Teddy bear picnics, virtual reality at the Mattapoisett Library

Jul 13, 2017

The Mattapoisett Library has a number of upcoming summer events, from book sales to movies, political discussions, robot workshops, a teddy bear picnic and a virtual reality demonstration.

Friends' Annual Book Sale

The library's book sale begins Thursday, July 13 and runs through Saturday. The hours are Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. There are hundreds of gently used books, DVDs, CDs, for children, teens, and adults.

Library on the Lawn for Harbor Days

Visit the library display on the lawn on Saturday, July 15, and see some of the library's new equipment and circulating items, such as MOBY science exploration bags, musical instruments, fishing poles, and a new bicycle. History buffs can try their hand at archaeology with the metal detector! The 3-D printer will also be outside for demonstrations during the day.

Family Movie: "Free Willy"

Drop in on Wednesday, July 19 at 4:30 p.m., to view "Free Willy." Bring a snack and enjoy some time with the children.

LEGO Builders, Unite!

Each Wednesday from 1 - 2 p.m., LEGO enthusiasts gather at the LEGO table in the Children's Room to enjoy the latest LEGO challenge.

Raspberry Pi Robot Workshop

There is still room in the Raspberry Pi Robot Workshop, to be held on Friday, July 21 at 10 a.m. Children age 9 and up can register in the Children's Department. Registration is required.

Civic Engagement, Voter Registration, and Making Your Voice Heard

Former Boston City Councilor and author, Larry DiCara will speak on President Trump's first six months, civic engagement, and voter registration at the Marion Music Hall on Friday, July 21 at 7 p.m. Join in the discussion for how to make your voice heard, no matter which side of the aisle you sit on. Sponsored by the Tri-Town libraries.

Teddy Bear Picnic

Who doesn't love a bear? Children and their favorite stuffed animals are invited to a library picnic on Saturday, July 22 from 2 - 3 p.m. Children will have the chance to decorate teddy bear cookies that the library staff will provide. Register for this event in the Children's Department or by calling 508-758-4171.

Are Your Ready for the Solar Eclipse?

Astronomer Roger Menard from the Astronomical Society of Southern New England will be on hand on Tuesday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m., to show a short video about the eclipse and describe what we will see in Mattapoisett. Everyone who attends the program will receive a free pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses.

Virtual Reality Demonstration

Students age 10 and up are encouraged to sign up for the Virtual Reality Demo taking place on Wednesday, July 26 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Explore strange new lands, build fantastic contraptions, and start Jedi training in a fully immersive 360-degree virtual environment, with the Brookline Interactive Group. There are still some seats left, and registration is required.

Student Book Swap

Students in grades 7 and up are encouraged to register this year for the Summer Reading Program upstairs in the Student Lounge. Summer reading lists are available for area schools, and students can borrow a book from the reading table to keep and enjoy. There are video games and DVDs as well.

Drop-In Chess

Each Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., students are invited to play chess in the Children's Department. Bring your own chess board or use one of the library's. For experienced and beginning students.

Friends of the Library Jewelry and Accessories Sale

The Friends are now accepting donations for the upcoming Jewelry and Accessories Sale every day during regular library hours. Any and all jewelry (even broken pieces), scarves, hats, handbags, belts, etc. are welcome. The sale will take place on Saturday, August 12 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

There will be a preview sale for Friends only on Friday August 11, from 6-8 p.m. Sign up to become a member and get a first look at all the gems and baubles.

Collecting and Caring for Costume Jewelry

Collector Marie Rottler will present a program on costume jewelry for the public on Wednesday, August 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn the ins and outs of collecting and how to care for your pieces. Marie will answer all questions, but will not be doing appraisals.

History Lecture Series with Seth Mendell

Historian Seth Mendell is back this summer with a six-part lecture series "The Years Between the Wars, 1918-1939, " which will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15 and continue for consecutive Tuesday evenings until September 19. The series will cover the events of the period and the reactions of England, France, and the United States as the structure established by the Paris Peace Conference and Treaty of Versailles crumbled, sending Europe and the world into another war. Participants are not required to attend all talks.

Photography of Heather Hobler--Wednesday, August 16 at 7 p.m.

Local photographer Heather Hobler will present a program and slides of her local photography, which will also be on exhibit in the library reading room. She has recently exhibited at the Deedee Shattuck Gallery and at other locations.