News & Notes from Blanding Public Library

No Fines in February
Now is the time to look for those overdue books and other library items and return them during the month of February, when no fines will be charged for any overdue library items you return this month. Please note that this applies only to currently overdue items, not to lost or damaged items.

Blind Date with a Book
In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Blanding is again offering its Blind Date with a Book. Books will be colorfully wrapped and displayed at the circulation desk and readers are encouraged to pick one to check out. There will be a hint as to the type of book inside but no author or title given. This is a fun way to find a new book or author.

Legos at the Library Feb. 18
Legos are back at the library! Drop in between 11 and 2 on Sat. Feb. 18. You supply the imagination and the Blanding will supply the Legos. No registration is needed and young children may work with a parent.

Meet the Author on Feb. 21
Celebrate “author month” in February. Come to the library on Tues. Feb. 21 at 6:30 to welcome local author W.S. Childress. Scott Childress lives in Dighton and has been teaching English at Sandwich High School for 10 years. He will talk about his new young adult novel, “Ronnie Willow and the Silver Mask”. This is a mystery that takes place among the sand dunes and kettle ponds, schooners and skiffs of Cape Cod. This novel is geared to ages 10 to adult. No registration is needed and books will be available for purchase and signing.

Story Times in February
There will be a special story time on Thurs, Feb. 23 at 10:30. Come hear a “purr-fect” story time with author/illustrator Carla Marrero. Can cats grant wishes? What happens when a cat loses a favorite toy? Carla will share some of her magical cat stories, followed by a craft. All ages welcome. No registration needed.
Each Tuesday at 10:30 there will be a baby/toddler story time for those under age 4. Children and caregivers are invited to come to the hall for a fun, interactive program of music, books, games and more. Siblings are welcome.

On Thursdays Feb. 2, 9 and 16, there will be story and craft times for children ages 3 and up. Siblings are welcome. Please register ahead so that we can provide ample craft supplies.

South Asian Celebration March 1
The Blanding will be featuring a celebration of South Asian culture on Wed. March 1 from 6 to 8 pm. Enjoy a Bollywood film along with some tasty hot snacks, delicious sweets, and temporary tattoos from Henna by Ruhi. This program is free and all ages are welcome.

Join the Friends
Thanks to all the members of the Friends of the Blanding Library who have renewed their membership for 2023 recently. If you enjoy all that the library offers, you can show your appreciation by becoming a member of this all-volunteer group. Among other things, the Friends provides funding for a number of programs so that the library may then offer them for free to people in the community.

The Friends raise funds to pay for items outside of the library’s annual budget such as new shelving and new furniture for the young adult room. We support activities such as puppet shows, Storywalks, craft projects, the summer reading program, and the holiday gingerbread house program. Look for more Friends programs to be announced soon.

Annual membership is $10 per household, $25 for contributing members, and $50 for supporting members. You can pick up a membership form at the Blanding circulation desk or send your contribution to Friends of the Blanding Library, PO Box 464, Rehoboth MA 02769. Thank you.

History Discussion Group
The History Discussion Group led by Hank Coleman meets at the library on Wednesdays from 11 to noon. The group, which is now discussing various aspects of the Civil War, is open to all with an interest in history.

The Blanding Public Library www.blandinglibrary.net  is located at 124 Bay State Rd., Rehoboth. Phone 502-252-4236. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm and on Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Monday Feb. 20 for Presidents’ Day.