Town of Blackstone Public Library Invites Community to Join in on Fun, Activity-Filled March Schedule of Events

BLACKSTONE — Blackstone Public Library Director Lisa Cheever and the Blackstone Public Library Board of Trustees are pleased to invite the community to take part in an activity-filled March at the Blackstone Public Library, including a musical presentation on the history of Irish Americans, a puzzle race, a pajama drive and plenty of bunny-themed crafting. The Blackstone Public Library is located at 86 Main St.

Monthly Activity Highlight:

Fate, Fear and the Unknown: A Thrilling Discussion of ‘Here One Moment’

Join fellow readers in person at the regular Evening Book Group for a lively dive into its latest book, “Here One Moment,” a psychological thriller that combines humor, suspense and philosophical inquiry.

This is the 10th novel by Australian author Liane Moriarty, who also wrote “Big Little Lies,” which was adapted into a television series on HBO. “Here One Moment” is centered around an incident during a flight over Australia. During the flight, a mysterious woman stands up and predicts the time and cause of death for each passenger. And then her prophecies start to come true. It’s a narrative that delves deep into the themes of free will, destiny and the human condition.

“Here One Moment” and all current books for the Evening Book Group are available for pick-up at the library’s circulation desk. This book group meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. New members are welcome.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March. 11
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Contact Lisa Cheever at lcheever@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Ongoing Book Groups:
Senior Readers Delve into Discussion

Join the Senior Center Book Club for their monthly meeting to discuss a great new read. This group meets on the third Tuesday morning of every month at the Senior Center on St. Paul Street. Monthly books are available at the front desk at the library or at the Senior Center. New members are always welcome.

• WHEN: 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 18
• WHERE: Blackstone Senior Center, 15 St. Paul St.
• MORE INFO: Contact Ellen Goudreau at egoudreau@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Feed your Appetite for Culture and Literature with the Heritage Book Club

Members of the Heritage Book Club dig into a new book each month, while also partaking in a foodthat represents the ancestry of people who live in Blackstone. While exploring diverse literary works, members also explore the diversity of ancestral backgrounds of the various people who reside in Blackstone. A new book for the March Heritage Book Club will be announced following the Feb. 27 meeting, held at 2 p.m. at the Blackstone Public Library, where the club will discuss “Mother Country,” by Irina Reyn.

• WHEN: 2 p.m., Thursday, March 27
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: The Heritage Book Club program is part of the “Voices: A Common Thread” program and it is sponsored by Unibank. For more info or to sign up, contact Renee Milliken at rmilliken@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Get Spooked with the Grim Reader’s Society, a Horror Book Club

If you’re a fan of ghosts, gore, and the macabre, this monthly book club is for you. Join the Blackstone Library for the Grim Reader’s Society, and prepare for a spine-tingling discussion, as the club dives into a chilling selection of horror novels, from classics to psychological thrillers. For its March 6 meeting, the Grim Reader’s Society is discussing “The Stand” by Stephen King.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: To get more details, call 508-883-1931 or email club moderator Tressy at tcollier@cwmars.org.

Spend an Afternoon Recapping the Latest Book of the Month

The Afternoon Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month. Join the group for a lively chat and a cup of tea. Take a seat, relax and unwind during an afternoon of great conversation about the Afternoon Book Club’s latest book of the month. Copies of the book of the month are available at the front desk.

• WHEN: 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 25
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Contact Donna Foster at dfoster@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Adult Programs at the Blackstone Public Library:

The Irish Build Up America: A Historical Presentation with Anne O’Connor

Explore the profound impact of Irish immigrants on the development of the United States through an engaging blend of music and storytelling. Massachusetts-based musician, writer, and historian Anne O’Connor will lead this interactive session, filled with songs and stories that bring history to life. Attendees can expect to tap their feet, clap along, and even join in on a chorus or two. O’Connor, a former editor and reporter for The Concord Bridge, is the author of “Fitchburg: The Old Hometown” and she has a deep passion for sharing history. More information about her work can be found at anneoc.com.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. To sign up, contact the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931. This event is supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Lunch and Learn: Cybersecurity Basics

Library Director Lisa Cheever will lead an informative session on cybersecurity basics, covering essential tips to help attendees protect their personal information online. Participants will have the opportunity to practice what they learn, ask questions, and enjoy a complimentary pizza lunch.

• WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, March 3
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: This class is limited to 10 adult learners. Registration is required. Call 508-883-1931 to reserve a spot. This program is supported by the Public Library Association and AT&T.

Don’t Miss Your Shot with the Photography Club

Join the Blackstone Photography Club for an evening of discussion, covering topics such as photography techniques and equipment. Each month, the Blackstone Photography Club hosts a guest speaker, exploring all things photography and providing special insight into the craft. The featured speaker for the March meeting is Steve Bouvier.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 for more information or to register. This club is sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library.

Get Help with Applications with Jenna Gouin

Need assistance with an application for public assistance? How about a referral to a community organization? Jenna Gouin will be at the library to help during her office hours. Book a 30-minute session and get it done. Gouin, who earned her master’s degrees in business administration and organizational leadership from Nichols College in 2015, provides assistance to clients through this program in partnership with the Blackstone Valley Partnership for Public Health. Examples of tasks Gouin helps clients with include MassHealth registration, signing up for fuel assistance and applying for Social Security benefits.

• WHEN: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Monday, March 24
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration for a 30-minute session is required for participation. Call 508-883-1931 to register or to get more information.

Quilting & Chilling: A Stitchin’ Good Time

If you love quilting or are just getting started, join a group of like-minded crafters for a relaxing and creative gathering. Each meeting is an opportunity to share ideas, work on projects, and enjoy the company of fellow quilters. Refreshments will also be served.

• WHEN: 2 p.m., Thursday, March 20
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 for more information or to register. This club is sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library.

Puzzle Palooza: The Ultimate Jigsaw Showdown

Teams of up to four people, including adults and teens 14 and up, can put their puzzle-solving skills to the test in a race to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Each team will have up to two hours to finish. Want to join the fun but don’t have a team? You can be assigned one on the day of the race.

• WHEN: 11 a.m., Saturday, March 8
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required, and participants must be 14 years or older. This event is funded by a generous donation from the Library Gift Account as authorized by the Board of Library Trustees. Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 for more information or to register.

Craft Carrot Patch Bunnies

Join us for a fun and festive adult craft session, where you’ll create adorable “Carrot Patch Bunnies” to brighten up your spring décor.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13, or 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 18
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 to register or to get more information. This program is funded by LIG MEG.

Hop to It! Senior Craft – Bunny Plate

Seniors are invited to get creative and craft a charming bunny plate, perfect for the spring season.

• WHEN: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, March 20
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Call the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931 to register or to get more information. This program is funded by LIG MEG.

Preserve Family Memories, Scrap by Scrap

Scrap your other plans for the evening. A family history scrapbooking class is being held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, at the Blackstone Public Library. This is an opportunity to create beautiful scrapbooks, meant to preserve memories and family history. Guests at this Blackstone Public Library event are asked to bring at least four photographs each to use in the scrapbook, along with information about the subject. The rest of the supplies will be provided by library staff.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 4
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Call 508-883-1931 to sign up. This program is funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Federal Library Services Act, as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Weave, Work, and Warble: Loom Weaving and Labor Songs

Discover how the rise of the textile industry transformed life in New England. In this hands-on event called “Warp and Weft,” participants will learn about the early labor movement, weaving their own bookmark on a cardboard loom, and singing historical songs from the era. This presentation and crafting activity are geared to children from ages 9 to 14 years old. The presentation and demonstration are being led by Massachusetts-based musician, writer, and historian Anne O’Connor. More information about her work can be found at anneoc.com.

• WHEN: 4 p.m., Thursday, March 6
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the events page at blackstonepubliclibrary.org. For more information, contact the library at 508-883-1931. This event is supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Pajama Party with a Purpose: Chip into the Bruins 18th Annual PJ Drive

The Blackstone Public Library is excited to team up with the Boston Bruins for the team’s 18th Annual PJ Drive, benefiting the nonprofit Cradles to Crayons and

DCF Kids. Held in partnership and coordination with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, this charitable initiative aims to collect 10,000 pairs of new pajamas for local children in low-income and homeless situations. The PJ Drive is running now through March 15. Pajamas can be dropped off in the Children’s Room during regular business hours. The Blackstone Library’s goal is to collect 150 pairs of new pajamas, from those fitting babies 0 to 3 months old, all the way up to adult sized medium.

• WHEN: Now through March 15
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library, Children’s Room
• MORE INFO: Pajamas must be new and unworn. Pajamas can be dropped off in the Children’s Room during regular business hours. For questions or more information, please contact Tressy Collier at 508-883-1931 or email tcollier@cwmars.org.

Young Adult Programs at the Blackstone Public Library:

Dive Into the Latest YA Literature

The Young Adult Book Club allows young people to join each other for exciting discussions on the latest and greatest in young adult fiction, along with other types of literature. Club books are available at the circulation desk.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Monday, March 10
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: No registration required. Open to 5th through 12th grade students. For additional details, contact Mandi Whipple at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Your Story, Your Choice

Join the fun with fellow middle school age students at the Choose Your Own Adventure Read Aloud Book Club. Group members decide together on which path to take as they go through Choose Your Own Adventure stories each Tuesday afternoon.

• WHEN: 4 p.m., every Tuesday in March
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration required. Open to 5th through 8th grade students. For more information, contact the library at 508-883-1931.

Have a Say in the Future of the Library

The monthly meeting of the Teen Advisory Board gives local youth a chance to make their voice heard regarding the future of the Blackstone Public Library and its Young Adult Area. Teenagers now have an opportunity to help shape the library’s programs, materials, and offerings. Stop in and have a say.

• WHEN: 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 4
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: No registration required. Open to teens ages 13 to 17.

 Get Creative with YA Diamond Art

Join fellow young adults for a fun evening of diamond art, where you’ll attach shimmering diamonds to a canvas to create a stunning image. This craft is similar to cross-stitch but uses diamonds instead of thread. This event is open to children in grades 5 through 12.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Thursday, March 13 and Thursday, March 27
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration required. Open to 5th through 12th grade students. For more information or to register, call 508-883-1931 or email Young Adult Librarian Mandi Whipple at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

Unleash Your Inner Artist at YA Paint Night

Here’s your chance to paint and share your work with others in a creative atmosphere with fellow young artists. Join peers and library staff for a fun-filled evening of painting. Participants are encouraged to bring their imagination to life in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. This event is open to children in grades 5 through 12.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Thursday, March 18
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required. Open to 5th through 12th grade students. For more information or to register, call 508-883-1931 or email Young Adult Librarian Mandi Whipple at mwhipple@cwmars.org.

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