As the library remains closed during the pandemic, we are planning programs that are available for remote participation. We will publicize them on this page, so be sure to check back frequently as we will continue to update on a regular basis.
How to attend our virtual programs
All Blackstone Library virtual programs are conducted through the free video conferencing software Zoom. In order to receive the link to attend a program, you must register for the event. To learn more about Zoom click here. If you need help or have any questions, feel free to call the library at (203) 488-1441 ext. 318 or send an email to reference@blackstonelibrary.org and a librarian will do their best to assist you.
Recurring Virtual Programs:
Hatha Yoga
Tuesdays starting June 2 from 4:00 – 5:15 pm
Join Kripalu certified Yoga instructor Joanne DeVito for our weekly virtual yoga class. All experience levels welcome. Come relax and stretch with us! Yoga mat required, yoga strap, block, and a light throw recommended. Registration is required to receive a meeting link. Click here to register.
Classical Latin
Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Interested in learning about the Latin language? It’s a great way to stay active and engaged! You’ll learn to appreciate Latin readings, history, mythology, geography, daily life and contributions of the ancient Romans. Class meets every Wednesday from 5:00-6:00pm. Some prior knowledge of Latin is helpful, but not required. Registration required to receive link to the class meeting. Click here to register.
Knitting Group
Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Now is a great time to pick up a new hobby. Join our weekly knitting group where both beginners and experienced knitters are welcome. Registration required to receive meeting link. Click here to register.
Books & Brews Book Club
Last Wednesday of the month from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
In order to make it easier for everyone, we’re temporarily switching to a genre study format rather than reading specific titles every month. Check out our Meetup page for details! For our May 27 meeting we’re rereading books we had strong feelings about in the past, like a book you hated in high school or a childhood favorite. Have you changed as a reader? Let’s find out!
Saturday Stories LIVE
Saturdays from 10:30 – 11:00 am
Join Miss Mary and Miss Carly every Saturday for some good reads, tunes and lots of wiggles as we recreate our in-house storytimes from the comfort of our couch. Registration required to receive meeting link. Click here to register.
How to Eat a Poem: A Weekly Poetry Discussion Group
Saturdays starting on April 25 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Learn to better understand and appreciate the wide world of poetry! Each week we’ll discuss a new chapter from the 8th edition of the book Sound and Sense: an Introduction to Poetry by Laurence Perrine. A best-selling introduction to poetry for more than 50 years, Perrine’s book succinctly covers the basics with detailed chapters on the elements of poetry, unique materials on evaluating poetry, exemplary selections, and exercises and study questions that guide understanding. With an emphasis on teaching students to read, understand, and evaluate poetry, this group will be your guide to discovering how and what a poem means, and hopefully gain a new appreciation for the art form.
Registration required to receive meeting link. Click here to register. Digital copies of Sound and Sense are available through Open Library. Click here to create an account and download a copy of the book. Please read chapter 6 before the next meeting.
Special Events:
A Social Distance Challenge For All
Ongoing
Each week, we’ll release two family-friendly internet challenges, open to teens, adults, and families. Complete a challenge to earn points from your own home (or outside, at a safe distance from other people). Then pay attention to our social media posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see which players have pulled out ahead! What kind of challenges will be included? You’ll have CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP so that you can find out.
Virtual Book Discussion – Lady Clementine
Friday, June 5 at 12:00 pm
Don’t let social distancing prevent you from discussing a great book with your neighbors! Download Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict on Hoopla (free with your Blackstone Library card), then meet up with us via zoom for a live book discussion on June 5th.
In 1909, Clementine steps off a train with her new husband, Winston. An angry woman emerges from the crowd to attack, shoving him in the direction of an oncoming train. Just before he stumbles, Clementine grabs him by his suit jacket. This will not be the last time Clementine Churchill will save her husband. Lady Clementine is the ferocious story of the ambitious woman beside Winston Churchill, the story of a partner who did not flinch through the sweeping darkness of war, and who would not surrender either to expectations or to enemies.
Registration is required to receive a link to this online event. Click here to register.
Feeding the Dragon: A Virtual Author Talk with Chris Fenton
Saturday, June 6 from 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Join us for a virtual author talk with author Chris Fenton. He’ll be discussing his new memoir Feeding the Dragon: Inside the Trillion Dollar Dilemma Facing Hollywood, the NBA, & American Business. He has produced or supervised twenty-one films and now shares his story of big wins and hard lessons from his time caught smack in the middle of the trillion-dollar soft power struggle pitting China against Hollywood, the NBA, and American business. Read the full synopsis here. A portion of all pre-order sales will be donated to the non-profit, DC-based diplomacy entity, The US-Asia Institute. Registration is required to receive a link to this online event. Click here to register.
DIY Sugar Scrub and Face Mask Workshop
Friday, June 12 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Feeling alone-a during Corona? Join the mother/daughter Grounded Goodwife duo for a hands-on workshop using ingredients from your kitchen! Please note: as this is a virtual program all attendees must supply their own ingredients. Registration is required to receive a link to this online event. Click here to register and view a full list of the necessary ingredients.
How to Access Ebooks: OverDrive, SimplyE, and More
Thursday, June 18 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Come to this class to learn about OverDrive, our original e-book lending resource, and Libby, a faster, more attractive app made by OverDrive. Libby has the same collection of titles as OverDrive, but it’s a different browsing experience and interface, so if you find OverDrive a bit clunky, Libby might be for you. We’ll also take a quick look at another e-book lending resource, RBdigital, and then head over to our newest app called SimplyE, which allows you to search for, download and read your e-books from OverDrive/Libby and RBdigital- all from one app. Plus, SimplyE has other e-book collections made available to you. We’ll go over everything you need to know in this class. Registration required to receive a link to this online event. Click here to register.
Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth
Saturday, June 27 from 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Take a journey into the lives of transgender youth through their artwork!Transgender youth advocate, certified coach, and author Tony Ferraiolo, will bring you along for an exploration of his work with trans youth, told through the eyes of the youth themselves. Join Tony for an open discussion and slide show of the artwork found in his book series “Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth.” Registration is required to receive a link to this online event. Click here to register.
Imagine Your Story: A Three Part Fiction Writing Workshop
Tuesdays, June 30 – July 14 from 10:30 – 12:30 pm
Award-winning novelist, Susan Strecker, will host a three-part workshop on June 30th, July 7th, & 14th from 10:30am – 12:30pm. Topics covered will include eight tips and tricks for writing a novel, the essential elements of successful books, & the importance of hooking the reader. Writers of all experience & ability levels are welcome. Please note: by registering, you are registering for all three sessions. Registration is required to receive a link to this online event. Click here to register.