MAURY LOONTJENS MEMORIAL LIBRARY

401-789-9507 | narlib.org

Library Hours


Monday- Thursday 9:30am-8:00pm

Friday 9:30am-6:00pm

Saturdays 9:30-5:00pm

Sundays 12-4 (starting Sept 21)

Closed Monday September 1 for Labor Day

Library News & Updates


After 35 years, our beloved director, Patti Arkwright turns the page on this chapter. Patrons will see most likely see her around the library at different events. Anyone wishing to say a few words are invited to a casual gathering on Friday September 5 from 3pm-5pm

Special Events

Perception Class with Nora

Tuesday, September 2 - 6pm


Perception is our interpretation of the stimuli that come in through our senses. How we make 

sense of what we perceive depends on many things. This workshop will look at some of those things that influence our perception including advertising, packaging, logos and even our own biological abilities to focus on details.  Examples of some controversial subliminal ads will be shown in the presentation.  Our discussion will include some activities, games and a blind taste test!  



Registration

Ocean Printmaking with 15 Minute Field Trips

Wednesday, September 3 - 1pm



With Melissa from 15 Minute Field Trips create an underwater or shoreline scene through printmaking using found and repurposed objects. Learn about our local species and how to protect them.


Registration

Learn to Sew with Lynn

Monday, September 8 - 1pm


Using the library's sewing machines and some hand sewing techniques, participants will take home a handmade creation they made themselves.

Rescheduled from August 18



Registration


Table Top Runner with Lynn

Tuesday, September 9 - 1pm


Join Lynn from Time to Design as she leads a class in making a festive table top runner.



Registration

Hearing Loss and Winning Solutions with Prof. Nancy Shuster

Wednesday, September 10 - 1:30pm

Wednesday, September 17-1:30pm



Professor Nany Shuster will offer a two session program on hearing loss based on her book, HEARING LOSS AND WINNING SOLUTIONS. Professor Shuster is deaf and uses a cochlear implant to hear. She lives with hearing loss and still is able to teach and travel and enjoys her lifestyle. There will be two classes, and students who attend both classes will get a free copy of her book. She has worn the cochlear implant for 12 years. In the past before the implant she wore hearing aids. This two session program will meet at the library on two class dates one week apart.


Registration

Historic Armories of Rhode Island

Wednesday, September 10- 6pm



The oldest of the standing armories in Rhode Island was built in 1835 and the newest in 1928. Brick and granite, wood and stone - these 18 armories have survived through times where lesser architecture would have failed - over half of the existing buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Besides their military missions to safely store arms and to provide homes for military units, Rhode Island's armories have a close attachment to the state's citizenry. From dances and meetings to circuses with Tom Thumb, voting, polio clinics, car shows, State Inauguration Balls - and home to the fast break in basketball, the armories have welcomed the people of Rhode Island. This presentation includes all 18 RI historic armories.


Registration


Author visit with Alyssa Maxwell

Thursday, September 11 - 6:00pm

In Murder at Arleigh, a 1903 Newport wedding loses its shine when reporter, sleuth, and new

mother Emma is called to investigate the groom, an infamous Gilded Age prankster. Emma and

Derrick Andrews attend the Bellevue Mansion wedding hosted by Harry and Bessie, who are

leasing the home for the summer. Bessie suspects that Harry, known for his practical jokes, is

actually plotting to murder her and make it look like an accident. Emma agrees to investigate and

determine if Newport’s merry prankster is just up to his old tricks, or engaged in a cold-blooded

game of life or death.


Alyssa Maxwell is the acclaimed author of the Gilded Newport Mysteries and the Lady and

Lady’s Maid Mystery series. Growing up in New England and traveling to

Great Britain fueled a passion for history, while a love of puzzles of all kinds drew her to the

mystery genre.


Registration

Recycling and Composting at Home

Friday, September 12 - 1pm


 Did you know that Rhode Island’s landfill is on track to be full in 20 years? This is one of the many reasons why recycling & composting our waste is so important. In this presentation, we will learn how the recycling system works in Rhode Island, what recycling options are available for South County residents, and will clarify what items can be recycled. We will also discuss the options and how-to’s for composting.




Registration


Card Crafting with Patti

Thursday, September 11 - 6:30pm



Join us to make a special card to show someone you care! All materials will be provided. Registration is required & space is limited.



Registration

Chair exercises with Sheryl

Friday, September 12 - 10:30am

Friday, September 26- 10:30am

In this class you will:

  • Improve your flexibility, balance, & strength
  • Learn simple breathing strategies to relax your mind & body
  • Practice a guided relaxation body scan/meditation at the end of each class




Friday Sept 12 Registration

Friday Sept 26 Registration

Jane Austen Tea and Bingo

Monday, September 15- 1pm



Celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday, play a fun game bingo related to Austen's books and characters, win some whimsical prizes and sip some literary tea.


Registration


The Story of Wampum with Tomaquag Museum

Wednesday, September 17 - 6pm


The history of Wampum told by the Tomaquag Museum.



Registration

Introduction to Cloud Storage with Sam

Thursday, September 18 - 4pm


Join Sam for a session on the basics of cloud storage, featuring a look at the four major providers: Apple iCloud, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox.



Registration

Food is Medicine with Sheryl

Friday, September 19 - 1pm (runs for 4 weeks)


Learn how to prepare nutritious and flavorful meals on a budget and decrease your risk of obesity and related chronic diseases through food and diet changes. Classes run for 4 weeks.



Registration

Narragansett Historical Society Speaker Series

Wednesday, September 24 - 6pm


Setting the Record Straight- Relationship of the Colonials to the Native Populations with Tim Cranston

 An honest reckoning of South County history requires a “warts and all” examination of our dealings with the indigenous population as well as a long hard look at Rhode Island’s complicated connections with the institution of slavery. Join Tim Cranston as he sets the record straight about these two aspects of our region’s complex story.



Registration

Community Drop in Office Hours with Rep. Magaziner's Staff

Thursday, September 25 - 1pm


A staff person from Rep. Magaziner's office will be on hand to answer your questions regarding various things a federal agency can help with. No registration necessary.





Bonus Movie: Emma

Saturday, September 27 - 1pm


A headstrong, high-spirited, and privileged young woman severely overestimates her matchmaking abilities as she meddles in the romantic lives of people in her small and sleepy English town during the 1800s. Hard-won knowledge about the intricacies of love compels her to reconsider her vow to never marry.





3d Printing Workshop

Monday, September 29 - 2pm


 Learn how to operate and use a 3D printer, while answering any questions you may have about the technology. The class will culminate in 3D printing something that you can take home with you.

Seats are limited, registration is required, and materials are provided.




Registration

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Charlotte

Monday, September 29 - 6pm


 Recycling is an important step in reducing waste, but it’s not the first step. In this presentation we’ll discuss tips for reducing waste and reusing items at home and will have an in-depth review of how and what to recycle in Rhode Island.



Registration

Fae Rosenthal Celebration of the Arts Events

Custom Lobster Buoy with Hammer and Stain

Thursday, September 4 - 5pm



Join AJ Bothun from Hammer and Stain in Wickford and create a custom lobster buoy.

Space is limited



Registration

Dragonfly Lanterns with Creative Space Art Studio

Tuesday, September 16 - 5:30pm


Join Kristin Rich from Creative Space Art Studio and paint a Dragonfly lantern. Provided for by the Fae Rosenthal Celebration of the Arts Fund.

Space is limited



Registration

Watercolor Floral Painting with Sue Greco

Friday, September 19- 1:00pm



Floral watercolor painting with Sue Greco. 

Space is Limited


Registration


Fall Floral Design Class

Tuesday, September 30 - 5pm


With Donna from Floral Designs by Donna, come make a Fall Pumpkin Floral Design. Come learn how to make this beautiful design! With your choice of reusable White or Orange Pumpkin!

Space is limited



Registration

Monthly Events

Walking Club

Friday, September 5 - 10am

Friday, September 19 - 10am



Get your steps in and join us at the South County Bike Path! The group will meet at the entrance next to the Narragansett Community Center. In the event of inclement weather the walk will be cancelled.


Registration September 5

Registration September 19


Gentle Yoga with Pam

Cancelled for this month. Be sure to sign up for October



Monthly Meditation

Thursday, September 11- 6:30pm


These classes will teach "Inner Light Meditation" which is an ancient and powerful technique designed to elevate the consciousness and increase our awareness of our true inner self; that is not our body nor our mind. There are no restrictions on age, health status, fitness or flexibility. The classes will be taught by students of Inner light meditation with years of experience. All are welcome. Registration is required. 


Registration

Genealogy Club

Monday, September 8 - 6pm


Have you wanted to start searching for your ancestors but didn't know where to start? The Genealogy group meets at the library once a month and new members are always welcome! The group is made up of family historians interested in sharing resources and tips to accurately find their ancestors while helping others with their search.


No registration required.

Meditation with Susan Peck

Thursday, September 25 - 4pm


Join Susan Peck in a relaxing meditation practice


Registration


Monthly Movie - September 5

Tuesday September 23 2pm and 5:30pm


2024 R, 91 minutes.

During the 1972 Munich Olympics, an American sports broadcasting crew finds itself thrust into covering the hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes



No registration required.


Adult Book Clubs

Morning Book Talk

Monday, September 8

10:30am

Monday September 22 10:30am

Join us for coffee and chat about what you're reading!

A great way to get new book suggestions from others.

Afternoon

Wednesday,

September 10 - 1:00pm


This month we are reading Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. Copies are available at the Circulation Desk.

Evening

Wednesday,

September 24 - 6:30pm


This month we'll be reading

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Copies are available at the Circulation Desk.

Youth Services and Makerspace

To sign up for the youth services newsletter click here

To sign up for the makerspace newsletter click here

Kids Painting Class with Sue Greco

Tuesday, September 9 -5:00pm



On Tuesday September 9th at 5pm, ages 7-11 are invited to do a step-by-step canvas painting of the night sky with Sue Greco. Sue Greco is a local artist, and will be helping us to add lights to our canvases to make them glow. This program is sponsored by the Fae Rosenthal Celebration of the Arts grant. Reg. is required and begins on 8/26.



Registration


One Up Games

Saturday, September 20 -11am



Retro Gaming with One Up Games!: On Saturday September 20th at 11am, all ages may join us in celebrating Gansett Days with some Retro Gaming! One Up Games will bring in many nostalgic video games for participants to try out with the whole family. Our presenters will teach us a little about the games and assist in gameplay if needed. This group will be from 11am-12pm. Registration is required and begins on September 5th. 



Registration


3D Printing Workshop for Teens

Friday, September 26 -4:00pm

We will be learning how to operate and use a 3D printer, while answering any questions you may have about the technology. The class will culminate in us 3D printing something that you can take home with you.

Seats are limited, registration is required, and materials are provided.



Registration


News from The Friends of the

Narragansett Library



WELCOME BACK!

I hope you had a terrific summer!

Please see details below for our

September meeting.

PLEASE COME to CELEBRATE PATTI ARKWRIGHT!

As a reminder, our beloved Librarian Director Patti Arkwright is retiring next month, September 26, after 35 years of dedicated service. In honor of Patti, the Friends will be hosting an open house celebration and appreciation party at the library on Friday, September 5 from 3-5. Please stop by to wish Patti the best of luck in her next adventure and to thank her for her many years of dedicated service to the library and to the Narragansett community. Cake will be served. The public is invited (see flyer below) so please help us to get the word out!

Patti has been a terrific leader of the library and a true partner with the Friends. She will certainly be missed by all!



NEXT FRIENDS MEETING: Monday, September 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Please find the agenda here.

Please find the minutes from our June meeting here.



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