Ashland Library

February 2025 at the Ashland Library
The Library will be closed on Monday, February 17th for Presidents’ Day.
Adult:
Visit our Website Calendar for Additional Info & Registration links:
Virtual - Author Eliot Stein Discusses “Custodians of Wonder”
Monday, February 3 @ 7pm
We love the concept of Eliot Stein’s most recent book, Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive - a vivid look at 10 astonishing people who are maintaining some of the world’s oldest and rarest cultural traditions! We hope you can join us for what will be a fascinating conversation.
Virtual - Front Street Readers Book Club
Tuesday, February 4 @ 7pm
Read “Akin” by Emma Donoghue
Virtual - Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance with Bill Thierfelder
Tuesday, February 4 @ 7pm
Explore the contributions of Langston Hughes, one of the most visible writers of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes’ work ranged from novels to plays. He also wrote short stories, children’s books, translations, and anthologies as well. However, his most widely appreciated pieces were his poems.
Virtual - Author Helena Echlin
Tuesday, February 4 @ 7pm
Author Helena Echlin will discuss her new thriller, Clever Little Thing, in conversation with author Tracy Sierra.
In Person - Mah Jongg
Wednesday, February 5 @ 6:00—7:30pm
Whether you have a rudimentary knowledge of Mah Jongg or have been playing for years, we would love to have you join us for an evening of strategy, luck and fun. This is an opportunity for the novice to hone their skills and experienced players to share their knowledge.
Virtual - Environmental Book Club
Wednesday, February 5 @ 6:30pm
Read “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden” by Camille T. Dungy
Virtual - Bestselling Author Charles B. Fancher
Wednesday, February 5 @ 7pm
Author Charles B. Fancher will discuss his new historical novel, “Red Clay”, in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist, author and professor Cynthia Tucker
HYBRID - Romance Book Club
Thursday, February 6 @ 6:30pm
Read a Steampunk Romance by a Debut Author
Virtual - Bestselling Author Robert Dugoni
Thursday, February 6 @ 7om
Bestselling author Robert Dugoni, along with co-authors Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree, will discuss their new World War II novel, “Hold Strong”.
Virtual - Declutter series with Jamie Novak: 10 Things a Professional Organizer Would Toss
Thursday, February 6 @ 7pm
Log on for this month’s declutter club zoom when decluttering humorist Jamie Novak shares a quick list of the ten things she would toss. Plus, the one thing she would NEVER toss. Then join the live guided tidy-up for a quick jumpstart!
Virtual - Bestselling Author Carter Wilson
Friday, February 7 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Carter Wilson will discuss his new thriller, “Tell Me What You Did”, in conversation with bestselling author Wendy Walker.
Virtual - African Art Series: Masquerade
Sunday, February 9 @ 2:30pm
A multi-media artform including a ‘head’ or mask, of many possible materials and a body costume presented in the context of movement and sound--not just that mask on the wall!
In Person - Card Making with Jan Poppendieck
Monday, February 10 @ 6:30pm
Jan will teach embossing, die cutting, proper stamping, and use of equipment individually and group techniques of creating unique cards.
Virtual - Gal/Pal/Valentine’s Day (and more!) Book Recs with Lorelei of Lorelei’s Lit Lair
Monday, February 10 @ 7pm
We just love our talks with Lorelei! This time, she will be giving us book recs for this special holiday - not only for couples, but pals and gals. So, if you love a good romantic story, one that has a good group of friends, and/or a tight knit circle of women, this program is for you! And, if your pile isn’t already groaning, it will be! Grab a hot chocolate and join us.
Virtual - Bestselling Author Heather Fawcett
Monday, February 10 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Heather Fawcett will discuss her new fantasy novel, “Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales”.
Virtual - Literary Café: Romance Writers Talk Happily Ever After
Monday, February 10 @ 7pm
For this first Literary Café of 2025, we’ll feature three romance authors—Kate Cochrane, Thien-Kim Lam,, and Nikki Payne—to discuss writing happily ever afters (HEAs) that pull readers in, creating love stories that sizzle, and subverting old ideas about what a romance novel is and can be.
Virtual - Historical Fiction Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Jane Healey
Tuesday, February 11 @ 6:30pm
Love Historical Fiction but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author, Jane Healey (and Ashland fave!), monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - the best of historical fiction out there! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Jane’s many enthusiastic reviews.
Virtual - Thriller/Horror Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @redreadreviews
Tuesday, February 11 @ 7:30pm
Not sure what to read next? Join Jody Blanchette (aka @redreadreviews), monthly, for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - the best of horror and thrillers out there! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Jody’s many enthusiastic reviews.
In Person - Make Your Own Dark Chocolate Dip with Heidi McIndoo
Wednesday, February 12 @ 6:30pm
Just in time for the big day, come join us as we whip up a creamy, tasty, healthy chocolate dip perfect to enjoy with your favorite val/gal/palentine or you can keep it all for yourself.
Virtual - Bestselling Author Steve Berry
Wednesday, February 12 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Steve Berry will discuss his new thriller, “The Medici Return: A Cotton Malone Novel”, in conversation with his wife Emily Berry, an accomplished publisher.
In Person - Women’s Wisdom Circle: Women and Anger
Thursday, February 13 @ 6:30pm
For this session we will be discussing Women and Anger - specifically how anger is expressed and what feels healthy. We hope you can join us for this important topic!
Virtual - Acadia: The History and Beauty of New England’s National Park
Thursday, February 13 @ 7pm
Take a journey to Acadia, the easternmost National Park in the US. Ranging from the shores of the Atlantic to inland forests and lakes and culminating in the highest elevation on the eastern seaboard, Acadia offers an incredible variety of topography in a compact area.
Virtual - Bestselling Author Christopher Farnsworth
Thursday, February 13 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Christopher Farnsworth will discuss his new thriller, “Robert B. Parker’s Buried Secrets: A Jesse Stone Novel”.
In Person - Mystery Book Club
Friday, February 14 @ 12pm
Read “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murders” by Joanne Fluke
Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion
Friday, February 14 @ 7pm
Watch Perfect Days (Japanese, Kanopy)
In Person - Cook Book Club
Tuesday, February 18 @ 5pm
Cook From “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts : Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks” by Crystal Wilkinson
Virtual - Styling with Vintage and Thrifted Fashion with Ren Antonowicz
Tuesday, February 18 @ 7pm
Join us for this fun styling workshop where we explore ways to treasure hunt for vintage and secondhand clothing and accessories that speak to you and will inspire a new way of dressing.
Virtual - Author Christina Clancy
Tuesday, February 18 @ 7pm
Author Christina Clancy will discuss her new novel, “The Snowbirds”, in conversation with bestselling author Lynda Cohen Loigman.
In Person - Bio/Memoir Book Club
Wednesday, February 19 @ 11am
Read “Master Slave Husband Wife” by Ilyon Woo
Virtual - Adult Book Club
Wednesday, February 19 @ 6:30pm
Read “Doppelganger” by Naomi Klein
Virtual - Bestselling Authors Joseph Finder & Lisa Gardner
Wednesday, February 19 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Joseph Finder will discuss his new thriller, “The Oligarch’s Daughter”, in conversation with bestselling author Lisa Gardner
Virtual - Democracy Talks: A Migrant Family’s Search for Home in MA
Wednesday, February 19 @ 7pm
Join WBUR journalist Simón Rios as he shares his journey reporting on the plight of migrants in MA amidst changing shelter policies and shifting political climate.
Virtual - Irish’s Story and the Ingalls Connection with author Cindy Wilson
Thursday, February 20 @ 7pm
This 45-minute talk begins with why I undertook the research, and background on Irish and his family. We’ll then focus on overlaps between Irish’s story and the Ingalls family, via the contractors on the railroad, shared time at the Silver Lake railroad camp, and similar connections.
Virtual - Green(er) DeathCare with Patti Muldoon
Thursday, February 20 @ 7pm
Learn about some of the impacts of what the funeral industry calls traditional deathcare and explore choices people can make now to make more environmentally friendly, green(er) choices.
Virtual - Bestselling Author Victoria Christopher Murray
Friday, February 21 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Victoria Christopher Murray will discuss her new historical fiction novel, “Harlem Rhapsody”.
In Person - Paint Night with Ashwini Chitnavis
Monday, February 24 @ 5:30pm
We welcome Ashwini Chitnavis to host this session where you learn to paint on canvas. No art experience necessary, just an open mind and a can-do attitude.
Virtual - Debut Author Panel with Karissa Chen, Tara Dorabji, Laurie L. Dove, and Jakob Kerr
Monday, February 24 @ 7pm
We’ll be talking all about getting into publishing, the pitfalls, challenges, and roadblocks as well as the excitement, fulfillment, and reader enthusiasm that makes it all worthwhile. Bring your questions as this will be in a Q&A format.
Virtual - Author Edward Ashton
Monday, February 24 @ 7pm
Author Edward Ashton will discuss his new sci-fi novel, “The Fourth Consort”, in conversation with bestselling author David Yoon.
Virtual - Author Nancy Reddy Discusses “The Good Mother Myth”
Tuesday, February 25 @ 7pm
Poet and Essayist, Nancy Reddy, joins us to discuss her book, The Good Mother Myth: Unlearning Our Bad Ideas About How to Be a Good Mom, a timely and thought-provoking debunking of the bad ideas that have for too long defined what it means to be a “good” mom. This program is for all of the caregivers who struggle to be the best they can be with societal pressures constantly trying to influence our good instincts.
Virtual - Masters of Song: Rodgers and Hammerstein Part 2
Tuesday, February 25 @ 7pm
We will explore the early career of lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, his successful collaboration with composer Jerome Kern, (Showboat, All The Things You Are, The Song Is You, etc.), and the successes and struggles of his years prior to teaming up with Richard Rodgers to write OKLAHOMA!
Virtual - Bestselling Author Nancy Johnson
Tuesday, February 25 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Nancy Johnson will discuss her new novel, “People of Means”, in conversation with author Julie Carrick Dalton.
Virtual - Bestselling Author Elinor Lipman
Wednesday, February 26 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Elinor Lipman will discuss her new romantic comedy, “Every Tom, Dick & Harry”.
Virtual - Author Ben Kane Discusses “Stormcrow: A Gripping and Epic Viking Adventure”
Thursday, February 27 @ 2pm
On the east coast of Ireland thirteen-year old Finn finds the sword of a slain Norseman, and with Odin’s raven watching, is given the name Stormcrow. When Finn’s family is torn apart by a random act of violence, and the sword lost, he embarks on a quest for revenge with his oldest friend, the shaman Vekel...... Doesn’t that sound intriguing? We can’t wait for this!
Virtual - Art on Thursday: Rhythm and Hues: The Harlem Renaissance and Its Legacy
Thursday, February 27 @ 7pm
This is a great program for celebrating Black History Month! The Harlem Renaissance, a cultural explosion in the 1920s, saw African American artists challenge stereotypes and celebrate their heritage. From the poetic simplicity of Jacob Lawrence to the cosmopolitan portrait photographs of James Van Der Zee, this era produced works that continue to resonate today.
Virtual - Bestselling Author Mark Greaney
Thursday, February 27 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Mark Greaney will discuss his new thriller, “Midnight Black: A Gray Man Novel”.
Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion
Friday, February 28 @ pm
Watch “The King of Masks” (Mandarin, Kanopy)
Adult Weekly:
Knit and Crochet Club
Mondays @ 6pm
Walk-In
Gentle Yoga
Tuesdays @ 6pm
Registration is required
ESL Conversation Group
Wednesdays @ 6:30pm
Walk-In
Children:
February Vacation:
Fun with Engineering: Balloon-Powered Cars
*For kids in grades K-6
Registration required
Wednesday, February 19 @ 1pm
Get ready to race into the world of science and fun at our Balloon-Powered Car Workshop! In this hands-on, high-energy event, kids will design and build their very own car that’s powered entirely by the force of a balloon. Using simple materials like plastic bottles, straws, and wheels, participants will engineer their cars, then watch them zoom as the air from the balloon propels them forward. Learn about the power of air pressure, friction, and design principles while having a blast racing your creations against friends! This exciting workshop combines creativity, engineering, and physics in a way that’s both educational and thrilling.
Buildwave® | A hands-on building game!
*For kids ages 5+
Registration is required
Thursday, February 20 @ 10:30am
During the event, participants build with waves of diverse materials like Lego®, Plus-Plus®, and more. Each building wave is enhanced by a dynamic audiovisual experience unlike any other. As participants complete wave after wave of building, they gain creative confidence, enhance teamwork, and experience design fundamentals in a unique and memorable context.
Blast Off Bonanza: Kids Rocket Launch
*For grades K-6
Registration is required
Friday, February 21 @ 10:30am
3, 2, 1, blast off! Join us for a special science adventure where we’ll be designing and building our own rocketships. Then, we’ll take our rockets outside to test how high they’ll soar when we launch them (weather permitting)! All materials are provided–just bring your thinking caps!
Special Programs:
Stories, Songs, and Stretches
*for ages 4-7
Thursday, February 6 @ 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, February 7 @ 10:30am
Friday, February 14 @ 10:30am
Friday, February 28 @ 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.
Chinese Storytime
Tuesday, February 11 @ 6pm
Bring the whole family to the library for engaging stories, familiar songs, a fun art project and a special scavenger hunt, all in Chinese! Registration is requested and all are welcome.
Pebble Pals: Make Your Own Pet Rock
Friday, February 14 @ 3pm
Who says all pets have to be furry and cuddly? Celebrate Valentine’s Day by bringing home your new best rock friend! Bring your new pal to life with paint, googly eyes, and an assortment of accessories. Then, fill out a special adoption certificate for your new rock buddy, and select from a variety of pre-written personality types. All supplies–rocks included–are provided. For kids and teens.
Anime Club
Tuesday, February 18 @ 6:30pm
Calling all anime fans! Kids in grades 3 through 6 are invited to join us once monthly for our brand-new Anime Club. Whether you love Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, or anything else in between, this is the club for you! Watch new series, work on crafts, play games, and meet new friends! Registration required.
Lego Club with Kim the Lego Lady
*Grades K-3
Wednesday, February 19 @ 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.
Little Crafters
*for 0-5 with a caregiver
Monday, February 24 @ 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!
La Hora del Cuento
*para familias
Spanish Storytime
*for families
Wednesday, February 26 @ 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.
Book Clubs!
APL Kids 1&2 Book Club
Wednesday, February 12 @ 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.
Graphic Novel Book Club
Thursday, February 13 @ 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.
Kindergarten Book Club
Tuesday, February 11 @ 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.
Friday Free Play
*For ages 0-5
Friday, February 7 @ 10am
Friday, February 21 @ 10am
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.
Ashland STEM Club
Saturday, February 1 @ 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.
Coding Class for Kids
Saturday, February 8 @ 1pm
Saturday, February 22 @ 1pm
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 fun taught through an interactive game, your child will master the basics of coding. Whether they’re building games or solving puzzles, this class promises excitement and discovery at every turn.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Little Picassos Club
*Grades 2-5
Tuesday, February 4 @ 4:30pm
Tuesday, February 25 @ 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.
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-11am
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, February 1 @ 10:30am
Saturday, February 8 @ 10:30am
Saturday, February 15 @ 10:30am
Saturday, February 22 @ 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:
Teen Makers Club
Thursday, February 13 @ 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!
Galentines Day
*For Teens
Saturday, February 15 @ 12:30—2:00 PM
It’s that time of year again- TIME TO TREAT YOURSELF! Come be pampered and make crafts at the teen room’s Galentines Day celebration on Saturday, February 15th from 12:30 PM to 2:00PM. Get your nails painted, then make some sugar scrub to treat your hands to in the future. Have some henna done and add your newly created friendship bracelets for extra flair. Everyone ages 12-18 is welcome at Galentine’s Day!
Pebble Pals: Make Your Own Pet Rock
*For kids and teens
Friday, February 14 @ 3pm
Who says all pets have to be furry and cuddly? Celebrate Valentine’s Day by bringing home your new best rock friend! Bring your new pal to life with paint, googly eyes, and an assortment of accessories. Then, fill out a special adoption certificate for your new rock buddy, and select from a variety of pre-written personality types. All supplies–rocks included–are provided.
Friends of the Ashland Public Library Monthly Book Sale & Donation Day!
Saturday, February 1 @ 9:30-1pm
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!