November 2024 at the Ashland Library

The Library will be closed on Monday, November 11th in observance of Veteran’s Day

The Library will be closing at 1pm on Wednesday, November 27th and is closed on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th for Thanksgiving. 

Adult:

Visit our Website Calendar for Additional Info & Registration links: 

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, November 1 @ 7pm

Watch  “A Touch of Spice: Politiki kouzina” (Kanopy/Greek)

Virtual - Author and Historian Toni Mount Discusses “How to Survive in Tudor England”

Saturday, November 2 @ 10am

Imagine you’re transported back to Tudor England and had to start a new life there, without smartphones, satnav or social media, how will you know where you are or where to go? We’re thrilled to welcome back author and historianToni Mount, as she discusses how we could survive if time travel ever becomes a thing.  

Fixit Clinic at the Ashland Public Library

Saturday, November 2 @ 1-3pm

Fixit Clinic is an all-ages, do-it-together activity where people bring their broken household things and learn how to assess, disassemble, and repair them instead of sending them to landfill. Don’t toss it, fix it!

Virtual - Banking During the Holidays: What You Need to Know To Keep Your Money Safe and To Plan For Expenses

Monday, November 4 @ 7pm

We’re so happy to be partnering with representatives of Needham Bank to discuss how to get through the holidays with your money and sanity intact! We’ll be chatting about topics ranging from protecting your credit and debit cards, saving for the holidays, strategies to budget for the holiday season and not overspend, and watching out for holiday scams. There is something for everyone and every age so we hope you can join us for this important conversation and Q&A.

VIRTUAL Front Street Readers Book Club 

Tuesday, November 5 @ 7pm

Read “The Girl From the Channel Islands” by Jenny LeCoat.

Virtual - Environmental Book Club

Wednesday, November 6 @ 6:30pm

Read “Lessons from the Climate Anxiety Counseling Booth: How to Live with Care and Purpose in an Endangered World” by Kate Schapira.

Virtual- The Orphan Train Movement -- History, Genealogy & Legacy

Wednesday, November 6 @ 7pm

Orphan Trains, which operated in the United States between 1854 and 1929, transported 200,000+ children from New York to the Midwest and beyond. Through oral history and genealogy research – with ongoing, diligent care of the unique records – over two million descendants live on to tell the stories of this uniquely American movement. Learn about the history, genealogy, and legacy of this movement.

HYBRID - Romance Book Club

Thursday, November 7 @ 6:30pm

Read  India Romances 

Virtual- Declutter series with Jamie Novak: Clean Your Clothes Closet by the Weekend: sort, share, sell, store

Thursday, November 7 @ 7pm

Can’t walk in your walk-in closet? Do you dread sorting your clothes? Log on and learn the 5 steps to organize any closet with expert organizer and author Jamie Novak. She’ll share her insider tips and the things every closet needs to stay clutter free. Plus, you’ll tidy live with her and learn what a capsule wardrobe is and why you may want one.

Virtual: Advanced Directives: Health Care Proxies and Beyond

Thursday, November 7 @ 7pm

Join us for a conversation with author Virginia (Gigi) Morris, who has been studying and writing about end-of-life decision making for more than 25 years.

Mystery Book Club

Friday, November 8 @ 12pm

Read “The Spy Coast” by Tess Gerritsen.

Virtual: African Art Series: African Art and the West

Sunday, November 10 @ 2:30pm

From Curiosity Cabinet to the Museum and the Development of Modernism (e.g. Picasso and African art) with the Fitchburg Art Museum,

Virtual - Thriller/Horror Book Recs with Bookstagrammer Jody Blanchette aka @redreadreviews

Tuesday, November 12 @ 7pm

Not sure what to read next? Join Jody for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - with a bent towards horror and thrillers and a few other genres thrown in! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Jody’s many enthusiastic reviews.

Virtual- Goodbye Lawn with Todd Breitenstein

Tuesday, November 12 @ 7pm

Join us for an enlightening talk where we’ll explore innovative alternatives to traditional grassy lawns for a more sustainable and visually appealing landscaping experience. 

Virtual - Author Jerry Brotton Discusses “Four Points of the Compass: The Unexpected History of Direction”

Wednesday, November 13 @ 2pm

As we head into the busy holiday travels, don’t you wonder about where you are going and why? How did the four directions - North, South, East, and West become a thing? Whether you are directionally challenged or savvy, this program is for you! Jerry will be answering these and so many other directional questions. 

Virtual- ChatGPT for Genealogists

Wednesday, November 13 @ 7pm

Examples will be provided where ChatGPT can assist with queries about genealogical facts, historical background, image interpretation, content generation, and information extractions from PDF documents. In Person - Women’s Wisdom Circle: Perimenopause Empowerment 101

Thursday, November 14 @ 6pm

Elizabeth (Liz) Sousa, a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist, Certified Holistic Health Coach, and Registered Nurse, will facilitate an inspiring discussion and informative talk on navigating perimenopause with confidence.

Virtual - Arctic Glow-A photographic journey through Iceland’s midnight sun

Thursday, November 14 @ 7pm

In this presentation, local photographer Bruce Magnuson will set Iceland in its historical context and explore some of its natural wonders. 

Virtual - Q&A with Regency Romance Author Alexandra Vasti

Thursday, November 14 @ 7pm

We are so excited to be chatting with author Alexandra Vasti about one of our very favorite genres - regency romance! We always wonder, were there really that many Dukes and, if so, were they really healthy, wealthy, and handsome? Let’s find out as we chat with Alexandra about her most recent book, “Ne’er Duke Well” and her upcoming book, “Earl Crush”.

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, November 15 @ 7pm

Watch “Mid-August Lunch: Pranzo Di Ferragosto” (Kanopy/Italian)

Name That Tune – Back to the Eighties Edition!

Saturday, November 16 @ 2pm

If you remember the shoulder pads, the “Madonna” look, and the “Miami Vice” pastels, join us for this gnarly opportunity to show off your music memory of the 80’s! We’ll have several rounds with shorter and shorter clips of 80’s music. If you can pick the tune, artist, and album, you could be a winner!

Card Making with Jan Poppendieck 

Monday, November 18 @ 6:30pm

Jan will teach embossing, die cutting, proper stamping, and use of equipment individually and group techniques of creating unique cards.

Virtual - Holiday Baking Demonstration with Heidi McIndoo: Mini Pumpkin Pie Tartlets

Monday, November 18 @ 7pm

The holidays are bearing down on us and coming up with new and nutritious options (really, is that even a thing?!?!) can be challenging. If you are looking for a sweet treat for the holidays that won’t sabotage your healthy eating goals, join registered dietitian Heidi McIndoo to make mini pumpkin pie tartlets.

Cookbook Club

Tuesday, November 19 @ 5:30pm

Cook from “The Food of Morocco” by Paula Wolfert or “Mourad: New Moroccan” by Mourad Lahlou.

Virtual- Masters of Song: Johnny Mercer with Clint Edwards

Tuesday, November 19 @ 7pm

Explore the life, times, and music of songwriter Johnny Mercer (Moon River, You’re Just Too Marvelous, Hooray For Hollywood! etc.)

Bio/Memoir Book Club

Wednesday, November 20 @ 11am

Read ‘Crazy Brave’ by Joy Harjo

Half-Past Crafts: Giant Acorn Decorations

Wednesday, November 20 @ 6:30pm

This month we’re making simple but snazzy giant acorns!

Virtual- Understanding The Naturalization Process In The United States (Genealogy Lecture)

Wednesday, November 20 @ 7pm

Did you know there are six ways to become a U.S. citizen? Review each, with a concentration on the court option which produced a paper trail and can help with your family genealogical research. Also learn the ways in which citizenship was lost and perhaps regained at a later date.

Virtual- Rembrandt & Vermeer: Masters of the Dutch Baroque with Jane Oneail

Thursday, November 21 @ 7pm

Today, Jane is discussing the Dutch Golden Age of Painting which was ushered in by a prosperous middle class and a new demand for images like still-lifes, portraits and genre scenes. This program provides an overview of the artists’ careers and an introduction to some of their most famous works.

Virtual - Q&A with Author and Historian Kathleen DuVal: “Native Nations A Millennium in North America”

Monday, November 25 @ 7pm

We are joined by Professor, Historian, and Author Kathleen DuVal as she discusses her book, “Native Nations A Millennium in North America” - ‘An essential American history’ (The Wall Street Journal) that places the power of Native nations at its center, telling their story from the rise of ancient cities more than a thousand years ago to fights for sovereignty that continue today.

Virtual- Vanessa Lillie Discusses “Blood Sisters” and Indigenous Erasure

Tuesday, November 26 @ 7pm

Vanessa is the author of the USA Today bestselling suspense novel, “Blood Sisters”, which launches a new series with missing and murdered indigenous women at the heart of the stories. She is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma living on Narragansett land in Rhode Island. Vanessa will discuss her writing but also the disturbing trend of missing and murdered indigenous women in the United States.

Adult Weekly:

Knit and Crochet Club

Mondays @ 6pm

Walk-In

ESL Conversation Group

Mondays @ 6:30pm 

Walk-In

Gentle Yoga

Tuesdays @ 6pm

Registration is requested

Children: 

Special Programs:

Celebration of Stories 

*for families

Friday, November 1 @ 10:30am

Families are invited to join us on this No School Day for fun and heartwarming stories centering indigenous characters and authors, in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Then we’ll consider the things we’re grateful for and add those to our Gratitude Tree. All are welcome. Registration is requested. 

Election Day for Kids! 

*for families

Tuesday, November 5 @ 10-4pm

Join us in the Children’s Room for some Election Day fun! We’ll have a special story time, a scavenger hunt about kids who made a difference, and voting for our next themed celebration day. Registration is required for the 1:30 story time. All families are welcome!

Homeschool Hour

Thursday, November 7 @ 1pm

Homeschooling families, unite for Homeschool Hour! Join us for a fun-filled hour where you can connect with fellow homeschoolers, dive into a creative activity, and explore the exciting idea of starting a family book club. It’s the perfect opportunity to share experiences, get inspired, and build a supportive community. 

Sensory Savvy 

*for families - note early time

Saturday, November 9 @ 9:15-10am

Join us for a fun event that features sensory activities to help children on the autism spectrum improve their sensory processing skills, strengthen their fine motor coordination, and improve social skills, all while making connections with other families who have children on the autism spectrum!

Goofy Gyros Robotics Demonstration

Saturday, November 9 @ 10-3:30pm

Team Goofy Gyros (# 52042) will be conducting the 2nd Annual Ashland Community FIRST Lego League (FLL) Challenge (ROBOT ONLY) scrimmage for teams participating in the 2024-2025 Submerged FLL Challenge season.

Stories, Songs, and Stretches 

*for ages 4-7

Thursday, November 14 @ 6:30pm

Kids and their parents or caregivers are invited to play together through stories, songs and yoga shapes. No experience or equipment necessary! Registration is requested.

Clocktown Rockers! 

*For ages 2-5 with a caregiver

Friday, November 15 @ 10:30am

A special Friday edition of this popular story time! Join Miss Katrina for this new music and movement program! We’ll dance to favorite kids’ tunes, have fun with instruments and other props, and read a story, all while building your child’s early literacy and executive function skills. For ages 2-5 with a caregiver.

Lego Club with Kim the Lego Lady 

*Grades K-3

Wednesday, November 20 @ 4:30pm

Calling all LEGO masters! Join Kim the Lego Lady for an interactive building adventure! Afterward, your awesome creations will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO club! 

Registration is required and space is limited. 

La Hora del Cuento 

*para familias 

Spanish Storytime 

*for families

Wednesday, November 20 @ 6:30pm

Los invitamos a disfrutar en familia de una sesión de cuentos en español en la biblioteca. Ofreceremos la oportunidad de sumergirse en historias cautivadoras, rimas divertidas y canciones alegres, ¡todo en español! Join us for a special story time, offering families the opportunity to immerse themselves in captivating stories, fun rhymes, and cheerful songs, all in Spanish.

Little Crafters 

*for 0-5 with a caregiver

Monday, November 25 @ 10:30am

Come join the Ashland Mom’s Club for this story time, where little hands get to explore big ideas! Start with a sweet and lively story time, followed by a simple craft that’s perfect for curious minds. Bring your imagination, and let’s make some colorful memories together!

Spooky Stuffies Workshop

*for ages 7-17

Monday, October 28 @ 2:00pm

Kids and teens alike are welcome to join us for our Spooky Stuffies Workshop! Come use the materials we provide to create your own huggable monstrosity, or bring a stuffed friend from home to alter and make even more frightening! Registration required.

Little Picassos Club

*Grades 2-5

Tuesday, October 22 @ 4:30pm

Looking to create your next masterpiece? Join Miss Kayla for Little Picassos Club, ideal for kids in grades 2 through 5. Each week, we will learn about a different artist or art style and work on unique art projects, ranging from painting to sculpting and everything in between! Come ready to get your hands messy and let your creativity show! Registration required.

Little Picassos Club

Tuesday, November 5 @ 4:30pm

Little Picassos Club

Tuesday, November 12 @ 4:30pm Little Picassos Club

Tuesday, November 19 @ 4:30pm

Little Picassos Club

Tuesday, November 26 @ 4:30pm

Coding Class For Kids: Gear up for a tech-tastic adventure with our Coding Class for Kids! Every other Saturday, kids from Kindergarten through grade 5 will dive into the thrilling world of coding, where imagination meets innovation. With hands-on projects and fun, interactive lessons, your child will master the basics of coding and create their own cool projects. Whether they’re building games or solving puzzles, this class promises excitement and discovery at every turn. Join us for a coding journey that’s out of this world! ???? Click here for more information.

Space is limited to 12 kids and registration is required.

Coding Class for Kids 

*for ages 5 and up

Saturday, November 16 @ 1-2pm Coding Class for Kids 

*for ages 5 and up

Saturday, November 23 @ 1-2pm

NEW Book Clubs!

APL Kids 1&2 Book Club

Wednesday, November 13 @ 4:15pm

Calling all first and second graders for APL Kids book club! Each month we will introduce an exciting book series. The children will follow along with Ms. Katrina as she reads the first book of the series aloud, then we’ll discuss what we’ve read and do a fun craft or activity together! Copies of the first and second book in the series will be available for checkout after the meeting. Registration required.

Beginning Reader Book Club

Tuesday, November 19 @ 4:30pm

Calling all budding bookworms! Join us for the Beginning Readers Book Club, where stories come alive in the most magical way! Every month, kindergartners gather for a fun-filled, choral-style reading adventure. We’ll explore new worlds, create themed art, and make new friends—all while having a blast with books! 

Space is limited to 12 and registration is required.

Graphic Novel Book Club

Thursday, November 21 @ 6:30pm

*grades 3 thru 6

Dive into a world where stories jump off the page! Each month, you’ll read an exciting graphic novel before our meeting, where we’ll chat about the book, play awesome games, and unleash your creativity with fun art projects. Plus, you get to vote on what book we’ll read next—so your voice truly matters! With new friends, thrilling stories, and endless fun, it’s the ultimate way to bring reading to life. Don’t miss out on the excitement—come be a part of our graphic novel gang!

Space is limited to 16 and registration is required.

Ashland STEM Club

Saturday, November 2 @ 11am

Please Register

*for kids in K-5

Join this exciting workshop, run by high school students, that ignites curiosity with hands-on experiments, new innovations and take-home activities. 

Friday Free Play!

Build your child’s social and motor skills and connect with other parents during this low-key library play time. An assortment of special age appropriate toys and activities will be available for children ages birth through 5. Drop in any time, no registration required.

Friday Free Play

*for kids 0-5 with a caregiver

Friday, November 8 @ 10am Friday Free Play 

*for kids 0-5 with a caregiver

Friday, November 22 @ 10am

Weekly Storytimes:

Clocktown Rockers! 

*For ages 2-5 with a caregiver

Tuesdays at 10:30-11am

Join Miss Katrina for this new music and movement program! We’ll dance to favorite kids’ tunes, have fun with instruments and other props, and read a story, all while building your child’s early literacy and executive function skills. 

Storytime Sprouts 

* For ages 0-3 with a caregiver

Wednesdays @ 10:30am

Join us for a fun and interactive story time filled with singing, reading, bounces, fingerplays, puppets, instruments, and more! This engaging program is designed to introduce young children to the joys of literature and music while promoting early literacy skills.

Saturday Stories 

*for ages 2-5 with a caregiver

Join Miss Kayla for a new Saturday morning storytime! We’ll read lively stories, do fun rhymes and movement activities, and work on simple crafts. For families with children ages 2-5. No registration required.  

Saturday, November 16 @ 10:30am

Saturday, November 23 @ 10:30am

Saturday, November 30 @ 10:30am

Project ABC Play, Learn, and Grow Group 

*for Ages 0 to 5

Tuesdays at 11am

A parent and child group offered by the Metrowest YMCA and the Early Childhood Alliance of Ashland & Framingham. A structured program to help prepare children for socialization and a school experience.

Registration *IS* required for this program

Teen:

Adulting 101

*Ages 12-19 Only

We have a new recurring program for teens ready to learn more about how to live and thrive in the adult world- Adulting 101! Learn about topics necessary for the future and do an accompanying activity. The event will occur every other Tuesday from 6PM-7PM for four sessions on different topics

Time Management 

Tuesday, November 12 @ 6pm

Car Upkeep 

Tuesday, November 26 @ 6pm

Teen Makers Club

Thursday, November 14 @ 6pm

Join us for our new monthly club of teen makers!

Stitch, knit, crochet, and generally hang out with other crafty teens the second Thursday of every month from 6:00PM-7:00PM. Bring, work on, and show off your latest projects, and maybe learn a few new tips while you’re here! Registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome! 

Friends of the Ashland Public Library Monthly Book Sale & Donation Day!

Saturday, November 2 @ 9:30am-1pm

Customers for all our sales will find thousands of titles on the permanent sales shelves including hard and soft cover fiction (all alphabetized by author for ease of shopping), a wide selection of history and politics titles, health and family living books, plus memoirs, biographies, and loads of additional titles, all arranged by genre. An entire section of the Book Sale Room is arranged for children to browse and select from a huge collection of board books, picture books, easy readers, and chapter books.

To keep the shelves stocked with fresh selections, the Friends accept donations in the library parking lot of gently used books, audio books and DVDs. Friends volunteers will be available to assist donors during this time. There is also a cart in the mezzanine lobby for donations at any time during library hours.

Proceeds from these monthly book sales and all fundraising efforts made by the Friends fund 100% of children, teen, and adult programs, our wonderful Museum Passes, and so much more!