WHEN: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Mondays, Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 22; and 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration required. To reserve a 15-minute session, call 508-883-1931 or email Children's Librarian Tressy Collier at tcollier@cwmars.org.

Adult Programs at the Blackstone Public Library:

Make Rudolph the Red-Nosed Cutting Board

Not allowed to join in any reindeer games? Then it's time for reindeer crafts. The Blackstone Public Library is offering local seniors the chance to craft up a decorative cutting board in the image of a reindeer. Library staff member Jean Piechocki is leading a fun seasonal crafting session at the Blackstone Senior Center, teaching participants how to make this holiday decoration.

• WHEN: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4
  WHERE: Blackstone Senior Center, 15 St. Paul St.
  MORE INFO: Space is limited to 15 spots. Registration is required. Participants must be 60 years of age or older to register. This event is funded by a donation from the Blackstone Public Library's LIG MEG account as authorized by the Board of Library Trustees.

Bring an Angel Home This Holiday Season

This event at the Blackstone Public Library is a chance to bring a quiet, happy guardian into your home this holiday season. Seniors from the Blackstone community are invited to make angel shelf sitter decorations during this December's "Senior Crafty Corner" event at the library. All supplies will be provided at the event to help guests to build their own angel to bring home.

• WHEN: 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9
  WHERE: Blackstone Public Library, Meeting Room
  MORE INFO: Space is limited to 20 spots. Registration is required. Participants must be 60 years of age or older to register. Supplies will be provided. This event is funded by a donation from the Blackstone Public Library's LIG MEG account as authorized by the Board of Library Trustees.

Elevate Your Holiday Decor with Seasonal Bubble Wreath

Adults aged 60 and older are invited to come make a holiday bubble wreath, which is like a normal Christmas wreath except made from mesh. This December's "Adult Crafting with Jean" perfect to decorate the home for spring and summer. All the supplies will be provided to make one, and no experience is necessary. This event, led by library staff member Jean Piechocki, will be held twice. But space for each session is limited to 20 people. Sign-ups are now ongoing.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11; and 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library, Meeting Room
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Space is limited to 20 spots for each of the two sessions. To sign up, contact the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931. This event is funded by a donation from the Blackstone Public Library's LIG MEG account as authorized by the Board of Library Trustees.

Churn Up a Special Sweet, Spiced Holiday Spread

Led by library staff member Jean Piechocki, a class of up to 20 participants will learn how to make a festive holiday spread for toast, muffins and more. During this recipe workshop event — as part of the "What's for Dinner?" series sponsored by Unibank — patrons will make their own cranberry honey butter to take home and enjoy.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: This class is limited to 20 participants. Registration is required. This event is part of the "What's for Dinner?" series, sponsored by Unibank. For more info or to sign up, contact the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931.

Get Help with Applications with Jenna Gouin

Need assistance with an application for public assistance? How about a referral to a community organization? Jenna Gouin will be at the library to help during her office hours during two separate sessions in December. Book a 30-minute session and get it done. Gouin, who earned master’s degrees in business administration and organizational leadership from Nichols College in 2015, provides assistance to clients through this program in partnership with the Blackstone Valley Partnership for Public Health. Examples of tasks Gouin helps clients with include MassHealth registration, signing up for fuel assistance and applying for Social Security benefits.

• WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., both on Monday, Dec. 8, and Monday, Dec. 29
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Visit the events page at blackstonepubliclibrary.org or call 508-883-1931 to sign up. This event is sponsored by Dean Bank.

Blackstone Quilters Assemble at the Library

Patch it up with a group of like-minded crafters this December by joining the Quilting Club at the Blackstone Public Library. Come together for a relaxing and creative gathering with fellow quilters. Not a quilter? Become one. Learn some tips and tricks, while doing some quilting. Each meeting is an opportunity to learn, relax, share ideas, work on projects, and enjoy each other's company.

• WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 for more information. This club is sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library.

Give it Your Best Shot at the Photography Club

Join other photographers to discuss various topics, including equipment and techniques. Each month, the Blackstone Photography Club hosts a guest speaker, exploring all things photography-related and providing special insight into the craft. Snacks will be provided.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 for more information or to register. This club is sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library.

Scrap it Up: Learn How to Preserve Family Memories

Scrap your other plans for the evening. The Blackstone Library Scrapbooking Squad is back. This family history scrapbooking class is being held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, starting at 5 p.m. at the Blackstone Public Library. The class is an opportunity to create beautiful scrapbooks, meant to preserve memories and family history. Guests at this Blackstone Public Library event are asked to bring at least four photographs each to use in the scrapbook, along with information about the subject. The rest of the supplies will be provided by library staff.

• WHEN: 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. For more information or to sign up, please contact library staff member Jean Piechocki at jpiechocki@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931. This program is funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Federal Library Services Act, as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Young Adult Programs at the Blackstone Public Library:

Drop Into the Young Adult Holiday Craft Hangout

Students from fifth to 12th grade are invited to come hang out and make some holiday crafts at this young adult drop-in event held every Tuesday in December. This holiday craft drop-in is open to all students in 5th through 8th grade. The more the merrier. No registration is required.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., every Tuesday in December
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration not required. Drop-in event open to 5th through 8th-grade students. For more information or to register, call 508-883-1931 or email Young Adult Librarian Mandi Whipple at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Have It Your Way

Choose your own path and join the fun with fellow middle school-age students at the Choose Your Own Adventure Read-Aloud Book Club. Group members get to decide together on which path to take as they go through Choose Your Own Adventure stories each Tuesday afternoon. This group of adventurers invites participants to read the stories out loud together.

• WHEN: 4 p.m., every Tuesday in December
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration required. Open to 5th through 8th-grade students. For more information or to register, call 508-883-1931 or email Mandi Whipple, Young Adult Librarian, at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Influence the Future of the Library

The monthly meeting of the Teen Advisory Board gives local youth a chance to make their voice heard regarding the future of the Blackstone Public Library and its Young Adult Area. Teenagers now have a chance to share their opinions on books, materials and programs at the library. Come on down and have a say.

• WHEN: 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: No registration required. Open to students in grades 5 through 12. For more information, call 508-883-1931 or email Mandi Whipple, Young Adult Librarian, at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Cursive Comeback: Keep in the Loop with Old-Fashioned Penmanship

Cursive handwriting used to be a standard part of the curriculum in schools, but its use has sharply declined in recent decades, falling out of favor as education has become more digital. But it's making a comeback, including at the Blackstone Public Library, where younger generations will be able to practice their penmanship at 5 p.m. every Thursday.

• WHEN: 5 p.m., every Thursday in December
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: No registration required. Open to students in grades 5 through 12. For more information, call 508-883-1931 or email Mandi Whipple, Young Adult Librarian, at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Technology 101: Learn the Basics of Computers, Smartphones and the Internet

For all the tech novices out there, here's your chance to learn the basics of email, the internet, computers, social media and smartphones. Technology Assistant Hannah Rishel is offering basic hour-long classes on how to use technology, including online library services, such as databases and ebooks.

• WHEN: Scheduling by appointment
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Classes are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 or by emailing Technology Assistant Hannah Rishel at hrishel@cwmars.org.

Ongoing Book Groups:

The Blackstone Book Group Considers 'Skipping Christmas' This December

The Evening Book Group, also known as the Blackstone Book Group, offers participants the chance to discuss amazing works of literature with like-minded readers. This month the group is jumping into "Skipping Christmas," a light, humorous holiday novel by John Grisham. The story is about Luther and Nora Krank, a couple who decide to completely skip the usual Christmas chaos, ditching the no tree, parties and decorations. Instead, the two go on a Caribbean cruise. But their actions send their holiday-obsessed neighbors into an uproar, triggering a series of humorous complications. Copies of the book can be found at the circulation desk.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Contact Renee Milliken at rmilliken@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Get Spooked with the Grim Reader’s Society, a Horror Book Club

The strange, scary and mysterious world of horror literature comes alive with the Grim Reader's Society, also known as The Horror Book Club, at the Blackstone Public Library. This monthly book club focuses on spooky, spine-tingling tales. During its early December meeting, the group will discuss its November assignment, a novel called "NOS4A2." It's a vampire story that follows Vic McQueen, a gifted young woman, who discovers she has a paranormal ability to find lost things, such as a misplaced bracelet, a missing photograph and answers to otherwise unanswerable questions. The novel follows her attempt to save her son from a vicious, supernatural killer. The Grim Reader's Society welcomes newcomers, if they are brave enough. Scaredy cats are welcome, too. Copies of the book of the month are available at the front desk.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Contact Children's Librarian Tressy Collier at tcollier@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Saddle Up with a Book at the Senior Center

The Senior Center Book Club is back with a meeting scheduled for 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16. This group meets on the third Tuesday morning of every month at the Senior Center on St. Paul Street. Monthly books are available at the library's front desk or the Senior Center. New members are always welcome.

• WHEN: 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16
• WHERE: Blackstone Senior Center, 15 St. Paul St.
• MORE INFO: Contact Ellen Goudreau at egoudreau@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Spend an Afternoon Recapping the Latest Book of the Month

The Afternoon Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month. Join the group for a lively chat and a cup of tea. Take a seat, relax and unwind during an afternoon of great conversation about the Afternoon Book Club's latest book of the month. Newcomers are welcome. Copies of the book of the month are available at the front desk.

• WHEN: 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Contact Donna Foster at dfoster@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.