The Friends of Blackstone Library recently celebrated its volunteers in the newly renovated Blackstone Library auditorium and the beautiful new Cosgrove terrace at its annual meeting. Members and volunteers in attendance at the annual meeting were updated on the successful year they so generously helped happen in which over $82,000 was contributed to enrich library programs for adults and children in our community. A check was presented by Alfred Bertoline who represented the Friends in the amount of $20,000 to Karen Jensen, Library Director, to continue to support the needs of the Blackstone.

It was announced that the Friends will relaunch its traditional book sale on the green this fall, Thursday, September 30 - Sunday, October 3. In light of the recent pandemic its theme will be Celebrate Life with Books! A preview for Friends' members will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30, 5-7 p.m. Sale opens to public at large later that same evening, 7-9 p.m.  Sale runs Friday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 3, noon - 3 p.m. Sunday is being designated as Bag Day when you may fill up our bag [provided by Friends] for $10.

Departing board members received recognition for their multiple years of service. These included Paula Harrington, Hatsie Mahoney and Gerry Reider. Additional gratitude was extended to Terry Twigg, Don Mitchell, and LouAnn Carocari for their service prior to the pandemic.

At the reception, attendees, making up some 60 in number, were entertained by Alex Lew, Yale School of Music 2nd year graduate student, playing acoustical guitar featuring Spanish classical and baroque selections. Candid and posed photographs were taken by Friends Publicity chair, Alpha Coiro.

In keeping with the event's theme, Everything Apricot, and the Blackstone Library's safe and healthy environment, the Friends' membership committee, consisting of Paula Harrington, Callista Stoddard, Mary Hally and Judy Stebbins, chair, chose to serve a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in Bento boxes along with an apricot filled celebratory cake and selected apricot spirits.

For further information visit www.facebook.com/JBMLfriends or email friends@blackstonelibrary.org.