"In summer, the song sings itself." -  William Carlos Williams
Library Lines               August  2017
Hello Middleborough!

Shakespeare once wrote "Summer's lease hath all too short a date,"  although for many of us with bloated electricity bills from excessive air conditioning, fall's approach looks welcome indeed.

But here we are in the throes of Summer Reading at the library, and there are still many great programs for you to take advantage of, tons of great prizes to get, and a lot of reading to get through! So come inside, grab a book, and get back outside, and enjoy yourself: whether it's in your backyard, on vacation, by the ocean, or even on your couch under an air conditioner, we won't judge. As long as you're reading, that is.

See you at the library!
~ Jason
Summer Reading Programs for All Ages Continue Through August 31

Our annual Summer Reading Programs for kids, teens, and adults will be wrapping up at the end of this month, so be sure to log all your reading time and challenges by midnight on Thursday, August 31 at    www.midlib.org.   Drawings for prizes and prize packs will take place the first week of September..
Clifford Visits the Library

MEFA's Start U Reading program brings Clifford to the library for a special storytime on Wednesday, August 9th at 10:30 a.m. He will help the three little pigs build their homes and be available after for a meet and greet for all in attendance.  Bring your camera!  Families will receive a goody bag (while supplies last) to take home.  No registration required for this free event.  

Special Programs around Solar Eclipse

The first total solar eclipse visible in the U.S.A. in 38 years will take place on Monday, August 21st.  Even though our view from New England will be a partial eclipse, we are planning many special programs to celebrate this occasion.
  • Tuesday, August 8th at 6:00 p.m.  Ms. Marsha is back with her Starry Night Storytime where she will share songs, stories, and crafts.  Each family will get a packet of information on how to best enjoy the summer sky.  All ages are welcome.  No registration required.
  • Wednesday, August 16th at 10:30 a.m.  Ms. Marsha will lead a preschool-age program about space, learning through play, stories, and art projects.  Best for ages 3-6.  No registration required.
  • Monday, August 21st from 1:30-2:30 p.m.  Kids can join Miss Amanda at the library to learn about the solar eclipse, create a sun cookie to eat, and find out how to safely view the event.  At 2:30 p.m. you can join us for a viewing party (see below).  No registration required and all ages are welcome.
  • Monday, August 21st from 2:30-3:00 p.m.  All ages are invited to meet in the Library's Meeting Room to receive a pair of special glasses and learn how to safely view the solar eclipse.  We will all walk out together to view the sun. No registration required.


Need a Summer Reading Book for School?

During summer, the last thing you want to think about is school reading assignments, but as August approaches, you may want to get your summer reading book now so you'll have time to read it.  

You can find titles on the Middleborough High School Summer Reading List for grades 9-11 on a white shelf in the Teen Area.  We have books in both print and audio book format.  If you don't see a title you're looking for, ask a staff member at the Main Desk.  We'd be glad to reserve a copy for you.  

If you prefer to read a book on your mobile device or eReader, download a summer reading title using our free OverDrive service.  Most of the reading list titles are available as eBooks and downloadable audio books.  You can use OverDrive online 24/7 by clicking on the link located on the right-hand side of our website at  www.midlib.org.  If you need assistance, please give us a call or stop by the Library.

We also have the summer reading assignments for Nichols Middle School students.  While you are not required to read a specific book this year, we can always help you find a suitable summer reading book that interests you.  Just ask the library staff for a recommendation!


Did You Know?...

The Library offers access to thousand of the latest and greatest titles of electronic books and audiobooks through the Overdrive Media catalog, courtesy of the Middleborough Public Library and the SAILS Library Network. Download the app or program to your device or machine, get your account set up and then borrow away! Items automatically disappear after their borrowing time expires, so NO MORE LATE FEES. How's THAT for the convenience of technology?

This Month's Marvelous Museum Pass

Museum of Science...
 
Each pass admits four people at $10 per person.

Please remember you may pick up your pass any time during the three days before your visit.  This pass is disposable and doesn't need to be returned to the Library.
 

Dog Days of Summer?

Originally, this phrase actually had nothing to do with dogs, or even with the lazy days of summer. Instead, it turns out the dog days refer to the dog star Sirius and its position in the heavens.

To the Greeks and Romans, the "dog days" occurred around the day when Sirius appeared to rise just before the sun. They referred to these days as the hottest time of the year, a period that could bring fever, or even catastrophe.

"If you go back even as far as Homer, The Iliad, it's referring to Sirius as Orion's dog rising, and it describes the star as being associated with war and disaster," said  Jay B. Holberg , author of  Sirius: Brightest Diamond in the Night Sky  and senior research scientist at the  University of Arizona Lunar & Planetary Laboratory . *

*Courtesy of Becky Little, National Geographic, July 10, 2015  

Middleborough Public Library
102 North Main St.,  Middleborough, MA 02346
508-946-2470
www.midlib.org

Monday--Thursday:  10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.    
Saturday:  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.   
Closed on Fridays and Sundays (through September 9)

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