Click Here to view the James Blackstone Memorial Library Director's Report: January 2024

LIBRARY NEWS January 12, 2024 Meet and greet local nonprofit organizations, find out what their missions are, and learn more about the skills they’re looking for in their volunteers. Want to volunteer as a family? Many organizations take…

What can you do with a Library Card? You know us for our books, movies, and events, but did you know you also have access to research materials, digital collections, and training in all kinds of skills? And, like all our collections, access is…

Community Volunteer Fair January 13, from 10 am – 1 pm Meet and greet local nonprofit organizations, find out what their missions are, and learn more about the skills they’re looking for in their volunteers. Want to volunteer as a…

Banned Book Club: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Tuesday, January 2 from 6:30 - 7:30pm Join us for our next Blackstone Banned Book Club meeting! This group meets the first Tuesday of every month to have a non-judgemental, civil…

Click here to read the Blackstone Library 2022-2023 Annual Report to the Town Do you want to give back to your community, but aren’t sure how to go about it? Check out our Community Volunteer Fair! You can chat with representatives from local…

Trivia Night at Caius Farm Brewery Thursday, December 28 from 6:30 - 8 Join us for monthly trivia nights at Caius Farm Brewery in Branford, hosted by our Reference department. It's free to join and we'll have prizes for the winners. Are you smarter…

LIBRARY NEWS December 22, 2023 Click here to read the Blackstone Library 2022-2023 Annual Report to the Town COMMUNITY NEWS The events listed below are not sponsored by Blackstone Library. 39th Annual MLK Celebration and Breakfast. …

What can you do with a Library Card? So many things! Everyone needs a creative outlet, but taking the plunge into learning a new skill can sometimes be intimidating. The Blackstone Library is here to make it a little easier for you with access to…

Trivia Night at Caius Farm Brewery Thursday, December 28 from 6:30 - 8 Join us for monthly trivia nights at Caius Farm Brewery in Branford, hosted by our Reference department. It's free to join and we'll have prizes for the winners. Are you smarter…

Click Here to read the Blackstone Library 2022-2023 Annual Report to the Town.

Click here to View More Information About What's Happening in James Blackstone Memorial Library - December 2023

What can you do with a Library Card? You know us for our books, movies, and events, but did you know you also have access to research materials, digital collections, and training in all kinds of skills? And, like all our collections, access is…

Click Here to view the James Blackstone Memorial Library Director's Report: December 2023.

LIBRARY NEWS December 8, 2023 The Friends Holiday Gift Basket Sale takes place December 7-10. Donations are now being accepted. Click here for more information. We're participating in this year's Wreath Extravaganza to benefit Feed Branford…

Click here to View More Information About James Blackstone Memorial Library News - December 11 - December 24,…

Click here to Read More Information About James Blackstone Memorial Library News - December 1, 2023

Click here to View the Information About "James Blackstone Memorial Library News - November 30, 2023"

LIBRARY NEWS November 24, 2023 The Community Dining Room is seeking donations of both food and diapers, and the Blackstone is an official drop-off location! From now until Thursday, November 30th the Blackstone Library is accepting donations…

Click Here to view the James Blackstone Memorial Library Happenings Newsletter: November 20 - December 3,…

Click Here to view the James Blackstone Memorial Library Newsletter - November 17, 2023

Click here to View the Information About "James Blackstone Memorial Library News - November 14, 2023"

The Community Dining Room is seeking donations of both food and diapers, and the Blackstone is an official drop-off location! From now until Thursday, November 30th the Blackstone Library is accepting donations for the Community Dining…

The Community Dining Room is seeking donations of both food and diapers, and the Blackstone is now an official drop-off location! From now until Thursday, November 30th you can drop off your donations in the donation boxes in our lobby, or they can…

The Sicilian Puppet Theater of Agrippino Manteo Monday, November 6 from 6:30 - 7:30pm The Stony Creek Museum is dedicated to sharing the history, culture, and community of Stony Creek and the Thimble Islands. Join us for their annual virtual…

The Friends In-Library Book Sale Cart is FINALLY BACK!!! Located on the main level in the library rotunda, it’s filled with fiction, children’s and this month’s special shelf is biographies. Stop in and see what we have. You might…

Click Here to view the Blackstone Library Director's Report: October 2023

Check each program listing for details on whether it will be an online (Zoom) or in person event. Here are some upcoming highlights: Willie Harris: Jim Crow Survivor, Hollywood Stuntman, and Civil Rights Activist Monday, October 23 from 6:30 -…

What can you do with a Library Card? So many things! In honor of Family History Month, check out these featured resources we offer to help you on your research journey from the comfort of your home. Many people are familiar with Ancestry.com,…

We are so excited to bring this event back to the Blackstone Library. The evening will consist of whiskey and spirit tasting (provided by Branford Wine & Liquor), sessions with psychic mediums, silent auction, light refreshments and so much…

We are so excited to bring this event back to the Blackstone Library. The evening will consist of whiskey and spirit tasting (provided by Branford Wine & Liquor), sessions with psychic mediums, silent auction, light refreshments and so much…

What can you do with a Library Card? Your Blackstone Library card grants you access to all kinds of resources. You know us for our books, movies, and events, but did you know you also have access to research materials, digital collections, and…

We are so excited to bring this event back to the Blackstone Library. The evening will consist of whiskey and spirit tasting (provided by Branford Wine & Liquor), sessions with psychic mediums, silent auction, light refreshments and so much…

Joining other towns across Connecticut, the Blackstone Library is establishing an honorary Poet Laureate post for Branford. Applications are now being accepted (due October 6, 2023). The mission of Branford’s Poet Laureate Program is to…

Click Here to view the James Blackstone Memorial Library Happenings Newsletter - September 15,…

Click here to View the Information About "James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates - September 9, 2023"

Click here to View the Information About "James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates - September 2, 2023"

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…

Did you know that August is “National Make a Will Month”? It’s a great reminder of the importance of drafting or updating your will to ensure your final wishes are executed as you intended. Thinking of including a charitable…

Check each program listing for details on whether it will be an online (Zoom) or in person event. Here are some upcoming highlights: Sunday hours (1–4 pm) begin September 10! Color & Conversation Monday, August 28 from 6 - 7:30pm…

Click here to View the Information About "James Blackstone Memorial Library Summer Fun - August 21 - September 3,…

LIBRARY NEWS August is National "Make a Will" Month Did you know that August is “National Make a Will Month”? It’s a great reminder of the importance of drafting or updating your will to ensure your final wishes are executed as…

Join us! Saturday, August 18 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Let's end summer with a bang at Lawn-a-Palooza! We'll have live music and lawn games. It'll be fun for all ages, so grab a picnic, bring a chair and have some fun! Sponsored by the David Hughes…

Did you know that August is “National Make a Will Month”? It’s a great reminder of the importance of drafting or updating your will to ensure your final wishes are executed as you intended. Thinking of including a charitable…

Check each program listing for details on whether it will be an online (Zoom) or in person event. Here are some upcoming highlights: Lawn-a-Palooza at the Blackstone Library! Saturday, August 19 from 10am - 1pm We're saying goodbye to summer…

Creativebug offers free video guides to library users on a variety of different arts, including crocheting, painting, sewing and more! Log in here with your library card to get started on the classes below and more:…

Click here to Read More Information About James Blackstone Memorial Library Director's Report: July 2023

Join us for our adult summer reading game that asks you to share your voice by completing weekly challenges dealing with reading, exploring, and trying new things! The best part? Each challenge will lead you closer to the “treasure” of…

Check each program listing for details on whether it will be an online (Zoom) or in person event. Here are some upcoming highlights: Drop-in Tech Help Thursday, August 3 from 1:30 - 3:30pm Confused about your new iPhone or iPad? Need help…

Click here to View the Information About "James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates - July 24, 2023"

Click here to View the Information About "James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates - July 21, 2023"

Join us for our adult summer reading game that asks you to share your voice by completing weekly challenges dealing with reading, exploring, and trying new things! The best part? Each challenge will lead you closer to the “treasure” of…

LIBRARY NEWS July 15, 2023 Thanks to the Friends, the Blackstone Library now has memory kits available for checkout! Each kit contains items related to a specific decade, along with a book for caregivers and families. Our current kits are…

Thanks to the Friends, the Blackstone Library now has memory kits available for checkout! Each kit contains items related to a specific decade, along with a book for caregivers and families. Our current kits are 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s themed.…

Click here to View the Information About "Summer Fun At The Blackstone Library July 10 - July 23, 2023"

Join us for our adult summer reading game that asks you to share your voice by completing weekly challenges dealing with reading, exploring, and trying new things! The best part? Each challenge will lead you closer to the “treasure” of…

LIBRARY NEWS July 1, 2023 Thanks to the Friends, the Blackstone Library now has memory kits available for checkout! Each kit contains items related to a specific decade, along with a book for caregivers and families. Our current kits are…

Click here To More Information James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates - June 26- July 9 ,…

Did you know you can stream movies for free with your library card? For Pride Month, Kanopy has identified films that inspire, empower, and recognize the leaps and bounds the LGBTQ+ community had made in our society throughout the years. View the…

LIBRARY NEWS The Hallmark Movies Now BingePass on hoopla gives you unlimited access to the entire Hallmark Movies Now on-demand library, for 7 days, using only one Hoopla borrow. Curl up with top-rated series like When Calls the Heart,…

We've extended our food drive from now until the end of June. The Branford Food Pantry provides groceries for Branford residents in need. Help support their mission by donating shelf stable/nonperishable items during our Food Drive. Accepting…

Check each program listing for details on whether it will be an online (Zoom) or in person event. Here are some upcoming highlights: Juneteenth — Freedom Day The Blackstone Library will be closed Monday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.…

Click here to View the Information About "James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates - June 2, 2023"

We've extended our food drive from now until the end of June. The Branford Food Pantry provides groceries for Branford residents in need. Help support their mission by donating shelf stable/nonperishable items during our Food Drive. Accepting…

Check each program listing for details on whether it will be an online (Zoom) or in person event. Here are some upcoming highlights: A River Speaks Documentary Film Screening: Presented by the Branford Land Trust and the Branford Arts and…

Friends of the Library Newsletter - Spring 2023 Hi Friends of our Library! School is out and graduations are here! Summer is just around the corner! So many beautiful flowers and trees are blooming throughout our wonderful town! The Friends have…

Check each program listing for details on whether it will be an online (Zoom) or in person event. Here are some upcoming highlights: Saturday Cinema: Tár Saturday, May 27 from 2 - 5pm Movie magic, now at Blackstone! Join us for…

The Blackstone Library is collecting food donations to help support the Branford Food Pantry. The Branford Food Pantry provides groceries for Branford residents in need. Help support their mission by donating shelf stable/nonperishable items during…

Click here to View the Information About "Blackstone Library News - May 15, 2023"

Spring Book Sale May 12th - 12:00 pm to 6:00pm May 13th - 9:00am to 3:00pm At River Run Plaza 59 School Ground Rd., Branford, CT - Unit #4 With Libby, you can borrow ebooks, audiobooks and magazines for free with your Blackstone Library card.…

Check each program listing for details on whether it will be an online (Zoom) or in person event. Here are some upcoming highlights: Awakening to Change: A Social Justice Discussion Group Thursday, May 11 from 7 - 8pm Awakening to Change is…

Exciting news from Hoopla! Hoopla now offers access to browse, borrow, and listen to music through Roku You can now browse, borrow, and listen to hoopla music on Roku. In addition to the hoopla movies, TV shows, and audiobooks already viewable,…

Branford Forum: Protecting the Natural Beauty of Branford Sunday, May 7 from 2 - 3pm Have you hiked a trail in Branford? Or enjoyed a view of a saltmarsh? Or watched the ospreys nesting in the spring? If so, chances are you have enjoyed the…

Click Here to view the James Blackstone Memorial Library News - April 28, 2023

Click here to View the "From the Blackstone Library Director's Report - April 2023"

Click here to View the Information About James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates - April 15, 2023

LIBRARY NEWS Tickets on sale now Click here for more information & to purchase tickets COMMUNITY UPDATES The events listed below are not sponsored by Blackstone Library. Looking for a fantastic volunteer opportunity? New Haven Reads…

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD REQUEST FOR COMMENTS AND PUBLIC WORKSHOP DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) FOR TWEED NEW HAVEN AIRPORT In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Tweed New…

Click Here To View The James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates - March 17, 2023

Click here or on the image above to read the Director's Report. Click here to purchase tickets. Call For Silent Auction Items, Sponsorships And Volunteers — The Blackstone Library is bringing MINI GOLF back to Branford! And at Mini…

Tickets on sale now Click here for more information & to purchase tickets Community Updates The events listed below are not sponsored by Blackstone Library. Notice Of Availability Notice Of Public Comment Period Request For Comments…

LIBRARY NEWS COMMUNITY UPDATES The events listed below are not sponsored by Blackstone Library. Learn if you're eligible and apply at questbridge.org NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD REQUEST FOR COMMENTS AND…

Click Here To View The James Blackstone Memorial Library Director's Report: February 2023

February Bonus Borrows Bonus Borrows are back! From February 1 - 28, access hundreds of audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and videos from hoopla without using your borrows. Check out the bonus ebooks, audiobooks, & movies here. Thank you to Big…

Thank you to Big Y for choosing the James Blackstone Memorial Library for their Community Bag Program. We are thrilled to partner with our community! If you are shopping at the Big Y on 1060 West Main Street in Branford, please consider purchasing…

Thank you to Big Y for choosing the James Blackstone Memorial Library for their Community Bag Program. We are thrilled to partner with our community! If you are shopping at the Big Y on 1060 West Main Street in Branford, please consider purchasing…

Click here to View More Information About James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates And Local News - January 6,…

Click Here To View The James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates And Local News - December 23, 2022

Click Here To View The James Blackstone Memorial Library - Happy And Healthy Holiday Season

Holiday Wreath Extravaganza to Benefit Feed Branford Kids Bidding ends Saturday, December 12 at NOON. Stop in to the Blackstone to bid on this gorgeous holiday wreath, decorated by Blackstone Development Coordinator Tina. Proceeds benefit Feed…

Click here for More Information About James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates And Local News - December 2, 2022

CALL FOR DONATIONS: Friends Gift Basket Sale The Friends of the Library are bringing back their holiday basket sale and need your help! NOW ACCEPTING ITEM DONATIONS (new or gift quality) for the baskets. Please drop items or completed baskets off…

CALL FOR DONATIONS: Friends Gift Basket Sale The Friends of the Library are bringing back their holiday basket sale and need your help! NOW ACCEPTING ITEM DONATIONS (new or gift quality) for the baskets. Please drop items or completed baskets…

The Community Dining Room is seeking donations of both food and diapers, and the Blackstone is now an official drop-off location! From now until Wednesday, November 30th you can drop off your donations in the donation boxes in our lobby, or they can…

Engaging Community - Expanding Minds - Enriching Lives Your support makes a difference, helping to fund the innovative programs, dynamic materials, and crucial services offered by the Blackstone Library. Thank you. - Katy McNicol Go Behind the…

Introducing Friends Quick Picks! Thanks to a generous gift from the Friends, we’re excited to introduce a new collection of best-seller books to the library. These Quick Picks are some of the hottest new titles, and have a 2-week loan…

National Friends of the Library Week is October 16th - 22nd See the official proclamation here Things to Celebrate Book Sale on the Green The Friends Book Sale on the Branford Green was a huge success! The sale, which ran September 22-25, made…

Introducing Friends Quick Picks! Thanks to a generous gift from the Friends, we’re excited to introduce a new collection of best-seller books to the library. These Quick Picks are some of the hottest new titles, and have a 2-week loan period.…

Introducing Friends Quick Picks! Thanks to a generous gift from the Friends, we’re excited to introduce a new collection of best-seller books to the library. These Quick Picks are some of the hottest new titles, and have a 2-week loan…

X MARKS THE SPOT The Blackstone Library is thrilled to be part of THE EXCHANGE, a statewide art treasure hunt happening from now until November 1! CLICK HERE for an interactive map, GPS coordinates, and video clues from all of the artists…

Library Updates & Local News September 30, 2022 Introducing Friends Quick Picks! Thanks to a generous gift from the Friends, we’re excited to introduce a new collection of best-seller books to the library. These Quick Picks are…

Introducing Friends Quick Picks! Thanks to a generous gift from the Friends, we’re excited to introduce a new collection of best-seller books to the library. These Quick Picks are some of the hottest new titles, and have a 2-week loan…

Blackstone Library Director's Report Read the Director's Report below to catch up on what the Blackstone staff have been up to this summer. And be sure to check out the Friends Book Sale on the Branford Green this week! This exciting event means…

A beloved town event and Branford Garden Club fundraiser, Scarecrows On The Green is open to all organizations, businesses and individuals. To register: www.branfordgardenclub.org/special-events Sign up for Creativebug with your Blackstone…

Click here for More Information About James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates and Local News - September 2,…

Did You Know...? The Blackstone Library generously receives most of its annual funding from the Town of Branford and we fundraise for the remaining balance each year, with appeals, fundraising events, and grants. We also have an extra special…

Have you thought about volunteering in the community, but aren’t sure where to start? Stop by our Volunteer Information Session with the Branford Community Dining Room! Founded in 1985, the Community Dining Room (CDR) is a private,…

Connecticut Summer at the Museum 2022 - Free Admission for Kids Only two more weeks to enjoy! From July 1 to September 5, Connecticut children age 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult can visit participating museums free…

Have you heard about THE EXCHANGE? THE EXCHANGE is a statewide Connecticut Artist Treasure Hunt sponsored by SomethingProjects.net on view, August 15 – November 1, 2022 (rain or sun). It includes GPS-tracking, QR codes, and adventuring to…

Blackstone Library’s Rotunda Gallery presents Yvonne Gordon Moser Art Retrospective 1997- 2022. A regionally recognized artist, art therapist, and author, Yvonne is primarily known for her organic monotypes, feminine figure paintings, and…

Blackstone Library Director's Report July 2022 Greetings! My name is Katy McNicol, and I am the new Director at the James Blackstone Memorial Library, taking over after Karen Jensen’s retirement in June. I will look familiar to many of you, as…

James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates And Local News July 16, 2022. The Palace Project New App for eBooks and Audiobooks Try out the new Palace App for an enhanced collection of eBook and Audiobook titles. The Palace Project groups…

Click Here To View The James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates And Local News July 8, 2022

Everyone is invited: Blackstone Birthday Bash June 25th — mark your calendars and join us! General Schedule of Events 10:30 – 11:30 am Family Storytime with Master Storyteller Bill Harley, sponsored by The Friends of the Blackstone…

Click Here To View The James Blackstone Memorial Library Updates And Local News June 10, 2022

On Saturday, June 4, from 9-12, the Blackstone is hosting a Shred-A-Thon event. Gather your confidential paperwork and bring it all to the Blackstone for shredding! Pre-paid cards are available at the library trough June 3. Each card is $10…

Library Updates & Local News May 27, 2022 On Saturday, June 4, from 9-12, the Blackstone is hosting a Shred-A-Thon event. Gather your confidential paperwork and bring it all to the Blackstone for shredding! Pre-paid cards are available at…

Share a story or a picture (or both) for our 25-year time capsule! What is a typical day like in Branford? Do you have a fun story about the Blackstone Library? We want to hear from you! This is your chance to capture a slice of life today and…

Share a story or a picture (or both) for our 25-year time capsule! We want to give you a chance to capture a slice of life today and share it with Branford residents 25 years from now. Tell us about life in Branford today, or an experience…

Click Here To View Go Behind the Scenes at the Blackstone Library