Rare Book Specialist Ken Gloss Returns

Kenneth Gloss, antiquarian bookseller, guest appraiser for "Antiques Roadshow," and proprietor of the internationally known Brattle Book Shop in Boston, returns for a program and book appraisal event on Wed., Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Ken will discuss the value of old and rare books and, following the talk and Q&A session, will give free verbal appraisals of books participants have on hand or will do so at his shop in Boston at a later scheduled date.

Ken, a rare book specialist and appraiser who is frequently seen on national TV, will talk in part about the history of his historic bookshop which goes back to circa 1825. He'll discuss growing up in the book business, show some of his favorite finds while enjoying “the thrill of the hunt,” and explain how he appraises books and manuscripts.

Yankee Magazine Editor's Choice Award for Best of New England, the Brattle Book Shop is one of America’s oldest and largest antiquarian bookstores. 2023 is the 74th year of Gloss family ownership, as Ken succeeded his late father, George Gloss, a well-known figure both in Boston and national antiquarian circles. He had worked in the store since childhood and chose to go into the book business rather than pursue a doctorate in chemistry. He became the sole proprietor upon his father's death in 1985. "I found that books were in my blood and that I would never be really happy if I abandoned the business."

Registration is required so call 508/946-2470 or email Reference/Adult Services Librarian Libby Fox.

Save the Date for Sourdough Brandon

Curious about who or what Sourdough Brandon is?

Then mark your calendar for Wed., Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. so you can find out.

In the meantime, look for more information in the September 6 issue of the newsletter or click here.

Next Up in Our Virtual Author Talk Series

Our new virtual author talk series features bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world, covering a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres in one-hour-long programs.

Register for upcoming events here, and submit your questions for the author, or you can watch here at any time, any of the previous programs archived up to a year back.

Cassandra Clare, Chain of Thorns, TONIGHT! Wed., Aug. 23, 8:00 p.m.

You’re invited to an enchanting chat with mega-bestselling author, Cassandra Clare, about her newest and final book in The Last Hours series, Chain of Thorns.

Register here.

Jeffrey Selingo, Who Gets in and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, Wed., Aug. 30, 2:00 p.m.

Spend an hour with bestselling author Jeff Selingo, who immersed himself in the world of admissions for a year to answer the question on the minds of teenagers and their parents: how do colleges select their freshman class?  

The result is his most recent book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, named one of the 100 Notable Books of 2020 by the New York Times.



Register here.

Life, Love, Family, and Food: An Author Talk with Lidia Bastianich, Thurs., Sept. 7, 7:00 p.m.

You’re invited to an intimate evening with award-winning television host and bestselling author Lidia Bastianich as she talks about her memoir My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food. 

Born in Pula, on the Istrian peninsula, Lidia grew up surrounded by love and security, learning the art of Italian cooking from her beloved grandmother. But when a communist regime annexed Istria, Lidia’s family fled to Trieste, where they spent two years in a refugee camp waiting for visas to enter the US.

When she finally arrived in New York, Lidia soon began working in restaurants, the first step leading to her becoming one of the most revered chefs and businesswomen in the country.

Heartwarming, deeply personal, and powerfully inspiring, My American Dream is the story of Lidia’s close-knit family and her dedication and endless passion for food.

As a special bonus (and pre-release!) Lidia will preview and chat about her newest cookbook Lidia's: From Our Family Table to Yours. In this inviting, deeply personal new cookbook, she shares the dishes she cooks for those she loves the most. Bringing together more than 100 delicious, flavorful, and easy-to-make Italian recipes, this new book is a celebration of the dishes Lidia’s family turns to over and over—and yours will, too.

Lidia Bastianich is the author of 15 previous cookbooks and is the Emmy Award-winning host of "Lidia’s Kitchen."

Register here.

Playground Bonanza

Join Carol Carver from Self Help Inc. at at the Peirce Playground park on Mon., Aug. 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Three-, four- , and five-year olds and their grownups can enjoy some outdoor playtime together. You'll start at the playground and then move to a cozy spot for songs, movement, simple art and fun.

Rain location: the Library Meeting Room.

You can register by emailing Carol.

This program is brought to you by Self Help Inc. CFCE.  

Learn How to Play Pokemon with

One Up Games

Kids ages 8 and up are invited to sign up for this three-hour program to learn how to play Pokemon, the card game, on Sat., Sept. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. One Up Games will be leading the instruction and everyone who participates will go home with a structure deck and playing mat. (Grown ups also are welcome to learn along with their Pokemon players.) 

There's a limited number of spaces available for this program so please register beginning August 28 by calling the Library at 508/946-2470.

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

Clark the Shark Series for 3-5 Year Olds

Join Carol Carver for her new "Clark the Shark" Series. This four-week, fun-filled story time get-together for preschoolers will meet on consecutive Mondays starting September 11 and running through October 2.

It will touch base on the social emotional skills of friendship, sharing, fears, and more.  Clark the Shark will surely become a friend who we'll learn lessons from each week. Best for kids ages 3-5 and their families. Register by emailing Carol.



This program is brought to you by Self Help Inc. Coordinated Family Community Engagement.

Homeschool Program: Stone Soup Play

Homeschooled kids ages 8 to 13 and their families are encouraged to sign up for this theater program that takes place on three dates, Tues., Sept. 12, 19, and 26 at 10:30 a.m.

The first two get-togethers will take place at the Library and will include learning the story of Stone Soup, choosing roles, building costumes, making props, and rehearsing. The final date will conclude with a public presentation at the COA (Council on Aging) located at 558 Plymouth St. at 11:00 a.m. All performers are welcome to invite family members and friends to the production. 

The COA will be serving a kid-friendly lunch following the presentation. To sign up for the meal, please call the COA at 508/946-2490.  

To register for the program, please call the Library at 508/946-2470 or email Children's Librarian Amanda Meyer.

This program is supported by the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library and the Middleborough Council on Aging.

Sharebrary Item of the Week: Car Vacuum

Sharebrary: Borrow. Try. Experience.

Summer's end is approaching fast and we're guessing your car might be showing the after-effects of many trips to the beach. Take this opportunity to borrow our car vacuum and get all that sand out before Septembe arrives.

Included in a carry bag are: a vacuum/compressor with attached power cable, an attached air filter, instructions, an air hose and extension hose, a brush nozzle, a crevice tube, a small brush, one fuse, one needle, and two valves.

The car vac is one of 40 different items we have in our Sharebrary collection. Check them all out!