50 Hopedale Street, Hopedale Contact: Tricia Perry, Library Director  508-634-2209; [email protected]

Memorial Day

The Bancroft Memorial Library will be closed on Saturday, May 27 and Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.

Celebrate Literacy Award

Library Director, Tricia Perry, received the annual Celebrate Literacy Award from the Massachusetts Reading Association on April 27. This award recognizes organizations, institutions, and individuals who have made significant contributions to literacy. Special thanks to all of the individuals and community groups who have collaborated with the Library on so many of our shared literacy initiatives.

Community Conversations Sponsored by Hopedale For Change

You are invited to join us as we embark on explorations of who we are, what we share and what it means to be part of this Hopedale Community. Our monthly conversations will include:  Who are our neighbors and what does diversity look like in Hopedale?(Monday, May 8 6:30-7:30pm);  Freedom: What does it mean for each of us? Individually and Collectively?(Monday, June 12 6:30-7:30pm) and Hopedale Across the Generations: What can we learn from each other? (Monday, July 10 6:30-7:30pm).

Massachusetts Library Collaborative 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group

The free, biweekly skillbuilding and networking group meetings for people 50 years and older looking for a new job, a new career direction, or a Second Act career continue this month on Zoom. Topics this month: May 3/10 Interview Preparation/Strategy and May 17/24 Interview Practice. Please check our website for more information. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Hopedale Library.

Helen Symonds Book Group

The Hopedale Book Discussion Group will meet Wednesday, May 3 at 1:00 pm in the Bancroft

Memorial Library meeting room. The book group is open to everyone. If you are interested in joining the group, please leave your contact information at the Circulation Desk and ask them to order a copy of the book for you.

Our May discussion book will be Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris. “2 CHILDREN FOR SALE. The sign sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931. Struggling reporter Ellis Reed, snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined. At the paper, Lillian Palmer, secretary but aspiring reporter is far too familiar with the heartbreak of children deemed unwanted. As the bonds of motherhood are tested, she and Ellis must decide how much they are willing to risk to mend a fractured family. Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.” - adapted from CWMARS catalog

Wednesday Needlework Group

Join us for an evening of needlework every Wednesday night from 6:00pm until 7:45pm. Bring your latest project. No commitment required – come when you can!

News from The Friends of the Hopedale Library

King Philip’s War with Author Michael Tougias

The Friends of the Hopedale Library are pleased to welcome NY Times bestselling author Michael Tougias as he presents a slide presentation about King Philip’s War on Wednesday, May 17, at 6:30 pm. Tougias is the author of the acclaimed “Until I Have No Country” (a novel of King Philip’s War) and co-author with Eric Schultz of “King Philip’s War: The History and Legacy of America’s Forgotten Conflict.”

The first part of the presentation will discuss the Native American way of life, Colonial settlements, and the events leading up to the War. The second part covers the battles and the strategy during this cataclysmic war, which on a per capita basis was the bloodiest conflict in our nation’s history. Slides include battle sites, period sketches, historic markers, maps, and suggestions for visiting roadside history. Tougias also discusses Native American strategy during the war and the challenges of writing a historical novel. The novel includes adventure, romance, and intrigue while staying true to historical facts. A book signing and questions will follow the presentation. Books will be available for sale.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Hopedale Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. There is no charge for this program. It will take place in the downstairs program room. To reserve your spot, please call 508-634-2209 or stop by the Library during operating hours.

FlowerPower.org Fundraiser - Last Chance!

Please support The Friends of the Hopedale Library by shopping our FlowerPower.org fundraiser through 5/15! You can order flowers, bulbs, and other plants online and have orders shipped directly to you. The Friends of the Hopedale Library earns 50% which goes right back to the Library. Shop at http://hopedalelibrary.fpfundraising.com.

About the Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Hopedale Library, founded in 1983, is an active volunteer, non-profit organization consisting of town-wide membership and a representative executive board. We work with Library staff and the Trustees to support the Library in providing funds for equipment, materials, and programs not covered by the Library’s regular operating budget. The Friends of the Library meet the second Wednesday of the month, September through June, at 6:30 pm. New members and ideas are always welcome!

For updates throughout the month, Friend us on Facebook and sign up at www.wowbrary.org to discover the Library’s newest books, movies and music. Our webpage is https://www.hopedale-ma.gov/bancroft-memorial-library.