James Blackstone Memorial Library

In celebration of Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day—an initiative 
that encourages audiences to explore musical traditions beyond the 
familiar—Grammy Affiliated percussionist Kahlil Kwame Bell presents a 
dynamic and interactive performance centered on the rare and captivating
 slapaphone. This observance highlights the vast world of 
lesser-known instruments and invites communities to expand their musical
 curiosity and creativity.
Registration is required to attend this IN PERSON event.
Sponsored by the David J. Hughes Memorial Fund.

Local Event: Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day Featuring Kahlil Kwame Bell on Slapaphone

New Haven County

Branford

Connecticut

Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day Featuring...

In celebration of Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day—an initiative 
that encourages audiences to explore musical traditions...

Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day Featuring Kahlil Kwame Bell on Slapaphone

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 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&nbsp;<a href="https://br.catalog.lionlibraries.org/GroupedWork/0daea246-9176-adc6-557e-73da10750fd3/Home?searchId=180542570&amp;recordIndex=1&amp;page=1&amp;searchSource=local" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Parable of the Sower</a> by Octavia E. Butler.
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: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Banned Book Club: Parable of the Sower by...

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

Banned Book Club: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

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/2dfdb217-062b-09a8-3087-ce8ff84991dd/Home?searchId=180542727&amp;recordIndex=1&amp;page=1&amp;searchSource=local" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Between the Sound and Sea</a> by Amanda Cox 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: Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

First Friday Book Discussion: Between the Sound...

Enjoy discussing a great book with your neighbors! Download Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox on Hoopla (free with your...

First Friday Book Discussion: Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

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....

Movie magic, now at Blackstone! Join us for Saturday Cinema and see a
 highly anticipated new release on our big screen in the auditorium. 
Showings are the last Saturday of the month at 2:00pm. This month we're 
watching <a href="https://br.catalog.lionlibraries.org/GroupedWork/63617e34-9645-f2cf-8f85-c48729f55b8a/Home?searchId=175364202&amp;recordIndex=2&amp;page=1&amp;searchSource=local" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hamnet</a> (2025, PG-13).
Based
 on the New York Times best-selling novel, Academy Award-winning 
director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) directs a powerful story of love and 
loss. William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) falls for the free-spirited 
Agnes (Jessie Buckley). Their whirlwind romance leads to marriage and 
three children, but as Will's theatrical ambitions draw him to London, 
Agnes remains behind to manage the household. When tragedy strikes, 
their bond is deeply tested—but through grief and resilience, their 
journey inspires the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.
Running time - 126 mins.
Want to explore this movie's rating in depth? Check out its page on <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/hamnet" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Common Sense Media</a>.
Registration is required to attend this IN PERSON event.Sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library.

Local Event: Saturday Cinema: Hamnet (2025)

Saturday Cinema: Hamnet (2025)

Movie magic, now at Blackstone! Join us for Saturday Cinema and see a
 highly anticipated new release on our big screen in the...

Many of us know what we want for our lives — better health, deeper 
connection, more confidence, more purpose, more vitality — but struggle 
to translate that knowing into consistent action. In this engaging and 
practical talk, Dr. Julia King, clinical psychologist and 
board-certified lifestyle medicine professional, will share a simple 
three-step framework for understanding how thoughts, feelings, and 
behaviors interact, why we often get stuck, and how to begin taking 
small, aligned actions toward a more flourishing life. Participants will
 leave with practical tools for increasing awareness, interrupting 
unhelpful patterns, and practicing meaningful change in everyday life.
Registration is required to attend this IN-PERSON event.

Local Event: Creating a Flourishing Life: How to Turn Insight Into Action

Creating a Flourishing Life: How to Turn...

Many of us know what we want for our lives — better health, deeper 
connection, more confidence, more purpose, more vitality —...

Creating a Flourishing Life: How to Turn Insight Into Action

Join us for readings and discussions with local authors in front&nbsp;of the fireplace in our Reading Room! This week we will be joined by&nbsp;Eric Doing, author of 4,383 Dark Days to Redemption.


Registration is not required to attend this drop-in event.

Local Event: Fireside Chat with Eric Doing

Fireside Chat with Eric Doing

Join us for readings and discussions with local authors in front of the fireplace in our Reading Room! This week we will be...

(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/8efde3a9-d37e-02bb-64cd-31b3972eb1dd/Home?searchId=180905698&amp;recordIndex=1&amp;page=1&amp;searchSource=local" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Funny Face</a>
 (1957), a musical romantic comedy directed by Stanley Donen and 
starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. On assignment, fashion 
photographer Dick Avery (Astaire) is struck by the beauty of Jo Stockton
 (Hepburn), a shy bookstore employee he's photographed by accident, who 
he believes has the potential to become a successful model. They travel 
to France for a photo shoot and they begin to fall for one another, only
 to find hurdles in their way. The film received four Academy Award 
nominations: for "Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly 
for the Screen"; "Best Costume Design"; "Best Cinematography"; and "Best
 Art Direction-Set Decoration".
Running time- 103 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: Funny Face (1957)

Third Thursday Movie Matinee: Funny Face (1957)

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

Movie magic, now at Blackstone! Join us for Saturday Cinema and see a
 highly anticipated new release on our big screen in the auditorium. 
Showings are the last Saturday of the month at 2:00pm. This month we're 
watching <a href="https://br.catalog.lionlibraries.org/Record/.b28141726?searchId=180906343&amp;recordIndex=2&amp;page=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Reminders of Him </a>(2025, PG-13).
Colleen
 Hoover's bestselling novel becomes a transformative film about 
motherhood, forgiveness and the power of love to overcome the worst 
mistake. Desperate to rebuild her life with a daughter she has never 
known, Kenna finds unexpected compassion in a secret romance with local 
bar owner Ledger. As dangers develop for both of them, Kenna hopes to 
find a second chance amid unbearable heartbreak.
Running time - 114 mins.
Want to explore this movie's rating in depth? Check out its page on <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/reminders-of-him" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Common Sense Media</a>.
Registration is required to attend this IN PERSON event.
Sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library.

Local Event: Saturday Cinema: Reminders of Him (2025)

Saturday Cinema: Reminders of Him (2025)

Have you ever thought about joining a book club? It’s a fun way to get&nbsp;connected, make new friends, and read more books! In the Best Seller&nbsp;Book Club, we read and discuss newly released, highly rated books from a&nbsp;wide variety of genres. This month we're reading <a href="https://br.catalog.lionlibraries.org/Record/.b28112714?searchId=180543305&amp;recordIndex=3&amp;page=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">This Changes Everything</a> by Lisa Scottoline.



Registration is required to receive a link to this ONLINE event.
Sponsored by the Friends of Blackstone Library.
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 
programs@blackstonelibrary.org. Copies are first come, first served.

Local Event: Best Seller Book Club: This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline

Best Seller Book Club: This Changes Everything...

Have you ever thought about joining a book club? It’s a fun way to get connected, make new friends, and read more books! In the...

Best Seller Book Club: This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline

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

Color & Conversation

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

James Blackstone

Ellyn Santiago

Hartford Metropolitan Area

East Haven

North Branford

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

New Haven

Vincent Salzo

North Haven

West Haven

Alfred Branch

Madison

Hamden

Orange

Wallingford

Madison Veterinary Hospital

Are you looking to adopt an adorable puppy or dog? Join us for the Dog Star Rescue adoption event on August 1st. Scan the QR code on the flyer below or go to <a href="https://dogstarrescue.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://dogstarrescue.org/</a>&nbsp;to see some of the adorable, adoptable dogs. Please prefill out an application (even if you are just thinking about it), to make the adoption day process easier. We are accepting donations of toys, food, and treats at our hospital leading up to the event or on the day of. If you have any questions please contact contactus@dogstarrescue.org or our office at 203-421-3300. We look forward to seeing you there!

Local Event: Dog Star Rescue Event

Dog Star Rescue Event

Are you looking to adopt an adorable puppy or dog? Join us for the Dog Star Rescue adoption event on August 1st. Scan the QR...

Guilford Town Green

Shoreline Festival Celebrating 250 Years of Jewish Life in the USA
Guilford, CT — The 20th annual Shoreline Jewish Festival will take place Sunday, August 2, from 12–5 PM on the Guilford Green. The festival celebrates Jewish life in the USA as America turns 250 and features various styles of Jewish music, Jewish specialties and fair favorites (all kosher), a Jewish book sale, vendors and crafters, and children's crafts and activities.
Rabbi Yossi Yaffe, director of Chabad of the Shoreline and festival organizer, notes a connection between the annual festival and America’s 250th
birthday. “Celebrating Jewish life with a festival on the Green is a uniquely American experience. The Liberty Bell’s engraved words, “Proclaim liberty throughout the land,” comes from the biblical description of the Jubilee, a 50th
year marked by freedom. America is celebrating 250 years, or its fifth Jubilee. What a perfect time to give thanks for this country’s freedoms of expression, assembly and religion that let all of us practice our faith openly and joyously.”
This year's musical lineup features the NY Klezmer Series All-Stars, Yehuda and Noah Solomon of Moshav and Soulfarm, and the Mr. Shabbos Band.
The New York Klezmer Series Allstars brings together five exceptional musicians for a joyous celebration of klezmer—the vibrant musical tradition of the Eastern European Jewish tradition. Featuring New York Klezmer Series Artistic Director and founder Aaron Alexander on drums, co-founder Greg Wall on clarinet, Jordan Hirsch on trumpet, Ira Temple on accordion and Brian Glassman on bass, this all-star ensemble blends soulful melodies, spirited dance tunes, and sheer joy into a performance both rooted in tradition and irresistibly fun. Whether you are a lifelong lover of klezmer or hearing it for the first time, the NY Klezmer Series Allstars promise an unforgettable musical experience filled with heart, energy, and the unmistakable sound of celebration. 
Yehuda and Noah Solomon are brothers and musicians well-known in the world of modern Jewish music. Yehuda fronts Moshav and Noah fronts Soulfarm; together they helped pioneer a generation of Jewish rock. Raised in a musical family of American expats in Israel, the brothers unite those two traditions in their music. Hebrew words and Middle Eastern melodies meld with the American traditions of country, bluegrass and rock. Their music envelopes the audience in a high-energy, heartfelt celebration of life. 
The Mr. Shabbos Band features Josh Alpert on guitar, banjo, mandolin, trumpet, flute and bagpipes; joining him are Pesach Alpert on drums, Menashe Wagner on trombone, guitar and percussion, Mordechai Harris on bass, Benny Shwarcz on guitar and percussion and vocalist Eric Freeman. Together they play a unique mix of Jewish and biblical lyrics with country, bluegrass, and rockabilly. For the young and the young at heart, Mr. Shabbos leads an interactive sing-along that is guaranteed to get everyone up on their feet and dancing.
Artists and artisans will sell a variety of Judaica, jewelry, clothing and artwork. Books of Jewish interest will be available for sale for both children and adults. Festival-goers can choose from a variety of (kosher) fair favorites, including pulled beef brisket, hamburgers, hot dogs, falafel (an Israeli fried-chickpea specialty), grilled chicken schwarma, potato knishes, fresh mini donuts, cotton candy, sno-cones and more. Children's activities include inflatable bouncy fun, as well as Jewish-themed arts &amp; crafts projects.
Primary festival sponsor is Shoreline TMS &amp; Interventional Psychiatry. Other sponsors include the family of Mr. Matthew Evans in his memory, the Jewish Federation &amp; Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, Gladeview Rehab &amp; Health Care in Old Saybrook and Renewal by Andersen of Southern New England.
Admission is free, but please register online. Food, crafts and vendor items are for sale. Artists can reserve a booth for the day for a fee of $85. To help sponsor this unique event, to reserve a booth, or for more information and to download the app, visit www.ShorelineJewishFestival.com. For anything else, please contact Rabbi Yaffe at (203) 533-7495 or chabad@snet.net.
About Chabad of the Shoreline
Chabad-Lubavitch of the Shoreline, based in Guilford, Connecticut, has been led by Rabbi Yossi and Rochel Baila Yaffe since 1999. It serves the Shoreline and River regions with Jewish programming that is known for its warmth, acceptance and deep love for Jewish tradition.

Local Event: 20th Shoreline Jewish Festival on the Guilford Green

20th Shoreline Jewish Festival on the Guilford...

Shoreline Festival Celebrating 250 Years of Jewish Life in the USA
Guilford, CT — The 20th annual Shoreline Jewish Festival...

20th Shoreline Jewish Festival on the Guilford Green

What: 20th Annual Shoreline Jewish Festival - a celebration of Jewish life!When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Guilford Town GreenThe free festival will celebrate 250 years of Jewish life in the United States as America marks its semiquincentennial. Organizers encourage attendees to register online in advance.
The event will feature live Jewish music, kosher food, a Jewish book sale, vendors, crafters, and children's activities. Musical performances will include the NY Klezmer Series All-Stars, brothers Yehuda and Noah Solomon of Moshav and Soulfarm, and the Mr. Shabbos Band.
Artists and artisans are expected to offer Judaica, jewelry, clothing and artwork for sale, while books of Jewish interest for children and adults will also be available.
Food offerings will include pulled beef brisket, hamburgers, hot dogs, falafel, grilled chicken shawarma, potato knishes, fresh mini donuts, cotton candy, sno-cones and more.
Children can enjoy inflatable attractions and Jewish-themed arts and crafts.
Artists may reserve a booth for an $85 fee. For more information, to register, reserve a booth or become a sponsor, visit ShorelineJewishFestival.com.

Local Event: 20th Annual Shoreline Jewish Festival

20th Annual Shoreline Jewish Festival

What: 20th Annual Shoreline Jewish Festival - a celebration of Jewish life!When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.Where:...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day Featuring Kahlil Kwame Bell on Slapaphone

JUL

31

2:00 PM

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

Tech Help Tuesday

AUG

4

10:30 AM

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

Banned Book Club: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

AUG

4

6:30 PM

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

Blackstone Game Group

AUG

6

5:00 PM

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

First Friday Book Discussion: Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

AUG

7

11:00 AM

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

Piece by Piece: A Community Puzzling Group

AUG

8

11:00 AM

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

Saturday Cinema: Hamnet (2025)

AUG

8

2:00 PM

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

Tech Help Tuesday

AUG

11

10:30 AM

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

Creating a Flourishing Life: How to Turn Insight Into Action

AUG

12

6:00 PM

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

Fireside Chat with Eric Doing

AUG

15

1:00 PM

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

Tech Help Tuesday

AUG

18

10:30 AM

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

Third Thursday Movie Matinee: Funny Face (1957)

AUG

20

10:00 AM

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

Tech Help Tuesday

AUG

25

10:30 AM

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

Saturday Cinema: Reminders of Him (2025)

AUG

29

2:00 PM

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

Best Seller Book Club: This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline

AUG

29

3:30 PM

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

Color & Conversation