ADULT PROGRAMS

March Mondays

Would you like to see the library open more hours? From now through March 13 the Taft Public Library will be open on Mondays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on a TRIAL-ONLY basis. Join us for a test run of open days. Then, if you’d like to see us continue to open more hours, show your support at the Mendon Town Meeting on Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m. at the Miscoe Hill Middle School Auditorium.

View our Recently Completed 5-Year Strategic Plan

The Taft Public Library Strategic Planning Committee has finished its work on the Taft Strategic Plan for 2023-2028 and it can now be viewed on our website www.taftpubliclibrary.org. It’s the culmination of a year-long effort to meet with staff, patrons, and local organizations to find out what they like about the library and what they see as the unique challenges and opportunities for growth at the library over the next five years.  The library and the committee would like to thank everyone who provided feedback. The committee was comprised of Library Director Andrew Jenrich, Children’s Librarian Tara Windsor, Library Trustee Leesa Michael, Library Trustee Alison Chu, Charles Noel, Sue Ruggiero, Savannah Histen, Naomi Vogt, Mary Anne Moran, and Lauren Scott.

Upcoming Events:

To register for an event, click on the Library Event Calendar and Registration link at the top of the library’s homepage www.taftpubliclibrary.org. 

Fly Tying with James Thach

Join local resident and fly-fishing enthusiast James Thach for a hands-on introduction to fly tying on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. upstairs in the library.  Each participant will learn how to tie a fly they can take with them. Must be 14 years or older.  Limit of five participants. Registration required.

The Academy Awards with Frank Mandosa

Join us on the Red Carpet for a night of everything Oscars! In the lead up to the 95th Academy Awards, film historian Frank Mandosa returns to Taft to present "The Academy Awards: The Good, the Bad, and the Outrageous" on Tuesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. The night will include Oscars trivia past and present and prizes. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. and take part in our Red Carpet Experience! Then at 7 p.m. sit back as Frank takes us on a tour of awards history. Registration is required as space is limited.

Adult Book Club

The Adult Book Club will meet on Monday, March 13 at 7 p.m. to discuss Blind Tiger by Sandra Brown. Adult Book Clubs are held on the second Monday of the month.  

For upcoming book clubs contact the library at 508-473-3259 to request copies of the books or log in to your account from our website to request them through interlibrary loan.  The next Adult Book Club books are as follows:

April: The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

May: The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka and the poems of Ada Limon

June: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Cheryl Cohen Pendant Class on Zoom

Learn to make a mosaic pendant in this online class using adhesive putty. You will be instructed by Cheryl from Cheryl Cohen Mosaics Art Center. Tuesday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m.  Registration is required as space is limited.

Jill Vetstein Parent Education Online Class: Picky Eaters

Join licensed therapist Jill Vetstein on Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. on Zoom when she discusses the picky eating habits of children. Click on the Library Event Calendar and Registration link on the website to register. Program sponsored by the Taft Public Library and Beginning Bridges CFCE.

Handcrafting Group

Let’s get crafty! Join us on Wednesday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 22 at 2 p.m. downstairs in the library and get your craft on. Bring your own craft project, whatever it might be, to work on while you visit.  Intended for adults. Crafts are NOT supplied.

Ellen Henry, Bridging Two Worlds: An Afternoon of Mediumship

Join us on Saturday, March 25 at 1 p.m. for medium Ellen Henry. Ellen will describe what mediumship is, how it differs from a psychic reading, and how she receives messages. Then share in the experience as she performs a mediumship demonstration for the group.

Please note: Attendance at a demonstration does not guarantee that you will receive a reading. Space is limited. Visit our website to register.

German Conversation Club

Are you looking for a place to practice what German you remember or to improve your vocabulary? German Conversation Club is no pressure, just fun! Lead by Library Assistant (and Mendon resident) Monika Schmid, the group meets the last Monday of each month. The next German Conversation Club will be on Monday, March 27 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. To register, visit our website. 

Cooking with Chef Rob Scott

Chef Rob Scott returns with a whole new set of cooking demonstrations on Zoom.  Rob joins us virtually from his kitchen in Long Island. All ages are welcome to participate. The recipes will be sent out before each class if you want to cook alongside Chef Rob. Sessions are at 7 p.m. The next session is: Tuesday, March 28: Panzanella Salad with Vinaigrette Cod with San Marzano Tomatoes and Fennel with Toasted Ciabatta Bread. Please visit our website to register for the session.

Fran Hart Presents: The Beatles

Join Fran Hart, founding member of the Beatles tribute band 4EverFab, for an evening performance on Thursday, March 30 at 7 p.m. His Cultural and Historical Reflection of the 1960s Through the Music of The Beatles features live music with a multi-media presentation to explore not only the music of The Beatles, but the influence they exerted in every area of the cultural landscape. Register on the Taft website. Space is limited. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Mendon Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Friends of the Taft Library Present Herbal Tea Blending at Herbs Make Scents

Learn how to skillfully blend your own special tea to suit your personal needs at Herbs Make Scents Tea, then take home a bag of your custom blend. Join us at 4 Maple Street in Mendon on Friday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. or Friday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required as space is limited. The fee is $10 per person cash or check in advance made payable to Friends of Taft Public Library (no refunds). Cash or checks may be dropped off at the upstairs circulation desk in the library.

Friends of the Taft Public Library Meeting

The Friends of the Library will meet on Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m. downstairs in the library’s Art Holmes Community Room for their monthly board meeting. Board meetings are typically held on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., unless it falls on a holiday or during a school vacation. All are welcome (and encouraged) to attend. If you plan on attending, it’s always a good idea to call the library at 508-473-3259 or email the Friends at [email protected] to confirm the date and time of the meeting.  The group will do its best to post any meeting changes on the Taft Library website.

Taft Children’s News- March 2023

Registration is required for all programs. Please log onto our website: www.taftpubliclibrary.org and find the events page to register along with more information for the programs. 

Itty Bitty Story Time

Itty Bitty Story time is designed for our youngest patrons birth to 3 years old. Join us for a lot of fun on Tuesdays at

9:30 a.m. 

Story & Craft Time

Join us for story and craft time. Perfect for the preschool-aged child. All sessions take place Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. 

Alphabet Storytime 

It’s all about the alphabet. Each week we will focus on a different letter. We will read a couple of books, sing songs, and learn about the letter of the week. Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

Coffee and Conversations & Puppet Storytime 

Dates: Wednesdays: 3/1, 4/5, 5/3/23 Time: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Location: Taft Public Library, 29 North Ave., Mendon. 

Join us for an informal playtime where families will be able to build social connections, learn about early childhood development and family friendly resources. Taft will supply Muffin House Muffins.

Please stay for the 10:30 a.m. Puppet Storytime. Join Newton & Friends of Through Me to You Puppetry for songs and stories. At the end of the 30-minute show, children can greet the puppets. Geared for children 2 to 5 years, but all are welcome.

Kidding Around Yoga 

We will learn yoga poses, dance, sing, and meditate. This class is all about fun- all abilities are welcome. Mats are available, or feel free to bring your own. Wednesday, March 8 Preschool - 9:30 a.m. and all ages - 4:30 p.m.

Music & Movement with Deb Hudgins 

Miss Deb will join us on Tuesday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m. for a fun-filled, musical morning. Registration is required and limited.  

Tutors with Tails 

Meet Sprite! Sprite is a therapy dog who loves children and loves books. Sprite and her owner Janet will visit the Taft the last Tuesday of each month. Register today for the opportunity to read to Sprite. Spots are limited.

This program is designed to help increase reading fluency and build a child's confidence in their reading ability. The dog provides a non-judgmental safe environment for children to practice their reading.

Book Clubs

Registration is required for all book clubs. Books are available for pickup at the Children’s Circulation desk. Pizza and refreshments will be served. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions. 

6-9 Book Club - We will be reading The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza & Bad Kitty Goes to the Vet. The book club discussion will be held on Tuesday, March 2 at 5 p.m.

8-12 Book Club - We will be reading Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. The book club will be held on Tuesday, March 28 at 5 p.m.

Graphic Novel Book Club - This month we will be reading Cranky Chicken: Party Animals & Narwhalicorn and Jelly.  Join us on Tuesday, April 4 at 5 p.m. to discuss this month's book picks.