News, Information, and Fun Things to Do
 from the  
Middleborough Public Library
Library Lines
September 16, 2020
Register Now for These Online October Programs

October is just weeks away and registration is now open for these three programs offered online on Zoom.
Bake Artisan Bread in Five Minutes with Liz Barbour!

Middleboro favorite chef Liz Barbour returns on Wed., Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. for an online class, "Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes." We'll have lots of "seats" available so grab your spouse, your partner, your kids, or your friends and join the fun.

You MUST register for this class. Simply follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yDHB7YA2RxiUUNqs9JCn-A

After you've registered, you'll receive a one-time log-in and password for the class. You DO NOT need a Zoom account nor do you need to create an account.

If joining via computer: click on the link provided in the confirmation email.

If joining via smartphone or tablet: you may need to download the Zoom Cloud Meetings application. It's free and doesn't require an account.
This program is made possible through the CARES Act funding to Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Additional support is provided by the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library.
Genealogy Workshop Series

Have you always wanted to look into your family history but never knew where to start?

Maybe you've been intimidated by the commitment necessary to get started on shaking the leaves of your family tree but you have more time these days.

Whatever your motivation, now is a great time to sign up for our three-part genealogy series featuring David Martin, chairman of the Education Committee of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society.

He'll conduct a three-workshop series online in October and November. It's suggested (but NOT required), that you attend all three sessions.

Classes will take place on Zoom on Wed., Oct. 14 and 28 and November 18, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Class 1: Introduction to Genealogy
Class 2: Immigration and Migration
Class 3: Using DNA Results in Your Research

Seats are limited and you must register; call the Library at 508/946-2470 or email Reference Librarian Libby Fox. You'll receive additional information and a link for the Zoom sessions a few days prior to each class.
Tim Weisberg Presents "Presidential Paranormal"
For All Ages

Are the pending presidential politics too scary for you? Then join us on Zoom on Wed., Oct. 28 at 7:00 p.m. for a more light-hearted look at the Presidential Paranormal, presented by Tim Weisberg.

You'll learn about paranormal activity at the White House and its famous residents like Lincoln, Eisenhower, and Carter. And, of course, there'll be time at the program's end for all your most pressing questions. Appropriate for all ages.

Tim is co-host and executive producer of "Spooky Southcoast," one of the world's most popular paranormal talk radio shows. He's also the author of Ghosts of the SouthCoast and Haunted Objects: Stories of Ghosts on Your Shelf, and has been featured on television programs from Ghost Adventures to MonsterQuest.

Tim's last paranormal presentation here at the Library was standing-room-only, so look for registration details and a link to sign up in our next newsletter on September 23.
Register for a Zoom Teen Painting Workshop

Teens in grades 8-12 are invited to join us for a two-hour Zoom painting workshop on Thurs., Oct. 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with seasoned artist and instructor Greg Maichack.
In this new hands-on workshop, participants will have fun producing their own pastel painting inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe’s enormous mural, The Miracle Flower, which Elizabeth Arden, the cosmetics mogul, commissioned her to paint in 1936. 

Before the event, registrants will be able to pick up already-quarantined supplies to be used in creating a 12″ x 18″ pastel painting of their very own.

Beginner and experienced artists are welcome. Space is limited so sign up now!

To register, call the Library at 508/946-2470 or email Teen Librarian Christine Dargelis.

You'll receive additional information and a link for the Zoom session a few days prior to the class.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the Middleborough Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Additional support was provided by the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library.
Miss Amanda's Storytime Room

Who's learning their ABCs? Families with preschool children can explore Miss Amanda's new Storytime Room by clicking, listening, and following the prompts. 

Click on the image below to get started! Watch future issues of this newsletter for updates and new room themes.  
Workshop: Getting Started Homeschooling

Join other families on Zoom on Tues., Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. for an online workshop aimed at providing resources and support to those that may be new to homeschooling or still considering this option.

Milva McDonald of the Advocates for Homeschool Education in Massachusetts will be facilitating. Space is limited, so email Children's Librarian Amanda Meyer to register.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library.
Tiny Tots is Back!

Join Miss Amanda for stories, rhymes, songs and early literacy activities on Zoom starting Wed., Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m. and continuing on Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and Oct. 21. (This is a new day and time.) You can attend one or all of the sessions.

Best for babies, toddlers and preschool ages. Silly, sleepy and hungry kids are all welcome. Participants will be muted during the story time portion. 

Families must register to acquire the Zoom link.
Miss Lori's Fun Friday Puzzle Challenge
Fri., Sept. 18: It's Clean Up the World Weekend, September 18-20, and Clean Up the World Day, on September 19.

Did you know Middleboro has its own local cleanup
organization called Mess Movers? Find them on Facebook and see what you can do to help.
Back to School

Many students are headed back to school this week, and families can find resources to help, no matter what learning looks like this year. Here are some places to start, both at the Library and on our website.

Visit the Kids Back to School page for support and Learn at Home section for useful resources organized by school subject.  

The Parenting/Professional collection in the Children's Room offers a wide array of teaching aids and after-school ideas.  

If you're not quite sure what your child should read next, take a look at the What to Read Next page for suggestions.

As always, we're here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out for help locating materials or resources.  Call 508/946-2470 or email Children's Librarian Miss Amanda.
Book News From Around the Country
September is #LibraryCardSignupMonth!

To celebrate, Penguin Random House has compiled a list of its books in which libraries and librarians have the starring role. Start with one of the two titles below and then check out the entire collection.
In New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis's latest historical novel, a series of book thefts roils the iconic New York Public Library, leaving two generations of strong-willed women to pick up the pieces.

Place a hold in OverDrive for the ebook or, for the print copy, click here.
"Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices... Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?"

This title will be released on September 29 so check back soon in OverDrive or your SAILS account to get your copy.
September 22 is National Voter Registration Day
On September 22, Americans will celebrate National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) with a massive cross-country effort to register voters. With a historic presidential election approaching, every eligible American voter should exercise his or her right to be heard at the ballot box.
Visit vote.org where you can register to vote, check to see if you're already registered, get your poll location, sign up for election reminders, and much more.

On social media, look for #NationalVoterRegistrationDay.
"Library To Go" Bundles For Adults

Use this "menu" to try our "Library to Go" program. You can request a book bundle consisting of three books and one DVD chosen from the adult collection based on your order. Choose from among themed bundles such as "Best Sellers," History Makers" (biography/memoir), or "You Can't Make This Stuff Up' (nonfiction).
You've got options! You can either visit us to pick up your bundle at the Main Desk or, if you prefer, request curbside pickup by scheduling a time at your convenience. Just remember to bring your library card!
Click here to read our full curbside pickup guidelines.
"Book Blurbs" -- What We've Been Reading

Every few weeks, we bring you a brief Book Blurb from the staff about what we've been reading. This week we offer a review from Library Technician Meg Desrosiers.
Wild Game; My Mother, Her Lover, and Me by Adrienne Brodeur (2019)

Although I was originally drawn to this book because it took place locally (Cape Cod and Plymouth), Brodeur is an excellent storyteller and her honesty about her relationship with her mother and the consequences of her own behavior made it hard to put down.

It’s the story of the author’s relationship with her mother and how she helps to facilitate and also hide her mother’s affair with a close family friend. It felt less like a memoir and more like a work of fiction and I had to keep reminding myself it really happened.

The mother/daughter relationship was so far removed from my own relationship with my mother and what I have now with my own daughter, that I found myself both shocked and intrigued. Brodeur's mother was a fascinating character, so far from being motherly that it was painful to read at times. The lengths to which her daughter went to gain her mother’s love and approval were both heartbreaking and maddening.

You can find the e-book edition in OverDrive or place a hold for the print copy through your SAILS account.
This Week's Marvelous Zoo Passes

There's a crispness to the air that makes it the perfect time to venture safely outside to a local zoo. Passes are once again available for some of your favorite destinations so look below and make sure to read the new guidelines.

This disposable pass MUST be picked up at the Library prior to purchasing your ticket online.

You'll find a promo code on the pass itself, and will need to enter it during the checkout process on the Zoo New England website, to receive the discounted price.

Good for admission to either Franklin Park Zoo in Boston or Stone Zoo in Stoneham.

This laminated pass is good every day EXCEPT Saturday and Monday.

Passes must be taken to the zoo with your ticket that you've purchased online in advance of your visit. A promo code on the pass itself can be used when purchasing online tickets, and will also be visible on our online reservation system when you book the pass with us.
Please remember:

  • You may pick up your pass any time during the three days leading up to your visit.

  • Non-disposable passes are due back the day after your visit (but will never be due on a Friday or Sunday).

  • You'll need to fill out the agreement form in the parking lot (if picking your pass up curbside) and hand it back to us after showing staff your library card.
COVID-19 Critical Content
We know you've got lots of sites where you can go to get information on the Coronavirus pandemic, so each newsletter, we'll provide links to a few trusted and respected sources.
1. There are many different resources in Massachusetts where you can find information on COVID-19.

Text COVIDMA to 888-777
to sign up for up-to-date text message alerts about the Coronavirus in Massachusetts sent right to your phone.

Call 211 or use live chat for non-emergency questions and help.

Call the Crisis Counseling Assistance Program at 888/ 215-4920.

Email Governor Baker's Office or call 617/725-4005.
2. From Harvard Health Publishing at the Harvard Medical School (HMS) comes this four-part video series, "Regulating Emotions and Building Resiliency in the Face of a Pandemic."

Presenter Dr. Luana Marques is an associate professor at HMS's Department of Psychiatry and clinical researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital who specializes in treating anxiety and stress disorders. In these 18- to 25-minute videos, she focuses on the impact COVID-19 is having on our ability to manage stress.

The topics are:

  1. The Role of Anxiety
  2. Slowing Down the Brain
  3. Charging Up and Staying Connected
  4. Exploring Thoughts