Blackstone Public Library Releases May Schedule Filled with Fun Activities

BLACKSTONE — Library Director Lisa Cheever and the Blackstone Public Library Board of Trustees are pleased to invite the community to partake in the many fun events that are taking place at the Blackstone Public Library in the month of May, including a beginner’s painting class, a warm welcome to a new technology assistant, and a presentation on some of the most infamous murder cases in Massachusetts history. The Blackstone Public Library is located at 86 Main St.

Monthly Activity Highlight:

Mass. Murder: Dig into the Case Files of Massachusetts’ Most Infamous Murder Cases with Host Christopher Daley

Take a seat and prepare to examine some of the most infamous murders in Massachusetts history. Host Christopher Daley is promising an entertaining and fascinating look at both solved and unsolved Bay State murder cases. This is a chance to put the puzzle pieces together and decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. The presentation will include photographs of the murder scenes, images from the archives, microfilm and other literary sources. Audiences that appreciate mystery, suspense and even a little gore will love this lecture. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Blackstone Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. 

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 16
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Free event. Registration is required. To register or to find out more information, please visit the library or call 508-883-1931.

Employee Spotlight:

Blackstone Library Welcomes New Technology Assistant

The Blackstone Library invites the community to welcome a new member of the library team, Hannah Rishel, who was recently hired as the library’s Technology Assistant. Rishel, 35, is originally from Pennsylvania and graduated from Penn State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Rishel previously worked for the North Attleboro Public Library and the Sharon Public Library.

Richel’s duties will include teaching one-on-one tech classes to patrons and assisting patrons with library computers, laptops and tablets, as well as teaching patrons how to use online tools and library apps such as Hoopla and Libby.

Rishel is “excited to show the patrons everything the library has to offer.”

Ongoing Book Groups:

Stock Up on Evening Reading Material at ‘The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store’

The Evening Book Group, also known as the Blackstone Book Group, is taking a trip into “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store,” authored by James McBride. The murder mystery, based in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, in 1972, starts with a skeleton found at the bottom of a well by workers digging the foundation for a new development. The skeleton is part of a secret kept by the residents of a dilapidated working-class neighborhood called Chicken Hill, where Chona Ludlow ran the Heaven & Earth Grocery store.

New members are welcome to join the Evening Book Group. Large type and regular print copies of “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” are available at the circulation desk. Audio versions are also available upon request. 

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 13
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Contact Lisa Cheever at lcheever@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

Senior Readers Delve into Discussion

Join the Senior Center Book Club for their monthly meeting to delve into their latest literature selection. This group meets at 11 a.m. on the third Tuesday morning of every month at the Senior Center on St. Paul Street. New members are always welcome, and monthly books are available at the front desk at the library or at the Senior Center.

• WHEN: 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 20
• WHERE: Blackstone Senior Center, 15 St. Paul St.
• MORE INFO: Contact Ellen Goudreau at egoudreau@cwmars.org or call 508-883-1931.

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

Fans of ghosts, ghouls and gore unite. The Horror Book Club is a monthly book club focusing on spooky, spine-tingling tales. Scaredy cats are welcome, too. Join the Grim Reader’s Society on May 1 as the group discusses “Wake Up and Open Your Eyes,” by Clay McLeod Chapman. The social horror novel tells the story of a family on the run from a demonic possession epidemic that spreads through media. The story’s main character, Noah, discovers his childhood home in shambles and his parents locked in a trance in front of the television. Then Noah’s mother brutally attacks him. And he’s not the only one that this has happened to in this story. The same thing happens to families across the country. 

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 1
• 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. Newcomers are welcome. Copies of the book of the month are available at the front desk.

• WHEN: 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 27
• 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:

Take Your Artistic Skills to New Heights by Painting a Mountain

This art class, aimed at adults, is offering the chance for participants to take their painting skills to new heights. Instructor Paul Jacques is teaching guests how to paint a mountain. Jacques, a Blackstone resident, is the hospitality director for the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, the community where he grew up. This scenic painting class is being funded by a generous donation from the Library Gift Account, as authorized by the Board of Library Trustees. The paint class is for Blackstone residents only. Registration is required and limited to 12 participants. Call the Blackstone Public Library for more information or to register.

• WHEN: 6 p.m., Friday, May 16
• WHERE: Blackstone Public Library
• MORE INFO: Registration is required and limited to 12 participants. To sign up, contact the Blackstone Public Library at 508-883-1931.

Take Your Shot with the Photography Club

Join other photographers to discuss various topics including equipment and techniques. Each month, the Blackstone Photography Club hosts a guest speaker, exploring all things photography related and providing special insight into the craft.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 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.

Sew, You Like Crafts? Get Your Quilt On

Patch it up with a group of like-minded crafters with the Quilting Club at Blackstone Public Library. Join together for a relaxing and creative gathering with fellow quilters. Not a quilter? Become one. Each meeting is an opportunity to learn, share ideas, work on projects, and enjoy each other’s company. Refreshments will also be served.

• WHEN: 1 p.m., Thursday, May 29
• 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.

More than Books. Borrow Appliances, Board Games,
Puzzles and Even a Telescope

Have you ever heard about the Library of Things? Through the Blackstone Public Library, you can follow through with those healthy eating goals by borrowing the library’s blender, allowing you to make a smoothie packed with vitamins (fruits and vegetables not included). Graduations and graduation parties are just around the corner. Borrow fun outdoor games offered by the Library of Things to bring the graduation festivities to a whole new level. Just call the library with your library card ready at 508-883-1931 to reserve items from the Library of Things.

Scrap It Up: Learn How to Preserve Family Memories

Scrap your other plans for the evening. A family history scrapbooking class is being held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 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, May 6
• 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.

Light the Lamp: Let Your Creativity Shine

Here’s a chance to get crafty and create a decoration that will light up your home. The adult craft of the month is painted solar lanterns. This event will take place during two sessions, planned for May 8 and May 13.

• WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 8; 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 13
• 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.

Senior Crafty Corner: Heart of (Sea) Glass

Join fellow seniors to craft a natural decoration: a heart made from sea glass. This month’s Senior Crafty Corner invites guests to use a mold make this personalized enduring sign of love. All the supplies will be provided at the library. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. 

• WHEN: 1 p.m., Thursday, May 15
• 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.