Check each program listing for details on whether it will be an online (Zoom) or in person event.

Here are some upcoming highlights:

Due to a staff training event, the library will open at 1pm on Friday, September 8.

Sunday hours (1–4 pm) begin September 10!

Banned Book Club: Flamer by Mike Curato
Tuesday, September 5 from 6:30 - 7:30pm

Join us for our first Blackstone Banned Book Club meeting! This group meets the first Tuesday of every month to have a non-judgmental, civil discussion of various titles that are being challenged and banned, both locally and nationally. The purpose of this book club is to simultaneously discuss these titles, and to bring awareness to the rapid rise of book challenges and bans. This month we're reading Flamer by Mike Curato

Registration is required to attend this In Person event.

The Blackstone Library has a limited number of copies of these titles available for book club participants. If you are interested in obtaining a library copy, please call us at (203) 488-1441 ext. 318 or email [email protected]. Copies are first come, first served.

Register

Intro to Pilates
Saturdays, September 9 to October 7
from 9:30 - 10:30am

Have you ever been curious about Pilates? If practiced consistently, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength, and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. In this introductory series of classes, you’ll learn the basics of Pilates from certified instructor Cindy Kondzeila. Whether you’re new to fitness or just trying to mix up your existing fitness routine, this class has something for everyone. Please bring a yoga mat to class.

Spaces is limited! Registration is required to attend this In Person event. Please register for each class date you plan to attend.

Register

Blackstone Library Tour
Saturday, September 9 from 10 - 11am

Take a tour of the Blackstone, learn historical tidbits, and get an insider’s look into a day in the life of a Blackstone Library employee. Tour meets in the Rotunda by the Reference Desk. Registration encouraged, but drop-ins welcome!

Register

Silk 'n Sounds Chorus in Concert
Sunday, September 10 from 2 - 3pm

Silk'n Sounds, the Greater New Haven women's a cappella chorus, has provided high quality performances for wide-ranging audiences since 1998.  Under the current leadership of Kia Lampe-Onnerud, this 35+ member group has a broad repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs, including jazz standards, ballads and pop favorites.  They are bound together by our love of singing and find common purpose and personal joy in sharing music with each other and with their audiences.

Registration is required to attend this In Person event.

Register

Tech Help Tuesday
Tuesday, September 12 from 11am - 12pm

Confused about your new iPhone or iPad? Need help formatting a Word document? Drop in to the library between 11am & 12pm to get a tech question answered. First come, first served. Sessions will be limited to 15 minutes per person.

Registration is not required to attend this In Person event.

Lisa Wilder Memorial Photography Exhibit
Opening Reception
Saturday, September 16 from 1 - 4pm

A Blackstone Artists Circle Gallery Reception. This artist’s work will be on display in the upper rotunda gallery for September & October.

This exhibit features a sample of Lisa Wilder’s photographic interests, from photos supplied by Lisa’s husband Marvin and her daughter Kayleigh. Many of the images depict her travel photography from visits to Ireland, Belgium, and Italy. These images depict Lisa’s focus--in her own words--on “creating . . .through the use of textures, shapes, colors, and props,” and emphasizing “the use of lighting to create just the right atmosphere.”

Registration is not required to attend this In Person event.

Ongoing Events

Exploring Our Grief Journey:
A Grief Support Group
Every Monday from 6 - 7:30pm

An open peer support group led by AccentCare Bereavement Volunteer Cheryl Cole and centered around the legacy of your loved one. Connect with others who are grieving, and join a compassionate group of listeners dedicated to honoring fond memories and exploring the impact of loss and grief on their lives.

Cheryl Cole is an AccentCare Bereavement Volunteer and a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She has a passion for supporting individuals in their process of grief from a feelings based approach.

Registration is not required to attend this in person event.

Blackstone Fiber Art Commuity
Every Wednesday from 6 - 8pm

Join us for a weekly fiber art group. All experience levels in knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, sewing, felting, embroidery, and all fiber art forms are welcome! Drop in any time between 6 and 8pm.

Registration is not required to attend this in person event.

Poetry Cafe: A Weekly Poetry Discussion Group
Saturdays Starting September 1
from 11am - 12pm

Join a fun, friendly group who love poetry. Each week, they select a poet - from modern to classic, humorous to serious - to read aloud followed by a lively group discussion. New members always welcome!

Registration is required to receive a link to this Online event.

Register

If You Missed It...

Were you unable to attend one of our library programs? Did you really enjoy one and wish you could share it with others? Now you can! Many of our Zoom programs are recorded and available on the Blackstone Library's official YouTube page. Click here to check it out!

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information on the library services and programs.

Many events are still being held virtually, and recordings of past events are often available. You can view the full calendar here on our website, and 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 [email protected] and a librarian will do their best to assist you.

Click Here for more information about James Blackstone Memorial Library News - September 4, 2023