Entomologist Blake Dinius Talks Critters

April weather means more critters will be emerging to both delight and disturb us, so we've invited Plymouth County Extension Entomologist Educator Blake Dinius here for two programs later this month to teach us all about them. No registration is required for either program.

Butterflies, Wed., April 19 at 10:30 a.m.

Watching butterflies can be a peaceful way to get exercise, reduce stress and connect with nature, and you can find more than over 100 species of butterflies in Massachusetts.

Join this workshop where we'll discuss all you need to begin butterfly watching. You'll learn about the benefits of butterfly watching, what you need to get started, how to make your yard more attractive to butterflies, where you can find different species of butterflies around Plymouth County, and more.

Ticks, Wed., April 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Everyone hates ticks, but, New Englanders should be able to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about them. The key is awareness and

education, not fear.

Although ticks are a re-emerging threat to human health, carrying diseases that can have life-changing

consequences to humans, understanding tick biology and having correct information are the key to preventing tick bites and disease.

During this program, Blake will review science-based information to provide actionable steps you can take. With the right knowledge and tools, we can make all tick-borne diseases preventable. He'll discuss: the mysteries behind tick biology and ecology; the history of tick-borne disease in America from past to present; empowering protection methods; and anti-tick landscaping.

Sharebrary Items of the Week

Sharebrary: Borrow. Try. Experience.

Warmer weather means getting outside on your bike and enjoying the sunshine more frequently, and we've got two items in our Sharebrary collection that can help with that.

Homeschool STEAM Drop-In

Homeschool families are invited to drop-in on Thurs., April 13 at 1:30 p.m. for a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) play group. Build a maze for a hexbug, try out Snap Circuits, and learn about Citizen Science month and kits available through the Library. 

This program is open to all ages, and no registration is required.

This program is generously supported by the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library.

April is Citizen Science Month @ Your Library

It's time for Citizen Science Month @ the Library. We have kits you and your kids can checkout and take home, and a BINGO sheet kids can complete for a chance to win a prize.

We have two different kits in our collection:

* Biodiversity Kit: Includes a pocket guide, field notebook, binoculars, pencil, lens case with 12 lenses, lens cloth, cord, selfie ring light, clip and instructional sheet.

* Pollinators Kit: Includes 17 laminated cards, a mini clipboard, data sheet, instruction cards, field notebook, pocket guide, binoculars, stopwatch, dry erase marker, and a pencil.

Citizen Science is a global movement that involves people from all walks of life in real science that matters to them. Each April, scientists, facilitators, citizen science project leaders and many others host events to invite more people to discover all the ways they can participate in research that needs their help. Together, we can help solve local, regional, national and global challenges. Too many people are unaware that they are both needed and invited to take part in helping to shape the future through science.

Drop-In Pokemon Club

Do you or the kids in your life love Pokémon? On Tues. April 18, between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. come share your cards, play with other kids, learn the game from each other, or just talk Pokémon. 

We don't allow card trading at this event, but if you don't have cards, you can borrow the Library's decks. 

Pokémon Club is open to kids of all ages, and no registration is required.

Stop By For Lego Building Afternoon

Drop by the Large Meeting Room for Lego Afternoon Tuesdays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m., through the end of the month. Create a Lego masterpiece using the Library's bricks. Space is on a first-come, first-served basis. One table per family or group, and social distancing is encouraged.

Please note: There will be no Lego Afternoon during April School vacation Week, Tues., April 18.

Open Gameplay with Virtual Reality for Ages 10-18

Join us for a free open gameplay event hosted by One Up Games of Plainville, MA on Sat., April 15 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in the Library's downstairs meeting room. Explore virtual worlds with the Oculus Quest or play the latest titles on Xbox Series S, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch! For ages 10-18.

Registration is recommended but not required and space is limited to 30 participants. Snacks will be provided.

Call the Library at 508/946-2470 or email Teen Librarian Christine Dargelis to register.

Thank you to the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library for funding this program.

April is National Poetry Month

Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture and that poetry matters. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and—of course—poets, marking poetry’s important place in our lives. 

Take a look at OverDrive/Libby and browse through poets, past and contemporary, to find something that speaks to you.