Morse Institute Library Archives - Page 9 of 10

Bargains to be had at Natick library Book Nook sale

October 16, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Friends of the Morse Institute Library will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Book Nook—touted as Natick’s only bookstore—during the week of Oct. 18-24 with a sale.

Among the attractions will be a wide selection of music CDs priced at $1 apiece, half off the usual price. Be aware that the Nook is exact change only at the nearby Honor Box.

The Nook is supplied through donations of books, CDs/DVDs, games, and puzzles.

The Nook is open during library hours. All proceeds from sales help the Friends support Library
programs, including museum passes and Speed Reads.

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Morse Institute Library in Natick reopens—a first look

August 13, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

We’ve missed the Morse Institute Library terribly since it closed in the spring to COVID-19 concerns, so you can bet we rushed right in to get a first look at the recently reopened main branch. No matter how many rules we had to follow (and those rules weren’t all that onerous) it didn’t matter. We just wanted to drift through one of our old haunts and remember better days.

The first floor only is open and, as expected, there is no congregating allowed. However, the public computers and copy machines are available, as are the study carrels and other seating. Bathrooms are open. There is no water fountain access. The library is accepting book donations, and the Friends of the Library book sale, to the right as you enter, is on.

There is no official number of patrons who can be in the building at any one time, nor is there a maximum visiting time. Director so and so and the staff are confident that common sense will rule the day. If the place gets so crowded that social distancing cannot be maintained, or a certain patron appears to have settled in for the day, staff will deal with those issues as they come up.

Here are a few pics:

Morse Institute Library, Natick — Morse Institute Library lobby. The lobby area was positively buzzing with happiness. Librarians welcomed back patrons by name, and patrons one and all let the staff know how happy they were to be welcomed back into the library.

The Wellesley Free Library reopens—a first look

Morse Institute Library in Natick reopening to in-person visits

August 3, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The Morse Institute Library in Natick has announced it is reopening to in-person visits of one hour or less beginning on Monday, Aug. 10.

The Morse Express plan includes lots of rules:
In-person visits are limited to one hour and one person per family.
Face coverings must be worn and social distancing standards must be followed
Browsing is limited to the main level and all soft seating has been removed (remaining seats are spaced for safety). Library staff can grab stuff for you from other floors.
Teen and kids’ materials have been shifted to the main floor for browsing
Computer access limited to one 45-minute session per day by appointment by calling 508-647-6520

Scanning, printing, copying, and faxing on our Main Level is available.

Reference assistance is available virtually at Research Terminal on the Main Level or from home using our Digital Branch

In-person Library Hours (starting 8/10):

Monday – Friday
9am-10am (seniors & at-risk)
10am-6pm

Saturday
10am-2pm

Contactless Pickup is still be available for patrons who choose to use this service, and contactless delivery is available as well for those who cannot come to the building.

Bacon Free Library remains limited to curbside pickup Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, though also has added fun games outside on its grounds.

In Wellesley, the main branch of the library has opened for a similar sort of in-person experience on Aug. 3.

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Those Natick summer reading books aren’t going to read themselves—time to get serious

July 28, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Summer is slipping away, and that means it’s time for students to make sure they get their assigned summer reading done by the first day of school which is, as of right now, September 1. Timing is essential. Read the books too early in the summer, and memories of plot, theme, and character development fade. Leave it too late, and the stress of finishing the books overshadows the enjoyment of curling up for a transporting experience.

Don’t anybody panic, there’s still plenty of time to get students engaged in that most lovely of summer activities, cozying up with a good book.

We’ve listed the summer reading books for Natick public schools students in grades 5 – 12, along with links for more information. Students in grades K – 4 don’t have a formal summer reading requirement, but the Morse Institute Children’s Room librarians have put together the perfect list for them, too. Contact the library at (508) 647-6520 to find out how to access that list.

Summer reading, Natick Middle School (Kennedy & Wilson)

Incoming Grade 8:

All Natick Middle School 8th graders have one required book to read over the summer — The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Incoming Grade 7 — read one below, and two of your choice:

Look Both Ways, by Jason Reynolds
The Next Great Paulie Fink, by Ali Benjamin
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Incoming Grade 6 — read one below, and two of your choice:

Song for a Whale, by Lynne Kelly
Ghost, by Jason Reynolds
To: Night Owl From: Dogfish, by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Incoming Grade 5 — read one below, and two of your choice:

Because of the Rabbit, by Cynthia Lord
Enginerds, by Jarrett Lerner
In addition to the required text, students should read at least two other books.

Natick’s Language & Literacy teachers have put together questions on each book, which will help students be ready for in-class discussions, essays, and other learning experiences. You can find the information at this link.

Summer reading, Natick High School

All students must choose one book from the list of six options below. In the fall, students will participate in a small group discussion on the major themes and topics of their chosen text.

Children of Blood and Bone, by Tomi Adeyemi
Craig and Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other, by Craig Grossi
Far from the Tree by Robin Benway
Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds
Patron Saints of Nothing, by Randy Ribay
Piecing Me Together, by Renee Watson

Info here on how to access an Ebook for free with your library card though Hoopla and Libby.

Info here for additional Honors and AP requirements.

Natick elementary schools

There are no formal summer reading requirements or assignments for grades K – 4. But don’t let that stop kids from enjoying all the good books they can get their hands on. Contact the Morse Institute Library at (508) 647-6520 to find out how to access a list the librarians have put together.

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Both Natick libraries now offering pickups

May 26, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Bacon Free Library begins offering curbside pickup on Tuesday, May 26.

Here’s how it works:

Check the materials catalog online to see if an item is available (don’t place a hold).
Call 508-653-6730 or email bflpickups@gmail.com Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. to confirm a pickup.
Swing by the front of the library and park. Call the number above and a staff member will bring your item or items to the table near the book drop. Once the staff member moves away, you can grab your item or items.

Separately, the Morse Institute Library has been offering contactless hold pickup since mid-May.