Summer Reading Kickoff Party: Reading Dragons Edition! 

*for families

Saturday, June 7All Day

It’s time for summer reading, and families and kids of all ages are invited to join us for our exciting ALL-DAY Summer Reading Kickoff Party! We’ll have all kinds of special things going on throughout the day, including carnival games, a bounce house, snow cones, and so much more.

Plus, you’ll get the chance to sign up for our brand-new Reading Dragons program to track your reading over the summer! For each day you read, you’ll get to collect special and unique dragon trading cards—you can even level up the dragon cards you’ve already earned. Can you collect them all? Stop in to get everything you need to get started!

Drop in, no registration required.

Adult:

Visit our Website Calendar for Additional Info & Registration links: 

https://tinyurl.com/apl-calendars

In Person - Gardening Series: Container Gardening with Seedlings

Monday, June 2 @ 6:00—7:30 PM

This is a fun workshop will focus on how to plant, prepare and care for seedlings in a large recycled plastic nursery pot. There will be a variety of seedlings to choose from and each attendee will select three seedlings to plant into a larger plastic nursery pot.

Virtual - Death in the National Parks: Who, How, and Why with Author Randi Minetor

Monday, June 2 @ 7pm

Why do some people lose their lives in America’s national parks? Randi Minetor, author of seven books in the non-fiction “Death in the National Parks” series, explores the fatal mistakes people make when they venture into unfamiliar wilderness.

Virtual - Food Photography: Take Amazing Photos of Food with Deborah Tual

Tuesday, June 3 @ 7pm

Join Deborah Tual, our favorite iPhone and Photography aficionado, to explore techniques of photographing food that will help you to create wonderful images with interest and impact, whether you are at home or at a restaurant.

Virtual - Changing Our Perspectives: 5 Books with Bill Thierfelder

Tuesday, June 3 @ 7:00—8:15 PM

If you’re looking for a “meaningful” book to read, here are five prime suggestions: Ray Bradbury’s FAHRENHEIT 451, Toni Morrison’s BELOVED, Yasunari Kawabata’s SNOW COUNTRY, Carl Sagan’s COSMOS, and Walt Whitman’s LEAVES OF GRASS. This program gives a brief overview of each author and the principal ideas of each book--ideas that are intended to challenge our preconceived notions and inspire our “better angels.” 

In Person - Mah Jongg

Wednesday, June 4 @ 6pm

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, June 4 @ 6:30pm

Read Plastic Free by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and Joanna Atherfold Finn.

Virtual - Nourishing the Caregiver: Cultivating Calm in Chaos

Wednesday, June 4 @ 7:00pm

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 - Author Alexis Prescott Discusses “The First Witches”

Thursday, June 5 @ 2pm

Please join us as author Alexis Prescott discusses her recent release, The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World, a book which provides a readable overview of how the Western witch originated. So profound was the impact of the classical witch upon Western thought and literature that she even lives on today as a prototype of the gruesome woman found in folklore, horror stories and movies.

HYBRID - Romance Book Club

Thursday, June 5 @ 6:30pm

Read a Contemporary Romance

Virtual - Declutter series with Jamie Novak: How to Delete Digital Clutter Easily

Thursday, June 5 @ 7pm

Log on for this month’s declutter club zoom when decluttering humorist Jamie Novak shares how to easily delete digital clutter. Plus, how to find the email or photo you need with one click. Then join the live guided tidy-up for a quick jumpstart!

Fixit Clinic at the Ashland Public Library

Saturday, June 7 @ 1:00—3:00 PM

We are very excited to be hosting the Fixit Clinic at the Ashland Public Library. 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!

In Person - Card Making with Jan Poppendieck

Monday, June 9 @ 6:30pm

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

Virtual - Q&A with Adult and YA Author Edward Underhill

Monday, June 9 @ 7pm

We’re excited to join the Boyden Library, Foxborough for this informative and interesting program! Transgender YA and now Adult author Edward Underhill will be joining the Boyden Library as part of the “Together With Pride” initiative to discuss his two newest books; The In Between Bookstore (Adult debut released in January 2025) and In Case You Read This (YA released in May 2025) with Boyden’s Teen Librarian Jennifir Huston.

Virtual - Historical Fiction Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Kerri Maher (subbing for Jane!)

Tuesday, June 10 @ 6:30—7:00 PM

Love Historical Fiction but not sure what to read next? This month Jane Healey is on book tour so guest author, Kerri Maher, is pinch hitting for her! Join Kerry for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - the best of historical fiction out there! We’re so grateful to Kerri for stepping in with what we expect will be fabulous book recs!

In Person - Men’s Discussion Group: Accepting People As They Are

Tuesday, June 10 @ 6:30pm

For this session Ben Draper will  lead a discussion on accepting people as they are (including our children and close relations!). We all have people in our lives who we wish would be different. How can we accept and celebrate them while also keeping our sanity? 

Virtual - Masters of Song: Burt Bacharach with Clint Edwards

Tuesday, June 10 @ 7pm

Explore the life and music of one of popular music’s greatest composer-innovators. We’ll follow his long collaboration with lyricist Hal David and their work with Dionne Warwick, noting Burt’s remarkable advancements in the harmony and rhythms of popular song. (I Say A Little Prayer, Close To You, Alfie etc.)

Virtual - Another Evening with Bestselling Author Alka Joshi

Wednesday, June 11 @ 7pm

Alka will talk about how she came to writing in her 50s, how the Jaipur trilogy came about and the real-life inspiration for SIX DAYS IN BOMBAY. Alka will share the story of her 10 years to publication of THE HENNA ARTIST, how she ended up writing the sequels and the Netflix series in development.

Virtual - Extra Book Club Discussion: “Fourth Wing” to “Onyx Storm - There WILL be Spoilers!

Wednesday, June 11 @ 7pm

Please join us over Zoom for a discussion of “Fourth Wing”, “Iron Flame”, and “Onyx Storm”  by Rebecca Yarros. If you’re as obsessed as we are, join us for a lively conversation of the series - favorite characters, creatures (spoiler, ours is Andarna!), and storylines. There will be spoilers right through “Onyx Storm” so come prepared to dish!

Virtual - “A History of Women’s Work: The Evolution of Women’s Working Lives” with Author Janet Few

Thursday, June 12 @ 10am

Please join us as author Janet Few discusses her new book “A History of Women’s Work: The Evolution of Women’s Working Lives”. Delving into three main areas of women’s work: household tasks, home industries, and paid employment outside the home, “A History of Women’s Work” encourages us to view how our own contributions to the work force affect our own sense of self and effect on the world at large. It also asks us to look back and see the profound impact women have had on the “working” world - stories that should not be lost to the annals of time.

In Person - Women’s Wisdom Circle: Living Unapologetically

Thursday, June 12 @ 6:30pm

For this session Meredith Bazirgan will  lead a discussion on living unapologetically - because we have nothing to apologize for! We hope you can join us for this important topic!

In Person - Great Decisions

Thursday, June 12 @ 6:30pm

Discuss India: Between China, the West, and the Global South

Virtual - Mystery/Thriller Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Joseph Finder

Thursday, June 12 @ 6:30—7:00 PM

Love Mysteries and Thrillers but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author, Joseph Finder, for this quarterly session of his recommendations of some of the best mystery/thrillers out there! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Joe’s many enthusiastic reviews.

Virtual - Memoir: A Generous Sharing- How to write a memoir

Thursday, June 12 @ 7pm

In this talk, Maureen Stanton will give a brief history of memoir, and discuss its value as testimony and witness narrative, as well as the connection that memoir writers have with readers. She’ll share her newly released memoir, The Murmur of Everything Moving, and talk about the pleasures, and sometimes perils, of writing in this intimate literary genre.

Virtual - Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @sometimesleelynnreads

Thursday, June 12 @ 7:30—8:00 PM

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!

In Person - Mystery Book Club

Friday, June 13 @ 12pm

Read The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion 

Friday, June 13 @ 7pm

Watch Jean de Florette

Virtual - Summer Romance Beach Read Recommendations with Lorelei of Lorelei’s Lit Lair

Monday, June 16 @ 7pm

We have so much fun with Lorelei that we are thrilled to have her back again. This time, Lorelei will be chatting about the books she’s looking forward to reading this summer - the best of romance beach reads! If your TBR pile isn’t already groaning, it will be! Grab a cool drink and join us.

In Person - Cook Book Club

Tuesday, June 17 @ 5pm

Cook from Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day by Rodney Scott

Virtual - Creating a Tech-Healthy Family with Andrea Davis of Better Screen Time

Tuesday, June 17 @ 7pm

Are you tired of screens taking over? Are you wondering how to help their kids thrive in a digital world? Gain the confidence and tools you need to tackle tech head-on with our Tech-Healthy Family Formula. This formula provides five steps parents can take to help reduce screen time, restore family time, and finally feel peace of mind.

In Person - Bio/Memoir Book Club

Wednesday, June 18 @ 11am

Read  What Looks Like Bravery by Laurel Braitman

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

Wednesday, June 18 @ 6:00—6:30 PM

We are super excited to be partnering with  bookstore owners of Read My Lips Boston for this special series! 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! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Lily and Hannah’s many enthusiastic reviews.

Virtual - Thriller/Horror Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @redreadreviews

Wednesday, June 18 @ 7:30—8:00 PM

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.

Virtual - “Dead End Road” with True Crime Author E.C. Hanson

Monday, June 23 @ 7pm

In June 1977, Renee Freer, nicknamed Giggles, went out to play with her friends. A few hours later, she was found bludgeoned to death with a rock. In a true crime book unlike most, E.C. Hanson stumbles upon an unsolved murder case that haunted his former stepfather. Unable to get specifics from the old and new guard of detectives, Hanson forges ahead, mining what he can from previously released articles and people who lived in the neighborhood at the time. An unusual yet passionate text, DEAD END ROAD honors Renee Freer’s memory and asks how will you help? Join us for this conversation with E.C. as he discusses his book, research, and goal in pursuing this cold case.

Virtual - Racism and Civil Rights with David Kalivas

Tuesday, June 24 @ 7pm

Unfortunately, racism and the struggle for civil rights and equity is not new to the American experience and to help us understand the historical context on where we find ourselves as a society, Dr. David Kalivas will offer an analysis of the history of racism and civil rights in the United States.

In Person - Ice Cream Bar and Spring Reading Discussion 

Wednesday, June 25 @ 6:30pm

If you love books and ice cream and additions to your TBR pile, join us for this special evening of relaxing, discussion, and all the toppings! This program is for adults 18+ and does require registration (so we have plenty of goodies to go around :).

Virtual - Art on Thursday: From Graffiti to Museum Galleries: The Art & Advocacy of Keith Haring

Thursday, June 26 @ 7pm

Keith Haring’s vibrant and iconic art captured the spirit of 1980s New York City, blending pop art, graffiti, and social activism. What made his bold, energetic figures and symbols so universally appealing? Haring’s work, characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, addressed pressing issues including AIDS awareness. From subway stations to museums, Haring’s art continues to inspire and provoke thought decades after his untimely death.

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, June 27 @ 7pm

Watch Manon des Sources

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:

Sensory Bin Exploration

Mondays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 10:30-11:30 AM

Bring your little ones to enjoy an open play sensory bin exploration! Every Monday morning will feature a new theme, offering hands-on fun for children ages 2–6.

Dungeons and Dragons: Grad Campaign

Monday, June 2 @ 4:30—6:00 PM

Calling all young adventurers! Continue your Dungeons & Dragons journey in our 4-week (bi-weekly) workshop designed for kids who have already completed the intro session. With the guidance of an experienced Dungeon Master, participants will deepen their understanding of character development, advanced gameplay strategies, and collaborative storytelling. Each session will build on existing skills, empowering kids to take on more complex challenges and even start running their own campaigns. Space is very limited, and registration is required.

Messy Art Storytime

Thursdays, June 5, 12, 26 @10:30-11:15 AM

Join Miss Paige for storytime and messy, hands-on fun! Each week, children ages 2–6 will enjoy a new art project that lets their creativity shine. Dress for a mess and get ready to create! No registration required.

Clocktown Rockers! 

*For ages 2-5 with a caregiver

Friday, June 6 @ 10:30—11:00 AM

Friday, June 13 @ 10:30—11:00 AM

Friday, June 27 @ 10:30—11:00 AM

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.

Intro to Dungeons & Dragons 

*For ages 8-12

Monday, June 9 @ 4:30—6:00 PM

Calling all young adventurers! Join our 4-week (bi-weekly) Dungeons & Dragons workshop and embark on an exciting journey into the world of role-playing games. With the guidance of an experienced Dungeon Master, beginners will learn the basics of character creation, storytelling, and gameplay. Each session will build skills and confidence, with the goal of empowering kids to launch and run their own campaigns. No prior experience needed—just bring your imagination and a sense of adventure! Space is very limited and registration is required.

Little Picassos Outside! 

*for grades K-6

Tuesday, June 10 @ 4:30—5:30 PM

Tuesday, June 24 @ 4:30—5:30 PM

Calling all budding artists! Join Miss Kayla for this special summer edition of Little Picassos Club where we’ll be taking our messy and creative fun outside into the sunshine! We’ll work on different mixed media projects each week, ranging from outdoor painting to nature collages and so much more. Registration required.

Pokémon Club 

*for grades 2-6

Tuesday, June 17 @ 6:30—7:30 PM

Are you a Pokémon master? Kids in grades 2-6 are welcome to join us for our NEW and exciting Pokémon Club! We’ll watch episodes of the anime, work on crafts, play games, talk about our favorite Pokémon—you might even get a chance to show off your card collection! Come hang out and make new Pokémon friends. Registration required.

Game On! Magic Show 

*for families

Monday, June 23 @ 3:00—4:00 PM

Farmer’s Market Field

Mike Bent performs his “wonderfully wacky and outrageously funny” magic show to kick off Ashland’s summer vacation! Make sure to stop by the children’s room to grab your Reading Dragons club packet and stock up on reading for the ensuing lazy days of summer! Registration required.

Jell-O Slime!

Tuesday, June 24 @3:00-4:00 PM

Love making slime? Come to the Children’s Program Room and create your own taste-safe Jell-O slime to show off to friends and family! This hands-on program is perfect for kids ages 6–12.

Lego Club with Kim the Lego Lady 

*Grades K-3

Wednesday, June 25 @ 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. 

Clay Monsters

Wednesday, June 25 @ 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

Join us for a fun and creative program where you’ll bring your wildest monster ideas to life! Get your hands dirty and unleash your imagination as you create a unique creature to put on display at the library using air-dry clay. This program is perfect for ages 6-12. Registration is required.

Dragons Love Tacos Taco Party 

*for families

Thursday, June 26 @ 2:00—3:00 PM

If you, like us, are a fan of Adam Rubin’s wonderful picture book Dragons Love Tacos, we welcome you to join us for our first-ever Dragons Love Tacos Taco Party! We’ll read the story, participate in fun games and activities, and of course, get to enjoy some (dessert) tacos. This event will be outdoors if weather permits. Registration required.

Minecraft Escape Quest 

*for grades 3-6

Friday, June 27 @ 2:00—2:45 PM

Friday, June 27 @ 3:00—3:45 PM

Do you love Minecraft AND solving puzzles? Then our Minecraft Escape Quest will be right up your alley! Work together with other kids to solve a Minecraft-themed mystery and receive a special prize at the end.

This is an escape room-style program best suited for kids in grades 3-6. Registration required. **Please note: the 2:00 and 3:00 sessions are exactly the same, so please only register for ONE session.**

Mini Marvels: Comics Workshop 

*for Ages 5-8

Saturday, June 28 @ 2:00—3:00 PM

Do you love comics and graphic novels? Want to learn how to make your own? In this workshop, you’ll get to put the finishing touches on the comics you’ve been working on throughout the previous sessions! This is a beginners workshop intended for kids ages 5-8.

This comics workshop will be happening once monthly leading up to July for our inaugural Ashland Library Kids Comics Fest. Each month, kids can add to what they’ve been working on, and their finished work can be displayed at the fest. Registration required.

Minecraft Interactive Movie 

*for families

Monday, June 30 @ 1:00—3:00 PM

Join us for an afternoon at the movies with an interactive showing of the hit film A Minecraft Movie (2025)! Come enjoy the movie in an extra-special way through hands-on fun during certain scenes. Bring your own blankets to sit on and we’ll provide the interactive goodies. Registration is 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, June 14 @ 10:30—11:00 AM

Saturday, June 21 @ 10:30—11:00 AM

Saturday, June 28 @ 10:30—11:00 AM

Project ABC Play, Learn, and Grow Group 

*for Ages 0 to 5

Tuesdays at 11am through June 10th

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

The program ends for the season on 06/10.

Teen:

Teen Makers Club

Thursday, June 12 @ 6pm

Join us for our 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! 

Comic Workshop 

*FOR TWEENS AGES 8-11*

Monday, June 16 @ 4:00pm

Learn or refine your art of making comics with a series of workshops featuring guest teacher, Adam Kane! Sign up for one or all! Each workshop will be newcomer friendly, but feature a different aspect of comic book making.

Comic Workshop 

*FOR TEENS AGES 12-15*

Monday, June 16 @ 5:00pm

Learn or refine your art of making comics with a series of workshops featuring guest teacher, Adam Kane! Sign up for one or all! Each workshop will be newcomer friendly, but feature a different aspect of comic book making.

Teen Advisory Board

Wednesday, June 4 @ 5:00—6:00 PM

The Teen Advisory Board will meet monthly to discuss what YOU think the library can provide to local teens. Plan events and make crafts that go along with them! Community service hours are offered.

Friends of the Ashland Public Library 2-Day Book Sale

Friday, June 13 @ 5:30—7:30 PM

Saturday, June 14 @ 9:30 AM—3:00 PM

The Friends of the Ashland Public Library invite you to their Big 2-Day Book Sale on June 13th and 14th!

The sale includes thousands of titles, organized by genre and author, with a special section for children’s books. 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.

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!

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.