March Newsletter
Remember that our virtual branch is open 24/7.
Visit our
 Website and check us out on Facebook and Instagram.
From the Director's Desk
 
This month we look forward to welcoming spring with the return of in-person programming in the Children's Room.  We hope to see lots of young readers at our story times, LEGO club, drop-in activities and the STEAMship program.  We have missed you!
 
On March 31, we are pleased to present a program from The Old Colony History Museum titled "Immigration Nation."  The Old Colony History Museum is home to an extensive collection of regional objects and archives and a research library specializing in local history and genealogy. The library now has passes to the Old Colony History Museum which is located in Taunton. Sign up for this Zoom program below.
 
Please be sure to check out all of the great events happening at the library!
 
The mask mandate for public buildings has been rescinded, but please continue to use precautions including social distancing while in the library.  
 
Catherine Coyne, Director
In this Issue
LIBRARY OF THINGS
2022 Reading Challenge
Spotlight on an Online Resource
SPECIAL EVENTS
Recurring Virtual Events
Teen Space News
Youth Room News
Staff Picks - What We're Reading
For Children: Suggested Reads New Books!
Friends of the Library
LIBRARY OF THINGS
We are so excited to announce that our Library of Things is up and running! The items in our Library of Things encourage informational, educational, recreational and cultural activity. We offer numerous “things” in the following categories: Cooking, Crafting, Recreation and Technology. In addition, we also offer Memory kits that include activities based on progression or stage of dementia. For example, our kits range from Early Stage to Middle Stage to Late Stage Dementia/Alzheimer's. For a full list of kits, go to: https://www.mansfieldlibraryma.com/libraryofthings/
 
Please note that we are constantly adding and updating our Library of Things collection. Below is more information:
  • The items will have a loan period of two weeks with 1 renewal.
  • Anyone with a valid SAILS library card can come to the Mansfield Public Library to check out a kit.
  • Mansfield patrons will be able to put them on hold in the SAILS catalog.
  • Items will need to be picked up and returned at Mansfield Public Library.
  • They cannot be returned to other SAILS libraries and they cannot be left in the outdoor drop box.
We welcome suggestions for items you would like to see added to the collection.  Fill out the questionnaire when you check out a kit or put a note in our suggestion box.  We would love to add more items that people would enjoy!  A few suggestions so far include tools, a power washer, a carpet steamer and a microscope.
 
We are currently accepting item donations. If you have some appliances or other items that you aren’t using and think may benefit other patrons, please consider donating them to the library. To donate, please call 508-261-7380 and ask for Darcy to make an appointment. We ask that donors make an appointment and not walk in or leave items outside the library.
2022 Reading Challenge
12 books in 12 months: will you accept the challenge?
Join Mansfield Public Library community members in completing the 2022 Reading Challenge!
 
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
 
Spotlight on an Online Resource


 
Massachusetts statewide databases contain a wealth of info! 
 
Is it time for you to create an updated resume or search for a new job/career?  Try the “Peterson's Career Prep” database.  
 
Is your high school student preparing to take the PSAT, SAT, or AP tests?  Have them take a look at “Peterson's Test Prep,” which offers practice tests as well as eBooks for test prep.  
 
Do you want to learn more about a famous woman for Women’s History Month (like Dr. Patricia Bath, the first African American woman to receive a patent for a medical invention -- a laser device to remove cataracts -- in 1988)?  Use the “Biography” database. 
 
These are just 3 of the more than 50 databases available through the MA statewide databases!  
 
Click here to access all of the MA statewide databases.
 
When you are doing research, there are two different ways to search these databases.  You can either do a “PowerSearch” of multiple databases at the same time (the databases that are included in a PowerSearch are marked with a little lightning bolt symbol), or you can search a specific resource individually by first clicking on the name of a specific database and then entering your search terms.
 
If you need help with this, or any, online database, please call the Reference Desk at 508-261-7380 x3.
 
SPECIAL EVENTS
Islamic Awareness Week
Monday, March 14th through Saturday, March 19th
Stay tuned for information about our upcoming programs highlighting Islamic Awareness Week!
Students from Al-Noor Academy Inc. will be hosting several virtual programs including, an Intro to Islam Q&A, a story time reading and a programs featuring a non-Muslim teacher who will talk about what it is like teaching in an Islamic school. We will also have several book displays in the library!
ThinkFirst! for Teens and Young Adults
Injury Prevention Virtual Program

Tuesday, March 22nd 6:30-7:30PM
In recognition of March as Brain Injury Awareness Month,
Mansfield Public Library welcomes Cassandia Poteau, Injury Prevention Specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital, for a virtual ThinkFirst session for teens and young adults. ThinkFirst for teens and young adults is a one-hour session where we talk to teens and young adults about brain and spinal cord injury prevention by making smart choices. They will learn about making smart decisions to prevent injury, the dangers of not wearing a seat belt in a vehicle and more. 
 
This event is free and open to ages 13 and up. 
Teens and parents of teens are welcome to attend.

 
Registration Required for invitation to Zoom Meeting Room.
Registrants will receive the invitation to the Zoom Meeting Room on the day of  the event.
 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Tired of Arguing With Your Teens?
Virtual Program

Thursday, March 24th 6:30-7:30PM
TIRED OF ARGUING WITH YOUR TEEN? Change is Possible!
Mansfield Public Library is excited to welcome Parent Coach Lianne Dixon for a virtual presentation on how parents can have peaceful communication and joyful connections with their teens!


DISCOVER: Discover high-impact strategies that create less room for arguing and more room for connection.
EXPLORE: Explore the benefit of using visualization to help create the relationship you want. 
CREATE: Learn mindful practices that are critical in setting the scene for more peaceful communication and joyful connection.
 
This event is free and open to all. Registration Required for invitation to Zoom Meeting Room.
Registrants will receive the invitation to the Zoom Meeting Room on the day of the event.
 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 
Old Colony History Museum Presents Immigration Nation
Thursday, March 31 6:30-7:30PM
Zoom Meeting Room
Mansfield Public Library welcomes Old Colony History Museum Community Programming Coordinator Saria Sweeney for a virtual presentation on the history of immigration in the Old Colony region. In this presentation, attendees will learn about the places people came from, where they settled, and the cultural impacts they made.
This program is free and open to all.
Registration Required for invitation to Zoom Meeting Room.
Registrants will receive the invitation to the Zoom Meeting Room on the day of  the event.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Take & Make Project - Colorful Magnetic Clothespins (Ages 13 and up)
(Ages 13 and up)
REGISTRATION OPENS March 16th!
Wednesday, March 30th 10:00AM-6:00PM
Learn how to make a colorful magnetic clothespin to hold important documents or mementos on your fridge or homework area!
Kit includes: 2 clothespins, tissue paper, mod pod, magnetic tape and sandpaper
Once registered, come to the library on Wednesday, January 26th (10 am - 6 pm) to pick up the kit for the project.
Be sure to register individually if you have more than one person to sign up.
 
Image and directions courtesy of: https://hearthandvine.com/diy-colorful-magnetic-clothespins/
Recurring Virtual Events
Mystery Book Club
Thursday, March 3rd, 6:30-7:30PM  
Zoom Meeting Room
All are welcome to join the Mansfield Public Library Mystery Book Club for a virtual book discussion of A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle.
This program is free and open to all.
Registration Required for invitation to Zoom Meeting Room.
Registrants will receive the invitation to the Zoom Meeting Room on the day of  the event.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Spice Club - Caraway
Wednesday, February 16th, 10:00AM-6:00PM
For the month of March, we get carried away with caraway...seeds!!
Do you love to cook and want to try new flavors and recipes? Or maybe you’re tired of cooking the same old thing and want to try something new? Then we have got just the summer club for you!!! Time to get spicy and join the Mansfield Public Library’s new Spice Club!
Throughout the summer months of June, July and August, a new spice and recipes will be featured each month. We will provide a Spice Pack which will include:
  • Information and history of each featured spice.
  • Two new recipes from A to Z World Food database (A Mansfield Public Library card is required to access this database).
  • Pre-measured featured spice for the two recipes that month.
Once registered, come to the library on Wednesday, January 19th
(10 am - 6 pm) to pick up the kit.
Be sure to register individually if you have more than one person to sign up. 
The spice club is open to ages 13 and up.
Don't forget to share images of your culinary creations on the library's Facebook and/or Instagram pages.
Use the hashtags: #mansfieldpubliclibrary #mplspiceclub #cookingwithallspice #librariesofinstagram #cookingfun 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Library Book Club
Thursday, March 17th, 6:30PM
Zoom Meeting Room

All are welcome to join the Mansfield Public Library Book Club for a virtual book discussion of House of Sticks: A Memoir by Ly Tran.
This program is free and open to all.
Registration Required for invitation to Zoom Meeting Room.
Registrants will receive the invitation to the Zoom Meeting Room on the day of  the event.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Virtual Book Chat
Monday, March 21st, 6:30PM
Zoom Meeting Room
Miss talking about what you're currently reading, what you want to read, or just miss talking with others? Come to our virtual book chat!
We're physically distant, so let's be social together! 
This program is free and open to all.
Registration Required for invitation to Zoom Meeting Room.
Registrants will receive the invitation to the Zoom Meeting Room on the day of  the event.

 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Teen Space News
Virtual Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 29th, 3:30-4:14PM
Zoom Meeting Room
Calling All Teens!!!
The Mansfield Public Library is currently looking for teens in Grades 6 through 12 to be a part of the Teen Advisory Board!
What does this mean? By joining the Teen Advisory Board, teens will have the opportunity to earn volunteer/community service hours, advise the library on what materials to purchase for the Young Adult area, come up with ideas for virtual programs to have at the library, learn about our MAKERCAUSE and much, much more!!!

Registration Required for invitation to Zoom Meeting Room.
Registrants will receive the invitation to the Zoom Meeting Room on the day of  the event.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
We are so happy to see so many patron back at the library! We are especially happy to see teens using the space created just for them!! The Teen Space is a place where teens in grades 6 through 12 can do homework and hang out. It is a safe and welcoming place for all teens. As it is a space specifically created for teens, they have priority in using the space.

Please note the following guidelines regarding the space:
  • The Teen Space is for TEENS ONLY Monday through Friday, 2:00-5:00PM, EXCEPT on vacation and/or no school days. On those days, the Teen Space is for TEENS ONLY during the library’s hours of operation. Anyone who is not a teen will be asked to relocate to another area of the library.
The Mansfield Public Library is currently not accepting in-person volunteers at the library, but does offer the following virtual volunteer projects:

MEDIA REVIEWS
  • Media Reviews – Creating a media review gives teens the opportunity to share what types of books, movies, television shows, video games, music, etc., that they like and what they would or perhaps would not recommend. 
    • Teens who submit reviews are asked to follow criteria set by the library. Once a review is accepted, the teen will receive 2 hours of community service.
    • If a review does not meet the criteria, it will be emailed back to the teen for an opportunity to revise.
    • All accepted reviews will be featured on the Mansfield Public Library Teen Review page.
  • Review Format – Reviews must be submitted on the Teen Review Form. The form asks you questions related to the media you are reviewing, including title, type of media, author/creator, genre, summary, why you chose it to review, # of stars you’d give it, did it remind you of anything else, etc.
    Please answer all of the questions in complete, thoughtful, and grammatically correct sentences. If you have any questions while completing your review, feel free to email Teen Librarian Whitney Brown at: wkbrown@sailsinc.org
  • All of the above information can be found under the Teen Section of the library website.
Youth Room News
 
Story Times 
Story Times are back with some exciting offerings for March! 
 
Movers & Shakers (Ages 0-3)
Tuesday @ 11:00am - March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29  
 
*NEW* Sound & Noise Story Time (Ages 0-5)
Wednesday @ 11:00am - March 2, 16, 23, 30
 
Pre-K Story Time (Ages 3-5)
Friday @ 11:00am - March 4, 11, 18, 25 
 
What is Sound & Noise Story Time? 
Children of all ages are invited to join us for a story time that encourages explorations in the science and art of sound! Participants are encouraged to bring along any favorite instruments— yes, including pots and pans— but we'll also provide plenty of options for sound-, noise-, and music-making!
 
 
 
Preschool Parachute Playgroup with Carol Carver!
Wednesday - March 9 @ 10:30am
 
Moms, Dads, and grandparent caretakers of young children… Activities are geared for 3-5 year olds - Join Carol Carver – Early Childhood Support Specialist from Self Help, Inc. Coordinated Family & Community Engagement Program! 
 
REGISTER by emailing ccarver@selfhelpinc.org, or call 508-559-1666 ext 1811.
 
Brickworks LEGO Club (Ages 6-12)
Tuesdays 3:30 - 4:30pm
 Stop by between 3:30-4:30pm on Tuesdays for the Brickworks LEGO Club! Each week, participants will be presented with a new, exciting LEGO building challenge. Finished work will be photographed and displayed in the Youth Room during the week. Registration is not required, just stop in!
  
Take & Make Craft - Ages 3+
Monday March 21 - while supplies last
Stop by the Youth Room to pick up a "Use Your Imagination" Bag. Each bag will contain craft supplies for your child to use to create whatever they want! We supply the materials, you supply the creativity.  
 
Thursday Drop-In Activities 
Drop In Activities are self-guided. Children must be supervised by a caregiver while participating in Drop-In Activities. Registration is not required - just stop in! Perfect for a playdate activity or to meet new friends.
 
 
Kids Coloring - March 3 & 31 - 10:00am-6:00pm
Leprechaun Traps (Ages 3+) - March 10 - 10:30am-12:30pm
Dramatic Play w/ Toys & Puppets - March 17 & 24 - 10:00am-6:00pm
 
Youth STEAMship (Ages 6-12)
 Wednesdays @ 3:30pm
STEAMship will be back to in person this month with exciting explorations in:
S cience
T echnology
E ngineering
A rt, and
M athematics
 
Registration is requested to make sure we have enough supplies. Register using our online calendar! 
 
Staff Picks - What We're Reading
Catherine Recommends:
The Maid : a Novel

by Nita Prose

When she discovers the dead body of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black in his suite, hotel maid Molly Gray finds her orderly life upended as she becomes the prime suspect in the case and is caught in a web of deception that she has no idea how to unravel.
The Diamond Eye
by Kate Quinn

Known as Lady Death—a lethal hunter of Nazis—Mila Pavlichenko, sent to America on a goodwill tour, forms an unexpected friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and a connection with a silent fellow sniper, offering her a chance at happiness until her past returns with a vengeance.
Nicole Recommends:
A Castle in the Clouds

by Kerstin Gier

Nicole says, "the audio book really brought the characters - especially some of the young children in Sophie's care! - to life."
Young Sophie Stark, an intern at a fancy Swiss hotel, finds herself embroiled in intrigue and romance as the hotel's grand New Year's Eve ball approaches.
The Bone Spindle
by Leslie Vedder

When she pricks her finger on a bone spindle, treasure hunter Fi is stuck with the spirit of Briar Rose, a prince under a sleeping curse, and must team up with a tough-as-dirt girl warrior to free the prince—and herself. 
Reckless Girls
by Rachel Hawkins

Nicole says, "a stay-up-all-night to finish adventure!"
When they arrive at Meroe Island, a remote island paradise in the South Pacific despite a mysterious history of shipwrecks, cannibalism and murder, six people find their dream vacation turning into a nightmare when history starts repeating itself. 
Whitney Recommends:
Dead Silence

by S. A. Barnes

Whitney says, "The best way to describe this book is that it is a cross between the movies Ghost Ship and Event Horizon. It is a 'haunted house in space" story that will have the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish! While Dead Silence is definitely not for the faint of heart, I recommend it to anyone looking for a great sci fi/horror mashup!" 
Investigating a strange distress signal, Claire Kovalik and her crew discover a luxury space-liner that vanished 20 years prior and board the vessel to find words scrawled in blood, strange movements and whispers in the dark.
Kristen Recommends:
Golden Girl : a Novel

by Elin Hilderbrand

Entering the afterlife due to a hit and run accident, a successful author learns she can observe the earthly lives of her nearly grown children and is also permitted three “nudges” to alter the outcome of events.
Wish You Were Here : a Novel
by Jodi Picoult

With everything perfectly on track, Diana O’Toole finds things going off the rails when she is quarantined during her dream vacation in the Galapagos due to a virus, forcing her to reevaluate herself and her life when she makes a connection with a local family.
Carly Recommends:
The Nature of Fragile Things

by Susan Meissner

Moving to early 20th-century San Francisco to escape New York tenement life, an Irish mail-order bride uncovers transformative secrets involving a silent child and two other women before her precarious existence is upended by the great earthquake of 1906.
For Children: Suggested Reads 
New Books!
Nigel and the Moon
by Antwan Early

Young Black boy Nigel feels safe sharing his dreams with the moon but can’t find the courage to share them during career week at school, in this poignant story of representation, pride and confidence. 
A Difficult Thing: The Importance of Admitting Mistakes
by Silvia Vecchini

Every child, at some point, makes mistakes and must learn to deal with and admit those mistakes. This charming, two-tone, wordless comic deals with that very lesson and shows just how powerful the word "sorry" is.
The Odds
by Matt Stanton

In this new graphic novel series about identity, imagination and discovering who you are, Kip finds her quiet existence interrupted by 10 of her favorite characters who have stepped out of their worlds into hers.
Operation Do-Over
by Gordon Korman

When he is magically transported back to the seventh grade before he and his best friend had a falling out, science nerd Mason gets a chance to stop the chain of events that made his previous life implode.
The View from the Very Best House in Town
by Meera Trehan

When her best friend Sam is accepted into the snobbish Castleton Academy as an autistic “Miracle Boy” and starts hanging out with her nemesis, Prestyn, Asha, who is also autistic, is left to navigate middle school alone and wonders who she is without Sam. 
Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille
by Jen. Bryant

An inspiring picture book biography of Louis Braille describes how after losing his eyesight in early childhood he wanted to read so much that he invented a touch alphabet that became a standard that is still in use today. 
Bones Unearthed!
by Kerrie Logan Hollihan

Combining history with science, an award-winning author digs up the truth about famous bones by exploring forensic evidence, archaeology, anthropology, medicine and folklore.
Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library Book Sale Donations
 
UPDATE: The Friends of the Library
are in need of children's books!
 
The Friends of the Library happily accept donations of books in excellent condition, to add to their year-round Book Sale inside the Library.  To make a donation, please call to make an appointment 508-261-7380.  Please do not leave donations outside the library or in the book drop.
 
The Friends offer a variety of books for all ages.  Most items cost $1!
 
The Friends do not accept:
  • Books that have been stored in an attic or basement
  • Books that have mildew or mold
  • Books with missing, yellowed or written in pages
  • Books without the dust jacket
  • Textbooks
Mansfield Public Library
255 Hope St.
Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048
(508) 261-7380

www.mansfieldlibraryma.com/