News & Notes from the Blanding Library

Documentary Screening Sept. 9
“Under Pressure” is a documentary produced by the Class of 2019 at Four Rivers Charter School in Greenfield, Massachusetts, which explores the September 2018 Merrimack Valley gas explosions and their aftermath. This documentary describes this tragedy and probes the ongoing dangers of using fracked gas. This free event is sponsored by 350 MA, Massachusetts Sierra Club, and the Blanding Library and will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Mon. Sept. 9.

“Glory” to be Shown Sat. Sept. 21
The acclaimed Civil War movie “Glory” will be shown at the Blanding on Sat. Sept. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. This event, which is free and open to all, is in conjunction with the Carpenter Museum’s memorial and reception in honor of Civil War sailor Alexander Williams of Rehoboth that weekend. The movie tells the gripping story of the Massachusetts 54th Infantry, the Union Army’s first African-American unit.

History Discussion Group Resumes
The history discussion group will resume meeting again on Tuesdays mornings from 11 to 12:15 at the Blanding, starting on October 1. Presenter and discussion leader Hank Coleman is offering a review of three major topics in American history, including the American Revolution (Oct. 1-Nov. 19), the presidencies of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson Dec.3-Jan.21), and the Age of Jackson (Feb. 4-Mar. 24). A fourth topic in the spring will probably be about the decade leading up to the Civil War, according to Hank.

This past winter and spring Hank covered three topics in French history (the French Revolution, Napoleon, and Joan of Arc), and also the Lewis and Clark expedition’s importance to American history. Each session includes a talk, a video or two relating to the topic, and time for discussion.

Hank says, “Anyone interested can send their email to me at hjcoleman@comcast.net or call me at 508-243-0244, or check the calendar on the Blanding website for upcoming events. My emails will provide updates, books of interest and general observations. The lectures are free and open to the public. Prior knowledge of the subject matter is not necessary.”

More Upcoming Programs

“Music Together” returns on Wed. Sept. 11 at 10:15 a.m. We welcome Gretchen from Music Together in Attleboro in this special program for tots and their families. No registration is necessary.

Story and Craft Hours for children ages 3 to K resumes again on Tuesdays at 10:15, starting Sept. 10. Tot Time for little ones under 3 will continue on Wed. at 10 a.m. through September. Please call or stop in to register.

Yoga for Families will next meet on Friday Sept. 13 at 10:15. This is a one-hour free parent-child wellness event for parents with children from babies to age 8. Sponsored by the PACE CW CFCE Program with funding from the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care. Contact Jocelyn at 508-984-3559 or jcarvalho@paceccw.org.

Legos at the Library will next meet at the Blanding on Sat. Sept. 14 at 10:30 a.m., free and for all ages. We supply the Legos and you supply the imagination. Drop in and join this fun session, held on the second Saturday morning of each month.

The next meeting of the Blanding Book Club will be Wed. Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. when the topic will be the novel, “Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk” by Kathleen Rooney. Copies will be available ahead of time at the library.

Book Sale in October
This year’s used book sale at the Blanding will be held the weekend of Oct. 18-20, beginning that Friday evening with a preview sale for Friends of the Library members from 5 to 7 p.m. The general sale and bake sale will be on Sat. Oct. 19 from 9 to 3, with a clearance sale on Sunday morning. The library is accepting donations of used books in good condition for the sale (no textbooks or magazines please). We will also need baked goods for the sale. Check for a sign-up sheet at the library soon.

The Blanding Public Library is located at 124 Bay State Rd., Rehoboth. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Library closed on Sundays and holidays, including Mon. Oct. 14 for Columbus Day. Phone: 508-252-4236. Check the library’s website (blandinglibrary.net) for the latest information on upcoming events.