Dome Logo White
Library Crane
James Blackstone Memorial Library
We've got the fireplace burning, so stop by the Blackstone Library to curl up with a good book, check out a movie, or see a program featuring local talent. Whatever your needs, the Blackstone Library has you covered. 

For a complete listing of our programs, check out our calendar.  


 
Find us on Facebook

 
Yoga with Nelie Doak
Every Friday, at 5 pm, Nelie Doak leads a yoga class at the Blackstone. All levels are welcome. Cost is $10. Bring your own yoga mat.
graphic basket largeFriends of the Blackstone:
Gift Basket Sale
Thursday, December 8th from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, December 9th from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, December 10th from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Looking for a fun way to support the Blackstone Library while taking care of your holiday gift list?  Stop by the Blackstone Library for the Annual Friends of the Blackstone Library Gift Basket Sale!  A wide variety of choices available, and an option for every price range. The sale is located in the lower level of the library. There are 100 items that include baskets, plants, and goodies for your holiday giving. We sold out last year, so come early!

Mrs. Claus in MenopauseMrs. Claus in Menopause:
A "Hot" Holiday Musical

Friday, December 2nd from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 3rd from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Join us at the Blackstone Library for a 'hot' holiday musical starring Vickie Blake! All tickets just $15 and profits to benefit the Blackstone Library and Killingworth's Old Town hall. More info? Visit www.mrsclausct.com. 

Dr. Nuland's The Art of Aging
Sunday, December 4th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Dr. Nuland, local surgeon and teacher at Yale University School of Medicine, as he discusses "The Art Of Aging" at the Blackstone Library. 
SnowmanBranford Town Band
Wednesday, December 7th from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Check out the Branford Town Band at the Blackstone Library as they play music to get you in the Holiday spirit!  
snowflakeCT Accordion Association Orchestra:
Traditional Holiday Melodies and Other Favorites
Saturday, December 10th from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.    

Join Conductor: Linda Soley Reed, President, American Accordionists Association as she directs
an accordion orchestra consisting of over twenty performers. The group has performed in and out of state, and includes some of the finest musicians in the accordion world. Come, listen, and be charmed by this beautiful instrument!
 
 
       
Cappela Cantorum Logo
Holiday Concert:
Cappella Cantorum
Friday, December 16th from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.    
 
Join Condutor Barry Asch
as he directs the Cappella Cantorum Men's Chorus, presented by the Friends of Blackstone Library.  They will be performing their 2011 Concert with Christmas Solos. Come hear Chattanoonga Choo Choo. Little Innocent Lamb, Bashana Haba'ah, Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal, Soon and Very Soon. Program will include Christmas solos, audience carol singing and The Hill Top Four (Barbershop Quartet) will also perform.       

Doghouse Diaries Cover Book Reading & Signing:
Dog House Diaries
Saturday, December 17th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  

Join author Annie A. Borden  for an afternoon of reading, chatting, and eating as she shares her brand new picture book Dog House Diaries: Rescued in L.A., which is based on a true story.

Children of all ages are welcome. A question and answer session about the book and the author will immediately follow. Goodies will be provided!        
Curtains Lisa Nardo:
Holiday Music Show
Monday, December 19th from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.   

In this busy holiday season, make time for a night of cheer to get recharged and refreshed. Join us for a festive concert by soprano Lisa Nardo as she sings holiday favorites.

Splattered Blood CoverLocal Author: Mike Draper
Tuesday, December 20th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.    
Winter Barn
December Library Closings
Saturday, December 24th
Sunday, December 25th
Monday, December 26th    

The Blackstone Library will be closed on Saturday, December 24th through Monday, December 26th in observance of Christmas. The Library will reopen on Tuesday, December 27th at 9 a.m. 

The Blackstone Library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 31st.     

Christmas CookiesCookie Decorating: Grades K thru 4
Tuesday, December 27th from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.    
 
Do you like spending time in the kitchen? Especially baking? Well, at the Blackstone Library we believe that decorting cookies is a lot of fun! So, this winter break we are going to provide the sugar cookies and all the yummy supplies...all you have to do is decortate.

Space is limited so registration is required. To register or for more information call (203) 488-1441 ext. 323
SnowmanSnowman Craft: Grades 5 and up
Wednesday, December 28th from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.    
   
Spend a little time at the Blackstone Memorial Library on your winter break by partaking in our marshmallow snowman craft. Participants will use marshmallows, frosting, coconut and other goodies to create an edible centerpiece that will last as long as you like!

Space is limited so registration is required. Register by calling (203) 488-1441 ext. 323.

Happy FeetHot Chocolate Social
Thursday, December 29th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.    

Cozy up this winter break by participating in our hot chocolate social. Similar to last summer's ice cream social, only are intentions are to get warm rather than cold!

Participants will make a steaming cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows or whipped cream. Then we will steam things up by showing the fun loving movie Happy Feet.

All ages are welcome and no registration is required!

SmurfsMunchies and a Matinee - All Ages
Saturday, December 31st from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.    

Dying to take a break from your normal Saturday activities? How about stopping by the library to watch the brand new movie The Smurfs!

The movie is free and includes snacks and a place for you are your friends to hang. Feel free to bring your own snacks or a bag lunch. This movie is meant for all ages. No registration is required.

Mystery Book ClubBook and tea
First Wednesday of every month

This month: Wednesday, December 7th from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 
December title: Always Say Goodbye by Stuart M. Kaminsky
January title: Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin

Questions?  Contact Tom Wilson at 203-483-6653.

It's Hip To KnitYarn swirl
Every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This Month: December 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th

The Blackstone Knitting and Crocheting Group meets in the Lucy Hammer Room on Wednesday nights. This informal gathering is for knitters, crocheters, and other fiber craftspeople of all ages, from the beginner to the expert. First-time knitters welcome--coaches available. 

Second Tuesday Book Club
Tuesday, December 13th from 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Looking for a local bookclub?  Check out the Second Tuesday Book Club at the Blackstone Library.  New members are welcome and books are available for loan in advance of the discussion. Questions?  Call 203-488-1441, ext. 318. The group meets in the Lucy Hammer Room. 

December's selection is Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg.  

JusticeAsk A Lawyer
Thursday, December 15th from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.    

Free 15-minute consultation with a lawyer in the privacy of the Lucy Hammer Room on the main floor. No advance sign-ups; register upon arrival. Provided as a public service by the members of the New Haven County Bar Association. For more information call 203-488-1441 ext. 318.   
 

US FlagFlag Donations

 

The American flag currently on the library flag pole was purchased by Gene Hayes in memory of his father, Edward J. Hayes, Sr. When this flag needs to be retired, Linda and Don Gibson have purchased a flag for the library in honor of First Sergeant Jeffery Paul Hackett, 10th Mountain Division. 3.71 Recon. Cavalry-Special Operations. He was wounded in Afghanistan in August 2011 and is currently rehabbing at Bldg. 62, Walter Reed Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland. Thank you to Mr. Hayes and Mr. & Mrs. Gibson for considering the library for their donation.

 

Kathy R
Director's Report
News from the Director, Kathy Rieger

Every month, Kathy Rieger prepares a report on the library that includes activities, statistics, news and interesting stories about the library and its history. You can read this month's reports, as well as past reports, from this link.
Like us? "Like" us!                     facebook logo
Find us on Facebook and join the conversation 
  
The Blackstone Library is on Facebook--are you? "Like" us today and receive updates on events, book news and more. We also want to hear from you--leave a comment and join the conversation!

FB Like ICON


 
Check out our Nooks!Nook_(portrait)
Interested in getting the eReading experience?

Test out one of our Nook e-readers today. Click here for a complete list of titles on each Nook.  Stop by the Blackstone Memorial Library to check on availability or search "Nook" in our catalog. If it says "Available" it's ready to be checked out!