News, Information, and Fun Things to Do
from the
Middleborough Public Library
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Library Lines
October 21, 2020
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Spooky Southcoast Host Tim Weisberg
Presents "Haunted Objects" on Zoom
We're all getting weary of discussions about presidential politics at this stage of the election cycle, so we've decided to offer a different Tim Weisberg lecture next week on Zoom. It'll be the same time, same place, just a different topic, so join us online on Wed., Oct. 28 at 7:00 p.m. for "Haunted Objects."
From a butter dish on a kitchen counter to the car that killed James Dean, Tim will discuss some of the most famous and infamous cases of inanimate objects being possessed by a spirit.
This program is appropriate for all ages and, don't worry, "Presidential Paranormal" will return next February.
You MUST register for this program. Simply call the Library at 508/946-2470 or email Reference Librarian Libby Fox. She'll provide you with the Zoom link next week.
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Zoom Genealogy Workshops
We still have a few spaces available for the next two sessions of our genealogy series featuring David Martin, chairman of the Education Committee of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society.
Classes will take place on Zoom on Wed., Oct. 28 ("Immigration and Migration") and Nov. 18 ("Using DNA Results in Your Research") from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
To 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 session a few days prior to each class.
Thanks to the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library for sponsoring this program.
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Virtual Bake Off in the 'Boro: Spooktacular Cupcake Decorating Challenge:
WAITING LIST ONLY
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Although this program is full, we're taking names for the waiting list. Typically, several spaces will open up at the last minute, so don't hesitate to give us your name and we'll hope for the best.
Are you ready for a fun,"spirited" competition? Maybe you have a budding baker or cake decorator in your midst. Join the Bake Off in the 'Boro: Spooktacular Cupcake Decorating Challenge.
Participants will pick up a kit including 10 cupcakes, piping supplies, and all the decorative fixings to create edible masterpieces. To get an edge on your competitors, use the pre-event resources (which will be emailed) to study up and gather inspiration.
On the night of the event, all participants will grab their kits and join the Zoom meeting where they will work to complete two challenges: re-create a provided cupcake design and then create a work of their own. Participants are invited to share their creations before devouring them. Open to all ages.
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Space is limited. Only 15 kits are available--one per family. Kits must be picked up at the library on Mon., Oct. 26 or prior to the event on Tues., Oct. 27.
To register, please call the Library at 508/946-2470.
Kits and decorating tips will be provided by Battistini's Bakery.
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This program is made possible through CARES Act funding to Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. |
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Take a Stroll at Soule Homestead for a Fall StoryWalk
Families can enjoy a fall StoryWalk® with the book We're Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger.
Follow the characters in the book, moving like they do as you read the story together. Then go on your own leaf hunt!
The StoryWalk® will be up at Soule Homestead (46 Soule St.) until Mon, Nov. 9.
Please follow all social distancing guidelines and have fun!
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
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This program is made possible through CARES Act funding to Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. |
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Join the Fall Reading Challenge
There's still plenty of time to sign up for the Fall Reading Challenge which runs through Sat., Nov. 14.
Read eight hours and enjoy fall activities for the chance to win one of three great prizes--a $25 Amazon gift card, a $25 Target gift card or a surprise bag of library goodies. For kids up to 6th grade.
This program is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Middleborough Public Library.
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Tips for Celebrating Halloween Safely
This year the Halloween holiday will look a bit different, but that doesn't mean you have to scale back on the fun! Try these socially distant activities with your family:
- Go on a Halloween scavenger hunt around your neighborhood. Use these free printables from Red Ted Art.
- Carve pumpkins. Need ideas? Visit The Spruce Crafts for some kid-friendly designs.
- Check out a Halloween story to read or listen to using Overdrive or Tumblebooks.
- For tons of DIY costumes, crafts and online games, visit PBS Kids.
- For bookish Halloween printables and activities visit Brightly.
Don't forget that the Library has costumes to give away. We've unpacked our storage of dozens of donated costumes from previous costume swap events. Types and sizes are limited.
Please ask for the list or drop by the Children's room to see what's on view. Unfortunately, we cannot accept donations this year; once you take a costume, it cannot be returned.
Make the best of it and have a safe and Happy Halloween!
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Fri., Oct. 30: Halloween is almost here! While you're waiting, try this color-by-number picture. Solve each math problem to get all your colors and numbers.
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Everything You Always Wanted to Know About OverDrive and the Libby App But Were Afraid
to Ask
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Are you so excited when you swipe across that final page of your ebook or when you press "stop" on the last page of the digital audio book that you want to share it with everyone you know?
Libby now offers a "share" button to help you quickly do this. With the newest update, you can instantly provide your friends on social media with a direct link to checkout a library title you think they would love.
Click on the book jacket of any title you're reading, or one in your Recent Returns. You'll see the book details; scroll down until you see your borrowing/return information and the words "Reading Journey." Click there and you'll see an Action button. Clicking on Share Title will create a URL at the top of your screen, and then choose the share button or copy the link icon to the right of the title you'd like to share.
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That URL link will take you to a page displaying the title in all MA library collections that own it. You can check out or place a hold for the book right from there. |
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"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).
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Book Bundles for Kids
The Children's Room also offers book bundles for kids. If you want to borrow books about a certain subject and don't have specific titles in mind, our librarians will select them for you. Fill out the "book bundles" form, and we'll be in touch to work out all the details.
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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! |
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Dungeons & Dragons Kits Now Available to Borrow
Have you ever wanted to find out what playing Dungeons & Dragons is all about without having to buy it? Here's your chance!
You can now borrow one of two role-playing sets for up to two months, giving you plenty of time to learn the rules of the game and complete an adventure.
The D&D Starter Set is perfect for beginners aged 12+, offering five pre-generated characters, rulebook, four sets of dice, and a full-fledged adventure that's been crafted for you.
For those who are familiar with the game but want more freedom to create your own characters and adventure, the D&D Essentials Kit provides everything you need to know to get started, including an introductory adventure, Dungeon Master's screen, map, four sets of dice, and 81 cards for magic items and sidekicks. Ideal for 2-6 players aged 12+.
Stop by our Main Floor Desk to ask about our kits or take one home using your library card.
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These kits are made possible through CARES Act funding to Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. |
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Later Hours, More Convenience!
We've extended our opening hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays so you now have more time to visit us.
Our new hours are:
Mondays and Tuesdays -- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays -- 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays -- 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Stop in to borrow materials or use our computers. Our curbside pickup service is available for those who prefer not to come in the building.
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Curbside Pickup Reminders
Schedule your own Curbside Pickup appointment using your SAILS library card number and PIN. Start at our Curbside Pickup Portal, log in, and choose an available date and time to pick up items you have waiting for you at the Library.
Once booked, you may change your appointment if needed, and can even check in with us when you've arrived at your scheduled time.
Please note: appointments must be scheduled at least an hour in advance of your desired pickup time to give staff adequate time to prepare your materials.
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Click here to read our full curbside pickup guidelines.
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This Week's Marvelous Museum Pass
Little by little, our favorite places are starting to re-open. This week, we're pleased to announce that library passes are available once again for the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. A few rules have changed, so please be sure to read the new guidelines below.
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MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
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You'll receive a promo code at the time of your reservation, once you've entered all your information into our online reservation system. No visit to the Library is necessary.
- You'll use this code when making your reservation to visit the MFA on their website so keep it nearby.
Thanks to the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library for sponsoring this pass.
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You Can Still "Visit" Salem This October
In any other year, many of you would be flocking to Salem right now, taking in everything the city has to offer each October.
Destination Salem recognizes how much you'll miss being there in person and has compiled an extensive list of all virtual experiences for your favorite Salem attractions in one easy-to-navigate page.
- The House of the Seven Gables offers virtual field trips where you can learn about Nathaniel Hawthorne and the Salem Witch Trials.
- Salem Ghosts has launched a variety of virtual events, including Ghostflix for an on-demand streaming platform for haunted experiences across the country, and Lily "Host a Ghost" -- a Halloween “Elf on the Shelf” experience at home. You can also use your phone as a Ghost Tour Guide or listen to ghost stories with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- The Salem Witch Museum has a virtual book club featuring titles about the Salem Witch Trials. They're also offering virtual tours on their website and sharing videos from their Witch Trials Weekly series that can be accessed from home.
Start here and discover one of Massachusetts' most beloved locales, right from the comfort of your own, hopefully less spooky, chair.
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Book News From Around the Country
We've just heard about a new way to connect with some of your favorite best-selling authors. Organizers of this new online event series say, "Pour a glass of your favorite beverage...and settle into your most comfortable chair for an evening of relaxed conversation."
They continue, "Each event starts with a short introduction to the night's four featured authors. The audience is then divided into four breakout rooms where they remain for the rest of the program while the authors visit each room in turn. Everyone’s video is turned on and their mics are unmuted, allowing for informal, face-to-face discussion. The breakout sessions are never recorded. What’s said in The Back Room stays in The Back Room!"
Every Back Room event begins with a round-robin game of 20 questions such as "What's the worst thing about being a writer??" and "What book made you want to be a writer?"
Registration is free, but space is limited, so visit the Back Room website to preview who's speaking when and register for an upcoming session.
The next event, hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan, will take place on Thurs., Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m. and feature authors Brian Andrews, Julia Spencer-Fleming, Paula Munier, and William Kent Krueger.
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Make Your Voice Heard!
Sat., Oct. 24 is the last day you can register to vote in Massachusetts, so go online, get your registration in the mail or register in person.
Go to the Elections Division of the Massachusetts Secretary of State to review all things election-related.
If you've already mailed in your ballot, good on you! Visit TrackmyballotMA.com to enter your name and street address, and follow its progress.
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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.
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MyCOVIDRisk has just been released by the Center for Digital Health, a partnership between Lifespan and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
The site allows you to assess the COVID risk of participating in an activity, based on a number of different scenarios: indoors vs. outside, number of people, duration of visit, type of activity, number of positive COVID cases in the location, etc., and then provides a determination of your risk based on a five-point scale from very low to very high.
It also provides concrete steps you can take to lower your risk.
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