News Flash

BLACKSTONE — Blackstone Public Library Director Lisa Cheever and the Blackstone Public Library Board of Trustees are pleased to invite the community to take part in an engaging, activity-filled April at the Blackstone Public Library, with bubble wreaths, mini-golf and a trip down the Yellow Brick Road. The Blackstone Public Library is located at 86 Main St.

A scene from the 1939 film, "The Wizard of Oz." (Photo Courtesy Blackstone Public Library)

Monthly Activity Highlight:

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Blackstone Public Library for a Night of Live Animals, Fortune Telling, and a Scavenger Hunt

Put on your ruby slippers and take the trip to the Land of Oz for a night at the Blackstone Public Library. A special Oz-themed event at the library will feature live animals, fortune telling, henna tattoos, crafts, a scavenger hunt and three performances by a mime. There will also be special "Wizard of Oz" snacks and prizes. Staff at the library will be dressed in costume, and guests are encouraged to do the same. As a special gift, adults in attendance are invited to make their own friendly scarecrow craft to bring home. This one-of a kind event invites guests to drift away into a world of fantasy and say, "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Blackstone anymore."

• WHEN: 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 10
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Free event. No registration required. For questions or more information, please contact Tressy Collier at 508-883-1931 or email tcollier@cwmars.org.

Family-Friendly Activities at the Library:

Fore! Fun for Kids and Parents with Indoor Mini-Golf

Here's your chance to make a hole-in-one in between the bookshelves. Children and their parents are invited to putt their way through a 10-hole game of mini-golf on a course that will be set up throughout the entire library building. Prizes will be awarded to everyone who participates, but anyone makes a hole-in-one will have their names posted on the board for additional bragging rights. Due to the high demand for this event, wait times may vary for participating families. This event is appropriate for people of all ages.

• WHEN: 4-7 p.m., Saturday, April 12
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Free event. No registration required. For questions or more information, please contact Tressy Collier at 508-883-1931 or email tcollier@cwmars.org.

Engaging Educational Events for the Kids During April Vacation:

An International Taste of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Take the STEM Kit Challenge. Kids ages 7 through 13 are invited to take part. Each participant will receive a random STEM kit from a different country, including Greece, Thailand, Chile, Poland, Costa Rica and England. And each participant will have one hour to complete the challenge inside. Kits can be assembled alone, with a partner or with a parent. Registration, which starts on April 7, is required for this event.

• WHEN: 12:15 p.m., Thursday, April 24
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Free event. Registration required. For questions or more information, please contact Tressy Collier at 508-883-1931 or email tcollier@cwmars.org.

Life as an Animal Control Officer

Learn about what it's like to be an animal control officer for the Town of Blackstone. Animal Control Officer Kevin Sullivan will read a story about what it’s like to be an animal control officer and tell everyone in attendance about what it's like at the Blackstone Regional Animal Shelter. Officer Sullivan will also be accompanied by his four-legged furry friend, Seamus McDoodle. This is a free event for people of all ages.

• WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 25
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Free event. No registration required. For questions or more information, please contact Tressy Collier at 508-883-1931 or email tcollier@cwmars.org.

"Incredible Earthworms" is a presentation provided by Hands on Nature, a nonprofit based in Berlin, Massachusetts. (Photo Courtesy Hands on Nature)

'Incredible Earthworms' Presented by Hands on Nature

Dig in for an hour of fascinating details about the ways that earthworms live underground during a presentation provided by the nonprofit Hands on Nature. The presentation, "Incredible Earthworms," is aimed at children ages 3 and up. The audience will get to learn about the amazing role these simple invertebrates play in the environment, by breaking down decomposed materials in the ground and turning it into nutrient rich soil. Everyone in attendance will receive a worm farm to take home at the end of the day. Registration is required for this event by calling 508-883-1931. Guests will also learn about an earthworm's anatomy, and how they adapt to different conditions in the dirt. Kids will get a chance to develop a new appreciate for earthworms by getting an up-close look at them through a magnifying glass.

• WHEN: 4-7 p.m., Saturday, April 12
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Free event. Registration is required. Registration is open starting on April 7. To register or to get more information about the event, call 508-883-1931 or email tcollier@cwmars.org.

Sign Children Up for a Series of Classes with Stories and Crafts

The Blackstone Public Library's six-week spring session for story time and crafts for kids ages 3 through 5 is starting up again in April. Two classes will be formed, with up to 15 children in each class. Monday classes, meeting at 11 a.m., will begin on April 7. Thursday classes, meeting at 1 p.m., will begin on April 10.

Separately, a six-week toddler story time class for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old will be held on Fridays. The first Friday toddler story time is on April 11 at 10:15 a.m. The class consists of board books, sing songs, fingerplays, games, and other activities with books and toys.

Registration for these classes starts on March 24 for Blackstone residents and on March 31 for all library patrons. Space is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition, patrons are welcome to attend the general children's story hour held every Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m.

• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. To register or to get more information about the event, call 508-883-1931 or email tcollier@cwmars.org.

Ongoing Book Groups:

Spend the Evening with Pulitzer-Prize Winning Fiction

The Evening Book Group, also known as the Blackstone Book Group, is diving into "Demon Copperhead," a 2022 novel by Barbara Kingsolver that won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The book revolves around Damon Fields, born to a single drug-addicted teenage mother living in a trailer home in the Appalachian Mounts of Virginia. Damon's journey leads him down the roads of poverty, foster care, violence and alcoholism. New members are always welcome to the Evening Book Group, and the book of the month is available for pick up at the library.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Contact Lisa Cheever at lcheever@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Senior Readers Delve into Discussion

Join the Senior Center Book Club for their monthly meeting to delve into their latest literature selection. This group meets at 11 a.m. on the third Tuesday morning of every month at the Senior Center on St. Paul Street. New members are always welcome, and monthly books are available at the front desk at the library or at the Senior Center.

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

Feed your Hunger for Books and Culture with the Heritage Book Club

Members of the Heritage Book Club dig into a new book each month, while also partaking in a food that represents the ancestry of people who live in Blackstone. While exploring diverse literary works, members also explore the diversity of ancestral backgrounds of the various people who reside in Blackstone.

• WHEN: 2 p.m., Thursday, April 24
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: The Heritage Book Club program is part of the "Voices: A Common Thread" program and it is sponsored by Unibank. For more info or to sign up, contact Renee Milliken at rmilliken@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

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

Brave enough to confront a world of ghosts, gore, and the macabre? Then this monthly book club is for you. Even if you're not, scaredy cats are welcome, too. Join the Blackstone Library for the Grim Reader’s Society, and prepare for a spooky discussion, as the club dives into a chilling selection of horror novels, from classics to psychological thrillers. For its April 3 meeting, the Grim Reader's Society is concluding its ongoing discussing "The Stand" by Stephen King.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: To get more details, call 508-883-1931 or email club moderator Tressy at tcollier@cwmars.org.

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. Copies of the book of the month are available at the front desk.

• WHEN: 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 29
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Contact Donna Foster at dfoster@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Adult Programs at the Blackstone Public Library:

Lighten Up Your Springtime Decor with a Bubble Wreath

Adults aged 60 and older are invited to come make a bubble wreath, which is like a Christmas wreath but made form mesh, perfect to decorate the home for spring and summer. All the supplies will be provided to make one, and no experience is necessary. But space for this event is limited to 15 people. Sign-ups are now ongoing. Contact the library to register.

• WHEN: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, April 17
• WHERE: Blackstone Senior Center, 15 St. Paul St.
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Space is limited to 15 spots. To sign up, contact the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931. This event is supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Lift Off: Make Images of a Hot Air Balloon with Buttons

Get crafty and make a work of art depicting hot air balloons made from multi-colored buttons normally used for clothing. Customize it and make it your own. This event will be held twice, with one session on April 3 at 6:30 p.m. and another on Tuesday April 15 at 1 p.m. Registration is required.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3; 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 15
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 to register or to get more information. This program is funded by LIG MEG.

Scrap It Up: Learn How to Preserve Family Memories

Scrap your other plans for the evening. A family history scrapbooking class is being held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 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: 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 1
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Call 508-883-1931 to sign up. 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.

Share a Cherished Family Recipe with the Cooking Club

Show off your favorite family recipe, especially one that fitting for the spring season. These quarterly recipe sharing meetings of the Cooking Club bring together Blackstone community members to savor the flavors of their favorite family recipes and to show others how they are made. Prepare a special family dish and bring it to this potluck event to share with fellow club members. Make sure to bring a copy of the recipe in order to share it with the group. Registration is required for this event.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Monday, April 28
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 to register or to get more information. This program is funded by LIG MEG.

Pysanky, The Elegant Art of Traditional Ukrainian Easter Eggs

Take your Easter egg decorating to a whole new level with elegant, colorful world of Pysanky, a traditional Ukrainian art form. Pysanky are intricately decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs, using a method involving wax and dyes. Celeste Langlois will lead the class, teaching how to make the Easter eggs and also about the history of this Ukrainian art form. No experience is necessary. Registration is required and limited to 18 participants.

• WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 5
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Space is limited to 18 participants. Registration is required. Call the library at 508-883-1931 for more information or to register. This program is sponsored by the Blackstone Cultural Council.

Be Well and Thrive with this Support Group

The Blackstone Public Library is proud to host a regular support group led by Cheryl Marino-Page. This support group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings, including April 1, April 8, April 22, and April 29. Registration is required and participation is limited to 15 participants. Call the library at 508-883-1931 to get involved.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, April 8, April 22, and April 29
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: For questions or more information, please contact the library at 508-883-1931 or email tcollier@cwmars.org.

Sew, You Like Crafts? Get Your Quilt On

Patch it up with a group of like-minded crafters with the Quilting Club at Blackstone Public Library. Join together for a relaxing and creative gathering with fellow quilters. Each meeting is an opportunity to share ideas, work on projects, and enjoy each other's company. Refreshments will also be served.

• WHEN: 2 p.m., Thursday, April 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.

Take Your Shot with the Photography Club

Join the Blackstone Photography Club for a night of discussion, covering topics such as photography techniques and equipment. Each month, the Blackstone Photography Club hosts a guest speaker, exploring all things photography and providing special insight into the craft. The featured speaker for the March meeting is Steve Bouvier.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 22
• 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.

Create Some Happy Little Accidents at Paint Class

In this beginner’s paint class, instructor Paul Jacques will teach participants how to paint mountains and clouds. This paint class is for Blackstone residents only. Registration is required and limited to 12 participants. Call the Blackstone Public Library for more information or to register.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Friday, April 25
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Event is for Blackstone residents only, with space limited to 12 participants. Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 for more information or to register.

Young Adult Programs at the Blackstone Public Library:

Dive Into the Latest YA Literature

The Young Adult Book Club allows young people to join each other for exciting discussions on the latest and greatest in young adult fiction, along with other types of literature. Current books are available at the circulation desk.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Monday, April 14
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: No registration required. Open to 5th through 12th grade students. For more information, call 508-883-1931 or email Mandi Whipple, Young Adult Librarian, at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Your Story, Your Choice

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 invites participants to read the stories out loud together as a group.

• WHEN: 4 p.m., every Tuesday in April
• 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.

Have a Say in 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 an opportunity to help shape the library's programs, materials, and offerings. Stop in and have a say.

• WHEN: 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 1
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: No registration required. Open to teens ages 13 to 17. For more information, call 508-883-1931 or email Mandi Whipple, Young Adult Librarian, at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Judge for Yourselves: Take the Pringle Chip Challenge

Everyone's a critic during this event for young adults at the Blackstone Public Library. The Young Adult Taste Test Challenge: Pringles Edition will try to determine which kind of potato crisp tingles taste buds the best. Don't be a couch potato, come the library and taste test some chips. This event is open to students in 5th to 8th grade. Registration is required. 

• WHEN: 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 29
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO:  Open to teens ages 13 to 17. Registration required. For more information or to register for these programs, call 508-883-1931 or email Mandi Whipple, Young Adult Librarian, at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Put a Pause on Social Media and Post that Memory in a Scrapbook

Call it an old school social media post. "Preserving Family Memories for Young Adults" will provide instructions and the supplies to create a scrapbook, a special, tangible way to keep cherished family memories with you for the rest of your life. IN an all too digital world, take advantage of this opportunity to preserve memories in a physical format. Just make sure to bring along four printed photographs of a special person or event, along with information to go along with them.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 22
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO:  Registration required. Open to 5th through 12h grade students. For more information or to register, call 508-883-1931 or email Mandi Whipple, Young Adult Librarian, at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Young Adult Movie Night at the Library

Saddle in for a flick with fellow young adults. Hang out, watch a movie and eat some popcorn. Stay tuned to find out the movie of the month. Registration is required for this event.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Thursday, April 24
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO:  Registration required. Open to 5th through 12h grade students. For more information or to register, call 508-883-1931 or email Mandi Whipple, Young Adult Librarian, at mwhipple@cwmars.org.