James Blackstone Memorial Library

Enjoy&nbsp;engaging
 conversation and explore your creativity at our&nbsp;adult coloring group! 
Coloring is a great way to keep the brain engaged and the body 
relaxed–plus it’s a great place to make new friends. All materials 
provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies too.&nbsp;
Registration is not required to attend this in person event.

Local Event: Color & Conversation

New Haven County

Branford

Connecticut

Color & Conversation

Enjoy engaging
 conversation and explore your creativity at our adult coloring group! 
Coloring is a great way to keep the...

Confused
 about your new iPhone or iPad? Need help formatting a Word document? 
Drop in to the library between 10:30am &amp; 12pm to get a tech question
 answered. First come, first served. Sessions will be limited to 15 
minutes per person.
Registration is not required to attend this IN PERSON event.

Local Event: Tech Help Tuesday

Tech Help Tuesday

Confused
 about your new iPhone or iPad? Need help formatting a Word document? 
Drop in to the library between 10:30am & 12pm...

Join us for a virtual author talk with artist, author, and adventurer
 Ryan Estrada! This will be a fun, gamified author visit where everyone 
in the room rolls a die, draws cards, and chooses what happens next.
About the Author:
Ryan Estrada is a Freeman Award-winning, Eisner-nominated artist, author, and adventurer. His books include Banned Book Club, No Rules Tonight, Good Old Fashioned Korean Spirit, Occulted, and the Student Ambassador series. He has made comics for Star Trek, Popeye, Flash Gordon, and Garfield.
He
 was a gator wrangler in America, an ambassador to Australia, an 
undocumented animator in Canada, a ghostbuster in South Korea, a 
Bollywood voice actor in India, wandered Kim Jong Il's secret tunnels to
 North Korea, slept on a bench during a Japanese typhoon, dug toilets in
 Thailand, did an accidental illegal border crossing into Burma, was 
kidnapped in Cambodia, kicked out of karaoke in Singapore, lost in Laos,
 was violently ill in Vietnam, went white water rafting in The 
Philippines, delivered toys to orphans in Colombia, documented 
blue-footed boobies in Ecuador, swam with sea turtles in Malaysia, ran 
with the bulls in Mexico, barely escaped being eaten by lions in Kenya, 
fainted atop Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, went skinny dipping with piranhas 
in Peru, lived in a Costa Rican rainforest and a Panamanian volcano.
Registration is required to attend this IN-PERSON event.

Local Event: Choose Your Own Adventure Author Talk with Ryan Estrada

Choose Your Own Adventure Author Talk with Ryan...

Join us for a virtual author talk with artist, author, and adventurer
 Ryan Estrada! This will be a fun, gamified author visit...

Choose Your Own Adventure Author Talk with Ryan Estrada

Join
 us for board games, card games, and more! We’ll be playing all types of
 games, from fast-paced, hilarious party games to highly strategic, 
thinky games that will leave your head spinning! This event is all about
 having fun, learning new games, and making friends. We’ve got games for
 everyone, no matter your experience level. Feel free to bring your own 
games too.
Adults of all ages welcome!
Sponsored by the Friends, with special consideration from <a href="https://lotusgamesltd.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lotus Games</a>

Local Event: Blackstone Game Group

Blackstone Game Group

Join
 us for board games, card games, and more! We’ll be playing all types of
 games, from fast-paced, hilarious party games to...

Enjoy discussing a great book with your neighbors! Download <a href="https://br.catalog.lionlibraries.org/GroupedWork/0465b6a0-6935-ada6-ba00-de691c042dc5/Home?searchId=184982033&amp;recordIndex=1&amp;page=1&amp;searchSource=local" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Bean Trees</a> by Barbara Kingsolver on Hoopla (free with your Blackstone Library card), then meet up with us for a lively book discussion.
Attendees can join us on Zoom, or in person at the Blackstone Library.
Registration is required to receive a link to this HYBRID event.

Local Event: First Friday Book Discussion: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

First Friday Book Discussion: The Bean Trees by...

Enjoy discussing a great book with your neighbors! Download The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver on Hoopla (free with your...

First Friday Book Discussion: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

Join Town Clerk Bob Siegrist, Branford Registrar of Voters, and the League of Women Voters for an information and Q&amp;A session. &nbsp;Topics will include the 2026 election, voter registration, and opportunities for civic engagement in our local election process.

Local Event:  Civic Saturday: Election & Voter Information 

 Civic Saturday: Election & Voter Information 

Join Town Clerk Bob Siegrist, Branford Registrar of Voters, and the League of Women Voters for an information and Q&A session....

Join us for a musical afternoon with pianist Arseniy Gusev!&nbsp;Registration required.&nbsp;Sponsored by the Daro Foundation.

Local Event: Musical Arts Society Presents: Arseniy Gusev

Musical Arts Society Presents: Arseniy Gusev

Join us for a musical afternoon with pianist Arseniy Gusev! Registration required. Sponsored by the Daro Foundation.

Join us for our next Blackstone Banned Book Club meeting! This group meets the first Tuesday of every month to have a non-judgemental, civil discussion of various titles that are being challenged and banned, both locally and nationally. The purpose of this book club is to simultaneously discuss these titles, and to bring awareness to the rapid rise of book challenges and bans. This month we're reading <a href="https://br.catalog.lionlibraries.org/GroupedWork/bd0361a3-6b1e-97ce-d175-41dda9eb65f1/Home?searchId=184755867&amp;recordIndex=1&amp;page=1&amp;searchSource=local" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Giovanni’s Room</a> by James Baldwin.
Registration is required to attend this IN PERSON event.
The
 Blackstone Library has a limited number of copies of these titles 
available for book club participants. If you are interested in obtaining
 a library copy, please call us at (203) 488-1441 ext. 318 or email 
reference@blackstonelibrary.org. Copies are first come, first served.

Local Event: Banned Book Club: Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

Banned Book Club: Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

Join us for our next Blackstone Banned Book Club meeting! This group meets the first Tuesday of every month to have a...

Take a tour of the Blackstone, learn historical tidbits, and get an&nbsp;insider’s look into a day in the life of a Blackstone Library employee.&nbsp;Tour meets in the Rotunda by the Reference Desk. Registration&nbsp;encouraged, but drop-ins welcome!

Local Event: Blackstone Library Tour

Blackstone Library Tour

Take a tour of the Blackstone, learn historical tidbits, and get an insider’s look into a day in the life of a Blackstone...

Join
 us for a casual monthly puzzling group. Various jigsaw puzzles will be 
available to work on as a group or individually. Feel free to bring your
 own puzzle to solve, or participate in a puzzle swap with other 
attendees!
Registration is not required to attend this IN-PERSON event.

Local Event: Piece by Piece: A Community Puzzling Group

Piece by Piece: A Community Puzzling Group

Join
 us for a casual monthly puzzling group. Various jigsaw puzzles will be 
available to work on as a group or individually....

This program delves into the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women during the Revolutionary era, highlighting how their choices in textiles and clothing production played a crucial role in supporting families and communities while the fight for independence unfolded. Costumed historians from The Dirty Blue Shirts will present fascinating stories, showcase reproduction garments, and display historical fabric samples, offering insights into the daily lives and creative resilience of women during this transformative period.
Registration is required to attend this IN-PERSON event.
Sponsored by the Branford Historical Society.

Local Event: The Web They Wove: Women & Their Wardrobes During New England’s Revolution

The Web They Wove: Women & Their Wardrobes...

This program delves into the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women during the Revolutionary era, highlighting...

The Web They Wove: Women & Their Wardrobes During New England’s Revolution

(Re)discover the oldies but goodies of classic Hollywood. A 
monthly screening followed by discussion. Showtime is at 10:00am every 
third Thursday.
This month we’re watching <a href="https://br.catalog.lionlibraries.org/GroupedWork/6aa186bd-0d45-6e91-e62d-6d74c84bb43e/Home?searchId=184757669&amp;recordIndex=1&amp;page=1&amp;searchSource=local" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Ghost and Mrs. Muir</a> (1947) a supernatural romantic fantasy starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison. It was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and is based on a 1945 novel written by Josephine Leslie. In 1900, a young widow finds her seaside cottage is haunted and forms a unique relationship with the ghost. It was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White. The film was ranked 73rd on AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions list in 2002 by the American Film Institute.
Running time- 104 minutes
Closed Caption available
Registration is required to attend this IN PERSON event.
Sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library.

Local Event: Third Thursday Movie Matinee: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)

Third Thursday Movie Matinee: The Ghost and...

(Re)discover the oldies but goodies of classic Hollywood. A 
monthly screening followed by discussion. Showtime is at 10:00am...

Third Thursday Movie Matinee: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)

The undisputed master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, resurrects for one singular evening of mystery and horror. Immerse yourself in the life and death of the legendary author as actor Campbell Harmon performs Poe’s haunting prose and Gothic poetry.Registration is required to attend this IN-PERSON&nbsp;event.Sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library.
About the performer:
Campbell Harmon has performed as Edgar Allan Poe since 2009. He has worked with museums, libraries, schools, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Discovery Channel to further historical education and spark a passion for reading in young and old alike. He recently appeared on an episode of The Discovery Channel’s Expedition Files about Poe's death. Harmon is a displaced Kentuckian and a graduate of Yale Divinity School. He lives in Connecticut in a 129 year-old house that is absolutely not haunted. More information can be found on his website <a href="https://rottenartist.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://rottenartist.com/</a>.

Local Event: An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe

An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe

The undisputed master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, resurrects for one singular evening of mystery and horror. Immerse...

Stop by the main floor Rotunda to get all your Medicare questions answered by a Medicare Specialist. Theresa Borchetta will be on hand to help you learn about and navigate the Medicare system.
For accommodations of persons with special needs, please call 203-999-4986
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
About Theresa Borchetta Working as a Medicare Specialist was a meaningful next step in career for Theresa. As an ordained UCC pastor, she served churches for 30 years, assisting the community of faith through life’s journey. She is committed to offering people the guidance they needed to navigate the Medicare process. She earned her BA in psychology from CCSU, her Master of Divinity from Colgate, her licensure in Life &amp; Health, her Medicare Certification through AHIP. As a CT native who lived for two decades in NY, Theresa is an avid Yankees fan. As a self-proclaimed geek, she enjoys cooking, reading, history, and traveling, especially to Ireland.&nbsp;
Registration is not required to attend this IN PERSON event.

Local Event: Ask A Medicare Specialist: Drop-in Event

Ask A Medicare Specialist: Drop-in Event

Stop by the main floor Rotunda to get all your Medicare questions answered by a Medicare Specialist. Theresa Borchetta will be...

Enjoy the glorious spectrum of chamber music involving string and wind players from the Yale Medical Symphony Orchestra...from the iconic Schubert Octet to The Beatles! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library in dedication to Edward Maloney.
About the Performers:
The YMSO chamber players carry on a rich tradition of the link between music and medicine. They are all members of the Yale Medical Symphony Orchestra, a unique volunteer orchestra made up of doctors, medical students, researchers, and other healthcare workers in the Yale community. It has brought a beloved concert series to greater New Haven since its founding in 2008.&nbsp;
After a recent successful season, a few members, unhappy about a summer hiatus, decided to form a chamber ensemble. Chamber music involves smaller groups with no conductor, and is more collaborative, as each member plays a role in shaping the music.&nbsp;
While most chamber music consists of quartets or trios, there is repertoire for octets, allowing for the combination of winds with strings. &nbsp;When eight people play together, there is the potential for beautiful synergy of musical ideas, but balancing eight voices and personalities can be daunting. This is especially true when blending wind instruments with strings.
However, as healthcare workers, we are no strangers to challenges, and we could think of no better musical challenge than the Schubert Octet. The octet is arranged for the classic string quartet (2 violins, viola, and cello), plus double bass, then additionally bassoon, horn, and clarinet as the winds. &nbsp;This combination of voices allows for unique timbres and colors that are scarcely found in other chamber repertoire, as Schubert gives each instrument a chance to shine.&nbsp;
For this program we have also chosen to break down our octet into smaller ensembles to showcase the classic string quartet as well as the rich sounds of the wind trio of clarinet, horn and bassoon. This way the audience can appreciate the magnificence of the larger mixed chamber ensemble but aLao experience the sonorities when the winds and strings play separately.
We therefore hope to demonstrate the unique, vast &nbsp;and beautiful sounds chamber music can deliver.&nbsp;
Richard Zhu - violin
Abigail Soloway - violin
Yariel Luna - viola
Linnea Weiss - cello
Ruthmabel Boytz - bass
Joseph Vinetz - clarinet&nbsp;
Emily Fine - horn&nbsp;
Adrienne Gallagher - bassoon&nbsp;
Registration is required to attend this IN-PERSON event.

Local Event: Music Among Friends

Music Among Friends

Enjoy the glorious spectrum of chamber music involving string and wind players from the Yale Medical Symphony Orchestra...from...

Join us for a screening of the SAG Award-nominated film Woman in Gold starring Helen Mirren! After the screening, there will be an art show and reception at the BACA Art Gallery from 4-5:30 pm featuring pieces inspired by the painting style of Gustav Klimt.&nbsp;
Registration is required to attend this IN-PERSON event.
Sponsored by the Branford Arts &amp; Cultural Alliance.

Local Event: An Afternoon with Gustav Klimt

An Afternoon with Gustav Klimt

Join us for a screening of the SAG Award-nominated film Woman in Gold starring Helen Mirren! After the screening, there will be...

Join us for an acoustic music concert featuring double bass, guitar, and vocals! Performers will switch instruments throughout the show. There will be a mix of Americana oldies along with pop and blues favorites.
Registration is required to attend this IN-PERSON event.Sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library.

Local Event: Double Play Concert

Double Play Concert

Join us for an acoustic music concert featuring double bass, guitar, and vocals! Performers will switch instruments throughout...

James Blackstone

Ellyn Santiago

Hartford Metropolitan Area

East Haven

Rich Kirby

North Branford

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

New Haven

Vincent Salzo

North Haven

West Haven

Alfred Branch

Madison

Hamden

Orange

Wallingford

Live auction 9/29 &nbsp;starts 11AM 
(Preview 9am-11am) tues 9/29 but also a preview the day before 10 am to 2 pm
Removal for that day and next day.&nbsp; End of Lease for Manjaries/ get deals- all counters will sell - all of bar - Kitchen - furniture and plates 860Auctions.com other auctions scheduling.&nbsp;
video available Jen 860-280-8610&nbsp;

Local Event: Live Auction at Manjares Restaurant 

Live Auction at Manjares Restaurant 

Live auction 9/29  starts 11AM 
(Preview 9am-11am) tues 9/29 but also a preview the day before 10 am to 2 pm
Removal for that...

Branford Fire Headquarters

The public is invited to attend a nonpartisan debate hosted by the League of Women Voters of the East Shore. Come hear directly from candidates Robin Comey&nbsp; (Dem.) and Paul Crisci (Rep.).
Suggestions for questions and topics are welcome. Please send them to the LWV–East Shore via eastshoreleague@yahoo.com.
BCTV&nbsp;will live-stream the debate and record it for rebroadcast via Vimeo and the local League's YouTube channel.

Local Event: 102nd Ct. House of Representatives Candidates' Debate

102nd Ct. House of Representatives Candidates'...

The public is invited to attend  a nonpartisan debate hosted by the League of Women Voters of the East Shore. Come hear...

102nd Ct. House of Representatives Candidates' Debate

1 Notre Dame Way, West Haven, CT, 06516

Think, create, design, and innovate through a hands-on STEM experience at Notre Dame's Center for Innovation. Students will engage with cutting-edge technology including 3D printing, aviation flight simulation, and robotics through interactive faculty-led activities focused on engineering and mathematics.Open to students currently in 8th grade.Visit us to <a href="https://www.notredamehs.com/admissions/visit-nd/notre-dame-fall-discovery-days/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">register</a> and to see additional upcoming Discovery dates and sessions.&nbsp;

Local Event: Notre Dame Discovery Days Student Visit Program - Engineering & STEM: A Day for Future Innovators

Notre Dame Discovery Days Student Visit Program...

Think, create, design, and innovate through a hands-on STEM experience at Notre Dame's Center for Innovation. Students will...

Notre Dame Discovery Days Student Visit Program - Engineering & STEM: A Day for Future Innovators

Any adult who has helped a learner—formally or informally—has access to two useful voices: a “Teacher Voice” that provides instruction, information, and sometimes step-by-step directions, and an “Executive Function Coach Voice” that invites thinking, problem-solving, and&nbsp;ownership.
Both are important. The key is knowing which voice the learner needs in the moment — when to step in with direction and when to step back and make room for&nbsp;thinking.
Join Cognition and Learning Teacher and Executive Function Coach Robyn Greenspan, Cognition and Learning Head of Department Brittany Bloom-Price, and Director of Cognition and Learning Dr. Kristin Simmers as they share research-informed strategies that work for learners of all ages, with a&nbsp;focus&nbsp;on:
<ul><li>A clear, plain-language understanding of executive function&nbsp;coaching</li><li>How to recognize when to use Teacher Voice and EF Coach&nbsp;Voice</li><li>Specific language shifts that encourage thinking, problem-solving, and&nbsp;ownership</li><li>Practical strategies that can be used at home and at&nbsp;school</li></ul>Register here: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D1qWlcZ4Sj-1heuQsg7ElQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D1qWlcZ4Sj-1heuQsg7ElQ</a>

Local Event: LIVE WEBINAR: Building Your Child’s Independence: Executive Function Coaching at Home and at School

Litchfield County

Litchfield

LIVE WEBINAR: Building Your Child’s...

Any adult who has helped a learner—formally or informally—has access to two useful voices: a “Teacher Voice” that provides...

LIVE WEBINAR: Building Your Child’s Independence: Executive Function Coaching at Home and at School

Hubley Hall of the First Congregational Church of Madison

Join the Shoreline Men Over Sixty for a special presentation by volunteer poll worker Marc Lillie on the Connecticut election process as part of the USA's 250th Bi-Centennial tribute. Attendance is $20 and includes a lunch menu of chicken piccata, baked ziti, and sugarless apple pie. Reservations are required via email or phone for this community gathering focused on friendship and brotherhood.

Local Event: Shoreline Men Over Sixty Meeting: USA 250th

Shoreline Men Over Sixty Meeting: USA 250th

Join the Shoreline Men Over Sixty for a special presentation by volunteer poll worker Marc Lillie on the Connecticut election...

Branford Community House

Josh Brooks, the Clean Energy Committee, and technical experts will inform residents about energy- and money-saving programs and will give attendees the opportunity to ask questions about home energy efficiency, heat pumps, solar, and batteries.

Local Event: Branford Clean Energy Symposium

Branford Clean Energy Symposium

Josh Brooks, the Clean Energy Committee, and technical experts will inform residents about energy- and money-saving programs...

Canine Cancer Alliance  - A NonProfit 501c3

Join us &nbsp;for the 2nd Annual Wag, Love, Life Walk to support a cure for canine cancers.&nbsp; registration and details below. Thank you!&nbsp;

Local Event: " Buddy's Walk for Canine Cancer" 

" Buddy's Walk for Canine Cancer" 

Join us  for the 2nd Annual Wag, Love, Life Walk to support a cure for canine cancers.  registration and details below. Thank...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Color & Conversation

SEP

28

6:00 PM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Tech Help Tuesday

SEP

29

10:30 AM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Choose Your Own Adventure Author Talk with Ryan Estrada

SEP

29

6:00 PM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Blackstone Game Group

OCT

1

5:00 PM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

First Friday Book Discussion: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

OCT

2

11:00 AM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Civic Saturday: Election & Voter Information

OCT

3

10:00 AM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Musical Arts Society Presents: Arseniy Gusev

OCT

4

2:00 PM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Tech Help Tuesday

OCT

6

10:30 AM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Banned Book Club: Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

OCT

6

6:30 PM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Blackstone Library Tour

OCT

10

10:00 AM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Piece by Piece: A Community Puzzling Group

OCT

10

11:00 AM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Tech Help Tuesday

OCT

13

10:30 AM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

The Web They Wove: Women & Their Wardrobes During New England’s Revolution

OCT

14

6:00 PM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Third Thursday Movie Matinee: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)

OCT

15

10:00 AM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe

OCT

15

6:00 PM

James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT

Ask A Medicare Specialist: Drop-in Event