Please note:
July 3
Library closes @ 5 PM
July 4
Library Closed
The library will be closed on Sundays for the summer. Sunday hours resume on September 8.
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Sometimes things change... check the calendar for event information!
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What's happening at the library?
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Like us on Facebook to get updates like these:
So, you did not find Miss Mary OR Miss Carly on the green - never fear! Summer reading sign up is happening all summer long and it officially does not begin till July 1st! So, stop by at anytime to join in the fun.
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Summer at the Blackstone is all about the kids! It's time to dig in to summer reading and enjoy fun in the sun. We still have plenty to offer the grown-ups, too. Get details below, and reminders and updates from our Facebook page and calendar.
James Blackstone Memorial Library - more than books!
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Featured Children's Events
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Fresh Flicks Storyhour July 1 @ 2:30 PM Join Miss Carly the first Monday of every month to take part in a traditional storytime that includes the animated version of the book at the end! Rhymes, songs and movement will be included as well as a small snack once the film begins. For ages 3 to 5. Please register for this program at 203-488-1441 ext. 323. Exploring the Titanic, Provided by Mystic Aquarium July 2 @ 2:00 PM
Dig under the water and learn about the Titanic, which sunk 101 years ago! Learn about the ship, communication methods of the time, how the ocean affects objects underwater and what the Titanic looks like now. Learn about the challenges of ocean exploration by participating in lab-style activities. For those entering 3rd thru 4th grade. Registration is required, space is limited: please call 203-488-1441 ext 323 to register. Ocean Exploration, Provided by Mystic Aquarium July 2 @ 3:15 PM Did you know that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the Earth's ocean? From sunken ships, like the Titanic, to the incredible world of hydrothermal vent communities, we will learn why ocean exploration is so difficult and about the technologies that scientists use to reveal its secrets. Hands on activities will be inluded. For 5th grade and up. Registration is required, space is limited: please call 203-488-1441 ext. 323 to register. Field Day @ JBML (K-4th grade) July 5 @ 2:00 PM Spend the afternoon in the great outdoors as we put together a variety of lawn games, relay races and other physical challenges that will keep you and your friends moving all day. If the weather gets too hot we will simply have to bring out the water balloons and play some low key games in the shade. This program is for K thru 4th grade. Registration is required: please call 203-488-1441 ext. 323 to register! Hobbit Party July 9 @ 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Gear up for a party fit for a king as we experience all things Hobbit with quizzes, crafts, and activities. We will also provide a library-wide scavenger hunt that will test your knowledge of the building in hope of discovering the RING! First group to find it wins. We will close the night with pizza and a viewing of The Hobbit, rated PG-13. This program is meant for those entering 5th grade and up. Registration is required, space is limited: please call 203-488-1441 ext. 323. CT Invents: Famous Inventors from our State July 15 @ 2:00 PM Join the CT State Library for a hands on workshop featuring a variety of inventions that came out of our own state. Learn about inventors from the past and then try your hand with the scientific method by coming up with an invention of your own! Perfect for those that would like to dig into some CT history all while satisfying their science bug. For those entering 4th thru 5th grade. Registration is required, space is limited: please call 203-488-1441 ext. 323 to register today! Arming a Knight, Provided by the Higgins Armory Museum July 25 @ 3:00 PM Join the Higgins Armory Museum for a lesson in digging into the past as we experience the Medieval period first hand! Knights in movies are often clumsy. Did you know fighters in full suits of chain mail or plate armor can do cartwheels, leap up from the ground, and even sprint? Discover how armor was worn and used in this interactive demonstration as we arm our own knight, from the inside out. Live demonstrations will be present. For 1st grade and up. No registration is required, just pop in and enjoy. Field Day @ JBML (5th grade and up)
July 30 @ 1:00 PM Spend the afternoon in the great outdoors as we put together a variety of lawn games, relay races and other physical challenges that will keep you and your friends moving all day. If the weather gets too hot we will simply have to bring out the water balloons and play some low key games in the shade. For 5th grade and up. Registration is required: please call 203-488-1441 ext 323 to register. |
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Yoga Class with Nelie Doak
Mondays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
5:00 p.m.
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Start the week off right with our Monday yoga classes!
Nelie Doak leads an evening yoga class on Mondays at 5 PM. Cost is $10 per class; please bring your own yoga mat.
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Mystery Book Club
 The Mystery Book Club meets the first Wednesday of every month. The title for June is One False Move by Harlan Coben.
Questions? Contact Maryann Hall at 203-488-1536.
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New Plays at the Blackstone
 Are you an actor or a playwright? Join us for the monthly gathering of New Plays at the Blackstone. Our group has two primary goals: to nurture individual theater artists, and to develop new plays by local writers.These monthly meetings give playwrights the opportunity to hear their works read by local actors. New Plays at the Blackstone also produces staged readings for the benefit of local charities. For additional information, email newplaysblackstone@gmail.com.
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Second Tuesday Book Club
Tuesday, July 9
6:45 p.m.
 New members are welcome. Books available for loan in advance of the discussion. Group meets in the Lucy Hammer Room the second Tuesday of each month.
This month's selection is: Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand.
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ESL Conversation Class
Tuesday, July 2 (due to facility closure on the 3rd)
Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31
6:00 p.m.
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Photo by Flickr user NJLA: New Jersey Library Association
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An English conversation group for adult English language learners will meet every Wednesday from June 5, 2013 until July 31, 2013 in the Lucy Hammer Room. The ESL conversation class offers a comfortable environment for adults with limited English language skills to practice speaking and listening in English. Walk-ins are welcome!
Facilitated by Jessica Lynch, Literacy Volunteer Tutor. Program is free and open to the public.
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It's Hip to Knit
Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31
6:00 p.m.
 The Blackstone Knitting and Crocheting Group meets at the library every week. This informal gathering is for knitters, crocheters, and other fiber craftspeople of all ages and abilities. First-time knitters welcome; coaches available.
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Introduction to Whole Food Cooking with Chef Bill Klar
Saturday, July 13
1:00 p.m.
 Whole-food nutrition is based on natural, seasonally grown foods such as beans, grains, most vegetables, and greens. It has a close relationship with nature as it teaches us how to select foods that respond to the body's natural rhythm thus restoring health and bringing about deep physical and emotional healing. Learn more from Chef Bill Klar as he talks about this robust, life-giving diet. Program is free and open to the public.
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Estate & Probate in Connecticut
Tuesday, July 16
2:00 p.m.
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Photo by Flickr user Theophilus Photography
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Learn how probate works in Connecticut, how it will affect you and how to eliminate the major costs of probate. This is a course for anyone who has any assets. A probate attorney will be available to answer specific questions. Presented by Tom Perrone.
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MS Support Group
Wednesday, July 17 5:30 p.m.
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Ask A Lawyer
Thursday, July 18
3:30 p.m.
Meet with a lawyer for free! Lawyers will be here for a 2-hour period ready to consult with you. They offer free 15-minute consultations 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. Information: 203-488-1441, ext. 318.
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Retirement Realities
Thursday, July 18
5:00 p.m.
 Enjoy this informative and entertaining 2 hour class, brought to you by instructor Stephan Brueckner (stephan@bfstrategies.com).
Are you tired of the Wall Street rollercoaster? Confused about current events and how we got here? Worried about your retirement nest egg and how to protect it? This presentation covers the topics that directly impact retirees and those preparing for retirement. It is a one-night course broken into thirds: untangling current-events affecting our economy; reviewing how inflation, taxation and historically low interest rates are eroding our nest egg; and protecting and preserving the assets accumulated over a lifetime of work.
Strategies on how to protect your assets are covered in generic terms and no specific company product is mentioned or endorsed. With 23 years experience in the financial services industry, Stephan Brueckner has extensive knowledge in asset protection and wealth preservation strategies. He will provide a fact-filled and informative review of the issues confronting Boomers and Retirees in retirement.
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CT Works @ the Library
Tuesday, July 23
Networking Group - 10:00 a.m.
Led by CT Works, held in the Lucy Hammer Room. The Networking Group is an opportunity for you to make connections, talk about what's worked for you and what hasn't, and workshop ideas for moving forward. Questions? Call Reference at 203-488-1441 ext 318. |
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Medicaid Planning
Tuesday, July 23
2:00 p.m.
 Learn how the Medicaid system works and how to protect your assets while still getting assistance. Presented by Tom Perrone.
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Children's Events - Happening Monthly
No Registration Required
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Tuesdays
Stories for 2's
10:00 a.m.
Wednesdays
Stories and Music for Babies - up to 23 months
10:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
Thursdays
PJ Stories for Babies - up to age 5
6:30 p.m.
Saturdays Make It and Take It Craft for All Ages
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Interested in more Blackstone Library events and book groups tailored for kids in different age groups? Check out the Youth Services page for more information.
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MS Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of every month, new members are welcome. For information, contact Cheryl Horner at 203 535-3053.