This Week at the Richmond Memorial Library October 14, 2025
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Update on Library Materials Supplier |
As some of you may have noticed, library books have been slow to come in even though staff regularly order new materials. Delivery issues have been a struggle over the past year or two, with some books arriving many (many) months after they have been ordered and past their date of publication. Libraries have known for a little while now that Baker and Taylor, the largest supplier of library materials in the United States, was struggling. There was hope last month that an acquisition deal with ReaderLink Distribution Services would save the company. Unfortunately, this acquisition deal fell apart at the end of September and, without it, there was no way forward for Baker and Taylor. Libraries across the country received word last week that Baker and Taylor, which has been in existence since 1828, has begun the process of closing their company. The majority of Baker and Taylor staff have already been laid off, although there will be some that remain to finish closing out the business, which is officially slated to close in January 2026.
What does this mean to our library and our patrons? Our library will now have to transition to a new library materials supplier. There are only a couple options and we have already begun the process of making this change. In truth, we were already in the process of making this change before we learned of Baker and Taylor's closure. Unfortunately, these companies are now being inundated with requests for new accounts from the hundreds and hundreds of other libraries all across the country who are now in the position of needing to find another library materials supplier. It is going to take some time to get our account up and running. And even once we are able to begin ordering materials through this new distributor, they are going to have a hard time in the beginning keeping up with the demand for books.
We are exploring temporary options to hold us over until things are settled with our new supplier, but the other issue is that we have a lot of outstanding orders through Baker and Taylor that are in limbo. Baker and Taylor is still trying to fulfill orders for in stock items in their warehouses. Until we know which of these items will be sent to us and which ones will be canceled (or until they get canceled), reordering some of these pre-ordered items has to be on hold. Please know we are doing our best to get our patrons the materials they want to read.
What should you, the library user, do? Please continue to place holds for library books as you normally would or fill out request for purchase forms. When possible, we will try to get those items from libraries that do have them available. Holds let us know which items are most important to our patrons and we will give those items priority when it comes to reordering materials. This is going to be a challenging transitional period for libraries and we ask for your patience while we work to get things back to normal.
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Beginning Monday, November 3, through Saturday, March 7, our open hours will be:
Mondays-Thursdays: 10am-7pm
Fridays: 10am-6pm
Saturdays: 10am-4pm
This current fiscal year's budget included a 1 hour cut in our hours from Mondays through Thursday evenings. Our meeting room will still be available to anyone looking to use it and can remain open until 9pm.
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Friends of the Library Scarecrow Contest |
Our
Friends of the Library have organized a special Scarecrow Contest held on the Town Green in
celebration of National Friends of the Library Week! We invite
individuals, local groups/organizations, and businesses to sign up.
Registration forms will be available in person at the library and
online and must be returned to the library with a $15 payment by Saturday, October 11.
For those who have signed up, our Friends will be setting up and labeling stakes early on the morning of Sunday, October 19. Scarecrows can then be set up any time that day (or the next day if need be).
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12 Days of Holiday Cheer Annual Silent Auction |
The Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library are now accepting donations for their upcoming 12 Days of Holiday Cheer Annual Silent Auction, our library's single largest fundraiser. Money raised from the auction helps the library pay for programs for all age groups, library materials, and even new collections.
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Did you know that you can borrow a museum pass from the library that allows for free or discounted admission to dozens of museums and organizations across Connecticut (and even Massachusetts)? Most can even be printed at home from your computer and do not need to be returned to the library.
Here are our current museum passes:
Children's Museum in West Hartford
Connecticut DEEP State Parks and Forests
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
Connecticut River Museum
Connecticut Science Center
Connecticut Trolley Museum
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Connecticut's Old State House
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
EcoTarium
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Florence Griswold Museum Historic Deerfield Lutz Children's Museum Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens Mark Twain House Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center Mystic Aquarium (this is a 15% off coupon for the purchase of an annual pass) Mystic Seaport New Britain Museum of American Art New England Air Museum Old Sturbridge Village Riverside Reptiles Education Center Roger Williams Zoo Springfield Museums Stepping Stones Museum for Children Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Wickham Park Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center To reserve your pass through our online registration system, click here: https://www2.museumkey.com/ui/?code=richct06447
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New Eaudiobook Platform for Adults: Blackstone Unlimited |
The Richmond Memorial Library is excited to be able to share the news that we have received a John E. Blair Fund Grant through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving that will allow us to purchase a three-year subscription to Blackstone Unlimited, an eaudiobook platform. Blackstone Unlimited will be available to Richmond Memorial Library card holders beginning July 1st. You will need your library card number as well as your PIN number (the PIN number you use in Encore). If you do not have a PIN number set up through Encore, please set one up first or call the library and we can do this for you. Once you have registered, you will only need your email address to sign in. Please make sure you use an email address you have the password to and are able to log into because Blackstone Unlimited will prompt you for a secondary (two-factor) verification code that is sent to your email.
Blackstone Unlimited is a new eaudiobook platform that was developed partially in response to Hoopla and the issues libraries across the country have had with the company and their payment structure. Blackstone is a publishing company and most of the items you will find available through Blackstone Unlimited are ones their company publishes. There are currently over 7,000 titles and additional titles are added on a quarterly basis. Blackstone is currently reaching out to additional publishers and trying to work out deals so that they can offer items from other publishers through Blackstone Unlimited. At this point, you will not find every one of your favorite authors or every New York Times best seller available through this platform. Some authors you will find include Monica Murphy, M.C. Beaton, Mary Alice Monroe, Lisa Wingate, Anna Quinn, Archer Mayor, Bill Pronzini, Don Winslow, Meg Gardiner, Karin Slaughter, Donna Leon, among so many more. What is the real benefit of Blackstone Unlimited? You will always have immediate access to the eaudiobooks you would like to listen to through the platform and you will have access to an unlimited number of audiobooks each and every month. There are no monthly caps like there were in Hoopla. How do you access Blackstone Unlimited? You can either download the Blackstone Unlimited app on your phone/device or you can use the online player by going to the following website https://www.blackstoneunlimited.com/.
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This month's Spice of the Month kit features Ceylon Cinnamon. Ah, boring, you say...cinnamon. BUT did you know that much of the cinnamon that is sold commercially is not cinnamon! It's a related product called cassia. Ceylon or "real" cinnamon is milder, more delicate, and sweeter. It also has greater anti-inflammatory and other health properties. Your kit includes 2 teaspoons of real Ceylon Cinnamon, more information about this spice, and three recipes. Kits will be available Tuesday, September 16, while supplies last.
Recipes:
Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Snickerdoodles
Cinnamon Honey Butter
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Stop by the library during National Friends of the Library Week to meet some of our Friends of the Library and find out more about what they do and the activities they participate in. Light refreshments will be available on Wednesday, October 22, from 10am-11am. Registration is not required. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Artist
and educator Denise Smith will teach us how to paint pinecones that
have been cut into flower shapes in order to create a collage design of
your own on canvas. There are a limited number of spots available in
this program, held on Friday, October 24, at 1:30 pm. Registration is required. Held in the upstairs meeting
room.***
This program is funded through the generosity of the Marlborough Greater Together Community Fund.
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Join us on Tuesday, October 28, at 6pm for a demonstration on building your LinkedIn profile and a Q&A on how to use LinkedIn to find jobs, get seen, and show off your skills. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Our partnership with the American Job Center continues in June! Are you (or is someone you know) looking for a new job, trying to restart or jumpstart your career, or in need of specific job skills training? Stop by the library on Tuesday, November 4 (or the first Tuesday of any month) any time between 5 pm and 7 pm to meet with a trained professional from the American Job Center. Registration is not required. Held on the first floor.
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Medicare Updates, Changes, and Benefits |
Confused
about Medicare? Turning 65 and unsure about the process? Not sure if
your current employer plan is better than Medicare? Retiring Soon? Come
and learn the ins and outs of Medicare and the differences between
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage with Mark Macrina, a local
insurance agent, on Wednesday, November 5, at 3pm or 6pm. This is strictly an informational seminar, and no
individual health will be discussed. Registration is required.
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String Theory: A Fiber Arts Club for Adults |
Our String Theory program series returns on Friday, November 7, at 1 pm. Knit, crochet, embroider, or stitch your way through the afternoon with others who share your passion for fiber arts. Bring your own project, ask for advice, make the project we have on hand, or get inspired for your next creation. This month, we will have supplies on hand to make a child's size crochet hat. Registration is recommended and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Program meets in the upstairs meeting room but can easily be relocated if necessary.***
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The Richmond Memorial Library's Morning Book Club will meet on Thursday, November 13, beginning at 10 am. The group has chosen to read No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister for their November meeting. Copies of this month's book are available at the circulation desk. Registration is not required and new members are always welcome.
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UPDATE: The library is thrilled to be able to share that we have received a second Constellation Community Champions Grant so that we can continue our Books for Babies Initiative! Since the program rolled out, the library has given out 46 Books for Babies Boxes to families who had not previously been library users and another 14 to families with infants who were already using our library on a regular basis.
The
Richmond Memorial Library has launched a new Books for Babies
initiative to promote early literacy and learning while introducing
library services to families in town. Marlborough families with children
ages birth up to twelve months of age are invited to stop into the
library to pick up a Books for Babies Box and register for your baby's
first library card. Each Books for Babies Box includes two board books, a
set of My First Touch and Feel Picture Flash Cards, early
literacy and learning pamphlets and bookmarks, information about library
programs for babies and toddlers, and supplies to get your child
enrolled in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program in addition to
your child's first library card. Advance registration is required and can be done by filling out the following form: https://forms.gle/QcLeJkNijHpkGFca9. This Books for Baby initiative has been
funded by a Constellation Community Champions Grant.
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Children ages 24 to 36 months (and their parent/caregiver) can join Ms. Nancy for stories and a simple craft on Thursdays at 10am. Session One will be held on the following dates: September 18 and 25, and October 2, 9, and 16. There will be a break on October 23 with no program. Session Two will be held on the following dates: October 30, November 6, 13, and 22 (there will not be a program on November 27), and December 4 and 11. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the Storytime Room. Please Note that this program series is now wait list only.
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Kids ages 3-5 years can join Ms. Nancy for stories and a craft on Tuesdays at 10am. Session One will be held on the following dates: September 16, 23, and 30, and October 7, 14, 21, and 28. There will be a break on November 4 and 11 with no program. Session Two will be held on the following dates: November 18 and 25 and December 2 and 9. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the Storytime Room. Please Note that this program series is now wait list only.
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Hey kids (ages 4 and up)! Join us every Wednesday from September 17 through December 17 at 4pm for a variety of craft projects plus open crafting. We'll have two projects to choose from each week, plus assorted supplies on hand to spark creativity. Held in the Storytime Room. Registration is recommended but not required.
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Hey Kids (ages 5 and up)! Join us each Tuesday in October at 4pm to explore a variety of building materials to meet challenges and create something awesome. Which material is best for each challenge? Try different materials and techniques, use your creativity and imagination, and learn engineering concepts along the way. Registration is required. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Even big kids like storytime! Kids ages 5-8 can join us on Fridays, September 19 through October 24, beginning at 4 pm. We'll alternate between picture books and short chapter books to keep kids engaged and to expose them to a variety of options. Held in the Storytime Room. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.
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Pajama Storytime with Yoga
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Our Pajama Storytime with Yoga program has returned! Children of all ages are invited to this cozy storytime on Thursday, October 30, at 6 pm. Hear a story or two and do some calming yoga with local resident Rachel Kaczynski. Wear comfy pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal or blankie. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Young readers are invited to come in and read to a certified Reading Education Assistance Dog. Reading to a dog is a great low-pressure way to encourage beginning readers. Register for a 15-minute time slot to secure your child's spot. Limit 2 children per time window (one per dog). Our next Read to the Dogs programs is scheduled for Monday, October 20, from 6-7 pm.
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Life of the Mohegan People |
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with an exploration of the Mohegan way of life. Join us on Tuesday, November 4, at 2 pm to learn about the traditional way Mohegan ancestors lived, the importance of music, and the connection with spirituality present even today. Conducted by David Eichelberg, Outeach and Tradition Program Coordinator with the Mohegan tribe. Suitable for all ages, with show and tell to draw in even young learners. Registration is required. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Teens, stop by the library on Mondays to hang out with your friends from 4pm to 5:30pm beginning September 15 through December 15. We'll have crafts on hand that you can make, board games to play, and snacks. Please let us know about any food allergies you may have. Our Teen Scene program is for ages 12-17. Held in the upstairs meeting room.*** Registration is not required.
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The Richmond Memorial Library building is open:
Mondays through Thursdays from 10 AM to 8 PM
Fridays from 10 AM to 6 PM
Spring/Summer Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM
Curbside pickup services are also available during these times.
A Note about Accessibility at the Richmond Memorial Library:
When any of the programs mentioned above in our weekly newsletter have *** it means that the program is held in our upstairs meeting room and to note the following disclaimer:
***Accessibility at RML: The library does not have an elevator. If
you need full accommodation, please contact Library Director Aubrey Muscaro
at 860-295-6210 or amuscaro@richmondlibrary.info prior to the event (one
week preferred) so we can find an alternate space. The meeting room is
located on the second floor.
Please call the library at 860-295-6210 or email us at richmondprograms@gmail.com. |
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