Blaisdell Memorial Library will be closed on Saturday, May 25th in observation of Memorial Day weekend. Those wishing to use museum passes over the weekend will need to pick them up by the end of the day Friday.
Author: blaisdellml
Statement on Library Hours
As the Town is now working under the constraints of a default budget, the Blaisdell Memorial Library continues to operate on a reduced schedule, and will do so for the duration of 2024. At this time, we do not anticipate any additional negative impacts to the Summer Reading program, Lego or STEAM clubs, or our ongoing programming.
We will continue to assess our hours of operation. Patrons should be aware that we may need to cancel or reschedule programs, or adjust our operating hours, sometimes on short notice.
Scheduled closures will be posted on the sign in front of the library, our website, and on Facebook and Instagram. Last-minute closures will be posted on Facebook and the front door of the library.
April Vacation Specials 2024
Join unique programs for kids and families all week long!
UNH SeaTrek: Squid Dissection
Tuesday, April 23rd – 10 & 11am
Get to know the unique anatomy of the squid with this hands-on lesson from UNH! First learn about the different parts of the squid’s body, then examine them for yourself with a guided dissection. This event will be held in two sessions: One at 10am and one at 11am.
This program is currently full. Thank you for your interest!
For the Love of Legos
Thursday, April 25th – 10am
For the Love of LEGOs is a drop-in time for children of any age to play with the library’s lego collection. Build whatever you can imagine, on your own or with others; the only limits are your imagination!
Charlotte’s Web Book Party
Friday, April 26th – 10am
Charlotte’s Web is a classic children’s book that’s been delighting readers for more than fifty years, and this book party is the perfect chance to celebrate it! To join in, pick up a copy at the front desk or read your own with your children. Then come in on Friday to talk about the book and its beloved characters, play games, and enjoy snacks!
We request that those planning to attend contact the library to sign up, to make sure we have enough snacks for everyone.
Turtles of NH
Saturday, April 27th – 12pm noon
New Hampshire is home to seven native species of turtle and more than half of them are listed as endangered or threatened in the state. Some even live in Nottingham! Join local wildlife rehabilitators Dallas and Drew of New Hampshire Turtle Rescue to learn more about our native species, meet a special turtle guest, and learn how we can be good neighbors to them. Afterwards, stick around as they answer any of your turtle questions!
Growing a Healing Garden
Thursday, April 11th — 6pm
Long before gardens became aesthetic features, plants were cultivated for their medicinal value. This presentation showcases a potpourri of easy to grow medicinal herbs and showcasing a variety of garden designs to help you grow your own first aid kit. This event is hosted by Willa Coroka of The Magpie’s Apprentice.
Sign-ups are required for this program. Please call, email, or visit the library to register.
Button-Making with BML
Thursday, April 11th — 3:30 – 5:30pm
Do you like to get crafty and make new things? Try your hand at making a pin-back button and get to know BML’s new button machine with this hands-on learning session! Learn how the machine works, make your own buttons, and hear more about how you can return and do it yourself in the future! This is an informal program–it’s easy to learn, and you may drop in at any time between 3:30 and 5:30 to participate.
Button-making is open to all ages, but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult for safety. The button-maker will be available for public use in the future!
Community Coffee Hour Special: Bobcats
Wednesday, April 10th — 10am
The New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game joins BML for a special coffee hour presentation about one of the state’s wild symbols: the bobcat. Learn about the natural history of the elusive cat, its habitat needs and the status of the population. Also, hear about the ongoing research projects that help study and protect this country’s abundant wildlife!
Cupcake Decorating
Tuesday, April 9th — 1 – 3pm
No celebration is complete without cake! Children and teenagers are welcome to drop in to the library between 1 and 3pm to pick out and decorate a cupcake with a library theme. No cupcake competition this time–choose whatever frosting and toppings you like, then take your treat home to enjoy.
Blaisdell Memorial Library 50th & National Library Week
Watercolor art by Mary Beeman
April 9th through April 13th
Two big celebrations, one event-packed week!
Blaisdell Memorial Library came to be in 1974, and in 1999 the building was renovated into the library we know and love today. To recognize the 50th and 25th anniversaries and National Library Week at the same time, BML is holding special events and hosting historical displays all week long!
Inside the library, we’ll have displays showing off the past of BML and Nottingham’s public libraries, some special take-home treats, and a board displaying our patron’s memories of their times in the library. You can contribute to the fun by visiting this link and filling out the form!
On Tuesday, kids can drop in to decorate cupcakes for a tasty bit of creative fun.
Wednesday, join us for a special Community Coffee Hour and learn about the incredible Bobcats of the state, hosted by new Hampshire Fish and Game.
Thursday, visit in the afternoon to get hands-on with the library’s new button-maker and learn how to use it before it’s available to the public.
And finally, Thursday night, sign up to join a presentation on Growing a Healing Garden, as part of the Cookbook Club’s open events!
There’s plenty to see and do, so make sure to swing by and find your favorite way to celebrate!
February Break Specials
Feb. 27th through Mar. 1st
Make your February Break something special with programs for children and families all week long! Come in, warm up, stay dry, meet with your friends, and fill up your bags with books to entertain til regular story hours return!
Tuesday, February 27th @ 10am: UNH SeaTrek – Lobsters
UNH returns to BML with a fascinating exploration of lobsters and lobster fishing that can teach you both about their anatomy and biology and how we can conserve them for years in the future!
Registration for this program is currently full. Thank you for all your interest!
Thursday, February 29th @ 10am: Lego for Littles
Lego for Littles is a drop-in time for younger children to play and build alone or together with the library’s Lego collection. The only limits are your own imagination!
Friday, March 1st @ 10am: Dr. Seuss Birthday Storytime Extravaganza
Celebrate Dr. Seuss and all his wonderful, wild worlds and stories with a special storytime! We will be reading some of his books and enjoying Seuss-themed activities while eating birthday treats!
UNH SeaTrek: Lobsters
Tuesday, February 27th at 10am
UNH’s SeaTrek program returns to BML! Lobsters are icons of New England and fascinating creatures in their own right. Participants will get to examine lobster traps, handle a live lobster and learn how lobstermen measure and band lobsters for the market! They’ll also have the chance to consider the delicate balance between protecting the lobster species, providing a livelihood for lobstermen and ensuring that we continue to enjoy this delicacy from the sea.
This program is aimed at children around elementary school age, but older or younger kids may attend.
Sign-ups are required. To reserve a place, please contact the library!
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