Spring and More Vaccinations are on the Way!

News, Information, and Fun Things to Do

from the

Middleborough Public Library

Library Lines

March 24, 2021

TONIGHT!

"Gravestones, Gargoyles, and More. Oh My!" Virtual Festival

Our Two-part Virtual Festival on Zoom titled, "Gravestones, Gargoyles, and More. Oh My!" kicks off tonight at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required to receive the Zoom log-in which you can request right up until the start-time of the program. Call the Library at 508/946-2470, or email Adult Services/Reference Librarian Libby Fox.

Our "Gravestones, Gargoyles and More. Oh My!" series is supported in part by a grant from the Middleborough Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Tonight!

"Welcome to the Graveyard," by Brenda Sullivan of The Gravestone Girls, tonight at 6:30 p.m. The program will chronicle cemetery art, history and symbolism, from the colonial New England burial grounds of the 17th and 18th centuries through the nationwide rural cemetery movement of the 19th century, 20th and early 21st centuries. The presentation will include pictures from many Middleboro cemeteries.

Saturday

“The Grotesque 10: Amazing Architectural Sculpture from Ten American Colleges & Universities” by photographer/author Mathew Duman Sat., March 27 at 1:00 p.m. Mathew will present a selection of grotesques and gargoyles in his presentation (see above), giving you a taste of the variety of ornament, history and humor these college campuses have roosting on their academic buildings

The Big Library Read Returns, April 5-19

The Big Library Read is like your local book club "gone global." It connects readers around the world with the same e-book at the same time without any wait lists or holds. (Please note: the no waiting/no holds for this title will start on the first day of the Big Read, April 5.)

The current title is The Art of Taking it Easy by Dr. Brian King. Read more about the book and author in the next column over, and be sure to check out the reader discussion guide, and letter from the author.

All you need to get started is a library card. Sign into your OverDrive/Libby account, check out the book, and get reading.

Save the Date for Upcoming Gardening Programs

We know you've all felt it -- there's a certain warmth in the air that promises spring will be here soon. Mark your calendars and look for more information on these upcoming gardening/plant programs in our next newsletter.

Tues., April 27, 1:00 p.m.: The ever-popular Library Plant expert Mary Ann Cunningham returns with her "Build Your Own Terrarium" program. This will be our FIRST in-person program since we closed for the pandemic a year ago, and will take place outside at Soule Homestead. Registration starts today and is open to anyone who has NOT previously attended this program.

Sat., May 1, 10:00 a.m. on Zoom: "Organic Gardening for Everyone" with naturalist John Root.

Tiny Tots Every Wednesday

Tiny Tots continues on Wednesdays in April at 9:30 a.m. Join Miss Amanda for stories, rhymes, songs and early literacy activities. Best for babies, toddlers and preschool ages.

Come to one session or all of them, but you must register for at least one to acquire the link. Participants will be muted during the story time portion. Silly, sleepy, and hungry kids are welcome.

Miss Lori's Fun Puzzle Challenges

Fri., March 26: Let's celebrate spring! Try one of these word search or crossword puzzles that are all about this wonderful season.

Fri., April 2: Hop to it! Easter's almost here. While you're waiting for the big day, try out these word scramble and word search puzzles.

TOMORROW!

STEAM in Nature

Join Miss Amanda and special guest Julia Signorella from Mass Audubon for STEAM in Nature, a four-week series on Thursday mornings from 10:00-10:45 a.m. starting Thurs., March 25, and continuing on April 1, 8 and 15. Engage with your preschool child(ren) ages 2.5-5 in this virtual, nature-based program. Siblings welcome. Participate in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) activities, listen to stories, and receive ideas to explore the outdoors once a week.

Kits with hands-on activities available for pick-up at the Library on a limited basis.

Registration is required to acquire the Zoom link. Please call the Library at 508/946-2470 or email Miss Amanda. This program is brought to you by the Middleborough Cultural Council.

Spring Into Reading Challenge Starts Next Week

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Robot Storytime

Celebrate National Robotics week on Tues., April 6 at 6:30 p.m. with a special storytime all about robots. Participants are welcome to dress in their pajamas.

Registration is required to obtain the Zoom link. Please call the Library at 508/946-2470 or email Miss Amanda to sign up.

Miss Amanda's Spring Storytime Room

Spring is in the air! Explore Miss Amanda's spring-themed virtual storytime room by clicking, listening, and following the prompts. Geared towards families with preschool age children.

Visit the Storytime Room

"Book Blurbs" -- What We've Been Reading

Periodically, we bring you a brief Book Blurb from the staff about what we've been reading/watching/playing. This week, a recommendation from Children's Librarian Amanda Meyer.

Click on the book cover to place a hold for the digital copy in OverDrive, or click on the magenta title below to place a hold on the print copy in the SAILS catalog.

Amanda: I recently finished the Newbery Award winner When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. This moving story focuses on a family and their ailing halmoni, or grandmother. Korean folklore comes to life for the young girl who must unleash stories from "star jars" in an effort to heal Halmoni.

Beautifully written. Best for middle grades 4 and up.

Have the tissues handy!

Book News and Musings

I don't know about you, but I typically have four books going at the same time. I've got a print copy on my bedside table; a book-on-CD in my car to listen to during my commute to work; and both a digital audiobook and e-book on my phone so I can listen while I walk, and read in the car if I'm stuck waiting somewhere.

It seems I'm not alone, as Book Riot's online March 10 newsletter included a piece on this habit, "A Case For Reading Multiple Books at a Time," by Sarah Rahman. Check it out to learn about others who share this book-obsessed habit.

Libby Fox, Reference & Adult Services Librarian

News About Our Marvelous Museum Passes

Many museums and organizations in Boston and southeastern New England are open again. Many will only accept a library pass if you already have a timed reservation.

Please check our website for guidelines before reserving passes.

As of today, these organizations are open and accepting Library passes: Buttonwood Zoo, the New England Aquarium, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Mass Parks, the Museum of Fine Arts, Zoo New England, and the Patriots Hall of Fame (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only).

Reserve passes here

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.

There's a lot of excitement with the 60 and up crowd these days as they became eligible on Monday to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. Gov. Baker promised other age groups are soon to follow with everyone ages 16 and up becoming eligible to make an appointment starting April 19.

Here's the detailed schedule:

March 22 -- Ages 60+ and workers in these categories.

April 5 -- Ages 55+ and those with at least one medical condition from this list.

April 19 -- All others ages 16+.

Pre-register here to be notified when your group is eligible to receive a shot at one of the mass vaccination sites.
After you preregister, you'll receive weekly status updates.
You'll be contacted when there are appointments available and provided with a link to select and book your appointment.