There are a number of new and returning programs this month at the Rochester Plumb Library.

‘Talk like a pirate’

On Wednesday, September 19, it’s the day to “Talk Like a Pirate,” from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Come to the library dressed in your best swashbuckling gear, listen to some pirate audio stories and music, do a pirate craft, and have a pirate snack.

This program is open to children ages three and up. Parents or caregivers must supervise their children.  This is a “drop-in” event.

Book sale

The Friends of Plumb Library will be holding a book sale on Saturday, September 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be a Members Preview on Friday, September 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall located at 11 Constitution Way, Rochester. Memberships will be sold or renewed at the door, and refreshments will be served.

There will be a "Buck a Bag" time from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.  Volunteers are needed for the following tasks: packing and labeling boxes; moving boxes into the Hall; sorting and setting up; selling both Friday evening and Saturday; packing and moving books back to the library basement.  Volunteers receive 50 percent off their purchases.  Ask at the desk to schedule a time to help.

History and exploration

Mr. Gerald Ciarcia of Wareham will be leading monthly talks on history and exploration.

September’s talk is on “Exploring the North Pole”, including discussions on The Northwest Passage, Peary, Scott and other explorers of the Arctic.

Pre-registration is requested.  This talk will take place at the library on Monday, September 17 at 2 p.m., and is for adults only.

Call the library at 508-763-8600, or email info@plumblibrary.com to register or for more information.

Join the Friends

Fall is a great time to join a new group, meet new friends, or reconnect with old friends.  Consider joining the Junior Friends of Plumb Library.

The Junior Friends is the younger version of the Friends of Plumb Library. Junior Friends are Rochester kids ages nine to 15.  Junior Friends are avid readers and library patrons who wish to support the library and all of its services.  Junior Friends work together to improve the library by their time and talents to help with library or community programs, and spread the word about the library and its importance.

Junior Friends meet about once per quarter to plan programs, do a community service project, or just brainstorm.  Pizza, drinks, and dessert are served.  Our next meeting is Saturday, September 22 at 11:30 a.m.

We will be hosting Mary Lou Nicholson as she discusses her “Be the Solution to Pollution” program and Kids Green Team.  Please email Mrs. Lisa at lfuller@sailsinc.org if you’d like to become a Junior Friend.

Sign up for library cards

September is Library Card Sign-up Month.  With your library card, you have access to thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, audio books, and video games from Plumb Library or the SAILS library system.

You can download free ebooks or audio books from Overdrive.  You can use Universal Class, Transparent Language, Atomic Training, or any of the other online resources available on the Plumb Library website.  During the month, lost or damaged cards will be replaced free of charge.  Ms. Lisa hopes to be at the RMS Open House with information and applications.  Children signing up for their first library card will receive a surprise.

Local author to discuss book

Local author Margaret McGee will be at the library on Monday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about her book "He’s Right Here", the story of the death of her son Brendan.

This book is about a mother’s journey from paralyzing grief to healing, from despair to hope.  She will also speak about the Brendan McGee Music Scholarship Fund, which provides musical instruments to students at the Rochester Memorial School.  Books may be purchased from the author for signing at the talk.  Refreshments will be served, thanks to the Friends of Plumb Library.

Café Parlez’

Café Parlez’ selection for September is  "Moon Over Manifest", by Clare Vanderpool.  Feisty Abilene Tucker is sent to live in Manifest, KS by her transient father at the height of the Depression.  In exploring the town, Abilene stumbles on a mystery that involves her father in his younger years living in the town.  Her “spy hunt” reveals long-held secrets, a complex mystery and a bright future for the little coalmining town.

This book won the Newbery Medal for best fiction for children in 2011.  We will be discussing it on Thursday, September 27, at 6:30 p.m.   Books are available at the desk, or bring your own copy.  Café Parlez is sponsored by the Friends of Plumb Library.

‘Just the Facts’

“Just the Facts”, the nonfiction book discussion group, will start on Thursday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The first book will the Walter Lord’s classic "A Night to Remember", about the sinking of the Titanic, which will be available at the desk.

The schedule for the 2012-2013 session are:

October 18 — “Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World,” by Michael Lewis

November 15 — “Destiny of the Republic,” by Candice Millard

December 20 — “Little Princes,” by Connor Grennan

January 17 — “The Memory Palace,” by Mira Bartok

February 21 — “Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Woman of Little Rock,” by David Margolick

March 21 — “Fist Stick Knife Gun,” by Geoffrey Canada

April 18 — “The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth”, by Alexandra Robbins

May 16 — “Lost in Shangri-La,” by Mitchell Zuckoff