This Week at the Richmond Memorial Library August 4, 2025
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Join
us at Blish Park for a day of family fun, entertainment, local
businesses, food trucks, and civic groups to celebrate Marlborough on
Sunday, August 24, from 11am-4pm.
This year, Marlborough Day is bigger and
better than it was even just last year! In addition to our wonderful Marlborough businesses
and community groups (which Marlborough Day is really all about
supporting), we have some additional new vendors this year, including Gypsy Hair (hair braiding), Hannah's Happy Plants (succulent planters), GlastonBaby (crocheted animals and dolls), and Doggie Delectables (dog treats), among a few others. Food vendors include Travelin' Tom's Coffee, TexMex Fusion, Cousins Maine Lobster, Donut Twist, and more. We will continue to share more information about Marlborough Day in the weeks ahead!
Online
registration for product/service/crafters and nonprofit vendors are
open, as are Sponsorship Opportunities. For additional information check
out: https://www.crvchamber.org/events/details/marlborough-day-2025-14638?calendarMonth=2025-08-01. If you are interested in participating, applications must be submitted by Friday, August 1.
*UPDATE: Applications are still being accepted if you're interested in being a vendor at this year's Marlborough Day.*
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Adult Take and Make Kits for August |
This month's Adult Take and Make Kits are now available, while supplies last! Included in each bag are the materials needed to create "bookish" magnets.
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Adult Summer Reading Program |
Adults,
beginning Wednesday, June 18, through Saturday, August 23, read and
review books for the chance to win a prize drawing at the end of our
summer reading programming. Each book review serves as a ticket and can
be placed inside a jar designating the prize you wish to win. Prizes
include gift cards to Folklore and Fable Booksellers in Colchester,
River Bend Bookshop in Glastonbury, and a Support Public Libraries
basket.
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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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Our popular Beach Books are back! If you're not familiar with how our
Beach Books work, they are kept outside during the summer (we do try to
bring them inside if severe thunderstorms are predicted) and our library
users can stop by at any time to pick a couple out. We ask that you
indicate on the sheet attached to the clipboard on the table the town
you live in and how many books you are taking (we don't need the
titles). This helps us with the statistics we are required to keep
regarding library usage. Beach Books do not have strict due dates and we
only ask that they be returned at the end of the summer or early fall.
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Update: We have received a large donation from the UConn Master Gardener program and Ocean State Job Lot and are slowly adding new items to our Seed Library every few days!
Did you know that the Richmond Memorial Library has a Seed Library? A Constellation Community Champions Grant helped us get the Seed Library started a few years ago and both seed and monetary donations have helped us to continue to make free seeds available to our community. We know that there are quite a few of our library users who start planting their seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, so we've made sure to restock our Seed Library this winter! We will continue to add seeds over the next few weeks and months so that there are seeds available all year round. Please remember to note in our binder what seeds you are taking ... it helps us with statistics (so that we know how often our Seed Library is used and therefore how popular it is) and it helps us know what needs to be replaced.
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Our yard games have already started circulating for the spring and summer seasons. Our LendingKey software program allows you to place reservations on specific weeks. Please note, however, that this system only works if yard games are returned on time.
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Spice of the Month Kit: Redux |
This summer, "level up" your cooking game by trying new spices. Last fall we introduced our Spice of the Month Kits, which supplied library patrons with a sample of a spice along with information and simple recipes to try. Each week this summer (beginning Tuesday, June 24), we will offer a sampling from our past Spice of the Month Kits. Come try out something new! Available while supplies last.
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The Richmond Memorial Library's Morning Book Club will meet on Thursday, August 14, beginning at 10 am. The group has chosen to read The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune for their July 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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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, August 5 (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.
*New flyer coming soon.*
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Crash Course Cooking: Ravioli |
Learn how to make this Italian favorite from dough to filling to plate in this 2 hour program held on Tuesday, August 5, beginning at 6 pm. Space is limited and registration is required. Held in the upstairs meeting room.*** Please note that this is an adult only program.
*Program is now FULL and wait list only.*
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Black Bears in Connecticut |
Local Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn will talk about the history of black bears in Connecticut, provide an overview of black bear habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction, and share current research efforts in this timely presentation held on Friday, August 8, at 2 pm. Participants will also learn practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with our black bear population. Black bear artifacts are shared with the audience. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Not Your Grandma's Board Games |
Join our gaming librarians on select Monday evenings (August 4 and 18) from 6-8 pm to learn more about the new generation of board and card games. Family games, party games, cooperative games, deck-building games, strategy games, word games…so many fun ways to share time with friends and family.
We will bring several examples of games to share. After an easy group game, participants will divide into groups to learn and play games of their choice.
Our first session will introduce general categories of games, and subsequent sessions will introduce specific kinds of games. Something for everyone.
Just some of the games you’ll see:
Anomia
Blank Slate
Calico
Clank
Code Names
Deer in the Headlights
King of Tokyo
Munchkin
Mycelia
So Clover
Ticket to Ride: Nordic
Wingspan
And many more!
Held in the upstairs meeting room of the library.*** Registration preferred but walk-ins accepted. Limited to ages 12 and up.
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Use our Encore catalog to put one of these books on hold today or ask our staff to put a hold on your account.
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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's Books about Fish |
Children's Summer Reading Program |
Have
you signed your children up for our Summer Reading Program yet? This
year’s summer reading theme is “Level Up at Your Library.” Just like the
main character in a video game, we are all the featured players of our
own lives! And just like those characters, we “level up” as we learn new
skills and improve in different areas. This summer, “level up” by
trying new things, expanding your skills, and learning by reading and
doing. The library can help! Check out our programs, collections, and
offerings to level up at your library.
Here’s how this year’s program will work:
--Check in each week to stamp your board.
--Read at least 20 minutes each week to earn a brag tag and ticket for our prize drawings.
--Complete bonus tasks for a chance to spin our prize wheel!
--Earn a colored bead for each day you read!
Plus,
create your own avatar to add to our giant game board and “level up”
when you check in each week! Check in all 9 weeks and snag a free ticket
to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield!
*Little Learners 5 and under can earn flash cards instead of brag tags and beads.
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Our Babytime series has ended for the season and will return in the fall! In its place, we will be offering an outdoor Stories and Songs program on Mondays and Fridays from July 7 to August 22 at 10am in the storytime area. Inclement weather cancels the program. Best suited for children ages 0-5 years. Siblings welcome. Registration is not required.
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Level Up Your Lego Skills |
Hey kids (ages 6 and up)! Are you super into Legos? It's time to show us what you've got and stretch your creativity with challenges, group builds, and more. Join us on Tuesdays, August 5, 12, and 19 at 4 pm for a Level Up Your Lego Skills program. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.
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Hey kids (ages 4 and up)! Put your senses to the test as we identify items by touch, smell, and sound. We'll explore textures, play with mangification, investigate color, and more. Program is held on Wednesdays, August 6, 13, adn 20 at 4 pm. 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, August 7, 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, August 18, from 6-7 pm.
*This program is filling fast so please register as soon as possible if you're interested.*
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Level Up Your Preparedness Skills |
Kids in grades K-5 can join the American Red Cross on Tuesday, August 5, at 1 pm to learn all about how you can prepare for hurricanes, floods, and power outrages. Registration is required. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Children's Concert at the Lake |
We're partnering with Marlborough Parks and Rec for a Children's Concert at the Lake on Thursday, August 14, beginning at 6 pm. Stop by the pavilion at Blish Park to enjoy fun, upbeat music by Joy Blooms! While you're there, get your face painted and play some yard games.
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Tween and Teen Summer Reading Program |
Did
you know that we offer a Tween and Teen Summer Reading Program? This
year’s summer reading theme is “Level Up at Your Library.” Just like the
main character in a video game, we are all the featured players of our
own lives! And just like those characters, we “level up” as we learn new
skills and improve in different areas. This summer, “level up” by
trying new things, expanding your skills, and learning by reading and
doing. The library can help! Check out our programs, collections, and
offerings to level up at your library.
Here’s how this year’s program for tweens and teens ages 10+ will work:
-- Create an avatar to add to our giant game board.
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Every time you finish a book, check in to claim a ticket for our prize
drawings and move your avatar one space ahead on the game board.
--For
every 3 books you read, you’ll “level up” and snag an extra prize
ticket. Complete 5 levels, and you’ll also snag a free ticket to the
Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield!
*Any tween or teen who prefers to participate in the kids’ program is welcome to do so.
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Level Up Your Perler Beads Skills |
Tweens and teens ages 10 and up, join us on Mondays, August 4, 11, and 18 at 4 pm to craft with perler beads. Move beyond the small, flat creations to make bigger and 3D designs! We'll provide the beads, boards, and some patterns. You provide the imagination and creativity. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.
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Level Up Your Dungeons and Dragons Skills |
Join us for a series of one-shot games! Some will be a "fungeon" and others will be a "moster of the week" format. Players from our spring campaign will be leading the sessions, but our dungeon master Kevin will be on hand to facilitate and ensure everything runs smoothly. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Registration for each individual session is required. Thursday sessions will be held in the Storytime Room while the Friday sessions will be in the upstairs meeting room.*** Thursday programs meet from July 3 through August 21 at 6 pm and Friday programs meet from July 11 through August 22 at 4 pm.
*All programs are now full and wait list only.*
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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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