Stoughton Public Library Reopening With Full Services

STOUGHTON, MA — The Stoughton Public Library will reopen to the public with full services, Monday through Saturday, beginning June 1.

Library officials said "Front Porch" pickup services will continue, but residents can once again browse the bookshelves and take part in a variety of community events, though many of those events are still virtual for now.

Library staff have a full schedule of free events for all ages throughout June. Check out the list below. Events are virtual unless otherwise noted. Most events require registration, which can be done at the library's website.

Programs for Adults

Wednesday, June 2nd from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: Virtual Book Discussion. Everyone is welcome to join this virtual book discussion. This month's selection is, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. The book is available through at the library as well as electronically on the library's free Libby App. It is also on the library's circulating Kindles that are available for check out.

Wednesday, June 9th from 6:00-7:30pm.: Virtual Family Reunions. David Lambert, chief genealogist with New England Historical Genealogical Society and American Ancestors presents a talk on Virtual Family Reunions: Using technology to plan a family reunion and preserve family stories.

Saturday, June 12th from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: Virtual Card Making with Christine. Join Christine for this virtual version of her card making program for adults. We will create unique greeting cards together on Zoom. The library will provide the supplies for registrants via our Front Porch Pickup.

Wednesday, June 23rd from 6:00-7:00 p.m.: Landlord/Tenant Rights. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Community Outreach office will discuss the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords and the available resources for resolving disputes. Bring your questions!

Wednesday, June 30th from 6:00-7:30 p.m.: Coming of Age at the Movies: Life’s Next Chapter. Stoughton's own film historian Frank Mandosa showcases the iconic movies that have represented rites of passage into adulthood. Titles may include: The Graduate, American Graffiti, St. Elmo’s Fire, Say Anything, Lady Bird, 10 Things I Hate about You.

Wednesday mornings from 11:00 a.m.-noon, throughout June: Gentle/Chair Yoga with Karen. Registration is required. Registrants will receive a Zoom link prior to their first session that is good for all yoga classes. Sponsored by S.O.L.A. (Support Our Library Association).

Friday mornings from 10:00-11:00 a.m., throughout June: All Ages Yoga with Karen. Appropriate for all levels of skill and experience. Registration is required. Registrants will receive a Zoom link prior to their first session that is good for all yoga classes. Sponsored by S.O.L.A. (Support Our Library Association).

Programs for Teens

Teen Summer Reading 2021: Tuesday June 1st and runs through Friday August 27. Beanstack registration begins Tuesday June 1 and runs through Friday August 27. The goal is to read at least 20 minutes a day all summer long and log it into Beanstack. Weekly and a Grand Prize raffle at the end for participants. New this year: Mysterious virtual eggs will be discovered as you read and hatch into new, mysterious creatures you'll discover on your reading adventure! Check out our Summer Reading page for more updates!

Wednesday June 9, 2021, 3 p.m.: Virtual Cooking with Chef Julie - Pepperoni Pizza.
Join us virtually as we cook from scratch with Chef Julie! Attendees will need a large microwaveable mug, a microwave, and to get ingredients for the recipe in order to participate from home.

Wednesday June 9, 2021, 3:30 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board Meeting. Do you want to be a Teen Leader in the library? Join TAB for volunteer and leadership experience! Register for the meeting link and more information. Open to Grades 6-12.

Wednesday June 16, 2021, 3:3o p.m.: Create a beautiful watercolor painting of an agate slice. Learn how to use a wet on wet watercolor technique and salt on wet watercolor paint. This painting is easy and fun to do. Leave the class with a striking piece of art to give as a gift or hang on your wall! Register for a kit.

Wednesday June 30, 2021, 2:00 p.m.: Create a drawing of Baby Yoda that appears to hover above the surface. Pop up Art School will show you step-by-step how to create an anamorphic drawing which uses forced perspective to create an illusion. They’ll also learn the fascinating history of this art form.

Later in the summer, look for these virtual and creative teen programs: Felted Hedgehog, 3D Dragon Eye, Macramé Keychains, Learn to Draw – Pokémon, Henna Alchemy, Sun, Moon & Stars, Mini Chocolate Box (Sculpting Clay), and Stop Motion Animation. Visit our Event Calendar for July and August for more details and to sign up.

Programs for Children

Monday, June 7-Thursday June 17.: Three Little Pigs: A Virtual Puppet Show and Take and Make Craft with Ms. Peggy. Enjoy a puppet show by Ms. Peggy Sewcyk available on the Stoughton Public Library YouTube Channel and then you can register for a take and make craft kit to make your very own pig and wolf puppets as you follow along with Ms. Peggy! The Puppet show is available for all to watch but take and make craft kits require registration and supplies are limited. Craft kits are recommended for ages 3 and up.

Tuesdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 10-10:30 am.: Virtual Family Storytime. Join Ms. Amy and Ms. Stacey for a fun filled family storytime over Zoom! Participants will listen to stories, sing, & dance! Stories are geared towards ages 2-6 but all ages are welcome! Weekly sign-up required. Register online and an email with the Zoom Link will be sent one hour prior to the event.

Thursdays & Saturdays, June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 & 26 from 10:30-11 am.: Storytime in Halloran Park. Join us for stories in Halloran Park every Thursday and Saturday at 10:30, weather permitting. Halloran Park is located on Pierce St. in Stoughton. Bring a blanket to sit on or an umbrella for shade. We ask that while attending storytime that masks are used and social distancing is observed. No sign up required.

Friday, June 25 from 10-11 am.: Virtual Children's Summer Reading Kickoff-Talewise Presents Unicorns: Break the Cage. Join us on a wild adventure about two kids who visit the city zoo and discover all sorts of incredible animals, including a horse who knows in its heart that it's truly a unicorn! The animals join forces to stand up to the tyrannical Zoo Owner - but do they have what it takes to leave their cages forever? The fun animated story segues into fascinating science concept segments about life sciences and animals, so you won't only be entertained - you'll learn something, too! This is a virtual event and registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent out one hour prior to the event.

Monday, June 28 from 10 am-11am.: Arts in the Park: Big Ryan's Tall Tales. Join us at the South School for another wonderful summer of Arts in the Park, sponsored by SOLA and brought to you by the SPL and the Rec Dept.! Come see Big Ryan as he spins some tall tales that include lots of songs, movement, puppets, and most of all fun! Arts in the Park events are held at the South School located at 171 Ash St. in Stoughton. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on. In case of rain, these events will be virtual and the Zoom link will be sent out one hour prior. Registration required.