ADULT PROGRAMS OCTOBER 2024

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). 

Ghosts and Legends with Jeff Belanger

We are pleased to welcome Jeff Belanger back to the Taft! For more than 25 years, Jeff has been exploring the weird and unexplained. He’s one of the world’s foremost storytellers and researchers of lore and legends.  A noted speaker and media personality, Jeff has offered programs at libraries, universities, corporations, MENSA’s national conference, and TEDx in New York City.  He’s the award-winning, Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer of the New England Legends series on PBS and Amazon Prime and is the author of over a dozen books (published in six languages). He also hosts the popular New England Legends weekly podcast and is a writer and researcher for Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel. Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. for what we’re sure will be a spirited seasonal program from Jeff.  Registration required as space is limited.

Adult Handcrafting Group

Let’s get crafty! Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 16 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. No registration is required. Crafts are NOT supplied. 

Adult Book Club

The Adult Book Club will meet again starting in September. 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. Upcoming books for the Adult Book Club are as follows:

Monday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.: The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

November: The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

December: Oh William! By Elizabeth Strout

Footnotes Nonfiction Book Club

The Footnotes Nonfiction Book Club typically meets downstairs in the library on a quarterly basis. This year the group will read five nonfiction titles.  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:

Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.: Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne

January (date TBD): American Jezebel: The Uncommon Life of Anne Hutchinson, the Woman Who Defied the Puritans by Eve Laplante

March (date TBD): The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I by Douglas Brunt

June (date TBD): How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

Slow Flow Adult Yoga with Katie Aissis of Sprouting Tree Yoga

Come join Katie Aissis from Sprouting Tree Yoga for Slow Flow Adult Yoga at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15 upstairs in the library. This Vinyasa style yoga class links breath to movement in a dynamic sequence of postures. Participants will build strength while also finding moments throughout the practice to quiet the mind and rest the body. This class is appropriate for all levels and no previous yoga experience is necessary. Please bring your own yoga mat.  Please register for the program on our website.

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. Registration is required. To register, visit our website!

Next club date: Monday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Taft Library now has Mango Languages!

Visit the Taft Public Library website for access to the Mango Languages platform. If you have an interest in learning a language, Mango provides lessons in over 70 languages. Children can try their hand at language learning with Mango Little PIM, a platform designed just for them, and for those interested in learning American sign language we provide access to Mango ASL. Mango’s Intuitive Language Construction methodology helps build skills in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, culture, comprehension, and retention. To see all of the Mango options the Taft Library offers scroll down the left-hand side of our webpage to the Databases section.

Friends of the Taft Public Library Meeting

The Friends of the Library meetings are typically held on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. downstairs in the Art Holmes Community Room, 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.

Medium Ellen Henry visiting in November!

It is often said that we are not bodies with a soul, but souls with a body. When our physical body dies, our souls move on to the next chapter. A medium is someone who receives communication from the souls of those who have moved on to the next chapter and delivers those messages to their loved ones here in the physical world. In her program, medium Ellen Henry begins with a discussion of what mediumship is, how it differs from a psychic reading, and how she receives messages. Participants will then share in the experience as Ellen performs a mediumship demonstration for the group. (Please note that attendance at the demonstration does not guarantee each participant will receive a reading). Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Please register at www.taftpubliclibrary.org soon as this program does fill up quickly.

Taft Children’s News - October 2024

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

Itty Bitty Story Time 

Itty Bitty Storytime is designed for our youngest patrons birth to 3 years old. Join us for a lot of fun on Tuesdays and select Wednesdays 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 on Tuesday mornings 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 last Wednesday of the month. 

Coffee and Conversations Wednesday, Oct. 30, Nov. 20 & Dec. 18. Coffee and Conversations is from: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., at 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!

Lego Club

Back by popular demand! During this one-hour building session we will be led by the "Lego Lady" Kim Steadman. No need to bring any Legos. This program is great for all ages....as long as they don't eat the Legos! Tuesdays: Nov. 12 and Dec. 10 at 4:30 p.m.

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. Wednesdays: Nov. 13 and Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. 

Puppet Storytime 

Through Me to You Puppetry invites you to join Newton and his puppet friends for some Storytime fun. Newton and his friends take turns reading stories and singing songs with the kids. At the end of the show, the kids are invited to say hi to Newton and enjoy puppet free play. Join us Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m.

Tutors with Tails

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

Toe Jam Puppet Band Halloween Party

Join us for our Halloween celebration with Toe Jam Puppet Band on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Make sure to wear your Halloween costume! 

Formed in 2000, The Toe Jam Puppet Band is children's entertainment that grown-ups can actually enjoy. The dynamic group is great with kids, but best when teachers or parents are having fun with the little ones. The performances are very active, encouraging kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs, masterful shadow puppetry, storytelling and just plain old good fun.

Book Clubs 

8-12 Book Club: We will be reading: The Losers Club by Andrew Clements. The book club discussion will be held downstairs in the library on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. The book club will include a discussion, pizza, and refreshments.

6-9 Book Club: We will be reading: Good Dog: Home Is Where the Heart Is by Cam Higgins. The book club discussion will be held downstairs in the library on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. The 45-minute book club will include a discussion, pizza and an activity.

Graphic Novel Book Club: This month we will be reading: The Case of the Golden Bone by Sara Varon. Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. to discuss this month's book pick.  Pizza and refreshments will be served. Books are available at the upstairs circulation desk.