News & Notes from the Blanding Library

Yum! Yum! Story Hours in August
There will be three special story hours, from 10:30 to 11:30 on Mondays Aug, 8, 22 and 29, for children ages 4 and up who love to play with their food! Enjoy a fun story, then Chef Amanda will guide children with how to get creative with food. No cooking is involved. The Aug. 8 program will feature “create your own snack using a bento box”.

NOTE: Registration is required for these programs. Please inquire before attending if your child has food allergies/sensitivities.

Tuesday Story Times
Story Times for babies and toddlers will continue on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11. Children up through age 4 (siblings are welcome) and their caregivers are invited to join in a fun interactive program of movement books, music, and games held in the hall. Please call 508-252-4236 to register for these programs. 

“How to Bake a Universe” Aug. 10
Alec Carvlin, author of the new and acclaimed children’s book “How to Bake a Universe” will visit the library to engage children in an art activity. Alec is visiting through his own generosity and we are very grateful for this wonderful opportunity. All are welcome; no registration necessary. Wed. Aug. 10 from 10:30 to 11:30.

Animal Diversity Program Aug. 18
The Lloyd Center for the Environment from Dartmouth, MA, presents “Animal Diversity: Live Animals from Land and Sea” on Thurs. Aug. 18 from 11 to noon. This is a unique, hands-on program that brings the estuary and forest to you. Audience members discover wildlife first-hand by observing the live species. Focusing on the animals’ habitats and fascinating creature adaptations, this program is designed for grades K to 5. No registration necessary. This program is made possible by a grant from the Rehoboth Cultural Council.

The Great Rehoboth Book Hunt
Library Director Whitney Pape notes that “the Book Hunt started on July 2 with the display of our first giant book cover.  We'll be placing two more new book covers each week through August 20, so it's not too late to get in on the fun!  Stop by the Library to pick up a passbook, and check out the clues on our webpage, Facebook page, and Instagram account to track down the book cover locations.  Make sure to stamp your passbook with the attached stamp when you find each cover.  Those who find all of the book covers are eligible for a goodie bag, and get a chance at our grand prize, a $100 gift certificate to An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Cafe.”

Town-wide Read of The Map Thief
It's time to borrow a copy of The Map Thief by Michael Blanding and participate in Rehoboth's Town-wide Read.  We've got lots of copies of the book here at the library, and we can borrow a copy for you if we run out.  The author will be coming to Rehoboth to speak about his book on Saturday, October 15 at 2:00 p.m.  Leading up to Mr. Blanding's visit, we're co-hosting "New Boundaries:  Maps as Primary Sources," a discussion of Rehoboth maps with the Carpenter Museum on Thursday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. in Goff Hall. You can register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-boundaries-maps-as-primary-sources-tickets-388829769307.

On Friday, August 26, we will have two programs for younger members of the community presented by the Leventhal Map & Education Center at Boston Public Library.  "What is a Map?" will be presented to children in grades 1-3 at 10:30 a.m. and "Mapping America" will be presented to children in grades 4-8 at noon, both in Goff Hall. In September, we will create a map of Rehoboth in the Children's library, with the option of placing your house on the map. 

Looking ahead, the library will host a Treasure Hunt using a treasure map for our now knowledgeable younger patrons as well.  We will also host Anthony Amore, Director of Security and Chief Investigator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where he is charged with the ongoing efforts to recover thirteen works of art stolen from the museum in 1990.  The library will also display reproductions of older Rehoboth maps throughout the building August through October.

New Afternoon Book Club
A new afternoon book club is scheduled to meet at the library, starting on Mon. Sept. 12 from 3:30 to 4:30. This group will be open to all and different genres of writing will be considered. For information, call Desire Palmer at 508-717-1230. The Blanding’s ongoing book club which meets one evening a month will also continue. Contact the library for more information on upcoming sessions.

The Blanding Public Library (www.blandinglibrary.net) is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 8 and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Labor Day, Mon. Sept. 5. Phone 508-252-4236.