PLEASE NOTE:  The library will be closed on Saturday, Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day. We will be open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22 (the day before Thanksgiving) and closed Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 23).

ADULT PROGRAMS

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). 

Mosaic Pendant Class

On Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. learn to make a mosaic pendant using adhesive putty in this online class. You will be instructed by Cheryl from Cheryl Cohen Mosaics Art Center.  Registration is required as supplies are limited. A Zoom link will be sent to each participant a day before the class. Emails will be sent to participants when the mosaic kits are ready for pickup. All kits need to be picked up during regular library hours prior to the session.

Honey & Jam Tasting at Herbs Make Scents

Embark on a culinary adventure with HMS Tea on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Sample an array of raw and infused honeys and jams at Herbs Make Scents. Explore sweet and savory snack pairings with tea and then take home your favorite 2 oz. jar of honey and jam. Register on the Taft Library website and submit $20 payment at the library before end of day on Nov. 7. Checks can be made out to Friends of the Taft Public Library. Sponsored in part by the Friends.

Zentangle and Watercolor: A Combined Class

Marie Steinmann has taught both watercolor and Zentangle classes at the library. On Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. she returns to teach watercolor and Zentangle at the same time. Come join us whether you’re a newcomer to these forms of art or a practiced veteran. The Zentangle method of art is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images.  Add a touch of watercolor and voila. All materials will be supplied. Preregistration is required as space is limited. $15 per person. Cash or checks made out to the Friends of the Taft Public Library can be dropped off at the library prior to the session.  No refunds. Sponsored in part by the Friends of the Taft Public Library.

The Orange Jellyfish Craft Workshop

Join us on Friday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. to create a unique art tree picture using various types of stones and driftwood. Kerry Consentino Vilorio, local artist and owner of The Orange Jellyfish, will demonstrate and guide us in our creations. Registration and prepayment are required. Please register at www.taftpubliclibrary.org. Payment of $25 must be received prior to the event. Please drop off cash and checks at the library.  Checks should be made out to the Friends of the Taft Public Library.

This program is sponsored in part by the Taft Public Library and the Friends of the Taft Public Library.

Guilt Free Parenthood with Jill Vetstein

An online training session for parents and caregivers of children birth to adolescence. The session on Monday, Nov. 13 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. will help caregivers recognize why their innate guilt is not necessary and dispel some concepts so they can feel good about their limit setting, mistakes, and self-care.  Jill Vetstein is a Developmental Specialist, Parent Educator, Certified Intervention Specialist, Professional Speaker, Blogger, and Mother. Her program is sponsored by Beginning Bridges CFCE and the Taft Public Library. To register contact Emily at 508-278-5110 or email her at [email protected]. Registration also available at https://forms.gle/ajLL8kGrsKrY5QH78. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants upon confirmation of registration.

Handcrafting Group

Let’s get crafty. Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 1 and Wednesday, Nov. 15 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.

Learn Contract Bridge

with Val Fay

Join Val Fay, a contract bridge instructor for over twenty years, as he guides you through the game of contract bridge.  Designed for ages 16 and up, the classes Val offers will include upgraded instructions at the beginning of every class, starting with the basics. Those interested should contact him at 508-478-3049 to sign up. All bridge players are forever students of the game, no matter what level they feel they’ve achieved. Whether you play or have always wanted to learn, join him at the library on Tuesday afternoons. For further details regarding specific times and schedules, call Val’s number above.

Adult Book Club

The Adult Book Club will meet on Monday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. to discuss Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth. Adult Book Clubs are typically 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 upcoming Adult Book Club book discussion schedule is as follows:

December: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

January: Sourdough by Robin Sloan

February: The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton

March: The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

April: Find Her by Lisa Gardner

May: Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir by Natasha Trethewey and the poetry of Amanda Lovelace

German Conversation Club

Are you looking for a place to practice what German you remember or to improve your German vocabulary? Conversations in German is no pressure, just fun. Lead by Library Assistant (and Mendon resident) Monika Schmid, the group typically meets the last Monday of each month. Mark your calendars for Monday, Nov. 27 at 6pm for the next session. Registration is required. To register, visit our website! 

Footnotes Nonfiction Book Club

The Footnotes Nonfiction Book Club meets downstairs in the library on a quarterly basis. Those interested are asked to stop at the downstairs desk to sign the Footnotes registration sheet and pick up a copy of the latest book.

Upcoming books in the Footnotes series:

The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre (January discussion date TBD)

The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams by Stacy Schiff (April/May discussion date TBD)

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 sessions are:

Tuesday, Nov. 14: Turkey with Cranberry Hoisin Sauce, Scallion Pancakes, and Simply Creative Cranberry Fruit Relish to go with your Turkey

Tuesday, Dec. 19: Provolone and Artichoke Cheese Ball in Toasted Pignoli Nuts and Amazing Swedish Meatballs

Please visit our website to register for each session.

Friends of the Taft Public Library Meeting

The Friends of the Library will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 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 - NOV. 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. Please note there is no Alphabet Storytime the first Wednesday of the month.

Coffee and Conversations & Puppet Storytime 

Dates: Wednesdays; Nov. 1 and Dec. 6, 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 and learn about early childhood development and family friendly resources. The library 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.

Preschool 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, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. 

Three Sisters Program 

The Three Sisters Seed Program is designed to allow children (and adults) to learn about the role these vegetables played in feeding the settlers when they arrived in our country. It is designed for children above the age of six, but younger children can attend with an adult. The kids will make mosaics using seeds from beans, squash and corn, the three vegetables planted by the Native Americans (including our local Nipmuc peoples). The Indians taught the settlers how to plant them together. The corn provided height, the bean vines climbed up the corn stalks and the squash, planted at the bottom provided protection and storage of rainwater to the other two veggies. Kids can design their own mosaics on cardstock, although there will be some patterns available (their choice.) They can bring their designs home. They might be a nice ornament for the Thanksgiving table. Hope you can join us on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 4:30 p.m.  

Tutors with Tails - Nov. 28

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.

Music & Movement with Deb Hudgins 

Miss Deb will join us on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 10:30 a.m. for a fun-filled, musical morning.  Registration is required as space is limited.  

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. 

Graphic Novel Book Club - This month we will be rest at The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell. The book club will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m.

8-12 Book Club - We will be reading: The Twits by Roald Dahl. The book club discussion will be held downstairs in the library on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.

6-9 Book Club - We will be reading: Hamster Magic by Lynne Jonell. The book club discussion will be held downstairs in the library on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 5 p.m.