This Week at the Richmond Memorial Library November 24, 2025
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The Richmond Memorial Library will be be open the following hours this Thanksgiving week:
Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25: 10am-7pm
Wednesday, November 26: 10am-4pm
Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28: CLOSED
Saturday, November 28: 10am-1pm
We wish all of our patrons and staff a happy and healthy holiday.
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12 Days of Holiday Cheer Annual Silent Auction |
Our holiday auction has officially kicked off! Sponsored by our Friends of the Library, our silent auction will run through 6:45pm on Monday, December 8. That evening, the RHAM High School's caroling group will be singing holiday carols from 5:30pm-6:30pm. The Friends will also be providing cookies to those browsing the holiday auction. We have 90 items this year so be sure to stop by and check the auction out. Proceeds go directly to the Library and help us offset the cost of our programming (for all age groups) and to buy new materials and collections, like items for our Library of Things.
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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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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 Rubbed Sage. Your kit includes 2 teaspoons of rubbed sage, more information about this spice, and two or three recipes. Kits will be available beginning Tuesday, November 18, while supplies last.
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The Richmond Memorial Library's Morning Book Club will meet on Thursday, December 11, beginning at 10 am. The group has chosen to use their December meeting as an Annual BooK Review. Join the book club to discuss books everyone has read outside of book club. What were your favorite and least favorite reads of 2025? Registration is not required and new members are always welcome.
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Learn how to identify and protect yourself against online scammers in this library program on Tuesday, December 2, at 6:30 pm. We will discuss scammer tactics, strategies, and the best ways to keep safe online. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.
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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, December 2 (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, December 3, at 3pm or 6pm. This is strictly an informational seminar, and no
individual health will be discussed. Registration is required.
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Technology Assistance at the Senior Center |
Meet the Library's new(ish) Outreach and Technology Specialist, Elliot, at the Marlborough Senior Center for one-on-one help with: Setting up and email account; downloading, printing, and sharing attachments and documents; organizing your home screen; connecting to Bluetooth; and so much more! Elliot will be on site on Thursday, December 4, from 9am-12pm. Sign up at the Marlborough Senior Center for your half hour slot or call 860-295-6209.
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String Theory: A Fiber Arts Club for Adults |
Our String Theory program series returns on Friday, December 5, 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 create crocheted fidget toys. 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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Learn
the basics of sourdough bread-making in this hands-on seminar with John
Woitovich, the owner of Cross-Sound Farm in Deep River, on Tuesday, December 16, at 6 pm. Watch a live
baking demonstration with pre-prepared dough, practice proper kneading
techniques, and prepare your own dough to take home and bake.
Participants will receive recipes, baking instructions, and tips for
essential equipment. Registration is limited to 15 participants and can be done online or
by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
*Program is full with a long waiting list. We will have John back again for an encore presentation but probably not until next fall due to how far in advance our programming is booked.*
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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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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, December 15, from 6-7 pm.
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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, December 18, 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.***
*Please note that the series is not meeting in November and that the December date is correct.*
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Little learners ages 3-6 are invited to join us for a dance adventure with Little Leaps D-ance! Using the Nutcracker story as inspiration, dancers will learn ballet skills, participate in movemen-t activities, and explore their creativity. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.
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Join us on Saturday, December 13, at 11 am to learn more about Yule. Hear the story of the Ivy King and the Holly King, make your own Yule log to take home, and create pine cone bird seed offerings to hang outside to honor nature. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the upstairs meeting room.*** Program is geared towards older children, teens, and adults. This program is for educational and informational purposes only.
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Dungeons and Dragons One-Off Games |
Calling all Tweens and Teens (ages 10-16)! We will be doing some one-off Dungeons and Dragons gaming on Mondays, November 24, December 8, and December 22, at 5pm. Enjoy
a well-rounded single-session Dungeons & Dragons game with
storyline, problem solving, and challenges, plus battling monsters. All
supplies provided, but you will need a level 4 character (made using
2014 rules). If you do not have one, we will have some prepared for you
to choose from. Held in the
upstairs meeting room.*** Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. This program often fills quickly so please register soon.
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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 7 PM
Fridays from 10 AM to 6 PM
Fall/Winter Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 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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