MPL: The MAY-n course

Making our way through May

Author

Rebecca Appelbaum
May 13, 2025

Hello all!

Summer is almost here, and we’ve got a couple things happening before you run off for adventures and your vacations.

First off is a somber note: Memorial Day is coming on Monday, May 26th, and the Millis Public library will be closed in honor of it. We’ll be open normal hours leading up to and after the holiday, so stop in to get everything you’ll need before the long weekend. If you miss us, you can check out our e-resources! They’re available anywhere you have internet (at least to start).

Also of quick note, the Library’s Notary will be off from May 21st through the holiday. If you need to use the Notary’s services, stop in during the walk-in hours before then, or schedule an appointment with her. To see what the walk-in hours are and the rules, check out the Notary’s page on our website.

Our deCordova trip is almost here! If you haven’t popped down to the library to pick up your ticket, now’s the time. We still have room on the bus, and would love to take you to the beautiful sculpture garden. We’ll be leaving from the library at 10am this Saturday, May 17th and tickets are only $20 per person for transportation and admission. Bring your own food, or check out the on-site restaurant for lunch, and take your time exploring! The trip will happen rain or shine, and the bus will return to the library at 4pm!

We look forward to seeing you there~ For more info on the deCordova sculpture garden, check out their website.

Senior Projects are officially on, and the schedule will be available at the library! Presentations will start at 8am before the library is open, and go til 2:20pm between Monday, May 19 and Friday, May 23rd with short breaks between each and a break for lunch! Come see what’s been happening in Millis, and we’ll see you there!

Just a heads up to everyone who was looking to join a book club: the Horror and Thriller book club is going strong! If you’re looking for a new book club and fun reads, our next meeting will be on Monday, June 9th at 6:30pm, where we’ll be talking about Shirley Jackson’s classic, “The Haunting of Hill House”. No registration necessary, pick up your copy of the book at the front desk!

It’s almost time for another Board Game Night! No matter your skills, join us on Thursday, May 15th at 6pm to play games with other people in the community! Make new friends, face old rivals, and get ready to have a blast! Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, there’s a spot open for you— just let us know you’re coming! That way we can pick a featured game that will have enough players for everyone!

Paint your own birdhouses still has a few spots open, and we’d love to have you (or your kids) filling them! Join us on Friday, May 16th at 6:30pm, and create the coolest birdhouse on your block. Participants will receive one (1) pre-assembled birdhouse to paint with their own design! For grades 6-8, register here to claim your supplies!

 

Because we’ll be closed for Memorial Day, the Millis Memory Cafe has been moved to May 19th this month. We’ll still be meeting from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon, but please note that this month's meeting will be held at the Millis Senior Center. It is located on the lower level of the Town Hall, 900 Main St. Millis, MA. Join us for conversation, connection, and a ukulele performance by local artist Jane Simpson.

As always, there’s no registration required. If you have any questions, check our FAQs page or email Kim!

The next meeting of Writer’s Space is also coming up! Join us after the holiday to hang out with writers, work on your story, and bounce plot points off people who get it. Whether you want to doodle nonsense or sit down and focus on your doc/paper/phone, we’re here to support you! We’re set to meet on Tuesday, May 27th at 7pm, so stop by and hang with us as you work on your masterpiece(s).

No registration required, there will be snacks. And, if you’re looking for a little inspiration, our prompt this month is “We the people…”

And last, and possibly most exciting, on the almost here list is Brazilian Jiu-jitsu for Teens! Join us on Friday, May 30th at 6pm and learn some of the basic techniques of this martial art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a means to empower individuals in three facets: build confidence through spatial and situational awareness, expand comfort zones to break down barriers and claim our space, and most importantly build strong, supportive, inclusive communities for a sense of rootedness and belonging.

Since this is a singular session and not a multi-session program the concepts are emphasized more so than techniques; a single seminar won't make each  student an expert in technique since that comes from repeated practice, but a single seminar can teach concepts that students can carry with them when they leave.

Permission slips are attached, and must be returned to the circulation desk by May 27, 2025 or to Fatima in order to participate. Please wear form fitting workout clothes and bring the following:

  • a pair of socks,

  • a sense of humor,

  • an open mind,

  • and a bottle of water.

For grades 6-8, registration is required, so sign up here to claim your spot!

Teen BJJ Consent Form.pdf68.20 KB • PDF File

As always, there’s so much happening that won’t fit in the newsletter. For a full list of programs and events, check out or event calendar! There you’ll find the weekly programs, and everything we’ve got coming up!

Until next time, take care of yourselves,

—Your Friendly Neighborhood Librarians