The library will be closed Saturday, Aug. 30 - Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day Weekend.

Adult:

Visit our Website Calendar for Additional Info & Registration links: https://tinyurl.com/apl-calendars

In Person - Front Street Readers Book Club

Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Read Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Virtual - Women of the Stars with Bill Thierfelder

Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.

This program explores the lives and accomplishments of 12 remarkable women astronomers from ancient times to the present. We’ll look at early scientists like Hypatia who was assassinated for her daring ideas, the extraordinary women of the Harvard Observatory in the 1890s, and 20th and 21st century trailblazers like Vera Rubin, Nancy Roman, and Jill Tarter.

In Person - Mah Jongg

Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.

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, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Read What the Wild Sea Can Be by Helen Scales

In Person - Photography Challenge

Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Do you enjoy taking photographs? Would you like to share your photographs and the stories behind them with other people? If you answered yes and yes, then this program may be for you. Think of it as show and tell for shutter bugs. Whether you snap photos with your smart phone or carry special lenses for your DSLR, you are welcome.

Virtual - Quaking Bogs & Fens of Massachusetts with Mass Audubon

Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.

Scattered amongst the better-known habitats of the Commonwealth are the little-explored regions of quaking bogs and peaty-soiled fens. Sunken in the lowest contours of the landscape, these habitats' unique features include carnivorous plants, flood water absorbing sphagnum moss, showy orchids, and blueberries and cranberries. Because decomposition happens so slowly, the soil and water in bogs are very acidic which creates an opportunity for specialized species to thrive. Learn where to discover the intrigue of these fascinating habitats close to home.

HYBRID - Romance Book Club

Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Read an African American/Black Romance

Virtual - Declutter series with Jamie Novak: How to Make Fall Cleaning and Holiday Prep Easy

Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Log on for this month’s declutter club zoom when decluttering humorist Jamie Novak shares her shortcuts for fall cleaning and what to do now to prepare for the holidays. Plus, the one thing she ALWAYS does in advance. Then join the live guided tidy-up for a quick jumpstart!

In Person - Card Making with Jan Poppendieck

Monday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

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

Virtual - Author Heather Wolf Discusses: The Colors of Birds - Beauty and/or Evolutionary Advantage?

Monday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

Join Heather Wolf, one of our very favorite speakers and author of Find More Birds: 111 Surprising Ways to Spot Birds Wherever You Are and Birding at the Bridge: In Search of Every Bird on the Brooklyn Waterfront, as she shares her beautiful images of colorful birds - just in time for the Fall colors! We'll discuss the birds, their colors, the purpose of their colorful feathers, as well as any evolutionary advantages they may have because of their coats.

NEW In Person - Historical Fiction Book Club

Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. –12 p.m.

Read The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

In Person: Dungeons & Dragons Four session Game

Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

D&D isn't just for kids! Join us for this 4 session series to learn, play, and conquer! Space is limited to 5 and we ask that you commit to all four sessions so all can go through the campaign together.

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

Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 – 7 p.m.

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 - Whole Grains for Everyday with Empty Nest Kitchen

Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

Whole Grains are simple to incorporate into your dinners if you know the tips, tricks, and how to coax maximum flavor. We'll be preparing Farro Bowls and Fall Harvest Quinoa.

Virtual - Thriller/Horror Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @redreadreviews

Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 7:30–8 p.m.

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

Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6 – 6:30 p.m.

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!

Virtual - Fall Photography: Capture the Beauty of Autumn's Amazing Colors with Deborah Tual

Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.

There's more to taking stunning photos of fall's beautiful colors than pressing the shutter button. Join Deborah Tual, our favorite iPhone and Photography aficionado, to learn pro tips on how to get the most of your fall foliage photos, such as the best time of day, location, light and lighting, camera/phone settings, composition, and color. For all skill levels and for all cameras and smartphones.

Virtual - Bill Gette: Bhutan - The Kingdom in the Clouds, Land of Dragons

Thursday, Sept. 11 at 1 – 2:15 p.m.

Bill will discuss his many exciting adventures in Bhutan (e.g., going over Thrumsingla at 12,402 feet above sea level in a blinding snow storm) and share photos of beautiful wildlife (e.g., Blood Pheasant, Gould’s Sunbird, Gray Langur), magnificent scenery, and inspirational religious art and architecture (e.g., Chendebji Chorten, Punakha Dzong, “Tiger’s Nest”).

In Person - Women's Wisdom Circle: Life Happens: Handling Transition like a Pro

Thursday, Sept. 11 at 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Welcome to our Women's Wisdom Circle! This is a place for all women, including cis and trans women, to gather and talk about issues that matter to them! For this session Paula Topliffe will  lead a discussion on handling transition and change - because life happens and we need to roll with it!

Virtual - Dealing with Original Art and Fine Art Prints

Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.

Art is arguably today’s hottest market and we’ll help you to navigate it. We’ll show you how to identify Oils, Watercolors, Pastels, Engravings, Etchings, Lithographs, Limited Edition Prints, much more. 

Virtual - The Golden Age of Hollywood with Brian Rose

Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.

This presentation will examine the forces that made Hollywood the giant of global film-making and the special nature of its achievements during its Golden Age, including discussions of studio politics and economics, the star system, and the nature of the movie-going experience. There will also be an analysis of why this period was so short-lived and of Hollywood's desperate attempts, beginning in the 1950s, to recapture its faded glory.

In Person - Mystery Book Club 

Friday, Sept.12 at 12 p.m.

Read Digital Fortress by Dan Brown

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. 

Watch The Butterfly (Kanopy)

Virtual - Debut Romantasy Author Alysha Rameera Discusses Her Soul for a Crown

Monday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.

We are so excited to be in conversation with debut author, Alysha Rameera! Her new book, Her Soul for a Crown sounds absolutely fascinating and unique - an epic, slow-burn romantasy inspired by Sri Lankan mythology follows a fierce orphaned young woman with an affinity for poisons and revenge who would do anything to end the reign of heartless rajas—even sell her soul to the most dangerous cursed god of all—the Blood Yakka, Reeri. We hope you can join us to cheer on Alysha, learn about her book, and the inspiration behind it.

In Person - Cook Book Club

Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m.

Cook from The Forest Feast Road Trip by Erin Gleeson 

Virtual - Great Performers: Ray Charles with Clint Edwards

Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.

Join perennial favorite presenter Clint Edwards to explore the life and music of Ray Charles, one of America's great musical icons. From his early days in the south, overcoming a punishingly poor situation, to his greatest musical successes, we'll discover how Ray conquered his blindness, rose to success, and battled substance abuse.

In Person - Bio/Memoir Book Club

Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m.

Read Last to Eat, Last to Learn by Pashtana Durrani

Virtual - Democracy Talks: Your Brain on ChatGPT

Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.

Does using ChatGPT and AI have a cost on our brain cognition? A new study from MIT found the answer could be yes. Hear from lead researcher and professor Dr. Nataliya Kosmyna of MIT Media Lab about this groundbreaking study and its implications.

Virtual - "Vacations Can Be Murder" with True Crime in New England Author, Dawn M. Barclay

Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.

We love local history and true crime so we're thrilled to be chatting with author Dawn M. Barclay about her book, Vacations Can Be Murder: A True Crime Lover’s Travel Guide to New England. Learn all about the haunted happenings in our own backyards and, then, plan a trip to visit them all! What could be better as we head into spooky season?

Virtual - Great American Unsung Heroes Who Changed The Course Of History – Juanita Moody

Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 – 8:15 p.m.

Learn about Juanita Moody, the National Security Analyst who helped save America from nuclear disaster.

Virtual - Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America

Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.

Award-winning environmental journalist Sharon Udasin traces the ugly history of corporate greed, military impunity, and community devastation, based on her original reporting in four highly contaminated locations. Learn about how the people, who were also fighting for their own lives, took action to fix a broken regulatory system. Sharon will offer room for hope by shedding light on the science that is now breaking down bonds that were once deemed unbreakable.

In Person - Great Decisions

Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.

Discuss AI and American National Security

Virtual - A Photographic Journey Through the Canadian Rockies

Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

Join photographer Bruce Magnuson on a journey through one of North America’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Spanning three Canadian National Parks: Banff, Yoho and Jasper, this presentation will touch on the geography, history and raw beauty of this rugged terrain.

Virtual - Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @sometimesleelynnreads

Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 – 8 p.m.

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! 

Virtual - Cooking Demo with Heidi McIndoo: Sloppy Joes and Deep Dish Cookie Pie

Monday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

Just in time for the Fall, comfort food for the soul! Learn how to make Sloppy Joes and Deep Dish Cookie Pies with our favorite chef, Heidi McIndoo! And, with yummy, nutritious food like this, there's no guilt in having dessert first!

Virtual - Jane Austen’s Sanditon: From Unfinished Swan Song to British Costume Drama

Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

Commemorating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday on Dec. 16, 2025, join author, former UK resident, and Anglophile Claire Evans for a look at Austen’s final, unfinished manuscript and its path from family heirloom to a fully imagined costume drama, airing on American PBS. Learn about the real-life people and locations that informed Austen’s last work before her untimely death at age 41, as well as how the seeds of her ideas came to life on the small screen.

Virtual - From Carson To Oprah To Stephen Colbert – A History Of The TV Talk Show

Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.

From its start in the early 1950s, the talk show has been one of television’s most versatile and durable formats. Explore the fascinating history of the television talk show, and examine its changing appeal from decade to decade.

Virtual - "Feral and Hysterical" with Horror Author, Sadie Hartmann, chatting with @redreadreviews

Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.

You all know that we LOVE horror around here and what better for the season than a conversation with @mother_horror author Sadie Hartmann with our favorite horror book recommender, @redreadreviews?! Sadie's book, Feral and Hysterical: Mother Horror’s Ultimate Reading Guide to Dark and Disturbing Fiction by Women takes a close look at horror stories written by and/or featuring women. What could be more fun?

Virtual - Art on Thursday: Impossible Realities: The Art of M.C. Escher

Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7–8:15 p.m.

This program will explore M.C. Escher's life, his unique artistic vision, and the mathematical concepts that underpin his most famous works, offering a glimpse into the imagination of one of the 20th century's most innovative artists.

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.

Watch Yomeddine (Kanopy)

In Person - Mini Indie Romance Fest: Blair Babylon, Kate Canterbary, & M.A. Wardell!

Saturday, Sept. 27 at 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

We love romance writers and we love mini-fests! We're so excited to welcome this amazing slate of authors to the Ashland Library - Blair Babylon, Kate Canterbary, and M.A. Wardell! They are all indie published (at least to start) so we'll be chatting about the benefits and challenges of being self-pubbed. We'll have an afternoon of fun with a panel discussion, a short and hilarious game of Romance Jeopardy, and book sales/signings! We can't wait to see you!

Virtual - Who REALLY Wrote Shakespeare? with Author and Historian David Kruh

Monday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.

Who Really Wrote Shakespeare? The doubts have been around for over 300 years. Hear the story of one man's search for the "real" author of the works attributed to William Shakespeare and how - in a stunning piece of historical irony - that search played a role in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 

Virtual - The Politics of Chocolate with Cocoa Beantown

Tuesday, Sept.30 at 7 p.m.

It’s hard not to smile when there’s chocolate nearby, but behind the deep, rich taste, there’s a whole world of serious (and fascinating) issues. Dive into the world of chocolate, exploring its entanglements with child labor, its aspirations with women-owned cooperatives and the Fair Trade movement, and its intrigues, including corporate espionage.

Adult Weekly:

Knit and Crochet Club

Mondays at 6 p.m.

Walk-In

Gentle Yoga

Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Registration Required

ESL Conversation Group

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. 

Walk-In

Children: Special Programs

Pokémon Club *for grades 2-6

Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Are you a Pokémon master? Kids in grades 2-6 are welcome to join us for our exciting Pokémon Club! This is a low-key hangout space, where kids can come together to share their card collections, watch episodes of the Pokémon anime, and participate in passive activities. Come hang out and make new Pokémon friends! Registration required.

Grandparents' Day Celebration *for families

Saturday, Sept. 6 at 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Sept. 7 is Grandparents’ Day! Celebrate a day early by bringing Grandma and Grandpa (or both) to the library for heartwarming stories and a fun craft. For families. No registration required.

Little Picassos Club *for grades 2-5

Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.

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.

Back to School Craft: DIY Beaded Keychains *for grades 2-6

Friday, Sept. 12 at 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.

Welcome the new school year by creating a unique keychain to hang off of your backpack! We’ll have a fun selection of colorful string and beads available for whatever your mind can dream up. For kids in grades 2-6. Registration required.

Dungeons & Dragons Q&A Session *for ages 8-12

Wednesday, Sept.17 at 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Are you curious about the mystical and magical world of Dungeons & Dragons? Look no further than our beginner-friendly Q&A session! Led by an experienced dungeon master, this is the perfect opportunity to quench your curiosity and get your questions answered about getting started with this wonderful interactive fantasy game. Space is limited and registration is required.

Pirate Party *for families

Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ahoy, maties! September 19 is National Talk Like a Pirate Day, so we’re celebrating in swashbuckling style with a Pirate Party of epic proportions. Join us throughout the day on Saturday for a treasure hunt, crafts, games, a pirate dance party, and so much more. Costumes encouraged! For families. Drop in, no registration required.

Lego Club with Kim the Lego Lady *Grades K-3

Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 4:30 p.m.

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. 

Dungeons & Dragons: Build Your Character  *for ages 8-12

Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

One of the most exciting parts about starting a Dungeons & Dragons campaign is designing your own fantasy character! With the help of an experienced dungeon master, you’ll craft a character from beginning to end. Will yours be a druid, a paladin, a sorcerer, or something else? Space is limited and registration is required.

DIY Library Card Holders  *for grades K-6

Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2 – 2:45 p.m.

Did you know that September is Library Card Sign-Up Month? Stop on by to create and decorate your own library card holder to keep your card safe! While you’re here, you can ask one of our friendly librarians about everything your library card can do for you. For kids of all ages. Registration required.

Juntos en la Biblioteca: Actividades en Español en Familia *for families | para familias

Monday, Sept. 29 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Los invitamos a disfrutar en familia de una sesión de actividades en español en la biblioteca. En “Juntos en la Biblioteca,” ofreceremos la oportunidad de creer lazos fuertes en comunidad, ¡todo en español! | Join us for family activities in Spanish at the library! Through "Juntos en la Biblioteca" (Together at the Library), we're creating a space to strengthen community ties and connect, entirely in Spanish!

Weekly Storytimes:

Tuesday Clocktown Rockers! *For ages 2-5 with a caregiver

Tuesdays at 10:30 – 11 a.m.

Join us for a high-energy music & movement session filled with dancing to favorite kids' songs, hands-on fun with instruments and props, and a lively storytime. It’s a joyful way to boost early literacy and build key skills like focus, memory, and self-control—all while having a blast! Designed for ages 2–5 with a caregiver. No registration needed—just drop in and dance it out! 

Friday Clocktown Rockers! *For ages 2-5 with a caregiver

Fridays at 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Join us for a high-energy music & movement session filled with dancing to favorite kids' songs, hands-on fun with instruments and props, and a lively storytime. It’s a joyful way to boost early literacy and build key skills like focus, memory, and self-control—all while having a blast! Designed for ages 2–5 with a caregiver. No registration needed—just drop in and dance it out!

Mother Goose on the Loose *For ages 0-3 with a caregiver

Wednesdays at 10:30 –11:00 a.m.

Join us for Mother Goose on the Loose—an award-winning early literacy program designed especially for babies and toddlers (ages 0–3) and their caregivers. This interactive storytime is packed with songs, rhymes, puppets, musical instruments, and playful movement. We’ll build early learning skills while having tons of fun together. No registration needed—just drop in and join the fun!

Saturday Stories *for ages 2-5 with a caregiver

Saturdays at 10:30 – 11 a.m.

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.  

Recurring Weekly
Programs:

Project ABC: Play, Learn & Grow *for ages 0-5

Mondays at 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Join the Metrowest YMCA in partnership with the Early Childhood Alliance of Ashland & Framingham for a fun and interactive experience designed just for little ones aged 5 and under! Their Play, Learn & Grow program is the perfect way to get your child ready for school and socializing with new friends. Packed with creative activities, playful learning, and joyful moments, this structured program will help your child build confidence and get excited about their educational journey. 

Registration is required, and is found on their website: https://www.projectabc.org/

Teen:

Back to School Survival: Supplies Decorating Party

Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6 – 7 p.m.

Join us to unbox, show off, and decorate your school supplies! Bring your own supplies or decorate some we provide with stickers, washi tape, and more! Registration is requested, but walk-ins welcome.

This event is for ages 12 to 18.

5 Things You Probably Don't Know About College Admissions

Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

For more than two decades, Sally Phelps has worked with young people in finding their next steps in life, and is now focused on helping them identify and pursue the college that is right for them. She can help teens unlock their full potential and go after their dream school with confidence. In this session, Sally will review the basics of the college admissions process, timeline and things to be thinking about. After the session, Sally is available to work with your sophomore or junior in creating a plan that will take you all through the process, including your teen’s motivating factors, career interests, school selection, essay ideas and on to completion of the successful application. Teens and parents are welcome. Space is limited. Registration Required.

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

Saturday, Sept. 6 at 9:30 – 1 p.m.

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 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. 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.