The library will be closed Sunday, October 13 and Monday, October 14 in honor of Columbus Day.
Did you know: October 14th is celebrated in some places as "Indigenous Peoples' Day" and "Discoverer's Day"
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 this:
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Presented by Hank Gruner, herpetologist from the Connecticut Science Center on September 11, 2013. Everyone had a great time at the workshop and really learned a lot!
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Have you tried IndieFlix yet?
We subscribed so you don't have to - get thousands of free independent movies that you can stream!
All you need is your Blackstone library card - check it out today!
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It's a fall food fest at the Blackstone! The chefs of G-Zen and the chefs of La Cuisine will be here talking about their food philosophies and sharing some great kitchen tips and tricks... and maybe even some samples! A local dietitian will also be here to give a special talk to kids about reading and eating healthy!
Check out the rest of our amazing October lineup (author visits, concerts, & historical curses!) and s tay in touch with updates from our Facebook page and calendar.
Click the link below to jump to a section:
James Blackstone Memorial Library - more than books!
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Featured Adult Programs & Events
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Apps, iPad & Tablet Tips 'n Tricks Wednesday, October 2
6:00 PM
If you have questions about your iPad or tablet, want to tell us about your latest app discovery, or learn some great apps to download, stop by our Tips 'n Tricks open forum! We'll have iPads and other devices on hand for you to try out, or you can bring your own. Share what you know with others and find out some of the best apps to get your hands on. Free and open to the public.
Space is limited, so registration for this program is required.
Register online | call 203-488-1441 ext 318 | email [email protected]
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Susan Conley, Author of
Paris was the Place
Friday, October 4
2:00 PM
Join us for a book talk and signing with author Susan Conley. Susan is a novelist, creative writing professor and memoirist. Her new novel, Paris Was the Place, is an Amazon Fall Big Books Pick for fiction, an Indie Next Pick, and an Elle Magazine Readers Prize Pick.
A native of Maine, Susan earned her B.A. from Middlebury College and her M.F.A. in creative writing from San Diego State University. After teaching poetry and literature at Emerson College in Boston, Susan returned to Portland, Maine, where she cofounded and served as executive director of The Telling Room, a nonprofit creative writing center for students ages six to eighteen. For more about Susan and her book, click here.
Reserve your spot today!
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Vegan Chefs Mark Shadle & Ami Beach of G-Zen Restaurant
6:30 PM
Vegan! Organic! Raw! Local! Sustainable! Join renowned chefs Mark Shadle and Ami Beach as they discuss the benefits of a plant-based diet, raw foods, juicing, and organic cuisine.
They'll demonstrate how to make some fabulous recipes, and will share suggestions for exploring this way of eating (and living). Ami will also be talking about her newly published book called Total Body Reboot -a plant-based home cleansing program & lifestyle book.
Mark and Ami run G-Zen Restaurant (named Top Ten Vegan Restaurants by Shape Magazine), GMonkey Mobile (named Top Ten Healthiest Food Trucks in America), and Shadle Farm, a sustainable organic farm in Durham. Mark Shadle is a three-medal winner on the American Natural Foods team at the Culinary Olympics in Germany. Michelle Obama invited to him to the White House and he is involved in her Chefs Move to School initiative. Ami Beach has been immersed in the world of nutrition and holistic medicine for two decades. She is a licensed CHT, a certified Holistic Nutritionist, author, and a certified raw foods chef.
Reserve your spot today!
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Branford Historical Society presents a screening of:
'The Curse of Micah Rood'
Thursday, October 17
7:00 PM
The Branford Historical Society presents a screening of 'Curse of Michah Rood', a CT halloween legend, starring TV icon Rob Palillo from "Welcome Back, Kotter." Followed by Q & A with filmmaker Alec Asten.
Based on an 17th Century legend from Norwich, Connecticut. Micah Rood, is a recluse who cherishes his privacy and his precious apple orchard. When a wily peddler stays the night, Rood accuses him of stealing his apples and commits a violent deed that soon taints the fruit of his orchard with the blood of guilt.
www.micahrood.com | www.historicalhaunts.com
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Branford Musical Arts Society
Friday, October 18
7:30 PM
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Photo credit: Flickr user Nina J.G.
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Join us for a musical evening with flute and guitar duo, Elaine Thomas & Neal Fitzpatrick as they play the music of Jacques Ibert, Erik Satie, Mauro Guliani, and others. Sponsored by the Musical Art Society of Branford. Free and open to the public.
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Poe, Times Two
Saturday, October 19
2:00 PM
Actor and writer Greg Bodine will perform a double-bill of short, one-man plays adapted from two classic stories of mystery and horror, 'The Cask of Amontillado' and 'The Black Cat' by Edgar Allan Poe. Sponsored by the Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library.
Greg Oliver Bodine has performed his critically acclaimed, adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's stories at theaters, libraries, colleges and high schools since 2003. Greg is a graduate of Hobart College and the M.F.A. Drama Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a Grants for the Arts Recipient, and currently works as a Theatre Teaching Artist in the Long Island School Partnership Program with Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, NY.
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Witchcraft: Songs for an Autumn Afternoon, Concerts by Julie Harris & Stephen Roane
Sunday, October 20
2:00 PM
The Harris/Roane Duo will present 'Witchcraft: Songs for an Autumn Afternoon.' The Duo, which features song stylist Julie Harris accompanied by guitarist Stephen Roane, will perform favorite songs of the fall season including 'September Song',and 'Autumn in New York', as well as Halloween-related tunes like 'Witchcraft.' This will be the Duo's debut performance at the Blackstone Library after appearing in many concert at the Guilford Free Library as well as the New Haven Library and the Scranton Library in Madison.
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Eating Well with the Chefs of La Cuisine
6:30 PM
October 24th is Food Day - Celebrate with the chefs of La Cuisine! They will share with you the benefits of healthy, sustainable eating, the philosophy that drives their restaurant & catering business.
La Cuisine is renowned for providing high quality, creative and delicious foods. They use local produce when it's in season - some of which is grown on their premises! Join us for a great night of food & fun!
Reserve your spot today!
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Monthly Adult Programs & Events | top |
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Tech Tuesdays
Tuesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - By appointment
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Photo credit: Katy Dillman
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Need to set up an email account? Trying to figure out how to download an ebook? Want some tips on searching databases?
We can help! The Reference Department hosts Tech Tuesdays: one-on-one sessions with a librarian where you can get individual help with a technology-related question. Call or email Reference to schedule an appointment today!
Please note: this is a technology learning service. We cannot troubleshoot or help with malfunctioning computers or devices.
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Mystery Book Club Wednesday, October 2
3:00 PM
The Mystery Book Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month.
October's book is Honeymoon by James Patterson. For information call Maryann Hall at 203-488-1536.
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Knitting Group
Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6:00 PM
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. Free and open to the public.
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VNA Blood Pressure Clinic Thursday, October 3
Noon - 1:00 PM
| Photo credit: Flickr/UrbaneWomenMag |
Take advantage of this free, walk-in blood pressure clinic, held monthly through December. A nurse will be available to check your blood pressure and answer your questions. Free community health screenings are provided thanks to generous community support. Find out if you have high blood pressure - before complications arise!
No reservations required. Clinic will take place in the Lucy Hammer Room. Free and open to the public. Please contact VNA Community Healthcare at 203.458.4200 or ConnecticutHomecare.org for details and other locations.
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Community Discussion with Marc Schwartz
Sunday, October 6
2:00 PM
Join us for a lively and informative community discussion led by Marc Schwartz. The topic for this month is "Should the US intervene abroad for humanitarian purposes?"
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Yoga Class with Nelie Doak
Mondays, October 7, (skip 14), 21, 28
5:00 PM
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Photo credit: Flickr/ myyogaonline
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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. For more information, please contact Nelie Doak at [email protected].
Note: no class Monday, October 14. Library is closed.
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Second Tuesday Book Club Tuesday, October 8
6:45 PM
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: The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel.
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Menunkatuck Audubon Society: Eastern Canada, Journey of Discovery
Wednesday, October 9
7:00 PM
Menunkatuck Audubon presents Eastern Canada - Journey of Discovery! with Sam Fried, founder and leader of Flights of Fancy Adventures. Traveling 6000 miles by car and boat, we explore the Maritime Provinces of Canada in this brand new program. Starting from Connecticut, we briefly visit New Brunswick, circumnavigate Cape Breton Island of Nova Scotia and cross the Northumberland Strait to the magnificent and stark scenery of Newfoundland, with its craggy headlands, rocky seacoast and fascinating history. The native wildlife is key, as we journey by ship and shore to discover the birds and mammals of this little known province. Onward to Labrador, home of a new 700 mile dirt road that circles the province, where we drive through the endless boreal forest in search of wildlife and local cultures. We complete this epic journey with a visit to Quebec and experience its more civilized delights. Program is free and open to the public. Refreshments served. Information: 203-457-1699 or [email protected].
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MS Support Group
Wednesday, October 16 5:30 PM
MS Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. New members welcomed. For information contact Cheryl Horner at 203 535-3053 or email [email protected]
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Ask A Lawyer: Free Legal Consultation
Thursday, October 17
6:00 PM
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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Opera Appreciation: Murder Most Foul
Monday, October 28 7:00 PM
Charlotte D'Aniello hosts Opera Appreciation, a lively look at the world of opera featuring a lecture and video. This month's topic is Murder Most Foul. Program is $5, open to the public.
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CT Works @ the Library
Tuesday, October 29
Networking Group - 10:00 AM
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 or email [email protected].
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Featured Teen Programs |
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Teen Author Evan DeCarlo: Book Reading & Signing
Saturday, October 12
11:00 AM
Join us for a special book reading with local teen author Evan DeCarlo who has just completed his 1st young adult novel Children of the Noah. Evan is currently in his sophomore year in the screenwriting program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and has been writing since childhood and has grown up with a strong love for visual arts, movies and acting - all of which inspire him to write! To learn more about Evan's book, writing process and how he achieved one of his many dreams, head to the Blackstone. A book reading, signing and Q&A will take place. Perfect for those who enjoy writing, especially teens who are interested in the field.
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Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 23
6:00 PM
Join the Teen Advisory Board at the Blackstone Library! Help us make the library the place where you belong. JBML supports our local teens. We need to know what teens want - materials, programs, service projects - and we're ready to listen to you. Join our TAB meeting and let's make something happen.
- brainstorm & plan your kind of library programs
- advise us on books & movies you'd like to see at the library
- earn community service hours for attending
- SAS: snacks always served
Register for the first meeting:
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Featured Children's Programs |
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Storyhour Featuring Tsar Tsar the Dog
Wednesday, October 9 3:00 PM
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Image of Samoyed breed
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Join us on your half day for a special reading with Tsar Tsar the dog! Tsar Tsar is a nine-year-old Samoyed who has his 'Good Citizenship Award' and enjoys sharing stories about his breed and ways in which to properly take care of dogs. Tsar Tsar's caretaker, Cheryl, will also be present to share stories, answer questions, and allow everyone to take a few minutes with this sensational dog. This program is meant for those in PreK thru 4th Grade and signup is not required, just drop in on your half day to enjoy!
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Reading & Eating Healthy with Dietitian Katherine Albarella
Wednesday, October 23 3:00 PM
Katharine Albarella, ShopRite dietitian, will be visiting the James Blackstone Library in the auditorium. Katharine will be teaching kids about MyPlate and healthy eating habits. There will be a story-reading, a nutrition lesson and fun activity, and we'll make a delicious Halloween treat together! Join in on the healthy fun!
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Blackstone's Annual Halloween Parade
October 30
11:00 AM
Join us for a Halloween filled morning as Miss Mary and Miss Carly host some dancing, singing, music, and a parade! Children are welcome to wear their costumes and we will make sure to do the same!
Registration is not required, just be ready to participate!
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Children's Monthly Events - No registration required |
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10:30 AM (NOTE: no class Oct 14. Closed for Columbus Day)
Tuesdays
Stories for 2's 10:00 AM
Wednesdays
Stories and Music for Babies - up to 23 months 10:00 AM and 10:45 AM
Thursdays
PJ Stories for Babies - up to age 5
6:30 PM
Fridays
Stay and Play - babies thru age 5 11:00 AM to Noon
Saturdays Make It and Take It Craft for All Ages 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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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