The library will be closed Monday, Oct. 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day.

Featured this month:

Historical Fiction Swag Bag Online Auction!

Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. - Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m.

The Friends of the Ashland Library are having another awesome online auction! It’s a Swag Bag Auction with contributions from more than 60 of the best historical fiction authors out there! In keeping with our values of literacy and diversity, we have authors from many sub-genres including mystery, gothic, literary, diverse, military, ancient, young adult, LGBTQ and so many others. There is something for every historical fiction reader!

Check out all of the items on our preview page that will be up for grabs starting on Oct. 8!

All auctions open on ebay on Wed. Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. ET.

In Person - Ashland Arts & Film Festival with Culture x Community

Saturday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m - 2 p.m.

The Ashland Public Library is thrilled to be partnering with Culture x Community for the first ever Young Artists Arts and Film Festival! This is a special one as we celebrate Ashland’s young creators, including neurodivergent artists. Young artists are invited to submit work or request category details at [email protected].

Halloween Trick-or-Treating

Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

 We're excited to partner with Ashland Town Hall for this annual event! Come to the library between 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. for a trick or treat. We'll have something for everyone both in the children's room and upstairs by the circulation desk. All are welcome to play. Can't wait to see your costumes!

Adult:

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

In Person - Women's Wisdom Circle: Cultivating an Abundance Mindset

Thursday, Oct. 9 at 6 - 7:30 p.m.

For this session Paula Topliffe will  lead a discussion on Cultivating an Abundance Mindset and letting go of scarcity fears - because, even if we don't have a lot of money, we can find abundance in so many aspects of our lives!

Virtual - Dealing with Coins and Currency

Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.

Most households and estates include a variety of Coins & Currency. Some have considerably more value than others, but how can you tell which is which? This program will help those who are dealing with coins & currency.

In Person - Mystery Book Club

Friday, Oct. 10 at 12 p.m.

Read The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths.

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.

Watch Return to Dust (Kanopy)

In Person - Historical Fiction Book Club

Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m.

Read Last Twilight in Paris by Pan Jenoff

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

Tuesday, Oct. 14 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 - Mysterious Massachusetts with Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe

Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

Every state has its ghost stories, but no other state has the Dover Demon or the Salem Witch Trials. From sea-side ghosts, to UFOs over the Berkshires, Massachusetts has a rich history of paranormal legend, odd events, and strange denizens. In this workshop, we have a look at some of the most famous of Massachusetts paranormal, cryptozoological, and plain weird incidents throughout the state’s history.

Virtual - Thriller/Horror Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @redreadreviews

Tuesday, Oct.14 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!

In Person - Bio/Memoir Book Club

Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m.

Read All the beauty in the world by Patrick Bringley

In Person - Half-Past Crafts

Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

This month we will be needle-felting cute and easy pumpkins!

Virtual - Great American Unsung Heroes Who Changed The Course Of History - Edith Nourse Rogers

Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7 - 8:15 p.m.

Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers championed the enactment of the G.I. Bill of Rights, which had the single greatest effect on the American way of life. Learn about this remarkable woman, in a Congress dominated by men, who by sheer force of will, pluck and hard work, accomplished so much for so many Americans.

Virtual - Women's Fiction Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Kristan Higgins

Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 - 7 p.m.

Love Women's Fiction but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author, Kristan Higgins (and Ashland fave!), quarterly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - the best of women's fiction out there!

In Person - Great Decisions

Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Discuss Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead

Virtual - Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @sometimesleelynnreads

Thursday, Oct. 16 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!

In Person - Card Making with Jan Poppendieck

Monday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Come join us for an evening of card making with Jan. We will learn stamping and card making techniques using our huge stash of supplies. Jan will teach embossing, die cutting, proper stamping, and use of equipment individually and group techniques of creating unique cards.

Virtual - Revolutionary Whiskey - History and Recs of American Whiskeys with Travis Ireland

Monday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.

We're excited to welcome Travis Ireland back to discuss the best American whiskeys to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War! You may be surprised at how many wonderful whiskeys made right here in the good old U.S. of A.! Learn a bit of history and BYO to do a virtual taste test with Travis, who will be recommending some of his favorites.

In Person - Cook Book Club 

Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m.

Cook from The Book On Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies by Erin Jeanne McDowell

Virtual - Great Performers: Edith Piaf with Clint Edwards

Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.

Considered the greatest of all the French chanteuses, Edith Piaf rose from the streets of Paris to the top of the world's great stages. Take a deep dive into several of her most memorable songs, seeing how her personal life and story were reflected in her music.

In Person - Cider Tasting and Fall Reading Discussion

Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

If you love books and cider and additions to your TBR pile, join us for this special evening of relaxing, discussion, and all the flavors! This program is for adults 18+ and does require registration (so we have plenty of drinks - and maybe even some apple cider donuts! -  to go around .

Virtual - The Life & Career Of Harrison Ford

Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7 - 8:30 p.m.

From Bob Falfa and Han Solo to Indiana Jones, Rick Deckard, and Jack Ryan, Harrison Ford is one globe-trotting space cowboy who left an indelible mark on multiple generations of moviegoers worldwide. Enjoy a look at the life and career of this Academy Award-nominated actor.

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.

Watch After the Storm (Kanopy)

Virtual - Q&A with Mystery (and Romance) writer, Sherry Thomas

Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

Oh, my gosh, how perfect is this! As a longtime fan of Sherry Thomas, we are thrilled to be in conversation with her for her new book, The Librarians -  murder disrupts the routine for four quirky librarians who hide among books to keep their secrets in this mystery from USA Today bestselling author Sherry Thomas. What do we love more than quirky librarians? Not much! We hope you can join us for what we know will be a fantastic discussion of Sherry's roots as a romance writer, moving to mysteries, and where she is currently in writing and publishing.

In Person - Parenting Book Club

Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6 - 7:30 p.m.

We hope all parents can join us for this important discussion on The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired by Daniel J. Siegel M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson. We're excited to have Kerri Smith, of The Well Resourced Parent back with us to moderate the conversation. Demonstrating that mistakes and missteps are repairable and that it’s never too late to mend broken trust, this book is a powerful guide to cultivating your child’s healthy emotional landscape.

Virtual - Human(ish) with Justin Gregg

Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

Drawing on cutting-edge research from his new book Humanish (Little, Brown, 2025), Justin explores our universal tendency to see human-like qualities in everything around us—and shows how understanding this bias can transform our relationships with animals, technology, and each other.

Virtual - "The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto" with Historian Elizabeth R. Hyman

Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

In The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto: The True Story of Five Courageous Young Women Who Sparked an Uprising, Holocaust historian Elizabeth Hyman introduces five young, courageous Polish Jewish women—known as “the girls” by the leadership of the resistance and “bandits” by their Nazi oppressors—who were central to the Jewish resistance as fighters, commanders, couriers, and smugglers. Join us as Elizabeth shares this extraordinary, important, and heretofore hidden history with us.

Virtual - Embroidered Coats Of Arms In An Age of Revolution with Historic New England

Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.

Survey the history of embroidered coats of arms created in Boston in the late eighteenth century. More than an accomplishment of a genteel education, heraldic needlework was created by young women to document their family genealogy, a practice that endured through war, exile, and independence. Enjoy stories about needlework, women, family, and legacy in an age of Revolution.

Virtual - Art on Thursday: The Swirling World of Art Nouveau

Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 - 8:15 p.m.

This program explores the key characteristics of Art Nouveau and delves into Alphonse Mucha's masterful works, uncovering how his distinctive style influenced not only graphic design but also the architecture and interior decor of the era.

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: All month:

Halloween Costume Swap

Started Monday, Sept. 29 and on going to Friday, Oct. 31.

Calling all mini ghouls and goblins! Join our month-long Halloween Costume Swap just for kids! Bring in those outgrown costumes and take home new ones to complete your spooktacular look. Whether you're on the hunt for a magical princess dress or a dashing superhero cape, this is your chance to refresh your costume collection and share the Halloween spirit. Drop off old favorites and pick up exciting new ones all month long—because every kid deserves to be their favorite character!

Special Programs:

Dungeons & Dragons: The Next Campaign *for ages 8-12

Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Calling all young adventurers! Join the next campaign of Dungeons & Dragons and embark on an exciting journey into the world of role-playing games. With the guidance of an experienced Dungeon Master, beginners will continue to learn the basics of character creation, storytelling, and gameplay. Each week will build skills and confidence, with the goal of empowering kids to launch and run their own campaigns. You must have attended September’s Build Your Character workshop and Beginner’s Q&A (if you are completely new to this) in order to participate in this campaign. Space is very limited and registration is required.

Coding Class for Kids *for grades K-5

Saturday, Oct. 11 at 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25 at 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.

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

Spooky Mothman Storytime! *for families

Saturday, Oct. 11 at 2 - 2:45 p.m.

Come celebrate the spooky season with a celebration themed around everybody's favorite cryptid—Mothman! We'll start by reading Andrew Shaffer's delightful picture book Mothman's Happy Cryptid Halloween and finish off with a simple and fun Mothman-themed craft. For families. No registration required!

Graphic Novel Book Club Jr. *for grades 1-2

Thursday, Oct. 16 at 4:15 - 5 p.m.

Do you love graphic novels? Join our Graphic Novel Book Club Jr. for grades 1-2! Each month, we'll read and discuss a new graphic novel in a fun, relaxed environment. If you enjoy reading, love visual storytelling, or are just curious to try something new, this is the club for you! Registration required.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book Release Party! *for families

Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Zoo-wee-mama! The twentieth installment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series releases on Oct. 21, and to get excited, we're throwing an awesome Wimpy Kid party! Come hang out with other Wimpy Kid fans, play games, participate in trivia, and so much more. For families. Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. no registration required!

LEGO Club with Kim *for grades K-3

Monday, Oct. 20 at 4:30 - 5:30 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! For kids in grades K-3. Registration is required and space is limited.

Pokémon Club *for grades 2-6

Tuesday, Oct. 21 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.

Graphic Novel Book Club *for grades 3-6

Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Get ready for a graphic adventure like no other! Join our Graphic Novel Book Club for kids in grades 3 thru 6, and 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 and registration is required.

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

Monday, Oct. 27 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!

The Great Pumpkin-a-Thon! *for families

Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 1 - 2 p.m.

Come join us for a scary good time with a showing of the heartwarming Halloween classic It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! After watching the movie, stick around to decorate a miniature pumpkin of your own with paint markers and other goodies. For families. Space and supplies are limited, so registration is required!

Little Crafters *for ages 0-5 with a caregiver

Thursday, Oct. 30 at 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Come join the Ashland Moms Club for this storytime, where little hands get to explore big ideas! We'll start with a sweet and lively storytime, followed by a simple craft that’s perfect for curious minds. Bring your imagination, and let’s make some colorful memories together! For families with children ages 0-5. No registration required.

Halloween Party! *for families

Thursday, Oct. 30 at 2 - 4 p.m.

School’s out early—come celebrate spooky season at the library! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of Halloween fun. Show off your costumes, dance to festive tunes, enjoy tasty treats, make a spook-tacular craft, and play games together. Registration required.

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 and 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 and 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 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:

Halloween Bash *for ages 12 to 18

Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6 - 8 p.m.

Welcome back to the Halloween Bash! Join us for more fun and frights this year as the Bash returns with more crafts, snacks, and of course, the haunted trail! More details to come.