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Library...................................... Blanding
February 2022 The Reporter 43 News and Notes from Blanding Library By Leslie Patterson
Blanding PJ Drive
The Blanding Library will be collecting new pajamas from now through March for children living in low-income and homeless situations. This project is in partnership with the Boston Bruins, Cradles to Crayons, the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners and Wonderfund. There is a basket in the foyer of the library for your PJ donations, in sizes from 2T to Adult Med. Please, no donations that include family or holiday references. Each donation will give you a chance to win a signed Boston Bruins hockey puck at the end of the drive. Let’s work together to keep children and teens who are in need warm this winter.
Nature Talk on Amphibians Feb. 23
The Friends of the Blanding Library will present a talk by Rehoboth resident Carol Entin on “At-Risk Amphibians of Rehoboth” on Wed. Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. (Snow date will be March 2.) Using photos acquired from the last six seasons of her citizen scientist field work for MassWildlife, our speaker will introduce you to amphibian behaviors, life cycles, habitats and challenges. Carol says, “Learn about captive-rearing efforts and habitat restoration work happening right here in Rehoboth. Amphibians become active as early as the last week of February, so get to know these fascinating animals, and if you spot some in Rehoboth, you can contribute your data to our survey work!”
Puppet Show Feb. 22
“Through Me to You Puppetry” with Leigh Baltzar and her puppet Newton will be at the library on Tues. Feb. 22 at 10:30 for a performance in the hall. This puppet show is geared towards younger children, up to age 9. Siblings are welcome. Registration is required.
Story Times for toddlers and preschool children continues on Tuesday mornings at 10:30. Registration is required. Call 508-2524236.
Did you know that February is “Library Lover’s Month”? There will be several activities in the children’s area where young patrons will be able to show how much they love our library. New “take and make” craft kits will be available this month.
Friends’ Book Exchange Mar. 11
The Friends of the Blanding Library will hold a book exchange for its members on Friday, Mar. 11 from 10:30 to noon. This is not a book sale, but an informal social, offering Friends members a chance to get together and swap a book or two. New members of the Friends are always welcome. Refreshments include homemade treats but people are encouraged to bring their own beverage.
Jewelry Donations Needed
On Sat. March 19, from 11 to 3, the Blanding will hold a jewelry sale with all proceeds to benefit programming at the library. We need donations for this event. All types of jewelry are welcome, so now is good time to clean out your jewelry box and donate unused items.
Native American Art on Display
The Blanding is pleased to exhibit two paintings by Wampanoag artist Ruth Major, now on loan to the library. One is a painting of Ousamequin, entitled “Gifts for Massasoit, c.1621.” The other oil painting is “A Visit to Massasoit’s Winter Village, Pokanoket in Sowams, c. Fall, 1620”. The paintings belong to the Warren Preservation Society and will be on temporary display in Rehoboth and other towns that were originally part of Sowams, Massasoit’s territory.
Great Book Hunt
The Blanding has been awarded a grant from the Rehoboth Cultural Council to have a book hunt. Artist renderings of popular book covers will be placed throughout town weekly. Clues will be given as to the locations. You can search for the works, take a selfie and stamp a passbook. We need artists to donate their talent to this fun project. Please contact the Blanding Library (508-252-4236) if you would like to be part of this adventure.
Library of Things & WiFi Hotspots
You can check out more than books at the library. These are some of the objects that the Blanding has available to check out: a ukulele, jigsaw puzzles, a microscope, a telescope, a chess set with a strategy guide, a balloon twisting kit for making balloon animals, and comfort kits for families facing major life challenges, such as moving, divorce, and death.
Going somewhere that has spotty internet access? The Blanding has portable WiFi hotspots that can be checked out for one week. A hotspot can be used for job searches, telehealth appointments, online classes and more.
Blanding Book Club
Are you looking to read and discuss books with others? We have a book club that meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Both fiction and nonfiction are read and we are always open to title suggestions from members. Copies of the next month’s book are available at the circulation desk. New members are always welcome.
The Blanding Public Library (www.blandinglibrary.net) is located in Goff Hall, 124 Bay State Rd., (phone: 508-252-4236). It is open Monday through Thursday from 10 until 8, and on Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Monday Feb. 21 for Presidents’ Day.
• PVC • Custom Cedar • Farm Fencing • Dog Runs • Chain Link • Ornamental Aluminum • Arbors
