News, Information, and Fun Things to Do
from the
Middleborough Public Library
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Library Lines
April 7, 2021
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Middleboro Welcomes New Assistant Director
John Walsh
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Masks can often make it hard to recognize even people we know well so you may not have noticed that we have a new face around the Library.
John Walsh has joined us as our new Assistant Director, with more than 20 years experience in libraries, including academic, corporate and public. He's well-versed in training diverse groups of students and adults on technology across the globe from Cambridge and London to Dubai. He comes to Middleboro from his most recent position as Assistant Director of Technology and Innovation at the Woburn Public Library.
His library interests are in technology and local history and finding new ways to bring those two worlds together. When not at work or spending time with his family and dog, he enjoys reading, 3D printing and tinkering in his workshop.
Please make sure you say hello if you see him (and can recognize him) around the building.
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Organic Gardening for Everyone
Anyone who's daydreaming about getting their hands down into some soft, warm, dirt should join us on Zoom on Sat., May 1 at 10:00 a.m. for "Organic Gardening for Everyone." We'll be led by naturalist, educator and landscaper John Root who'll provide practical advice and inspiration to gardeners of all ages and physical conditions on growing vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers organically.
Topics will include composting and mulching to promote healthy soil, using space efficiently, growing plants from seed, succession planting, inviting beneficial wildlife, controlling weeds and pests naturally, and preserving homegrown produce.
In addition to his work as a landscaper, Root leads edible wild plant walks and lectures on a variety of landscaping and nature topics at venues throughout New England. He is a member of the Ecological Landscapers Association and is an accredited Organic Landscape professional through the Northeast Organic Farming Association.
Thanks to the Friends of the Middleboro Public Library for sponsoring this program.
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A Reminder for You Terrarium Builders ... |
For those who have registered successfully for the Terrarium program at Soule Homestead, please remember it's coming up the last week of the month at 1:00 p.m. on Tues., April 27. Rain date will be Thur., April 29.
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Spring Storywalk Features Bear Wants More
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Families are invited to a Spring Storywalk at the YMCA's Camp Yomechas (375 Wareham St.) on Sat., April 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy the book Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson, while adhering to all social distancing guidelines.
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 the CARES Act funding to Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Additional support provided by the Friends of the Middleboro Public Library.
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Spend Some of Your April Vacation with Us |
Looking for some family fun this April Vacation week? Check out two of our upcoming programs for families and children. |
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Join Miss Amanda on Tues., April 20 at 6:30 p.m. for a Family BINGO night on Zoom! Pick up a BINGO card from the Library or have one emailed to you for use during the event. We'll have music playing and lots of chances to win prizes.
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On Thurs., April 22 at 10:30 a.m., come back to help Miss Amanda celebrate Earth Day on Zoom. Enjoy stories, songs and activities that encourage taking care of our environment.
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Registration is required for these programs, To sign up, call the Library at 508/946-2470 or email Miss Amanda.
Both of these April Week vacation programs are made possible by the sponsorship of the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library.
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Back by Popular Demand: Kids' Movie/Popcorn Bundles!
Take a look at our menu of offerings for April Vacation Week and call the library at 508/946-2470 to reserve your bundle today.
Each one includes three movies, a bag of microwave popcorn and activity sheets. After you've made a reservation, you can pick up your bundle starting Thurs., April 15.
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Fuzzy Bird Kits Are Here! |
Fly away with one of our Fuzzy Bird Craft Kits just in time for April Vacation Week.
Each kit contains all the materials you'll need to make two of these cute critters. Colors will vary.
For all ages. One kit per person, please. To reserve yours, please call the Library at 508/946-2470.
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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 provided by the Friends of the Middleboro Public Library.
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Make Someone's May Day Special This Year |
Help brighten the day of a senior this spring by making May Day baskets for the Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels recipients. The goal is to create 150 beautiful baskets with hand-crafted flowers -- one for every Middleboro resident that receives Meals on Wheels.
Pick up your kit starting Mon., April 12 and return the completed baskets by Mon., April 26 so they can be delivered the first week of May.
This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Middleboro Public Library.
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Tiny Tots Every Wednesday This Month |
Tiny Tots continues every Wednesday in April on April 7, 14, 21, and 28. 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.
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Beaded Wind Chime Crafting Kits for Teens |
Celebrate spring and the beauty of outdoors with a handcrafted beaded wind chime! Reserve a kit for April Vacation Week, starting Thursday, April 15.
Each kit contains all the materials you'll need to make one beaded wind chime. Bead colors and selection will vary.
For youth ages 11-18. One kit per person, please. To reserve yours, please call the Library at 508/946-2470.
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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. |
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Miss Lori's Fun Puzzle Challenges
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Fri., April 9: Celebrate all the blooms bursting out this season by trying this Flower Word Search or checking out some fun books on blooms from our Children's Room.
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Fri., April 16: Let's get digging! you can start by doing a Garden Word Search or taking home a library book on growing veggies.
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STEAM in Nature Continues
Join Miss Amanda and special guest Julia Signorella from Mass Audubon for STEAM in Nature, a Thursday morning series from 10:00-10:45 a.m., on April 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.
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Kits with hands-on activities available for pick up at the library on a limited basis.
Registration is required to acquire the Zoom link, and you can sign up for one or both weeks. Please call the Library at 508/946-2470 or email Miss Amanda. This program is brought to you by the Middleborough Cultural Council.
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Don't Forget to Spring into Reading
with Our New Challenge
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Our Spring Reading Challenge continues through May 14th, and kids who complete eight hours of reading will earn virtual tickets for one of three grand prizes.
Thanks to the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library for generously sponsoring this program.
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SUMMER BONUS!
Complete the 8 hours of reading and earn 10 virtual tickets for the Summer Reading program with even larger prizes!
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The Big Library Read is On! April 5-19 |
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From a psychologist and stand-up comedian comes a practical, yet laugh-out-loud guide to embracing humor to reduce stress and live a happier, fuller life.
Dr. Brian King got a degree in psychology before becoming a world-touring comic and the host of humor therapy seminars attended by more than 10,000 people each year.
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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.
Grab your library card, sign into your OverDrive/Libby account, check out the book, and get reading!
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"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, recommendations from Library Director Randy Gagne.
Click on the book covers to place a hold for the digital copy in OverDrive, or click on the blue-colored title below the cover image to place a hold on a print copy in the SAILS catalog. (Vision or Mirage will have to be ordered through your Comcat account.)
Randy: Saudi Arabia, over the last three years, has been extensively in the news. Whether it be the accession of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS), the initial public offering (IPO) of Saudi Aramco, the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the jailing and reported mistreatment of recent dissidents, the war in Yemen, or the
right of women to drive in the Kingdom, there's plenty to read about.
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A solid piece of investigative journalism, this book focuses on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the role of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS).
At its publication, it provided many new details about the Khashoggi murder which the Turkish authorities had not released. Compared to MBS, the anti-corruption efforts and the “Ritz Carlton” episode are given a precursory treatment which is unfortunate as most analysts agree that MBS solidified his political and financial control after “shaking down” the country’s leading royals and business leaders.
Recommended for novices to Saudi Arabia or those interested in the Khashoggi murder.
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MBS is more of a biography of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) than Blood and Oil. The author did extensive research into MBS’ upbringing as a boy and delves into MBS’ life before he came into the public spotlight. The book extensively explores anti-corruption efforts, societal reforms, and economic efforts such as MBS’ Vision 2030 initiative.
Overall, it's well-written,
researched, and worth the time if a reader is interested in MBS or Saudi Arabia.
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Vision or Mirage: Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads
by David Rundell
This book enlightens readers as to why the rule of King Salman and the governing of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not reforming in nature, but revolutionary in how the Al Saud family—during the 3rd Saudi Dynasty—has typically ruled.
Rundell’s analysis of stakeholders (i.e. tribal leaders, religious leaders, royals, business leaders, and technocrats) within Saudi government might be the most lucid and nuanced explanation of Saudi governance which this reviewer has read.
The book is scholarly, but approachable to a reader with an interest in the country.
Former US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Rundell spent most of his career in the Middle East, is a fluent Arabic speaker, and continues to have business ties in Saudi Arabia.
The book is highly recommended.
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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.
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).
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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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Just in case you missed it, Mon., April 5 was the date the rest of the Baby Boomers and everyone else ages 55 and over became eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Finally, on Mon., April 19, all individuals ages 16 and older become eligible. Make sure to pre-register here, for an appointment at a mass vaccination center, and search for a location. You also can go directly to sites like Walgreens and CVS to search for an appointment.
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Hours
Tuesdays
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturdays
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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