Summer Reading

Summer Reading for All Ages:

Sign up the whole family on Beanstack and be ready to Read, Watch, Listen all summer long. This year’s reading theme is “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” and we’ll be having fun related programs through the summer. And, prizes, don’t forget the prizes (although reading is a prize in itself, right?)!

Read Across Ashland! at the Corner Spot

Saturday, July 16 @ 10am-2pm

Join us for a day of reading - grab your friends and family - bring your own books, blankets, snacks, drinks and plan to spend some time reading and enjoying your fellow Ashlanders! Miss Lois will be on hand from 10-12 to read stories to the kids who would like a storytime.

Adult:

Virtual: Northeast Native Plant Primer -- 235 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden

Wednesday, July 6 @ 7pm

Author Uli Lormier will discuss his new book, “The Northeast Native Plant Primer: 235 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden”.

A Discussion with the Library Director Saturday, July 9 @ 10am

Our Director, Meena Jain, wants to meet our community members, hear what you want from the library in the coming years, and brainstorm ways on how she can help make that happen.

Virtual: Books, Boots & Bridles: The Story of the Horse Back Librarians

Tuesday, July 12 @ 2pm

Learn the story of the Pack Horse Library initiative, a little known program of FDR’s Work Progress Administration (WPA).

Virtual: Scott Joplin - “King of Ragtime”

Wednesday, July 13 @ 11am

Learn about what made ragtime so special as we delve into the details of Joplin’s life and enjoy select pieces by the king of ragtime writers.

Virtual - What’s on Your TBR pile? with author Suleikha Snyder

Wednesday, July 13 @ 7pm

Today we hear from romance author Suleikha Snyder. Wonder what she’s read and loved lately?

Virtual: My Summers with a Serial Killer -- A Massachusetts True Crime Story

Wednesday, July 13 @ 7pm

Authors Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan will discuss their latest book, “The Babysitter: My Summers with a Serial Killer”.

Virtual - The Other Madisons: In Search of Mandy

Thursday, July 14 @ 1pm

According to the oral history passed down through eight generations of her family, retired pediatrician Bettye Kearse is a descendant of the enslaved cook Coreen and her enslaver, and half-brother, President James Madison. She’ll be talking about her book “The Other Madisons: The Lost Story of a President’s Black Family”.

Virtual: A Trip To Cambodia with Travel Photographer Jack Holmes

Tuesday, July 19 @ 2pm

Travel with Jack Holmes to Cambodia as he investigates ancient Angkor temples and culture in modern Siem Reap, digs for origins near Battambang, and visits the massive central lake TonLe Sap.

Virtual: The Life Cycle of a Star

Wednesday, July 20 @ 11am

Join us as we dive into the life cycles of stars - from their formation in massive nebulas to violent supernova explosions, black holes, and more.

Virtual - Climate Justice – Addressing the Disproportionate Impacts of Climate Change

Wednesday, July 20 @ 7pm

Where does social justice and climate change overlap? How does identity (race, ethnicity, gender, etc.) influence the way a person will be impacted by climate change? And how can we, as concerned community members, fight climate change in a way that is just and equitable for all?

Virtual: A Civil Rights Investigation -- Mississippi Burning

Tuesday, July 26 @ 2pm

Investigate the disappearance of three civil rights workers during the Freedom Summer of 1964 using telephone conversations, oral histories, and documents as evidence to solve the case.

Virtual - Authors Grace Draven and Ilona Andrews: A Dinner Discussion

Tuesday, July 26 @ 7pm

Join authors and friends Grace Draven and Ilona & Gordon Andrews as they discuss books, writing, and whatever they’d like to!

Virtual: Beachcombing for Signs of Wildlife with the Mass Audubon

Wednesday, July 27 @ 11am

Learn how to read the landscape, search for wildlife, and understand the ecological relationships between species you may be familiar with.

Virtual - ‘Story vs History’ with Author and Antiques Appraiser, Kate Bateman Wednesday, July 27 @ 7pm

Bestselling historical romance author Kate Bateman is also an antiques appraiser with her own auction house in the UK. Join Kate for ‘Story vs History’ - a fast, fun delve into the similarities and differences between her two careers.Local Author Book Fair *For Adults and Teens

Saturday, July 30 @ 10-12pm

Join us for our 2nd Annual Local Author Book Fair. Meet those you know and discover new ones. 

Knitting: 

Saturday Needlecraft Club

Saturdays at 2pm Monday Needlecraft Club

Mondays at 6pm

Teens:

Keep a lookout on our calendar for upcoming Teen programs! 

Children: 

Special Event:

Teacher Tales is Back

Check our calendar to join some of your favorite Ashland teachers for story times at the Library! 

Wild Kat Hoops - Hula Hoop program

Friday, July 8 @ 10:30

At the Corner Spot

Hula Hooping is a low intensity, aerobic exercise that increases flexibility, and tones and strengthens one’s body. Join us for fun and exercise!

TumbleBus 

Wednesday, July 13 @ 10:30am

At Montenegro Square

Come have fun on the TumbleBus!  The TumbleBus is an old school bus that has been fitted out with gym equipment inside.  Kids can climb, jump, crawl and hang to their hearts content.  For ages 2-6

Wildlife Encounters

Friday, July 22 @ 10:30am

At the Farmers Market Field

“Junior Zookeeper Encounter”  Come meet a variety of wild animals. Possibly: Alligator, Fennec Fox, Hedgehog, Cockatoo, Giant Tegu Lizard, Giant Toad, and large snake.  

Friends “Mini” Book Sale!

The Friends are opening up their new(ish) book sale room from 10-1pm on Saturday July 16th. Pop on by to grab some deals and, if you have some donations well, we’ll take those, too! It’s a combinati