News & Notes from the Blanding Library

Happy New Year & Thanks!

The folks at the Blanding Library say, “We are feeling most grateful after a busy year in 2025. We would like to take a moment to recognize and thank the following:

• All our patrons who have donated funds or books or have participated in our programs-- we very much appreciate your support!
• The Rehoboth Antiquarian Society for providing and maintaining our very special building.
• The Friends of the Blanding Library for your ongoing dedication and support.
• Rehoboth Garden Club for maintaining our lovely gardens and for our yearly holiday wreaths.
• Brilliant Dahlia Flower Farm for continued support and the beautification of the library with lovely bouquets!
• Souza Family Farm for pumpkins and fall decor.
• Oak Hill Engineering for their program support.
• Thank You! If we have missed anyone we sincerely apologize, it has been a busy year!”

Winter Activities

“I Spy”: During the month of January, stop by the library and challenge yourself with this winter-themed scavenger hunt. Fun for the whole family.

“Take and Make” Crafts:  You can also come to the library in January for a little craft time downstairs in our children's room, or take one home for later. New crafts will be put out at random and will be available while supplies last.

Jewelry Donations Wanted

Now’s a good time to clean out that jewelry box. We are collecting unwanted jewelry in good condition for an upcoming jewelry sale fundraiser at a date to be determined. Look for more information to follow soon.

Story Times for Kids

Story Times for children ages 3 and up with Miss Cathy continues at 10:30 on Thursdays. Tot Times with Miss Joyce will be on Tuesdays at 10:30, for children under age 4 and their caregivers. Siblings are welcome at both groups. Note that sometimes there are changes to Story Hour and Tot Time programs. Check the calendar on the library’s website for the latest updates.

Stories and Plays for Little Ones

Join Miss Jocelyn from your local PACE CFCE (Coordinated Family & Community Engagement) at the Blanding Library for stories, fun activities & play! Registration is suggested. Older siblings welcome. Mon. Jan. 12 at 10:30.

A Verse for January

Here’s a warming winter verse from the late, great author/illustrator Maurice Sendak in his charming book, “Chicken Soup with Rice”:

“In January it’s so nice/ While slipping on the sliding ice/ To sip hot chicken soup with rice/ Sipping once, sipping twice/ Sipping chicken soup with rice.”

Ongoing Programs

The weekly history group led by Hank Coleman meets at 11am each Wednesday. Open to all; for more information contact hjcoleman@comcast.net.  

The Blanding offers two monthly book groups, one on Monday evenings and one on Wednesday afternoons. Call the library for more information.

Knit Night at the library meets one Thursday evening a month from 6:30 to 8. Call the library for the next meeting date. For adults and teens to get together and work on their knitting projects.

You can find more information and news about programs and events at the Blanding Public Library at https://rehobothantiquarian.org/blanding-library/  You can also sign-up for a monthly library email letter on this site.

The Blanding Public Library at 124 Bay State Rd., Rehoboth is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 8, and on Friday and Saturdays from 10 to 4. Closed Sundays and holidays, including Mon. Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Day. Library phone 508-252-4236.