Bellingham Library May News & Events
For updates to 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.
Spring Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The library will be closed on Monday, May 29th for the Memorial Day Holiday.
Special Programs
Bellingham is Open for Business Programs
The library has updated our website, https://www.bellinghamma.org/library/pages/business-resources , with information for local businesses and entrepreneurs, including a full schedule of workshops through June. Each month we will have at least two workshops that will help businesses and entrepreneurs expand their knowledge and skills. These programs are made possible by a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services grant the library was awarded, through the Library Services and Technology Act. The grant is administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Conducting Business in a Virtual World – Saturday, May 6th at
9:30 a.m.
Digital meeting tools have been around for many years, but have become essential since the pandemic. This session will identify some of the most popular digital meeting and webinar tools and how they can help increase your business’s reach. We’ll discuss free and paid accounts for Zoom, Google Meets, GoTo Webinar and Webex. Learn how to make your meetings more professional and engaging. This is a hybrid program, with a limit of 12 people attending in person. Register for in person or virtual. All will be sent the Zoom link.
Business Resources – Wednesday, May 17th at 6 p.m.
There is so much technology out there that can help business owners get the brand recognition needed to succeed. In this session, we’ll explore services that can help you keep your business in the forefront by providing email campaigns, customer relations management, logo production, business printing, website hosting, and development. Included will be a preview of MailChimp, ConstantContact, Fiverr, Vistaprint, HostGator and more. This is a hybrid program, with a limit of 12 people attending in person. Register for in person or virtual. All will be sent the Zoom link.
KMA Arts Night – Thursday, May 11th from 6-7:30 p.m.
Join the students of Keough Memorial Academy for their second art exhibit at the library. Their art will be on display in the Community Room through the end of the school year. Light refreshments will be served courtesy of the Friends of the Bellingham Library.
1950s Concert with the Retro Polatin Duo – The Golden Age of Music – at the Town Common
Friday, May 19th at 6 p.m.
The 1950s were a time of changes and the music of the decade both reflected the cultural changes that were happening while still holding on to the societal norms of the past. Music was dominated by the birth of rock and roll. This educational and entertaining program with the Retro Polatin Duo explores classic pop hits and rock and roll from the 1950s.
Location: Bellingham Town Common. In case of rain or other weather issues, the concert will be held at the Bellingham Public Library. If the location changes the library website, calendar and Facebook pages will be updated. Registration preferred but not necessary.
This concert is hosted by the Bellingham Public Library and is supported by a grant from the Bellingham Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Virtual 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group – April Topics:
Interview Preparation/Strategy, Wednesday, May 3rd, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or Wednesday, May 10th from 6-8 p.m.
Interview Practice – Wednesday, May 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or Wednesday, May 24th from 6-8 p.m.
This program will continue through June with two new topics each month.
The Massachusetts Library Collaborative 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group meets on the above days/times, via Zoom. If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your “Encore Career”, this networking group program is perfect for you! Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking!
To register for each workshop, go to the library calendar, select the workshop date and click on the link to register directly via Zoom. This group is sponsored by more than 60 Massachusetts public libraries.
May Children’s Program Schedule
Sensory Story Time with Miss Melissa – Mondays & Wednesdays at 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Join us for stories, songs, crafts and open play! Similar to a traditional story time, with movement breaks and supports built in. For children ages 2-5 of all abilities. Space is limited and registration is required for each session, so please register early! No class on May 24th!
Rhyme Time with Miss Laura – Mondays at 9:30a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m.
Join us for some rhyme fun! We’ll read, sing, dance, do fingerplays, all as we build pre-reading skills. There will be a themed activity after circle time to extend the learning! Intended for ages 3-5 but bigs and littles are always welcome. Drop in, no registration! No class on May 1st. Picnic Stories on The Common – Tuesdays at 12 noon. Join us on the Town Common, at the gazebo, for a story and outdoor fun! This program is weather dependent. Heat and rain can result in the program being canceled. Check the library calendar, Facebook page or call us if you are unsure!
Ring a Ding – Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 10 a.m.
For ages 0-5. Songs, a story, music, instruments, and beach balls = a lot of noisy fun! Join us! No registration required.
Baby Time – Wednesdays & Fridays at 11:30 a.m.
For children under 2, older siblings welcome. Songs, stories, and play/discussion time for you and your baby/toddler. Drop in! No class on May 24th!
1st Saturday Family Fun – Saturday, May 6th, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
It’s Comic Book Day and we will be having some comic book fun! Come in and draw your own comic book pages, do a superhero scavenger hunt to win a prize and do some superhero crafts! Drop in fun – no registration required.
Monster Squad – Thursday, May 4th at 4 p.m.
Are cryptids real? Do monsters exist? We will review the “evidence” that has been collected and use our scientific reasoning skills to make decisions regarding the fact or fiction of these mysterious creatures. We will do some theme related STEAM activities too! For ages 8 - 12 / Grades 2 - 6. Registration is required, maximum of 12 participants.
Homeschool Meet Up – Thursday, May 11th at 6 p.m.
Welcome Homeschool families! Join us for a meet up to discuss ideas, resources, and other subjects important to our local homeschool families. Miss Laura will be present to assist with any research and information that may be needed as well as offering ways the library can help meet the community needs. Drop in, children are welcome to accompany adults and have some fun too!
Building & Engineering Fun – Thursday, May 18th at 4 p.m.
Use a variety of building materials to free build a creation of your own or take on an engineering challenge – it doesn’t matter as long as you are being creative and having fun! Drop in activity, registration not required!
Starlight Story Time – Thursday, May 25th at 6:30 p.m.
Drop in the library after dinner for a story to help everyone unwind from the busy day. Come in your PJs if you want and feel free to bring a blanket and a stuffed friend. We’ll meet in a calm space to share a story as we slow our minds and bodies in preparation for a night of restful sleep. Ages 1 - 100 everyone is welcome!
After School Programs
Please note: Our Fun Friday program ended in March. There are no library afterschool programs on Fridays for the remainder of the school year. Better weather and the beginning of spring sports and other extracurricular activities lead to declining attendance. A reminder to parents, the library closes at 3 p.m. on Fridays.
Our Monday through Thursday After School Programs are continuing! We have two programs for kids in grades 4 and up.
After School Kids (ASK) – for grades 4-6. When school is in session, ASK meets Monday-Thursday from 2:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Stop by the Community Room after school to make crafts, use a Chromebook, play on the Wii, play board games and hang out with friends! Registration is required for this program, so pick up a registration form during library hours or after school. Questions? Contact Diane Nelson, [email protected]. Parents/caregivers of all registrants are signed up for our Constant Contact Newsletter.
Teen Room Activities – for grades 7-12. When school is in session, Teen Room Activities are available Monday-Thursday from 2:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Stop by the Teen Room to use computers, play on the WiiU and XBox1, play board games and hang out with friends! There is no registration needed to attend this program. Questions? Contact Amanda Maclure, [email protected].
Other Adult Programs
Additional details of these programs are available on the library calendar (https://bit.ly/3xMECCt)
Book Club generally meets on the first Monday of the month. Email Reference Librarian Cecily Christensen at [email protected] for details.
Friends of the Library generally meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Email [email protected] for details.
The Library Board of Trustees generally meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Email [email protected] for details.
Adult Writing Group is back to meeting at the library. Their new meeting date is the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. [email protected] for details.
Bellingham Skein Artists Meet at the Library!
This group of knitters, crocheters and other skein artists meet in the Teen Room of the library on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. and all levels, beginners included, are welcome to join. Don’t have knitting or crochet needles? Did you know the library has a set in our library of things? You can borrow them to try before investing in your own!
Yoga – Check the library calendar for details on dates and times and to register. Space is limited so registration is required.
