Special Event:

In Person - “MockTails and Mini-Golf” - Friends of the Ashland Library Fundraising Event 

*For Adults

Saturday, March 29 @ 6:30—8:30 PM

Get ready for an un-fore-gettable weekend March 29 and 30 when you can play 18 holes of mini golf INSIDE the Ashland Library. The Friends of the Ashland Public Library is teaming up with local business sponsors for this tee-riffic fundraising event that promises hole-in-one-fun for the whole family! It will be a great chance to have a ball, support a great community resource, and get a rare look at the library “after hours.”

Play tees off on Saturday evening, March 29, with adults only “Mocktails and Mini Golf” on the links from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This night of fun for the 21+ crowd will feature munchies and mocktails included in the ticket price of $20 per person. Line up the babysitter now and make a night of it! Mocktails will be provided by Erica’s Ristorante and the Ashland Ale House. Munchies will be provided by Dulce de Leche.

In Person - Play Mini Golf in the Ashland Library - Friends of the Ashland Library Fundraising Event

Sunday, March 30 @ 10:00 AM—3:00 PM

The excitement for families, singles, seniors, or anyone interested is on Sunday, March 30, from 10 am to 3 pm (yes, the library will be open on Saturday night and Sunday just for this event, although regular library services and staff will not be available during the Mini-Golf program). The whole family can play through 18 holes filled with hills, jumps, bumps, twists and loops scattered throughout the stacks and inner spaces of our fabulous library. Tickets for Sunday are $5 each with a $25 family cap.

AND you can purchase raffle tickets for rides to school for the kids - police, fire, and DPW trucks ($5 per ticket) as well as $1 tickets to win a $25 gift card from Blush Bouquets, Dr. Greens, Pizza Mine, Sunnyside Cafe, Shaws, and Cherry Blossom. Raffle tickets will only be sold during the March book sale (on Fri 2/28 & Sat 3/1) and the actual Mini-Golf event - gotta be in it to win it!

Adult:

Visit our Website Calendar for Additional Info & Registration links: 

Virtual - New Zealand Romance Writers Panel: How Geography and Culture Impact Creativity

Saturday, March @ 12pm

We are thrilled to be welcoming Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud) Kiwi romance authors Esme Brett, Courtney Clark Michaels, and Stephanie Ruth to our virtual stage! We’re going to be chatting about how New Zealand’s  Indigenous history and the country’s culture affect their writing and publishing journeys (or, do they?). 

Virtual - In Conversation with Horror Author J.W. Ocker: “Cult Following” and Other Odd Things

Monday, March 3 @ 7pm

This one is for horror fans everywhere! We’re so pleased to be chatting with author J.W. Ocker about his book Cult Following: The Extreme Sects That Capture Our Imaginations--And Take Over Our Lives and any other odd thing he’d like to discuss! For anyone interested in the mentality around cults, we invite you to join us for a discussion on “30 most infamous, audacious, and dangerous cults in history”. Maybe a cautionary tale?

Virtual - Bestselling Author Karen Thompson Walker

Monday, March 3 @ 7pm

Bestselling author Karen Thompson Walker will discuss her new novel, The Strange Case of Jane O, in conversation with bestselling author Angie Kim.

Virtual - Front Street Readers Book Club

Tuesday, March 47:00—8:00 PM

Read The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate.

Virtual - Changing Perspectives: 5 Women Writers of Speculative Fiction with Bill Thierfelder

Tuesday, March 4 @ 7pm

This program looks at five remarkable women who have made deep inroads into the realm of fantasy and science fiction. We’ll explore each author’s life and then delve into the primary themes of their often mind-bending, mind-expanding books.

Virtual - New iPhone 16 Series and iOS 18: Camera and Photos App News and Reviews with Deborah Tual

Tuesday, March 4 @ 7pm

*Note: This program will NOT be recorded

Join Deborah Tual, our favorite iPhone and Photography aficionado, to learn what’s new in the latest iPhone 16 series camera system (launched Sept 2024) and how the newest iOS 18 software improves the Photos app, adding better features and tools to edit and enhance your photos on all iPhone models. 

Virtual - Bestselling Author Kelley Armstrong

Tuesday, March 4 @ 7pm

Bestselling author Kelley Armstrong will discuss her new mystery, Cold as Hell: A Haven’s Rock Novel.

In Person - Mah Jongg

Wednesday, March 5 @ 6:00

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, March 5 @ 6:30pm

Read The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World by Jeff Goodell.

Virtual - Author Callan Wink

Wednesday, March 5 @ 7pm

Bestselling author Callan Wink will discuss his new novel, Beartooth.

HYBRID - Romance Book Club

Thursday, March 6 @ 6:30pm

Read a South American Romance by a debut or “new to you” author.

Virtual - Declutter series with Jamie Novak: March How to Spring Clean Your Clothes Closet (easily)

Thursday, March 6 @ 7pm

Decluttering humorist Jamie Novak shares shortcuts for spring cleaning your clothes closet (what to keep and where to donate items) without stressing out. Plus, the one FREE thing that will keep your closet clutter-free. 

Virtual - Flight of Remembrance with Marina Kirsch

Thursday, March 6 @ 7pm

Marina Kirsch will talk about her family’s experience in Latvia, occupied Poland, and Germany before, during, and after World War II as recorded in her book, Flight of Remembrance. 

Virtual - “Our Science, Ourselves: How Gender, Race and Social Movements Shaped the Study of Science”

Thursday, March 6 @ 7pm

Our Science Ourselves tells the story of a trailblazing network of women scientists in the Boston area in the 1970s, 80s and 90s including Ruth Hubbard, Rita Arditti, Evelyn Fox Keller, Evelynn Hammonds, Anne Fausto-Sterling, and Banu Subramaniam.

Virtual - African Art Series: African Artists Traditional and Modern

Sunday, March 9 @ 2:30pm

Anonymous Doesn’t Live Here Anymore--African Artists Traditional and Modern: in the collection of the Fitchburg Art Museum.

In Person - Card Making with Jan Poppendieck

Monday, March 10 @ 6:30pm

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

Virtual - Boston Light: Three Centuries of History with Author Jeremy D’Entremont

Monday, March 10 @ 7pm

Based on Jeremy’s book, Boston Light: Three Centuries of History, this talk focuses on Boston Light Station, the site of the first lighthouse on the North American continent. Jeremy will trace its history through three centuries of tragedy, rescues, and colorful human interest stories of keepers and their families.

Virtual - Historical Fiction Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Jane Healey

Tuesday, March 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! 

Virtual - Thriller/Horror Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @redreadreviews

Tuesday, March 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! 

Virtual - Author Allison Pataki in Conversation with Historical Fiction Author Kerri Maher

Tuesday, March 11 @ 7:30pm

We’re excited to partner with the Groton Public Library for this event! Groton Reads 2025 Author, Allison Pataki, discusses her novel, Finding Margaret Fuller with fellow historical fiction author Kerri Maher (author of All You Have to Do is Call).

Virtual: Inclusive & Diverse ROMANCE Book Recommendations with Read My Lips Boston

Wednesday, March 12 @ 6:00

Hear about the best ROMANCE book recommendations with BIPOC/LGBTQ+/Neurodivergent/Disabled etc. characters or by representative authors. Join book store owners (and twin sisters!), Lily and Hannah Barrett, quarterly for 30 minutes of pure romance book recommendations - that are by diverse authors or have inclusive storylines! 

Virtual - Bestselling Author Lisa Unger

Wednesday, March 12 @ 7pm

Bestselling author Lisa Unger will discuss her thriller, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10, in conversation with Tim Ehrenberg, creator of Tim Talks Books.

Virtual - Bill Gette: Belize - From Orange Walk District to Punta Gorda

Thursday, March 13 @ 1pm

Bill has led groups to Belize for many years to explore tropical lowland rainforests, pine savannahs, and extensive wetlands. As part of his conservation work, he has also trained Belizeans to be naturalist guides there. During this PowerPoint presentation, Bill will take you on a tour from Orange Walk District in the northwestern part of the country to Punta Gorda in the south. He will show you a wide variety of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and the Mayan ruins at La Milpa and Lamanai.

In Person - Women’s Wisdom Circle: Everyday Spirituality

Thursday, March 13 @ 6:30pm

Welcome to our Women’s Wisdom Circle! For this session Meredith Bazirgan will  lead a discussion on Everyday Spirituality. How to cultivate it; how to connect around it.

In Person - Mystery Book Club

Friday, March 14 @ 12pm

Read Trust Me by Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, March 14 @ 7pm

Watch “Quartet” (2013, Kanopy)

In Person - Horror Mini-Fest @ the Ashland Library!

Saturday, March 15 @ 12-3:30pm

We’re so excited to welcome this amazing slate of authors to the Ashland Library - Clay McLeod Chapman, Eric LaRocca, Rory Power, Cat Scully, and moderator, Emily C. Hughes! We’ll have an afternoon of fun with discussions, horror Jeopardy!, and book sales/signings! 

Virtual - Freedom to Read: Interview with Amanda Jones, author of “That Librarian”

Sunday, March 16 @ 1:00

Amanda Jones is a middle-school librarian from the town she grew up in in Louisiana, who in 2022 attended a meeting at her local public library to speak out against censorship. She then found herself the target of a hate campaign on social media, with accusations of grooming children and death threats. This pushed her into high gear as an advocate for the Freedom to Read, and in her 2024 book That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America, she tells her story. Amanda will be joining us to discuss her book, the importance of the library profession, and book joy, all in a national climate of assaults on the freedom to read. For librarians, she is a hero. For readers, she is a cautionary tale. For all, her story is a call to action. We hope you will join us for this very important discussion!

Virtual - Irish Whiskey - History and Recs with Travis Ireland of The Friskey Whiskey Podcast

Monday, March 17 @ 7pm

How perfect of this for St. Paddy’s Day? Travis IRELAND of the Friskey Whiskey Podcast will join us to discuss the history of Irish whiskeys and the best he’s encountered! So, pull up your comfy chair and highball glass and be ready to be educated and entertained. If you are 21+, we encourage you to BYOB for this special occasion.

In Person - Cook Book Club

Tuesday, March 18 @ 5:00

Cook from My Vermont Table : Recipes for All (Six) Seasons by Gesine Bullock-Prado.

Virtual - Masters of Song: Rodgers and Hammerstein Part 3

Tuesday, March 18 @ 7pm

This duo revolutionized the Broadway Musical in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Follow a detailed exploration of their major works (Carousel, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music) with musician and composer Clint Edwards.

In Person - Bio/Memoir Book Club

Wednesday, March 19 @ 11am

Read A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings.

Virtual - Bestselling Author Curtis Sittenfeld with Gabrielle Zevin

Wednesday, March 19 @ 7pm

Bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld will discuss her beloved novel, Prep, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, as well as her new short stories collection, Show Don’t Tell, in conversation with bestselling author Gabrielle Zevin.

In Person - Great Decisions

Thursday, March 20 @ 6:30pm

Discuss American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads.

Virtual - Nourishing the Caregiver: Cultivating Calm in Chaos

Thursday, March 20 @ 7pm

This interactive workshop will help you: define stress, learn daily stress management techniques, understand the de-stress alphabet, learn the seven dimensions of wellness, and set goals for yourself. This class is appropriate for anyone caring for someone (even themselves!) and is not dementia-specific.

Virtual - Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @sometimesleelynnreads

Thursday, March 20 @ 7:30pm

Looking for the best books with BIPOC/LGBTQ+/Neurodivergent/Disabled etc. characters or by representative authors but not sure what to read next? Join bookstagrammer, Leelynn Brady (aka @sometimesleelynnreads), monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - any genre as well as YA and Middle Grade books, as long as they are by diverse authors or have inclusive storylines! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Leelynn’s many enthusiastic reviews.

Virtual - Another Visit with Romance Author Carla Kelly

Monday, March 24 @ 7pm

We always have so much fun with Carla that, by popular demand, we’re having her back! Once again, we’ll be talking about Carla’s early books as well as her American Historicals and her latest book of Christmas stories, Regency Glad Tidings as well as A Naval Surgeon to Fight For. Carla may yet have some surprises for us! Oh, wait, there’s more! Carla is also a former seasonal ranger in the National Park Service. We hope to see our romance, history, and nature buffs again!

Virtual - The Real Margaret Fuller with Pulitzer Prize Winner Megan Marshall

Tuesday, March 25 @ 7:00—8:15 PM

Megan Marshall’s, Margaret Fuller: A New American Life (2013), a character-driven narrative biography grounded in fact that tests the boundaries of the form, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Biography in 2014 and the Massachusetts Book Award in Nonfiction. Join us as she discusses this seminal work!

Virtual - “The Case of Lizzie Borden and Other Writings” by Elizabeth Garver Jordan

Tuesday, March 25 @ 7pm

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Jane Carr and Lori Harrison-Kahan will discuss the life and career of Elizabeth Garver Jordan, the groundbreaking journalist, suffragist, author, and editor whose fearless reporting on women preceded the #MeToo movement and popularized the true-crime genre. As editors of The Case of Lizzie Borden and Other Writings, a Penguin Classics edition of Jordan’s journalism and fiction, Jane and Lori will share their journey to rescue this overlooked feminist figure from history and explore why Jordan’s work, much of which has been out of print for over a century, matters now.

Virtual - Art on Thursday: Fierce Females: Women in Art with Jane Oneail

Thursday, March 27 @ 7pm

This program shines a spotlight on fierce female artists who defied societal norms and pushed the boundaries of creativity, yet remain underappreciated in the annals of art history. 

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion 

Friday, March 28 @ 7pm

Watch “A Call to Spy” (Kanopy)

Virtual - A History of Guinness Beer with Guinness Brewery Ambassador, Mike Reardon

Monday, March 31 @ 7pm

We’re so excited to chat with Mike Reardon, a Guinness Ambassador - a highly trained beer expert and storyteller who captivates Guinness lovers and audiences with the beer, culinary, and cultural history of this fantastic beer. So, sit back, relax, grab a pint (if you’re over 21), and join us for this wonderful discussion to close out St. Paddy’s Day month!

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: 

Special Programs:

Anime Club

Tuesday, March 4 @ 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.

Stories, Songs, and Stretches 

*for ages 4-7

Thursday, March 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, March 7 @ 10:30am

Friday, March 14 @ 10:30am

Friday, March 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, March11 @ 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.

La Hora del Cuento 

*para familias 

Spanish Storytime 

*for families

Wednesday, March 19 @ 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.

Friday Free Play

Friday, March 21 @ 10:00

*For ages 0-5

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.

Little Crafters 

*for 0-5 with a caregiver

Monday, March 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!

Lego Club with Kim the Lego Lady 

*Grades K-3

Wednesday, March 26 @ 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. 

Book Clubs!

Graphic Novel Book Club Jr. 

*For 1st and 2nd graders

Wednesday, March 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, March 20 @ 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, March 18 @ 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.

Ashland STEM Club

Saturday, March 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, March 1 @ 1pm

Saturday, March 8 @ 1pm

Saturday, March 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, March 11 @ 4:30pm

Tuesday, March 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, March 1 @ 10:30am

Saturday, March 8 @ 10:30am

Saturday, March 15 @ 10:30am

Saturday, March 22 @ 10:30am

Saturday, March 29 @ 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, March 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! 

Stress Less Event for Teens

Thursday, March 27 @ 4pm

March is filled with MCAS, bad weather, and too frequently, bad vibes. Throw all that away and come to the Stress Less Event for Teens! Save the date, Thursday, March 27th from 4:00PM to 5:00PM, for an evening of relaxation featuring a petting zoo of baby animals! Pet bunnies, chicks, a piglet, a lamb, goats, and more while your stress floats away. Stay tuned for more details. Event is for teens 12-18 years old.

Friends of the Ashland Public Library 2-Day Book Sale

Friday, February 28 @ 5:30-7:30pm

Saturday, March 1 @ 9:30-4pm

The Friends of the Ashland Public Library invite you to their Big 2-Day Book Sale on February 28th and March 1st!

The sale includes thousands of titles, organized by genre and author, with a special section for children’s books. And, by popular demand, the $5 a bag sale is back! Fill a bag (that the Friends provide) from the Bag Sale tables for $5!

AND, in preparation for the next Mini-Golf event on Saturday, March 29th and Sunday the 30th (keep a lookout for more info on it!), you can purchase raffle tickets for rides to school for the kids - police, fire, and DPW trucks ($5 per ticket) as well as $1 tickets to win a $25 gift card from Blush Bouquets, Dr. Greens, Pizza Mine, Sunnyside Cafe, and Cherry Blossom. Raffle tickets will only be sold during the March book sale and the actual Mini-Golf event - gotta be in it to win it!To keep the shelves stocked with fresh selections, the Friends will be accepting donations in the library parking lot of gently used books, audio books and DVDs. Friends volunteers will be available to assist donors from 9:30am until 1pm on Saturday. 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! If you can’t make it to the sales, the Friends have a book sale corner on the 1st floor of the library (in the beautiful original part of the building). There, you can find great books for yourself and your family any time the library is open.