Alison O'Leary Presents, "The Best Small Museums in Massachusetts"

Author, hiker and Massachusetts explorer Alison O'Leary joins us to talk about "The Best Small Museums in Massachusetts," on Wed., May 8 at 6:30 p.m.

She'll present a peek inside the collections of some of the dozens of unique, esoteric and fascinating museums scattered across the commonwealth. Enjoy the opportunity to explore and learn about the wide variety of artifacts and experiences offered by many small institutions:



• Immersive exhibits
• Dramatic displays
• Iconic pieces of sculpture
• Military history
• Intricate handiwork
• Fascinating back stories

O'Leary is co-author of the Appalachian Mountain Club's Best Day Hikes Near Boston and Inns and Adventures.

Registration is requested for planning purposes, but is NOT required. Call 508/946-2470 or email Reference/Adult Services Librarian Libby Fox.



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

Next Up in Our Virtual Author Talk Series

Register for one of our upcoming 60-minute virtual author talks here and submit your questions for the author, or you can watch here, at any time, any of the previous programs archived back to July 2022.

Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I -- A VIRTUAL Author Talk with Douglas Brunt, Wed., May 1, 3:00 p.m.

Join us online as we chat with New York Times bestselling author, Douglas Brunt, about his instant bestselling debut non-fiction work The Mysterious Case of Rudolph Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I. This book reveals the hidden history of Rudolf Diesel, one of the world’s greatest inventors, and his mysterious disappearance on the eve of World War I. 

September 29, 1913: the steamship Dresden is halfway between Belgium and England. On board is one of the most famous men in the world, Rudolf Diesel, whose new internal combustion engine is on the verge of revolutionizing global industry forever. But Diesel never arrives at his destination. He vanishes during the night and headlines around the world speculate about whether it was an accident, suicide, or murder. 

Diesel's invention of a powerful engine that didn't require expensive petroleum-based fuel made him the enemy of two extremely powerful men -– Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil and the richest man in the world. The Kaiser wanted the engine to power a fleet of submarines that would finally allow him to challenge Great Britain’s Royal Navy. But Diesel had intended for his engine to be used for the betterment of the world. 

Brunt reopens the case and provides a compelling new conclusion about Diesel’s fate.

Douglas Brunt hosts the top-rated SiriusXM author podcast "Dedicated with Doug Brunt," and lives in Connecticut with his wife and three children. Visit the author's website for more information. 

Register here.

Homeschool Board Game Day

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at our Homeschool Board Game Day on Thurs., May 9 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room.  Try a new board game or play an old favorite from among the library’s collection of games for kids and teens. Families are invited to bring their own games to share.  

This event is geared towards ages 9+ but all ages are welcome.

Just stop by -- no registration is necessary.

May the 4th Celebration

Dress in your favorite galactic gear for an interstellar celebration of May the 4th at the Library, Sat., May 4.

Young jedis can join Ms. Amanda at 10:30 a.m. for a story. All ages can drop-in from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Star Wars crafts and related activities including making an Ewok puppet (while supplies last).

Kids up to grade 6 can join the Spring Reading challenge and complete the Baby Yoda scavenger hunt.



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

Lego Afternoon

Drop in the Large Meeting Room for Lego Afternoon Tues., April 30 from 3:45-4:45 p.m. Create a Lego masterpiece using the Library's bricks. Space is first come, first served. 

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

Family Game Night

Stop by for Family Game Night on Tues., May 7 at 6:00 p.m. featuring board games of all kinds. No registration is necessary.

Games and puzzles for families with kids of all ages will be provided.

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

Sharebrary Item of the Week: Kan Jam Game

Sharebrary: Borrow. Try. Experience.

Intimidated by last week's Sharebrary item, the disc golf set? Try the Kan Jam game - - you'll still have to throw little round discs toward a target, but this might be a little bit tamer for those of you with less pep in your step.

Our Kan Jam game includes two scoring barrel containers, a flying disc, eight stakes, and instructions, all in a convenient carrying bag.

The Kan Jam game is one of 40 different items we have in our Sharebrary collection. Check them all out!

Marvelous Parking Passes

With spring officially here and summer not far off, you might want to check out our Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Pass.

Each Park pass entitles you to free parking for one vehicle at most DCR day-use facilities where parking fees are charged.

Please consult the DCR's web site for a list of facilities.

You can pick up the pass any time during the two days leading up to your visit. Passes are due back the day after your visit (but will never be due on a Sunday). Reserve your pass today!

The Parks pass is made possible thanks to the Massachusetts DCR and the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library.

Learn About Clean Energy

Stop by the 2nd Annual Cooler Middleborough Fair at Middleborough High School on Sat., April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to learn all about energy efficiency, climate change and other environmental issues and challenges. The Library will have a table with books and items from our Funbrary and Sharebrary collections that can help you and your family become more energy-savvy.

Other non-library sponsored activities include energy audits; local home improvement specialists talking about about weatherization, heat pump systems, and residential solar; check out the student-led energy projects; and learn about how to protect our coastal species. There will be lots of kids activities, including a chance to walk through a giant blow-up whale.

Grab a snack from the food trucks and learn about how you can help the environment (and save money) one household at a time

Sponsored by Sustainable Middleborough, the Middleborough High School YESS Club, and New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, and supported by grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Cooler Communities.

Required Minimum Distribution

Beginning in 2023, individuals aged 73 and older must take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from their Individual retirement account (IRA) each year. A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) which is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA custodian, payable to the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library is a great way to support the Friends. QCDs can be counted toward satisfying your required minimum distributions (RMDs) for the year.

Leave A Legacy

You can help ensure the Library is enjoyed for generations to come through your estate plans.

By leaving a planned gift to the FMPL, you'll provide the Library with a critical source of long-term funding – and funding the future for the residents of Middleborough and surrounding communities. For more information, click here.