We are closed on Monday, October 9th for the legal holiday

Announcement:

Romance Swag Bag Auction

October 11th at 8:00pm ET – October 18th at 8:00pm ET on eBay

The Friends of the Ashland Library are having another awesome online auction! It’s a Swag Bag Auction with contributions from over 50 of the best romance authors out there! In keeping with our values of literacy and diversity, we have romance authors from many sub-genres including historical, paranormal. romantic suspense, inspirational, young adult, LGBTQ and contemporary. Something for every romance reader.

Swag is any fun stuff that an author might have on hand, signed books or ARCs (advanced reader copies), as well as some creative ideas that their fans will love such as a short personal zoom in which you can ask the author all of your burning questions about the author’s books or writing process.

Please check out all of the wonderful authors who have volunteered to participate in this special event. See our FAQ’s for this auction. 

Another Announcement:

An Historical Fiction Mini Book Festival @ The Ashland Library!

Saturday, October 28, 2023

We are so excited to host our very first Historical Fiction Mini Fest! We welcome authors Diane Hanks, Jane Healey, Marjan Kamali, William Martin, and Krystal Marquis to the Ashland Library. The day will include a panel discussion (which will be recorded so, if you can’t make it in person, you can watch later!), small group conversations, and a book sale/signing. So, grab your historical fiction lovin’ friends and come on down to the Ashland Library!

Schedule of events (subject to change):

12:30-1:30pm - Panel with Diane, Jane, Marjan, William, and Krystal (topic TBD)

1:30-2:00pm - Dedicated book sale/signing

2:00-2:30 - Small discussion group with Diane and Jane

2:30-3pm - Small discussion group with Marjan, William, & Krystal

3-3:30pm - Dedicated book sale/signing 

Haunted Happenings Series:

Virtual - Haunted Experiences with Jeff DePaoli: Spooky World with creator David Bertolino

Saturday, October 7 @ 1pm

In 1991, Spooky World opened in Berlin, Massachusetts as the first Halloween scream park. The attraction became so popular that it expanded well beyond its original haunted hayride and shaped a generation of New England Halloween lovers. Join David Bertolino, the man who started it all, and Jeff DePaoli, Host of “That Halloween Podcast”, to hear how an idea became a Halloween institution in Massachusetts.

Virtual - Haunted Experiences with Jeff DePaoli: Barrett’s Haunted Mansion with owner Mary Costello

Saturday, October 14 @ 9am

During most of the year Mary Costello is busy running her restaurant, the Abington Ale House, in Abington, Massachusetts. But every Halloween season, things get considerably more scary behind the beloved restaurant. Barrett’s Haunted Mansion is a labor of love for all involved. Along with their two haunted houses that are changed each year, they also offer special nights like Bite & Fright, a Lights on Tour, and extreme nights for guests who don’t mind being touched in total darkness for an extra scary experience. Join owner, Mary Costello, and Jeff DePaoli, Host of “That Halloween Podcast”, as they talk all about the history and creation of this local haunt. Virtual - Haunted Experiences with Jeff DePaoli: Delusion with creator Jon Braver

Saturday, October 21 @ 12pm

Since 2011, Jon Braver has been creating this new and unique, location-based theatrical production where guests step inside a horror movie and become part of the story. Part theater, part haunted house, part interactive experience, “Delusion” is unlike any other experience. Join us as Jon Braver and Jeff DePaoli, Host of “That Halloween Podcast”, discuss the making of this chilling experience, and how the New England Halloween season has been a big inspiration.

Virtual - Haunted Experiences with Jeff DePaoli: The Old Joliet Haunted Prison with Chris Stafford

Sunday, October 29 @ 12pm

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group produces haunted attractions all over the U.S.A. One of their newest haunts is The Old Joliet Haunted Prison. But this prison isn’t all fiction. The Old Joliet Haunted Prison is a real haunted location with a history of its own. Join Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group CEO and Founding Partner Chris Stafford and Jeff DePaoli, Host of “That Halloween Podcast”, as they talk all about the history and creation of this mega-haunt.

Adult:

Virtual - Q&A with Gail Sahar, Author of “Blame and Political Attitudes: The Psychology of America’s Culture War”

Monday, October 2 @ 7pm

We just didn’t have enough time with Gail last time so she’s agreed to an encore discussion! This time, we’ll be focusing on the culture wars and how they have contributed to the current divide in America. Also, how can we bring our family and friends back to the dinner table for meaningful discussions? Please join us for another conversation with Professor Gail Sahar, author of “Blame and Political Attitudes: The Psychology of America’s Culture War”.

Artist Reception: Michael Frazzinelli

Tuesday, October 3 @ 5:30pm

We’re excited to meet artist Michael Frazzinelli to discuss his art, so wonderfully displayed both in our gallery and display case! We hope you can join us to enjoy the art, ask your questions, and chat with other art enthusiasts.

Essential Oils with Hannah Stein: Cinnamon and Clove

Tuesday, October 3 @ 6:30pm

Join fellow Ashlanders and Hannah Stein, Owner of Ashland REIKI & Wellness Center, in this new series as we explore the benefits of using essential oils in your daily life. In this session we discuss cinnamon and clove oil.

Front Street Readers Book Club

Tuesday, October 3 @ 6:30pm

Read “Run” by Ann Patchett.

Virtual - A Conversation with Romance Author Kit Rocha, aka the Writing Duo Donna Herren and Bree Bridges

Tuesday, October 3 @ 7pm

We’re so excited to virtually welcome Donna Herren and Bree Bridges, the writing duo behind mega fantasy romance author Kit Rocha to the Ashland Library! It’s always interesting to learn about a writer’s history, process, and books. We think it will be doubly interesting to learn what it takes to write fantastic books as a team. Questions like “how do you keep from killing each other as deadlines come around?” may come up. 

Virtual - Environmental Book Club 

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 @ 6:30 pm

Read “A Wing and a Prayer” by Anders & Beverly Gyllenhaal.

Virtual - An Evening with Author Marie Benedict

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Join New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict as she talks about her book “The Mitford Affair”, an explosive novel of history’s most notorious sisters, one of whom will have to choose: her country or her family?

HYBRID - Romance Book Club

Thursday, October 5 @ 6:30pm

Read Physical/Mental Health Challenge Romances

The Garden of Words: A Writing Workshop

Friday, October 6 @ 10:30am

Join us for a morning of writing and creativity.

Virtual - The History of Scollay Square with Author David Kruh 

Friday, October 6, 2023 at 1 pm

Sneak backstage and settle into the cushioned seats of Scollay Square’s famous—and infamous—theater, The Old Howard. Author and historian David Kruh will regale attendees with tales of Boston’s legendary Square and reveal largely unknown stories of famous inventors, Civil Rights activists, and future presidents who had a role in the Old Howard’s history.

Virtual: Asian Art Series: Art Across Asia - Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art with Linda Lei

Sunday, October 8 @ 2:30pm

Bats, gourds, peaches, ribbons, and monkeys on horses. These images, and many others, are frequently – and artistically – depicted in Chinese art, but what do they mean? Using selected objects from the fabulous collections at the Asian Art Museum discover some of the fascinating and fun meanings and messages hidden in Chinese art.

Virtual - Q&A with Historical Fiction Author Denny S. Bryce

Tuesday, October 10 @ 7pm

We are celebrating a book birthday! Denny’s new book, “The Other Princess: A Novel of Queen Victoria’s Goddaughter” is coming out on October 3rd and we cannot wait to chat about it! Bring your own cake and ice cream (candles optional :) for what is going to be a fascinating Q&A with one of our very authors!

Mystery Book Club

Wednesday, October 11 @ 6:30pm

Read “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman.

Art for Adults with Nancy Atkinson

Thursday, October 12 @ 6:30pm

Nancy will teach us drawing techniques with different mediums, papers, and ideas. 

Virtual - Q&A with Mystery Writer Andrea Penrose, Author of “Murder at Merton Library”

Thursday, October 12 @ 7pm

We are so excited to be in conversation with Andrea Penrose! Her newest book, “Murder at Merton Library” is right up our alley. A Regency-era mystery set in a library - Yes, Please! Join us for what is going to be a fun and fascinating discussion.

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

•Watch “American Friends”

A Meditative Outdoors Fall Walk with Hannah Stein

Saturday, October 14 @ 10am

Join fellow Ashlanders and Hannah Stein, Owner of Ashland REIKI & Wellness Center, on this walk designed to increase your awareness of the relaxing and healing benefits of nature that you can discover right here in Ashlands. It’s a FALL walk which will be very different from our most recent summer walk - what will you see? Virtual - More Haunted Lighthouses of New England with Author Jeremy D’Entremont

Monday, October 16 @ 7pm

We had such a blast with Jeremy last year that we just had to do it again. He’s working on a 2.0 program just for us! More stories, more ghosts, more sightings - just more!

Bio/Memoir Book Club 

Wednesday, October 18 @ 11am

Read ‘We Were Dreamers’ by Simu Liu

Half-Past Crafts: Spooky Potion Bottles

Wednesday, October 18 @ 6:30pm 

This month we are getting witchy and brewing up some dazzling potions!

Virtual: Meet the first First Ladies with Author Jeanne Abrams

Thursday, October 19 @ 2pm

We so often hear about George, John, and James but we really want more about Martha, Abigail, and Dolley! Join author and historian Jeanne Abrams as we delve into the lives of our Founding Mothers. What were their lives like? How did they (or did they) influence their husbands and, if they did, how did they help shape America as we know it. These and many more questions will be answered!

Great Decisions

Thursday, October 19 @ 6:30pm

Discuss Iran at a Crossroads

Virtual: Q&A with Environmental Journalist and Author Ben Goldfarb

Thursday, October 19 @ 7pm

What do roads have to do with ecology - a question for the ages! Join us as we discuss “Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet” with Ben Goldfarb. Written with passion and curiosity, “Crossings” is a sweeping, spirited, and timely investigation into how humans have altered the natural world and how we can create a better future for all living beings.

The Garden of Words: A Writing Workshop

Friday, October 20 @ 10:30am

Join us for a morning of writing and creativity.

Virtual - Mediumship: Reconnect With Your Loved Ones!

Saturday, October 21 @ 10 am

Back by popular demand! Join Leslie and Kim for another session where you may (or may not) hear from a loved one but you will definitely leave feeling inspired and entertained. 

Cookbook Club

Saturday, October 21 @ 12pm

Cook from “Modern Jewish Cooking : Recipes & Customs for Today’s Kitchen” by Leah Koenig.

Nature Photography Special Field Session with Steve McGrath

Saturday, October 21 @ 2pm

Rain Date: Sunday, Oct 22 @ 10am

Join photographer Steve McGrath out in the “field” for this nature photography program. Learn how to use your various devices to take the best nature photographs that you can! Steve will assist you in how to get the best light, best angles, and how to pay attention to your surroundings to find magic all around. 

Saturday Knit and Crochet Club and Workshop- Knit Stuffed Pumpkins

Saturday, October 21, 2023 @ 2 pm

Bring your knitting or crocheting project to our casual gathering where you can work, talk, and share ideas together. Join us this week for a special Saturday Workshop and learn to knit a Stuffed Pumpkin!

Virtual - LGBTQ+ Book Club

*For 15-100

Monday, October 23 @ 7pm

Read “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas.

Virtual - The Race to Save our Vanishing Birds - Q&A with Anders & Beverly Gyllenhaal, authors of A Wing and a Prayer