August Happenings @ the APL 
With Books, Movies, Games, Magazines and SO MUCH MORE,
your library has something for everyone!
Featured Events
2019 NEA BIG READ - In the Heart of the Sea
The APL and our community partners invite you to "come aboard" the NEA Big Read: Attleboro as we explore the themes and history behind Nathaniel Philbrick's award winning In the Heart of the Sea: the Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex. Highlights of this year's planned programs include Enormity, a 3D installation at the Attleboro Museum of Arts; a lecture on the history of whaling in Nantucket by James Russell, Executive Director of the Nantucket Historical Society and Museum; a visit by the author; and our traditional themed finale dinner prepared by the students of the AHS Culinary Arts program.
Programming begins on Saturday, September 7 with our Launch Event in the Balfour Riverwalk Park. Enter a 40’ inflatable whale, enjoy sounds of the sea by musician Marc Bernier, view intricate ship models created by the Marine Modelers Club of New England and be sure to pick up your free copy of either the original or Young Readers edition of In the Heart of the Sea!
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
APL Building Needs Assessment Information
As the next step in the Municipal Building Commission’s (MBC) analysis of the infrastructure repairs needed at the APL, Aaron Cohen Associates (ACA), a consulting firm, conducted a two-day space needs assessment on the library. Our building was toured by the consultants and community members, staff was interviewed, library collections, available public seating, meeting rooms, and square footage were calculated. Alex Cohen of ACA presented his final report in a public meeting at the library on June 10.  His slideshow presentation, as well as links to DoubleACS’s recording of the meeting, is now available on our website.
In a follow-up joint MBC-Library Board of Trustees public meeting on July 2 at City Hall, the MBC approved additional design work to be completed by Joel Bargmann of Bargmann, Hendrie + Archetype, Inc. (BH+A) to take the findings from the ACA study and create and design that will encompass the overlay of the recommendations into the existing footprint of the library. BH+A was further charged with providing the MBC with comparable pricing for a similar new build of a library.
 Keep an eye on our page for more updates. We expect to have more information later in August.
Family Night Sky Viewing
Monday, August 5, 8:30-9:30pm
Join the library after hours! Members of the The Astronomical Society of Southern New England will be here with their telescopes!  Join us outside to observe and learn more about Jupiter, Saturn, and the moon.
Register online or stop by the Children's Desk.
Read Away Your Fines-athon!
Friday, August 23, 2-4pm (for grades 1-12)
Start the school year with a fine free library card! Youth who read for the full two hours will read away ALL of their overdue fines! Youth who stay one hour will read off HALF of their overdue fines. Must have CURRENT fines to participate. Fees for lost or damaged books will not be included in this program. Registration is required. Sign up online, by phone, or in person. 
KIDS
Programs for your little ones. See all programs in the Book Bites newsletter.
This is a tiny sampling of our programs. Our complete storytime schedule and other activities for kids and their caregivers are available on the Children's Page of our website and on the online calendar. Flyers for programs are available in the library. 
Davis Bates:
A Universe of Songs and Stories
Thursday, August  1, 2019 - All Ages!
Join us for a performance by Parents’ Choice Award winning singer and storyteller Davis Bates! A Universe of Songs and Stories, the program will involve the audience in a variety of cultural traditions. Hear how stars came to be in the sky, how foam came to be in the ocean, and be prepared to sing, move and clap your hands. The program will include plenty of sing-alongs, as well as a short lesson in how to play the spoons, and an appearance by an Irish dancing wooden dog named Bingo. Register online or by calling the library. This program is supported by a grant from the Attleboro Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency
Summer Storytime
Wednesday, August 7 @ 2pm
Looking for a way to relax & cool off in the middle of the day? Join Mrs. Brown for stories! This program is best for kids ages 3-6 years, but everyone is welcome. No need to sign-up, just drop in, enjoy the AC and listen to some stories!
Immediately followed by Family Makers.
Family Makers
Wednesday, August 7 @ 2:30pm
We're offering your family and friends a variety of materials for you to create anything you would like. Each week we'll provide art supplies and you can spend time painting, collaging, & more.
NO NEED TO REGISTER—just drop in during the hour and have fun!
Summer is Perfect for MOBYpacks!
What's a MOBYpack? MOBY stands for My Own BackYard. They are backpacks full of books and tools to help you and your family explore the natural world. Each backpack has a theme - Astronomy, Birds, Trees, Insects and Wildflowers, just to name a few. Use the books to learn about what you're looking for and to help you be safe, and then take a walk outside. Write in the nature journal to let others know what you found. MOBYpacks can be found in the Childrens Room. Check one out today!
TEENS
       
Star Wars Party
Wednesday, August 7 @ 6-7:30pm
Youth entering grades 5-12 are welcome to join us for a Star Wars themed End-of -Summer-Reading Party! Dress in your Star Wars gear or costume to celebrate and participate in our costume contest if you wish!
There will be FOOD, GAMES, CRAFTS, PRIZES and FUN!
Registration is required
Book Clubs
A Novel Idea: Teen Book Club
Friday, August 16 @ 3:30pm
FREE READ MONTH - Read what you like and let us know what you thought 
register HERE
Book Hungry Sock Monkeys:
Middle School Book Club
Wednesday, August 28 @ 6pm
The One Safe Place by Tania Unsworth
register HERE
ADULTS
Looking for something to do? See all programs on our online calendar.
Great Decisions
Meets weekly, 
Thursdays @ 6:30pm
Join us for civil discussion of timely topics. No prior knowledge is required to join the conversation. We ask that you read the topic review in the Great Decisions Briefing Book prior to the weekly meeting - but if you don't have the time, come anyway as we always watch an introductory video on the topic before the conversation begins.
August 1 - Cyber Conflicts and Geopolitics
August 8 - The US and Mexico: Partnership Tested
August 15 - The State of the State Department and Diplomacy
Learn more the Great Decisions program by visiting the Foreign Policy Association's website.
You may purchase the book at the meeting for $32, or use the copy available at the Reference Desk.
Click on the date to register.
Star Wars Trivia
Monday, August 12 @ 7pm
Join us for a night of family fun as we play a round of Star Wars trivia in honor of this year’s summer reading theme - A Universe of Stories. We will be using the Kahoot! app on our new big screen TV in the tech lab. Players are welcome to bring their own mobile device, such as a smart phone or tablet, or to play on one of the library’s iPads. In order to play on your own device all you have to do is download the free Kahoot! app. Players can register as individuals or as a team, only one device will be needed for teams. Please make sure to indicate how many folks are on your team. May the Force be with you!
REGISTER here.
STAFF FEATURE
Meghan Witherell, Tween/Teen Coordinator
Describe your current job. I get to work with TWEENS (grades 5-8) & TEENS (grades 9 and up)! I have the pleasure of planning fun programs, overseeing teen volunteers, ordering books, making displays, interacting with patrons at the desk, talking books and media, doing outreach and collaborating with the schools and other youth serving organizations, geeking out about Harry Potter and so much more!
What do you like most about your job? EVERYTHING! But I think what I like the most is facilitating programs on and off site and getting to hang out with tweens and teens. It is great to see how excited they are about books, crafts, technology and SO much more! I learn so much from them!
If you had to work on only one project at the Library, what would it be? Planning Harry Potter programs based on the classes mentioned in the book!
What is your most memorable accomplishment during your Library career? It’s a small thing, but I love when a child/teen comes in and they can’t remember much (if anything) about the book they are looking for and I am able to come up with the title and author without looking it up! I think knowing the collection that well can help patrons feel more comfortable, especially kids! 
What is your most memorable experience in a Library? I would have to say when Holocaust Survivor, Alice Goldstein came to speak a few years ago. Very moving. Programs such as that one really reinforce the need for libraries, we are not only the providers of print and other materials, but also offer opportunities for patrons to educate themselves on a variety of topics through programs. In this particular case, firsthand insight few people will have in their lifetime.
What is your favorite book from your childhood? Why? Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. I have no idea why, I read it again last year and it’s about dogs and guns, nothing I would have been interested in, but somehow it grabbed me. Just goes to show, you never know if you will like a book until you try!
What are you reading now or what titles are on your reading list?  I am always reading Harry Potter, right now I am back to the first one. I don’t read physical books often because I don’t have the time but I am ALWAYS listening to an audiobook on Overdrive. Titles I have listened to recently include Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes and The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kirsten White.
What book you would you/do you recommend to everyone?  Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys and listening to the Harry Potter series on audiobook!
Where is your hometown? Attleboro
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’ve never tried coffee.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Sign language/Speak other languages fluently
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Cookies and Cream.
What's your favorite vacation? New Hampshire! Growing up we went there every year as a family.
When I'm not at work, you can find me reading Eric Carle books to my 2 year old, he is obsessed!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Local organizations bring their expertise to the APL
Visit attleborolibrary.org for more info on these events
Attleboro Cultural Council - Thursday, August 1 @ 6pm
Northern Bristol County Assistance Coalition - Friday, August 2 @ 3pm
India Association of RI - Independence Day Art Contest - Sat. Aug. 3 @ 10am
NARCAN Training - Tuesday, August 13 @ 4:30pm
The Arc of Bristol County Memory Cafe - August 14 @ 1:30pm
COA Aviation History Group - Thursday, August 15 @ 2pm
Meet the Artists - Biography Doll Pick Up Party - Sat. Aug. 17 @ 10am
MS Support Group for Women - Wednesday, August 21 @ 11:30am
Kitchen Table Conversation: Grief Support - Monday, August 26 @ 6:30pm
Federation for Children with Special Needs - Thursday, August 29 @ 4pm
Voter Choice MA Field Training Session- Thursday, August 29 @ 6pm
PARKING INFORMATION
Due to the construction project on the Sanford St. Garage, the municipal parking lot next to the library will be extremely busy this summer. Please allow sufficient time ahead of events to find parking in the lot or on nearby streets.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
BOOKS & MORE
Book to Screen Display
So many of our favorite titles are being made in to movies or TV shows - we're highlighting these titles in our movie display and online. Movies based on books are currently located in the first floor lobby.
Have a classic like Les Mis or Last of the Mohicans on your summer reading list? Watching the movie AND reading the book helps with comprehension! You'll find action films as well, like the Bourne Saga and James Bond. Be sure to ask a librarian for more title recommendations!
Museum Passes
Summer is a great time to get out and explore. The Friends of Attleboro Public Library can help! Love being by the water? Take a trip to Plymouth! The pass to Plimoth Plantation is usually available during the summer months. If you haven't been in a while, head there now, before people start thinking about Thanksgiving! This voucher entitles the patron named on the voucher to purchase Plimoth Plantation Heritage Pass Tickets for up to six individuals at the reduced rate of $16 per adult; $10 per child ages 5-17 (Usually $38/$24) Visit plimoth.org for information on
special exhibits & events.
Reserve passes yourself online or call the library. One pass per day per library card.
Photo of Plimouth Plantation exhibit from their Facebook page.
 
Online Resources at the APL - TumbleBooks
Use TumbleBooks to find animated talking books, puzzles, and games that capture children’s imagination as they learn the fundamentals of reading. FREE with your library card, TumbleBooks are childrens eBooks at a variety of reading levels, fiction and nonfiction, that kids can hear and watch. Manually turn the pages, or have the book read aloud. Create your own playlist based on a theme, a preset time, and more. TumbleBooks offers picture books, easy readers and chapter books in multiple languages. Talk to library staff for more info and a demonstration.
Explore the Library!
We're making the most of our space by moving large collections to bigger, brighter parts of the building. The latest move brings TV series up to the third floor, where there is more room and better light for browsing. Feature films and blurays remain on the first floor. Fiction audiobooks have joined nonfiction audio on the third floor as well.
Our popular puzzle collection has also moved. Currently located in the reading room on the second floor, it includes puzzles from 275 to 2000 pieces! Puzzles can be brought home for four weeks. If you find that a puzzle is missing any pieces, please be sure to let library staff know.
Watch for more changes coming soon!
Board Games @ Your Library!
A generous donation of board and card games has created a new collection at the APL. Want to try a game before you buy? Having guests for the weekend? Stop in and see what's available for you to take home and play! The collection is growing quickly and we're taking patron suggestions and donations (must include directions and all pieces.)
Teachers can take out ROBOTS from the APL!  
The APL recently added 6 Sphero Mini Code-able robots to the collection, available for checkout to TEACHERS only! These robots are fantastic for teaching coding skills to youth of elementary, middle and high school age. To check out a robot to try at home, bring evidence that you work in a school, OR use your teacher library card to check them out. Robots can be checked out for two weeks. They can be placed on hold and if they're going to be used in the classroom, teachers can call to ask to put multiple robots on hold to check out more than one. Robots can be checked out by a teacher working in any school system, not just Attleboro. However the robots can be picked up and returned to the Attleboro Public Library only. The Robots connect through Bluetooth to Android and Apple devices, which are not included in the kits, so users must have access to their own devices. To use the robots, a free app (Sphero EDU) must be downloaded.
Book Discussions
The Library offers nine book groups run by staff members and volunteers that are always looking for new participants. Check out our website to see when they meet and what they're reading. Most, but not all, groups ask that you register. Registration links can be found on our online calendar. You can also register with library staff.
Be a Friend to the Library
Please Support the Friends of APL!
Founded in 1983, the Friends of the Attleboro Public Library is a community organization dedicated to supporting and fundraising for the Attleboro Public Library. Through a program of volunteer, promotional and fundraising activities, the Friends support and promote the Attleboro Public Library and finance purchases not covered by government funds. You can support the Friends of the Attleboro Public Library by becoming a friend yourself, or by making a donation of money or materials. Visit the Friends website, aplfriends.org, for more info.
New Tote Bags are Here!
The Friends have a new opportunity for library visitors to show their love for the APL. For a $5 donation, you can purchase a reusable tote bag to carry your books, movies and magazines in. Bags will be available at the circulation desk. Show your support for the Attleboro Public Library everywhere you go with this attractive shopping bag! Coming soon - check out a bag at the desk when you leave YOUR library bag at home!
Library Hours
Summer Hours
Monday 8:30am-8:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am-8:30pm
Thursday 12:30-8:30pm
Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Saturday 8:30am-1:30pm
The Library will be
CLOSED
Saturday, August 31
through
Monday, September 2
in observation of
LABOR
DAY
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Attleboro Public Library
74 North Main St
Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703
(508) 222-0157
attleborolibrary.org