News & Notes from the Blanding Library

Blanding Reopening
The Blanding Library is reopening. As of this writing, the plan is to reopen the library as of August 1, in keeping with the next phase of Massachusetts’ reopening of public places that have been closed due to the pandemic. The library will be open regular hours: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We will all be glad to go back to the library, but things will be a little different now. For safety, masks must be worn by all. Plexiglass shields have been installed around the front desk and everyone must observe social distance practices.

Library director Whitney Pape explains that patrons are encouraged to call ahead to make an appointment to use the library, especially if they need to use the library’s public computers. Note that computers have been set up in Goff Hall auditorium to make it easier for users to keep their distance. The library is also requesting that just one person at a time be in the upstairs or downstairs section of the library.

People are asked to return their library books and other items in the book drop outside rather than bring them into the building. You can still request curbside pick-up service by calling the library ahead of time.

Interlibrary loan is back but borrowed items are kept in quarantine for a couple of days upon arrival and before being sent back. If you notice that the items you returned are still on your SAILS record, that’s because they haven’t been sent back just yet. You can always call the Blanding at 508-252-4236 to find out the latest or with any questions.

Children’s Activities       
The Blanding has some special videos for children, available to watch for free at home this summer. To view any of these programs offered through the Blanding Library this month, go to www.blandinglibrary.net. Click on the Programs & Events Calendar and you will find links to several virtual events sponsored by the library.

ED THE WIZARD: First up, Ed the Wizard presents a Tribute to Harry Potter. Celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday and experience some wizard magic in this video for all ages. While Ed the Wizard isn’t able to visit the library in person, you can watch this video through August.

STORYTIME: for younger viewers, Miss Joyce reads a story on a video that is available through Aug. 26. No registration necessary for all video presentations.

LOCAL AUTHOR STORYTIME: Nancy Cote, an author/illustrator from Somerset, reads her picture book “Flip-Flops”, a story about a girl named Penny who finds one flip-flop missing on her way to the beach. Video available through Aug. 21.

PUPPET STORYTIME: Join Newton and Friends for a Puppet Story Time reading of Catherine Rayner's "Augustus and His Smile." This video is available through Aug. 27.

Children’s librarian Cathy Charbonneau says: “Even though we cannot get together as we have in the past, we are still offering programs virtually.  We even have a special Facebook page for Blanding Public Library's Youth Services covering a variety of free virtual events and activities, as well as a virtual Book club for middle school readers. The Blanding has Summer Reading packets available, sponsored by the Friends of the Library.  These packets contain reading logs, stickers, small notebooks and Brag Tags.  Call the library at 508-252-4236 to reserve a packet for the reader in your family.”

“Thanks very much to our Friends of the Library group for sponsoring some of these programs and thank you to ALL volunteer readers, authors, illustrators, and fellow SAILS librarians who shared their programs with all.”

“The Blanding has some copies of the summer reading books for those students entering grades 5 through 8 at Beckwith Middle School and those entering the high school.  Give us a call to reserve your copy.  We're here to help out.”

The Blanding Public Library, 124 Bay State Rd., is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Mon. Sept. 7 for Labor Day. On the web at www.blandinglibrary.net. Phone 508-252-4236. Be sure to check back on the library’s website and Facebook page for any last minute additions to programs and events this summer.