Library Closed:

Veterans’ Day - Tuesday, Nov. 11

Thanksgiving - Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 1 p.m., Nov. 27 and 28. Visit our Website Calendar for Additional Info & Registration links: https://tinyurl.com/apl-calendars

Adult

Fixit Clinic

Saturday, Nov. 1 from 1 - 3 p.m.

Fixit Clinic is an all-ages, do-it-together activity where people bring broken household items and learn how to assess, disassemble, and repair them instead of sending them to landfills. 

Virtual - "The Invention of Charlotte Brontë" with Author Graham Watson: Take Two! Monday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.

This time, we'll delve deeper into the primary sources - the manuscripts and letters - that informed Graham's book The Invention of Charlotte Brontë: A New Life. 

Virtual - The History of the Flying Santa of the Lighthouses, 1929-2025, with Jeremy D'Entremont

Monday, Nov. 3 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

Founded by Maine pilot Bill Wincapaw and later carried on by historian Edward Rowe Snow until 1980, the tradition now continues through the nonprofit Friends of Flying Santa. Volunteers dedicate thousands of hours each year to helicopter flights bringing holiday cheer to Coast Guard families from Maine to New York.

In Person - Front Street Readers Book Club

Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Read The Champagne Letters by Kate MacIntosh.

Virtual - Quakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis with Bill Thierfelder

Tuesday, Nov 4 at 7 p.m.

We’ll look at the causes of earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis and how tectonic movement changes our globe across time and explore cutting-edge technology that’s being used to predict when and where the next event might occur.

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

Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 6:30 - 7 p.m.

Join bestselling author, Jane Healey (and Ashland fave!), monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations!

Virtual - Thriller/Horror Book Recs with Jody Blanchette

Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 7:30 - 8 p.m.

Join Jody Blanchette (aka atredreadreviews), monthly, for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations.

In Person - Mah Jongg

Wednesday, Nov. 5 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. 

Virtual - Environmental Book Club

Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Read American Poison: A Deadly Invention and the Woman Who Battled for Environmental Justice by Daniel Stone.

Virtual - Wild Turkeys in Massachusetts w/Mass Audubon

Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.

Learn some natural and cultural turkey history as well as the conservation needs of these native birds.

Virtual - Art & World War II - Hitler’s Cultural Ambitions and Nazi Theft

Thursday, Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m.

Learn more about Nazi exhibitions of so-called “degenerate art,” theft from European churches, museums, and private collections, as well as the challenge of restoring works to their rightful heirs today.

In Person - Paint Night with Ashwini Chitnavis

Thursday, Nov. 6 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

We welcome Ashwini Chitnavis to host this session where you learn to paint on canvas.

Virtual - Declutter series with Jamie Novak: How to Catch Up Before the Holidays

Thursday, Nov. 6 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Log on for this month’s declutter club Zoom when decluttering humorist Jamie Novak shares simple steps to catch up before the busy holiday season. 

Virtual - Fact & Fiction: The Art of British Spycraft with Claire Evans

Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

Author, former UK resident, and Anglophile Claire Evans recounts her visit to Bletchley Park, the once top-secret hub of codebreakers vital to Allied intelligence during WWII. 

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.

Watch The Rules of the Game (Kanopy)

In Person - New England Native Flora with Gretel Anspach

Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 - 11:15 a.m.

This presentation focuses on the plants native to our region which will be easier to maintain, better able to withstand New England weather, and may offer better resistance to deer and rabbits. 

In Person - Card Making with Jan Poppendieck

Monday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Learn stamping and card-making techniques. Jan will teach embossing, die cutting, proper stamping, and equipment use.

Virtual - Job Search Help - How to Create a Standout Resume

Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

This session will cover current resume best practices, including tips about what information to include and what to leave off, as well as formatting and content guidelines to enhance your experience.

In Person - Bio/Memoir Book Club

Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m.

Read Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa.

HYBRID - Romance Book Club

Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Read an Indigenous Romance

Virtual - The Life & Career Of Meryl Streep

Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

From frothy musicals like Mamma Mia! to sober dramas like Sophie's Choice and Doubt, enjoy a look at the life and career of this "screen queen" who shows no signs of slowing down.

Virtual - Her Art - The Legacy of Women Artists Through the Ages, Part 2

Thursday, Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m.

Delve into the significant but often overlooked contributions of women artists throughout history. 

Virtual - Bill Gette: Costa Rica - The Pacific Lowlands

Thursday, Nov. 13 from 1 - 2:15 p.m.

In November 2023, Bill Gette traveled to the Central American country of Costa Rica to explore the Pacific lowlands and photograph the incredible variety of birds that thrive there, as well as tropical wildflowers, butterflies, and mammals. Join us for this PowerPoint presentation.

In Person - Women's Wisdom Circle: Nurturing thankfulness and appreciation in our lives

Thursday, Nov. 13 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.For this session, Paula Topliffe will lead a discussion on Gratitude.

Virtual - "She Kills" with True Crime Author Skip Hollandsworth

Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.

Join author and journalist, Skip Hollandsworth, as he discusses She Kills: The Murderous Socialite, the Cross-Dressing Bank Robber, and Other True Crime Tales.

Virtual - Dealing with Sterling Silver, Silverplate, & Pewter

Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.

We’ll show you more than 20 different ways you can identify Sterling Silver, Silverplate and Pewter. We’ll talk about determining the value and how you to sell it. 

In Person - Mystery Book Club

Friday, Nov. 14 at 12 p.m.

Read She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica

Virtual - More Holiday Romance Book Recommendations with Booklist Reviewer, John Charles

Monday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.

John Charles will give us his "best of" list of 2025.

In Person - Gardening Series: Seed Saving Workshop

Monday, Nov. 17 from 6 -7:30 p.m.

This workshop will help you learn how to save seeds from flowers/grasses that have dried in the fall. Separating the and finally we will package the seeds in seed packs that you will take home with you. Approximately 3 to 5 seeds packs per person. 

Virtual - Exploring Our National Parks

Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Professional traveler Chris McCormack will share the beauty, adventure, and cost-saving tips for exploring our national parks in the United States. 

In Person - Historical Fiction Book Club

Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m.

Read The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar

In Person - Cookbook Club

Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m.

Cook from Brilliant bites: 75 amazing small bites for any occasion by Maegan Brown

Virtual - An Evening with Author Heather Clark

Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.

Join us for an evening with Heather Clark as she presents an overview of her new novel, The Scrapbook.

Virtual - Great Performers: Lena Horne with Clint Edwards

Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.

Explore how Lena Horne, one of the great beauties of Hollywood's golden age, blazed a trail where few, if any Black women had gone before. 

Virtual - Great American

Unsung Heroes Who Changed The Course Of History - George Marshall

Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

This month, learn about General George Marshall, an American statesman and soldier who is one of the most underappreciated leaders in American history, and certainly of the 20th century. 

Virtual - Meet Me at Luke's with The Gilmore Book Club Blogger, Kristine Eckart

Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.

If you are a Gilmore Girls fan, we hope you can join us for this rapid-paced Q&A with The Gilmore Girl Club Blogger, Kristine Eckart. 

Virtual - Bernini as a Sculptor of the Baroque Era

Thursday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m.

Bernini is said to have defined the drama and movement of Baroque sculpture of 17th-century Italy and beyond. Explore Bernini’s earliest successes in the statues of David and Apollo and Daphne. Examine the unity of sculpture and architecture in his Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, the richness of his work on St. Peter’s.

Virtual - SciFi/Fantasy Book Recs with Kristen

Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6:30 - 7 p.m.

Join blogger, Kristen, of Fantasy Cafe for this quarterly session of her recommendations of some of the best of SciFi/Fantasy books out there! 

Virtual - Art on Thursday: The Mysterious Dreamscapes of Salvador Dali

Thursday, Nov. 20 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

This program delves into the life, inspirations, and enduring fame of Salvador Dalí, unraveling the mysteries behind his fantastical visions.

Virtual - Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Leelynn Brady

Thursday, Nov. 20 from 7:30 - 8 p.m.

Looking for the best books with BIPOC/LGBTQ+/Neurodivergent/Disabled etc. characters or by representative authors? Join bookstagrammer, Leelynn Brady (aka @sometimesleelynnreads), monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.

Watch Monsieur Lazhar (Kanopy)

Virtual - Discussing The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook with Author Becky Libourel Diamond

Monday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.

Join author Becky Libourel Diamond as she discusses her new book, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook: Cookies and Treats from America's Golden Era. 

Virtual - The Impact of 500 Years of Colonialism on the Abenaki and Wabanaki Tribes

Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.

In this presentation, we’ll examine how European colonization of North America impacted generations of Abenaki/Wabanaki people.

Adult Weekly

Knit and Crochet Club

Mondays at 6 p.m. Walk-In

Gentle Yoga

Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Registration Required

Children

Special Programs

Ashland STEM Club grades K-5

Saturday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This is a high school student-run workshop that ignites curiosity with hands-on experiments, new innovations, and take-home activities. Registration is required.

Parody Playhouse at the Ashland Public Library ages 0-6 w/caregiver

Thursday, Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m.

We welcome Erica Leigh from Parody Playhouse for a morning of musical fun! Parody Playhouse's performance will include kid-friendly versions of popular songs that help teach kids important social-emotional skills. 

Dinovember Storytime & Sensory Play ages 2-5 w/caregiver

Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

We’ll be having an all-dinosaur-themed storytime followed by our own dinosaur dig and a craft. Registration is required.

Coding Class for Kids grades K-5

Saturday, Nov. 8 & Saturday, Nov. 22 from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.

Every other Saturday, Kindergarten through grade 5 kids will dive into the world of coding. With hands-on projects your child will master the basics of coding and create their own cool projects. Space limited, registration required.

Playdough Party! ages 2-5 w/caregiver

Thursday, Nov. 13 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

We’ll try two different recipes (one based on flour and one on oatmeal) and compare and contrast the textures of both. Once the playdough has been made, kids can play to their heart’s content and take some home! Registration required.

Graphic Novel Book Club Jr.

For grades 1-2

Thursday, Nov. 13 from 4:15 -5 p.m.

Each month, we'll read and discuss a new graphic novel in a fun, relaxed environment. Registration required.

Ashland 2025 Annual Robotics FLL Scrimmage

Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Team Goofy Gyros (# 52042) and Team CTRL+Z (#25718) will be conducting the 3nd Annual Ashland Community FIRST Lego League (FLL) Challenge (Robot Only) scrimmage for teams participating in the 2025-2026 UNEARTHED FLL Challenge season.

LEGO Club with Kim grades K-3

Monday, Nov. 17, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

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.

Pokémon Club grades 2-6

Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

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. Registration required.

Little Crafters  ages 0-5 /caregiver

Thursday, Nov. 20 from 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Join Ashland Moms Club for this storytime. We'll start with a sweet and lively storytime, followed by a simple craft. No registration required.

Graphic Novel Book Club grades 3-5

Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Read an exciting graphic novel before our meeting, then we’ll chat about the book, play games, and unleash your creativity with fun art projects. Registration required, space is limited.

Apple Palooza ages 2-5 w/caregiver

Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m

Join us for a special autumn storytime where we’ll be reading all about apples and making our own apple print art with paint. Plus, we’ll even have some apple cider for kids to try! Supplies limited, so registration is required!

Juntos en la Biblioteca: Actividades en Español en Familia

For families | para familias

Monday, Nov. 24 from 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!

Little Picassos Club grades 2-5

Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 4:30 - 5:15 p.m.

Join Miss Kayla for Little Picassos Club. Each week, we will learn about a different artist or art style and work on unique art projects, ranging from painting to sculpting. Registration required.

Weekly Storytimes

Tuesday & Friday Clocktown Rockers! ages 2-5 w/caregiver

Tuesdays from 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Fridays from 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. No registration needed. 

Mother Goose on the Loose ages 0-3 w/caregiver

Wednesdays from 10:30 -11 a.m.

This interactive storytime is packed with songs, rhymes, puppets, musical instruments, and playful movement. No registration needed.

Saturday Stories ages 2-5 w/caregiver

Saturdays from 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. No registration required. 

Recurring Weekly Programs:

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

Mondays from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Join the Metrowest YMCA and the Early Childhood Alliance of Ashland & Framingham for Play, Learn & Grow—a fun, interactive program for children aged five and under! Registration is required, and found at https://www.projectabc.org/

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

Browse thousands of titles—organized by genre and author—with a special section just for kids at the Friends of the Library Book Sale! To keep shelves full, the Friends will accept gently used books, audiobooks, and DVDs in the library parking lot on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with volunteers on hand to assist. Donations are also accepted anytime in the mezzanine lobby. Proceeds from these monthly sales support 100% of the library’s programs, Museum Passes, and more. Can’t make the sale? Visit the Friends’ Book Sale Corner on the first floor for great finds anytime the library is open.