he Island Free Library invites everyone to participate in the programs listed below. More information available at islandfreelibrary.org. Library Hours: Tuesdays 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Registration open for “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” Summer Reading Program at islandfreelibrary.beanstack.org. Open to all kids, teens and adults.
*** KIDS’ PROGRAMS *** Wed: 10:30 a.m. Lapsit Story Time for ages 0 to 2. Stories, songs, and fingerplays at the library with Ms. Morgan. Wed., July 27 at 11 a.m. Wandering Trails - Join the wandering party as we amble up and down Rhode Island back roads in search of summer fun. Thur.: 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 years with Ms. Morgan. Read, sing, dance and play! Thur., July 28 at 6 p.m. Kids’ Craft Fair. Bring your painted rocks, seashell sculptures and anything else to the library lawn, set your price, and sell your goods. If you aren’t a kid, or don’t care to craft, come shop!
*** TEEN PROGRAMS *** Wed., July 27 at 1 p.m.: Improv Workshop. Come join us for an afternoon exploring improv and spontaneous story-telling in this open and supportive environment.
*** ADULT PROGRAMS *** Tues. at 5:30 p.m. Mah Jongg. In addition, we will play on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Come play a game or two. If you don’t know how to play, we will teach you. All are welcome to participate. Tues.: Clase de ingles/English Language Class in-person at the library. La clase de ingles sera en la biblioteca hoy. Beginner class: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Intermediate/advanced: 6:40 to 7:50. Individual tutoring is available weekdays. Wed., July 27, IFL Book Group on Zoom. 2 to 3 p.m. This month’s pick is Alice Hoffman’s “The Museum of Extraordinary Things.” Copies are available at the library. See events page at islandfreelibrary.org for link. Thur.: 8:30 a.m. Movement for Life. Join Tom Hobin on the library’s front lawn for this easy-to-follow Tai Chi based movement. Thur.: 5 - 6 p.m. D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read). Join others in an hour of silent reading. No other library services will be available - and no chitchatting, please. Sat. at 10 a.m.: Mah Jongg. Come play a game or two. If you don’t know how to play, we will teach you. All are welcome to participate. Sat. 1 p.m. Stitch Together: Bring your projects (knitting, crochet, weaving, or embroidering) for crafting and conversations. All ages and skill levels welcome – bring your problems and questions - help is available!
Annual Barbershop Festival In honor of long-time organizer Peter Greenman, the Barbershop Festival will be held Sat., July 23 at 8 p.m. St. Andrew Church, Chapel Street.
Caretakers Support Group The Caregivers Support Group meeting in person at the Community Center on Thursday, July 28 at 4 p.m. Meetings are free of charge and held every other week. Contact Kerri Gaffett at kblockisland@aol.com for questions.
Re-Register for Summer Senior Ride Service Call for details. Register by calling Gloria Redlich, Senior Coordinator at (401) 486-9279 or email gloryb311@gmail.com. To call for a ride contact Sue at (401) 742-0436 or Vin at (401) 741-1410.
Pop-up Art Activities at Spring Street Gallery Join an African Drumming Circle on July 25 from 5 to 6 p.m. on the lawn at the Spring Street Gallery. Some drums and hand instruments provided. Drop in and learn some new rhythms. Jammin’ Toast with André on Sunday, July 24 at 6 p.m. Bring your instruments and jam with new and old friends. All experience levels are welcomed and encouraged. Singers wanted. Hang out, have fun, make music.
Block Island Arts and Crafts Guild Fair: Sunday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Historical Society. Ten percent of all proceeds go towards scholarships for Block Island School students.
The Nature Conservancy and Block Island Conservancy present: Weekly programs for kids and adults are held Mon. through Sat. throughout the summer, bird banding, marsh mucking, nature walks, and opportunities to participate in citizen science programs. Nature Hot Spots: at different trailheads each day, Tues. through Sat. Stop by to pick up a trail map, hear about nature walks and learn more about the nature of Block Island. Tues. the van is at Hodge Preserve and Andy’s Way; Wed. at Nathan Mott Park and Town Beach; Thur. at Clay Head Trail and Ocean View Pavilion; Fridays at Fresh Pond Trail and Mohegan Bluffs; Sat. at Rodman’s Hollow and Settler’s Rock. Trail Less Traveled: Mon., July 25 at 8 a.m. Cooneymus Loop. Sign up for parking location at kim.gaffett@tnc.org Weekly Beach Cleanup: Come volunteer at a different location each week. Garbage bags provided, but bring work gloves. Need to perform volunteer hours for school or other organizations? This is a great way to help out. July 28 at 2 p.m. at Coast Guard Beach. Community Science: Help collect important data about Block Island’s special critters and habitats. Different subject and location each week. Wed. July 27 at 8:30 p.m. “Moth Night.” For location, contact Kim.gaffett@tnc.org. Night Sky Viewing: July 29 at 9 p.m. Hodge Preserve, If night sky is obscured by clouds, fog or rain, the program will be postponed to the following night. James Stover Exploration Series: Salt Marsh Creatures - Seining at Andy’s Way. Sat., July 23 at 10 a.m.
Blues on the Beach: The next Blues on the Beach, featuring F & Blues Band, will be August 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Fred Benson Town Beach Pavilion.
Not New Boutique: Wednesdays (rain date Thurs. through June, July and August. Accepting donations of good, clean used clothing, shoes, pocketbooks, hats and belts. Items may be dropped off at St. Andrew Parish Center on Spring Street at the lower level box.
The International Student Center at Harbor Church The recreation room is open weekly on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. All summer student workers are welcome.
Senior Café Tues. and Thurs. from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Block Island Community Center. Come socialize, play games, learn a new craft, and more. Sponsored by the Senior Advisory Committee.
Soup Group starts Tuesday, August 2, at 12:30 p.m. Community Center.
Soundwaves Movies on the Beach presents “Matilda” on July 26 at dusk (7:45-ish). Bring blankets, chairs, and refreshments. Admission is free. Donations appreciated.
The B.I. Historical Society Will be hosting “Taken from a Cat - Photographs by Katherine Wolkoff” on Friday, July 22 at 6 p.m., and “Grand Hotels of Block Island” on July 28 at 7 p.m.