News & Notes from the Blanding Library

Ocean Book Club & Art Exhibit
The Ocean Book Club will meet at the library on Sat. July 27 from 2-3 to discuss “The Soul of an Octopus” by Sy Montgomery, a selection related to our summer 2024 theme of The Ocean. Pick up your copy at the circulation desk.

Call for Entries! The library is hosting an Oceans of Art exhibition and would love your participation. The submission deadline is Aug. 22; works of art on display from Aug 26-31. There will be an exhibit reception Aug. 27 at 6:30. For more information on contest rules and entering, stop by the library or call 508-252-4236. Every entrant’s name will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Ms. Frizzle Talks about Dinosaurs, July 8 at 11 am
Join Carole Finn Weidman as we go on an adventure with Miss Frizzle and the Magic School Bus to learn all about dinosaurs on Monday July 8 at 11 am. Suggested for children ages 3 and older. No registration required.

Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals, July 16 at 10:30 am
Children aged 3 and up will learn about Dr. Rosie and take part in an interactive reading with Jennifer Welborn and Rozillia Mh. Children are encouraged to bring their own stuffed animal from home. Signed copies of “Dr. Rosie helps the Animals” will be available for purchase with proceeds going to a veterinary scholarship fund. Registration is required; space is limited.

Sailors’ Valentines, July 17 at 6:30 pm
Sailors’ Valentines were popular gifts of shellcraft brought home by Navy and whaling sailors in the 1800s. Join us and create your own decorative framed version of a vintage sailor’s valentine. For ages 15 and up. Please register ahead, space is limited. All materials provided.

“I Can Do Ballet” returns on July 19 at 1 pm
Children ages 6 to 8 will learn the elements of beginning ballet while having fun, led by instructor and professional dancer Miss Joy Lima. Numbers are limited and registration is required.

Story Hours This Summer
Ongoing children’s programs at the Blanding include Baby and Toddler Storytimes on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11 for children and caregivers, prepared for children up through age 4. Pre-school Story Times are held on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 for children ages 3 and older. Children listen to stories and make a simple craft to take home. Siblings are welcome at all sessions. 

 There will be a few special story times this summer. Please register in advance for these story and craft times: Stories on the Lawn (bring a blanket) on July 11 at 10:30. Then on July 18 at 10:30, author Carla Marrero reads her purr-fectly wonderful cat stories, and on July 22, prepare for National Shark Week with a story & craft time at 10:30.

Japanese Folktales & Origami, July 25 at 11 am      
Parents' Choice Award-winning storyteller Motoko presents Japanese fables, enriched with songs, movement, and some audience participation.  Under her step-by-step guidance, participants will make origami animals and learn techniques for making "fold-along" tales, in which a piece of paper is reused and transformed multiple times to represent different characters. This program is suggested for those in grades K-8 and their families. No registration needed. This program is funded by a grant from the Rehoboth Cultural Council.

Science Heroes, July 29 at 3 pm
Science Heroes and the Lost Treasure is an exciting STEM show combining the magic of stories with the wonders of science. Join a treasure-hunting adventure in the jungle as the audience helps act out a tale exploring exciting science concepts. Registration is required. Geared to children entering grades K to 5. 

Nature Tales in August
The Rehoboth Land Trust presents “Nature Tales” Kids Reading to Kids. Teen volunteers will read picture books and poems about nature to children ages 3 and up; siblings welcome. A simple craft will be available. Please register for these programs, which will be held on Aug. 1, 8, 15 and 29 from 10:30 to 11:30.

Create a Felted Otter, Aug. 5 at 11 am
Dive into needle-felting with PopUp Art School and create a fuzzy and playful otter holding a shell. You will learn the basic skills of needle-felting and have a finished piece when it’s completed. Sculptural needle felting is for those ages 12 and older. Space is limited, registration required.

Also coming up in August you can visit with Fiona the Inflatable Whale on Aug. 13, 14 and 15 and enjoy Joe’s Crazy Critters on Aug. 22. Look for more details to follow. The Summer Reading Program continues through Aug. 26. Stop by the library to get started, if you haven’t already.

The Blanding Public Library, 124 Bay State Rd. Rehoboth, is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 8, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays. Phone: 508-252-4236. Information on Blanding events can be found under Blanding Public Library programs and events on https://rehobothantiquarian.org/