Bellingham Public Library News & Events for May
For updates about library programs and services, please see the library website, www.bellinghamlibrary.org. Click on the red alert banner on the top of the page for details.
Additional details about library programs are available on the library calendar at https://bit.ly/3xMECCt
May Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed Monday May 27th for the Memorial Day Holiday
Highlighted Programs
I am Autistic, I am Fantastic – The Musical – Saturday, May 4th at 11 a.m.
Presented by the MUSIC Dance.edu youth performing arts company. Using musical instruments, creative movement, poetry, and problem-solving activities, this presentation will inspire, uplift, and educate autistic children, families, and the community at-large. In 1970, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness and assure that all affected are able to achieve the highest quality of life. The musical selections in the presentation are inspirational, they include contemporary jazz songs, 70’s music, soft rock, hip hop, and selections from popular Broadway musicals.
This program is supported by a grant from the Bellingham Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Saturday Family Fun - Saturday, May 11th at 11 a.m.
Join us for a story and craft with local author Emily Malaquias! We’ll be reading her picture book “Said The New Mom” followed by a family craft to celebrate someone special in your life. As a Bellingham mom, Emily wrote “Said The New Mom” as a baby book with a twist - short phrases and colorful pictures for children, but with a story that has a message for new mothers that parents can connect with!
Her book will also be featured in our Story Walk at the Bellingham Town Common through May. For families - No registration required.
Bellingham Garden Club Plant Sale – Saturday, May 11th from 10 a.m. to noon
Smartphone Photography Series – 5 consecutive Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m., starting May 7th
The classes will help you to understand how to use your smartphone photography, how to create great images on your phone, what editing apps to use, and how to share and print your images. Join Steve as we go over how to find and use essential controls on your phone, along with the best free and low-cost tools for editing and image management. Please register for each class separately. Registration is necessary as space is limited. These classes are made possible by financial support from the Friends of the Bellingham Library.
Metal Stamping for Teens – Wednesday, May 8th at 2:45 p.m.
Learn to hammer initials or a word onto metal. Make a friendship tag, pendant or keychain. Everyone will take home a wonderful creation. Drop in! This class is funded by a grant from the Bellingham Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Virtual Do Your Art Workshop – Wednesday, May 15th at 6:30 p.m.
Get ready to unleash your creative potential in this fun and interactive online event! Join us for a unique experience filled with inspiration and innovation! During this workshop you will explore different creative techniques, experiment with new ideas, and collaborate with fellow participants. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, this event is perfect for anyone looking to boost their creativity. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to unleash your imagination and connect with other like-minded individuals! To register, click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nDJ8MP0qQF-1DbQqY5xuNQ#/registration
This program is funded by a grant from the Bellingham Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Keough Memorial Academy Art Show – Thursday, May 16th at 6 p.m.
Join us for our annual art exhibit of the student artwork from Bellingham’s Keough Memorial Academy students.
Planning for Medicare – Monday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m.
This program is for individuals who are approaching Medicare eligibility. It is presented by a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts representative. Topics covered include health insurance information outside of employer sponsored coverage, such as an explanation of Medicare, the Medicare enrollment timeline, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and programs available to early retirees, and COBRA. Registration preferred.
Virtual Author Talks
The library will now host up to three virtual author talks each month! Register to attend the live talk, but if you miss it, you can still view the talk in the archive on our website. Go to: https://libraryc.org/bellinghamma to see the list of upcoming and archived talks, and to register to attend. The May events include:
• Genius, Power & Deception on the Eve of WW1 – Author Talk with Douglas Brunt
Wednesday, May 1st at 3 p.m.
• Murder Mystery, Family Story, and Love Story – Author Talk with Nina Simon
Wednesday, May 8th at 7 p.m.
• Asian American Representation in Literature – Author Talk with Rebecca Kuang
Tuesday, May 21st at 7 p.m.
After School Programs
Registration is mandatory for children in grades 4-6 to attend the ASK program.
• ASK Program hours 2:30-4:45 p.m.
• The Teen Room is open for grades 7-12 from 2-4:45 p.m.
• Check the library website for details on the programs. https://bit.ly/3QzITpI
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Ring a Ding – Mondays & Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. Drop in! No sessions school vacation week.
Read to Freedom the Reading Dog – Mondays from 5:30-7 p.m. Sign up for 15-minute slot!
Sensory Story Time – Tuesdays 10:15 a.m.. Please register for each session. No session May 7th.
NEW! Show & Tell Story Time – Wednesdays & Fridays at 10:15 a..
Each week we will explore a different topic through stories, songs and a craft. Similar to Alphabits, children are encouraged to bring an item that goes along with each week’s theme for our mini show and tell. Please register for each week you plan to attend!
Adult/Child Book Club –For kids in grades 4-6 or 6-9 and the adult in their life who loves to read. Meets monthly. If you are interested in joining, those in Grades 4-6 should contact Amanda Maclure, [email protected]; grades 6-9 contact Diane Nelson, [email protected] . Check library calendar for details.
Adult Programs
Book Discussion Group – Generally meets the 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. Attend in person or on Zoom. Contact Cecily Christensen, [email protected] for more information.
Our upcoming titles are:
May: The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
June: The Maid by Nita Prose
July: The Blue Between Sky and Water by Susan Abulhawa
Library Board of Trustees Meeting – see library calendar for date and time of the May meeting
Writing Group for Adults – Tuesday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m., Writers, readers, listeners – come join us! Local area writers Amy Bartelloni and Marjorie Turner Hollman welcome the public to an evening of reading and listening. Hear what local writers are working on, and share what you are working on. Works of fiction or non-fiction, all are welcome. Reading limit is 9 minutes per reader, with a brief opportunity for positive, personal comments only. To participate contact Marjorie Turner Hollman at [email protected].
Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting – Tuesday, May 14th at 7 p.m. Email [email protected] for the Zoom link
Virtual Ask-A-Lawyer Program with Attorney Brian T. Salisbury – Monday, May 20th starting at 5 p.m., Local attorney Brian T. Salisbury of the law firm Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, PC will meet with you individually through Zoom to discuss any legal questions you may have. Appointments are 20 minutes long and are free. Appointments are between 5 and 7:30 pm. Register for an appointment and you will receive the Zoom link close to the appointment date. You will be asked to choose an appointment time when you register. Note: Your registration with your email address will go to Attorney Salisbury so he can send you the Zoom link. Please note: The Bellingham Library Ask-A-Lawyer Program is a limited pro bono legal service provided by Attorney Brian T. Salisbury and is strictly limited to 20-minute consultations regarding legal questions that you may have. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Attorney Salisbury will not provide legal representation in any legal matter discussed.
Yoga for the Seasons
Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. Check the library calendar for details and to register.
Bellingham Skein Artists – Adult Knitting Group -Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, or any of the other fiber arts? Join us on Wednesdays! All skill levels are welcome. Please bring your own materials.
