News Flash

BLACKSTONE — Library Director Lisa Cheever and the Blackstone Public Library Board of Trustees are pleased share a busy schedule of fun and relaxing events throughout February.

 The library invites the community to escape the cold weather and stop by to enjoy this month's lineup of cozy winter crafts, story times, book clubs and more.

 The Blackstone Public Library is located at 86 Main St.

Children's Programs:

'Digging Dinosaurs'

Join award-winning storyteller Diane Edgcomb as she presents "Digging Dinosaurs," a high energy storytelling event perfect for dino lovers of all ages. Diane's popular dinosaur adventures are a mix of scientific facts with a dose of humor, large and colorful posters, dinosaur sign language and lots of audience participation.

• WHEN: 2 to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Ideal for ages 3-8. Registration is required and begins for Blackstone residents on Monday, Feb. 2. Registration for all library patrons begins on Monday, Feb. 9. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library.

Drop-In Craft: Psychedelic Snowflakes

Children are invited to stop by the library at any time between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Feb. 20 to make their own psychedelic snowflake using coffee filters and food coloring.

• WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Appropriate for ages four and older. Registration is not required.

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 Feb. 2, 9 and 23. 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. Registration is required.

• WHEN: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Mondays, Feb. 2 and 9; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday Feb. 23
• 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.

Children's Story Time

Children's drop-in story time is held every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. Stop by to join Miss Tressy for 30 minutes of reading picture books. This event is appropriate for all ages.

• WHEN: 6:30 to 7 p.m., Thursdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26.
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is not required.

Adult Programs at the Blackstone Public Library:

Scrap It Up: Learn How to Preserve Family Memories

Scrap your other plans for the evening. A family history scrapbooking class is being held on Tuesday, Feb. 3, starting at 5 p.m. at the Blackstone Public Library. This 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 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3.
• 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. 

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 February. 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: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5 and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 23
• WHERE: Quiet Study #1, 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.

Create Your Own Lighted Valentine Gnome

This crafting event at the Blackstone Public Library is a chance to bring home a festive Valentine's Day gnome. Seniors from the Blackstone community are invited to make lighted gnome decorations during February's "Senior Crafty Corner" event at the library. All supplies will be provided at the event to help guests to build their own gnome to bring home.

• WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5
  WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
  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.

Village Shaker, Puzzle Maker with Christian de Rezendes

Discover the nearly two-decade process that has gone into making the Emmy Award-winning docuseries “Slatersville: America’s First Mill Village in Village Shaker, Puzzle Maker” by attending a presentation from the film’s director, Christian de Rezendes. Registration is required. 

• WHEN: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Register through the library’s events page or call 508-883-1931 for more information. This presentation is sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library.

Give it Your Best Shot at the Photography Club

Join other photographers at the club's monthly meeting and discuss various photography tips, tricks and ideas. Refreshments will be provided. 

• WHEN: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17
• 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.

Paint Your Own Watercolor Bookmark

Join Miranda Beach for a relaxing painting class to create your own watercolor bookmark. Artists will learn the basics of using watercolors and practice their new skills in a stress-free environment. Registration is required.

• WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required and space is limited to 20 participants. For more info or to sign up, contact the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931.

Luck of the Irish Wreaths: Adult Crafting at the Blackstone Library

This month's "Adult Crafting with Jean" invites community members to make their own Luck-of-the-Irish-inspired wreath decoration. There will be two opportunities to join library staff member Jean Piechocki and create a St. Patrick's Day craft. All supplies are provided and all skill levels are welcomed.

• WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 23 and 6:30 to 8p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• 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.

Seasonal Favorite Family Recipes Cooking Club: Winter Edition

Bring your cozy winter meals to the table. The Blackstone Public Library invites families and food lovers to share their favorite winter recipes in this potluck-style cooking club on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. Join together and swap tips, stories and tasty bites, as everyone celebrates the flavors of the season. Registration is required to participate.

• WHEN: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Call 508-883-1931 to register.  For more information or to sign up, please contact library staff member Jean Piechocki at jpiechocki@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931. This event is funded by a donation from the Friends of the Blackstone Library.

Blackstone Quilters Assemble at the Library

Patch it up with a group of like-minded crafters this February 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, Feb. 26
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: This club is sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library.

Beginner Painting Class With Lisa

Join Lisa for a fun night of painting and create a surreal mermaid scene in a beginner-level class. No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided, but attendees should bring an apron or wear old clothes. There will be two opportunities to attend the class, and individual registration is required.

• WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27 and 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required and begins for Blackstone residents on Thursday, Jan. 15. Registration begins for all others on Monday, Jan. 26. Space is limited to 16 people per section. Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 for more information or to register.

Technology Help With Hannah and Matt

Blackstone Public Library Technology Assistants Matt Marchand and Hannah Rishel offer one-on-one help sessions by appointment. Topics covered can include computer, smartphone and internet basics, as well as email and accessing online library services, such as eBooks. More complex issues, such as hardware problems, virus scans and installing software are not included in the scope of these sessions. Appointments are limited to one hour, once per week by request. 

• WHEN: Scheduled by appointment.
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Meetings are by request only. To request a personalized session please call the library at 508-883-1931, email Matt at mmarchand@cwmars.org or email Hannah at hrishel@cwmars.org. 

Young Adult Programs at the Blackstone Public Library:

Open Play with One-Up Games

Students from fifth through 12th grade are invited to hang out and play games during this fun event in collaboration with One-Up Games. Registration is required.

• WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 508-883-1931 or email Young Adult Librarian Mandi Whipple at mwhipple@cwmars.org. This event is sponsored by a grant from the Office of District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.

Movie Night

Fifth through 12th grade students are invited to join the Blackstone Public Library for a movie night. Registration is required. 

• WHEN: 6  to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Open to fifth through 12th 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 to 5 p.m., Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24.
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration required. Open to fifth through eighth 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. Teens are invited to visit the library and have a say.

• WHEN: 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3
• 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 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: No registration required. Open to fifth through 12th grade students. For more information, call 508-883-1931 or email Mandi Whipple, Young Adult Librarian, at mwhipple@cwmars.org. 

Ongoing Book Groups:

The Blackstone Book Group

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's meeting will discuss "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a novel following astronaut Joan Goodwin as she trains to become one of the first women in NASA's space shuttle program. New club members are always welcome. Copies of this month's book can be found at the circulation desk.

• WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10
• WHERE: Quiet Study #2, 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. 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 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5
• WHERE: Quiet Study #2, 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, Feb. 17. 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. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17
• 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. February's book, "The Lion Women of Tehran" by Marjan Kamali, is a historical fiction novel that follows the decades-long friendship between Ellie and Homa as they navigate different social classes and political ideologies in Iran. Newcomers are welcome. Copies of the book of the month are available at the front desk.

• WHEN: 3 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24
• WHERE: Quiet Study #1, Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Contact Donna Foster at dfoster@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.