New Years Day

Closed on Monday, January 1st 

MLK, Jr Day

Closed on Monday, January 15th 

Adult Winter Reading Challenge:

Monday January 1 - Wednesday January 31, 2024

We had so much fun with Adult Winter Reading last year that we had to do it again! Once again, read whatever you want during the month and count up the minutes. You can submit up to 1800 minutes (30 hours) worth of reading time. Each hour that you read gives you a raffle ticket to win fabulous prizes! Please read the following instructions carefully, as we are using a different form this year (no Beanstack!).

Fill out the form daily, weekly, as you read, or at the end of the month! 

Please let us know how many minutes you’ve read from January 1st to January 31st, 2024 - up to 1800 minutes (30 hours)! The form will open on Monday, January 1st and close on Saturday, February 3rd so make sure to get your minutes in.

There will be prizes! For every hour you read, your name will be added to a raffle to win a prize, supplied by the Friends of the Ashland Library. The prizes will be:

$50 gift card to Ashland Ale House

$50 gift card to Erica’s Ristorante

$50 gift card to Blush Bouquets

$50 gift card to Aesop’s Fable

To choose: pick where you want TODAY’s minutes to go towards. If you want to split them, fill out a 2nd form (ex. put in 1/2 of the minutes in the form and choose your ticket, and fill out a 2nd form with the other 1/2 and choose a different prize). Winners will be informed on Monday, Feb 5th. 

And then, join us to celebrate with our Hot Chocolate Bar and Winter Reading Discussion on Wednesday, January 31st at 6:30pm. Registration for it will open on Jan 1, 2024. 

Adult:

Virtual - Front Street Readers Book Club 

Tuesday, January 2 @ 7pm

Read “State of Terror” by Louise Penny and Hillary Clinton.

Virtual - Environmental Book Club

Wednesday, January 3 @ 6:30pm

Read “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson

HYBRID - Romance Book Club

Thursday, January 4 @ 6:30pm

Read an Outer Space Romance

NEW (In-Person) - Friday Night Film Viewing

Friday, January 5 @ 7pm

Back by popular demand, Carolyn Bell brings IN PERSON film viewing to the Ashland Library (this in addition to her regularly scheduled virtual film discussions)! Join Carolyn in watching “Intouchables” a 2011 French buddy comedy-drama film

Card Making with Jan Poppendieck

Monday, January 8 @ 6:30pm

Join Jan for this ever popular program! Learn some skills, make some cards and some friends!

Virtual - American Politics at a Crossroads

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 @ 7pm

Today America faces a critical historical dilemma. The progressive/liberal governing synthesis that functioned since the end of World War II has for various reasons dissolved during the early decades of the 21st century. The result has been a pattern of political conflict and disruption accompanied by increasing civil strife and unrest. However, the current dilemma is not the first time America has endured such difficulties. Given that, what are the fundamental characteristics of a governing synthesis and what do the previous syntheses tell us about the shape of an emergent 21st governing synthesis?

Virtual - Book Recs with Bookstagrammer Jody Blanchette aka @redreadreviews

Tuesday, January 9 @ 7pm

Not sure what to read next? Join Jody for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - every genre and interest! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Jody’s many enthusiastic reviews.

Sending Sunshine: Community Letter Writing *For All Ages

Wednesday, January 10 @ 5pm

Do you love letter writing or want to spend some family time doing this time honored tradition in service of senior citizens? Join us!

Virtual - The Two Nerdy History Girls Ride Again!

Wednesday, January 10 @ 7pm

We, once again, have Loretta Chase and Susan Holloway Scott here to answer all of our burning questions. How do they find interesting tidbits of historical lore, which libraries of the world have they visited, and how do they avoid the inescapable “rabbit hole”? We can’t wait for what we know is going to be a fascinating conversation between these two friends and researchers.

Virtual - Introduction to Ornithology with Bill Gette: Introduction and Avian Systematics

Thursday, January 11 @ 1pm

Join us for this 5 part series all about Ornithology! During this PowerPoint lecture, Bill will teach you about the origin of birds, early concepts about life forms, innovations in thought, Darwin’s influence, taxonomy (relationships among birds), and nomenclature (naming of birds). As one of our favorite speakers on the natural world, Bill will wow us with his knowledge and fantastic photographs!

“Mean Girls” Movie Viewing 

*For Ages 16+

Thursday, January 11 @ 6pm

In preparation for our virtual discussion with author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong discussing “So Fetch The Making of Mean Girls (And Why We’re Still So Obsessed with It) “ on Monday, January 22nd at 7pm ET, we’re getting together to watch this iconic film as a community! Join us for an evening with Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey and so many others that made us laugh and cringe. Can you believe it’s been 20 years!?!!?

Learn About the Benefits of Reiki with Hannah Stein

Thursday, January 11 @ 6:30pm

Why learn about Reiki? Studies show that people use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction, symptom, and pain relief, and to improve overall health and well-being. Studies also indicate that Reiki is effective in reducing or relieving a number of physical and psychological issues. Come learn how Reiki can enhance your well-being!

Mystery Book Club

Friday, January 12 @ 12pm

NOTE NEW DAY AND TIME! 

Read “The Maid”by Nita Prose

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion: “Seven Samurai” Part 1 *For Adults

Friday, January 12 @ 7pm

Join in the discussion of Part 1 (the first two hours) of “Seven Samurai”, one of the most thrilling movie epics of all time by famed director Akira Kurosawa. 

Cookbook Club: A Taste of Mexico

Saturday, January 13 @ 12pm

Cook from any recipe you find that has origins in Mexican cuisine

Virtual - Author and Historian Helen Fry Discusses “Women in Intelligence”

Saturday, January 13 @ 2pm

If you are as fascinated by the untold stories of women’s contributions to war efforts, please join author and historian, Helen Fry, as she discusses her latest book “Women in Intelligence: The Hidden History of Two World Wars”. It is a ground-breaking history of women in British intelligence, revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the twentieth century.

Virtual: Asian Art Series: Art Across Asia - Timeless Traditions: Expressions of the Divine in India Art with Mary Mead

Sunday, January 14 @ 2:30pm

Explore the vast panoply of South Asian art through the prism of four belief systems founded there: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Discover how for thousands of years the artists of India and its neighbors have beautifully depicted their impressions of their deities, and reflected their cultures.

Virtual - Let’s Get Cozy with Mystery Authors Allison Brook and Mia P. Manansala

Tuesday, January 16 @ 7pm

It’s cold out there! Grab your hot beverage of choice and join us for a Q&A about cozy mysteries with Agatha Award nominee, Marilyn Levinson, who writes as Allison Brook; and award winning writer and book coach, Mia P. Manansala. Marilyn Levinson is the author of the Haunted Libraries series and Mia P. Manansala is the author of the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series. Bring your questions and cuddle up for a fun evening. Bio/Memoir Book Club

Wednesday, January 17 @ 11am

Read “Fly Girl” by Ann Hood

Half-Past Crafts: Pom Pom Cardinals

Wednesday, January 17 @ 6:30pm

This month we are making pom pom cardinals that look great in a window or on a tree branch!

Virtual: Ashland Adult Book Club

Wednesday, January 17 @ 6:30pm

Read “The Littlest Library” by Poppy Alexander

Virtual - La Serenissima - A Sojourn in Venice with Bruce Magnuson

Wednesday, January 17 @ 7pm

Local photographer and art and history enthusiast, Bruce Magnuson, will explore the many facets of Venetian, history, art and architecture. Weaving local references to Venice with photographs from a recent trip, you’ll come away with a greater appreciation for this complicated, captivating city.

Virtual: Fierce Females: Women in Art with Jane Oneail

Wednesday, January 17 @ 7pm

This program examines the history of women in art in brief and then explores the lives, careers and works of several major women artists from the Renaissance to the twentieth century, including Artemisia Gentileschi and Mary Cassatt.

Virtual - Haunted Happenings with Jeff DePaoli: Alterian, Inc. with Founder Tony Gardner

Thursday, January 18 @ 6:30pm

Alterian Inc. is a Los Angeles based studio specializing in the design and creation of animatronic and prosthetic makeup effects. Join Alterian Inc. Founder Tony Gardner, an American makeup designer, special effects designer and puppeteer, and Jeff DePaoli, Host of “That Halloween Podcast”, as they talk all about the history, impact, and fun of this essential Hollywood Halloween staple.

Virtual - Future Solar Eclipses

Thursday, January 18 @ 7pm

This presentation will provide an overview of the nature of solar eclipses, helpful advice for seeing the April 8, 2024 event successfully, and a preview of solar eclipses worth seeing through 2028.

Virtual: Demystify your Finances with Ariel Nathanson

Thursday, January 18 @ 7pm

January is Financial Wellness month and we’re ready for it! It is the perfect time to focus on the future and lay the foundation for financial success. Ariel Nathanson, the founder of Finance for Feminists, will be helping program participants expand their understanding of personal finance with practical advice and useful tools. Mindful spending, investment basics - and more - will explored during this supportive, judgment-free dialogue about money.

Saturday Knit and Crochet Club and Workshop: Knit an Adult-Sized Hat

*Ages 14 & Up

Saturday, January 20 @ 2pm

Come join us this week at the Saturday Knit and Crochet Club to learn how to knit a cozy adult-sized hat! 

Card Crafting Makerspace

Monday, January 22 @ 6:30pm

We’ll supply the materials, you supply the creativity! Come create your own greeting cards using the library’s extensive collection of stamps, inks, papers, punches, dies, embellishments, and embossing materials. Note:   An experienced card crafter will be on hand to offer some tips for beginners but this is not an instructional class.  

Virtual - Author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong discusses “So Fetch The Making of Mean Girls (And Why We’re Still So Obsessed with It) “

Monday, January 22 @ 7pm

We are celebrating a book birthday! Jennifer’s book, “So Fetch” just came out on Jan 16th and we can’t wait to ask her all of the nitty gritty details of this totally fetch story of one of the most iconic teen comedies of all time, Mean Girls, in which she reveals how it happened, how it defined a generation, “like, invented” meme culture, and why it just won’t go away. The book is filled with exclusive interviews from the director, cast, and crew - Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams & Tina Fey (oh my!).

Virtual - LGBTQ+ Book Club

*For 15-100

Monday, January 22 @ 7pm

Read “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong

Virtual - Celebrating a Book Birthday with Author Gabe Cole Novoa

Tuesday, January 23 @ 7pm

We are celebrating the release of Gabe’s book, “Most Ardently” with cake and conversation! This is a “Pride and Prejudice” Remix like you’ve never seen! We hope you can join us for what will be a fascinating and fun evening. It’s BYOC (bring your own cake), though.

Virtual - Another Look Inside the Hammond Castle Museum with Curatorial Director, John Leysath

Wednesday, January 24 @ 1pm

We learned so much from John Leysath, curator at Hammond Castle Museum, back in October, we just had to have him back! This time he’ll be digging even deeper into the life and inventions of the original owner, creator of the castle, and noted scientist John Hays Hammond Jr.

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion: “Seven Samurai” Part 2 *For Adults

Friday, January 26 @ 7pm

Join in the discussion of Part 2 of “Seven Samurai”, one of the most thrilling movie epics of all time by famed director Akira Kurosawa. 

Virtual - Panel Discussion: The Challenges & Rewards of Being a Debut Author

Monday, January 29 @ 7pm

We welcome authors Lauren J. A. Bear, Rita Chang-Eppig, and Nishita Parekh to our virtual stage. We’ll be talking all about getting into publishing, the pitfalls, challenges, and roadblocks as well as the excitement, fulfillment, and reader enthusiasm that makes it all worthwhile. Bring your questions as this will be in a Q&A format.

Virtual - Q&A with author Daniel N. Warshawsky of his book “Food Waste, Food Insecurity, and the Globalization of Food Banks”

Tuesday, January 30 @ 7pm

So many of us are passionate about finding ways to reduce food waste so we’re thrilled to be hosting author and professor Daniel N. Warshawsky for a virtual discussion of his new book “Food Waste, Food Insecurity, and the Globalization of Food Banks”.

Hot Chocolate Bar and Winter Reading Discussion 

Wednesday, January 31 @ 6:00pm

Whether you’ve spent January participating in our Adult Winter Reading Challenge or you just love books and hot chocolate, join us for this special evening of relaxing, discussion, and hot cocoa! This program is for adults 18+ and does require registration (so we have plenty of HC to go around :).

Adult Recurring:

Knit and Crochet Club

Saturdays @ 2pm

Mondays @ 6pm

ESL Conversation Group

Mondays @ 6:30pm 

Children: 

Special Event!

You’re Invited! Retirement Party for Miss Lois

Saturday, January 27 @ 10-2pm

Miss Lois, our longtime Director of Children’s Services, is retiring on January 31st and we would like to give her a great send-off! Join us for cake and cookies as we remember all of the fun times we’ve had with Miss Lois. We’ll be raising a glass (of cider :) to wish her well on her next adventure.

Drop In Children’s Cookie Decorating to Celebrate Miss Lois

 *Ages 2-12

Saturday, January 27 @ 10-2pm

We’re celebrating Miss Lois’ retirement with cookies! Kids can drop in anytime during Miss Lois’ retirement party to decorate a cookie or two. We’ll have all of the materials, kids just have to bring their ingenuity. 

Baby Signs with Sheryl White

Saturday, January 6 @ 10:30am

Learn how to reduce frustration and give your baby the ability to communicate before he or she can speak using baby signs.  Learn and practice several signs. You will learn everything that you need to know to get started signing right away. Animal Adventures

Saturday, January 20 @ 10:30am

Come see and touch a variety of live animals. Admission to the program is free, but space is limited and this will be a popular program. Tickets will be available near the Children’s Room beginning at 10:00 a.m. the day of the show.

Stem Thursdays:

10-Minute Creation Stations

*For Ages 5-9

Thursday, January 4 @ 4pm

Kids will be given a mystery box filled with a variety of building materials. As the timer counts down, they will have 10 minutes to create something using only the materials in their own box. Everyone will have a chance to build with at least 5-6 different boxes.

Lego Club 

*Ages 5-9

Thursday, January 11 @ 4pm

Each child will be given a box filled with an assortment of Lego blocks to build a creation using only what’s inside the box within the 45 minute time limit.  Engineering Exploration 

*For Ages 5-9

Thursday, January 18 @ 4pm

Cardboard Builder Set - Each participant will make their own cardboard construction set, with endless possibilities for creation!

Lego Club 

*Ages 5-9

Thursday, January 25 @ 4pm

Each child will be given a box filled with an assortment of Lego blocks to build a creation using only what’s inside the box within the 45 minute time limit. 

Saturday Story Time 

*For Ages 3 and up

Saturday, January 6 @ 10:30am

Saturday, January 13 @ 10:30am

Saturday, January 20 @ 10:30am

Come listen to Ryan read some of his favorite stories aloud!

Read to a Dog with Knives and Machete (yes, those really are the dogs’ names!)

*For kids who are reading on their own

Saturday, January 13  @ 1:30pm

Saturday, January 27 @ 1:30pm

Children with some reading ability will have the chance to read to one of our registered therapy dogs for 10 minutes.

Children Recurring:

Project ABC Play, Learn, and Grow Group *Ages 0 to 5

Tuesdays at 11am

A structured program to help prepare children for socialization and a school experience.

Registration *IS* required for each session of  this program

PJ Story Time with Ryan (and his stuffed animals!) 

*For Ages 3 and up

Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm Lapsit 

For Infants & Toddlers and their Caregivers

Wednesdays @ 10:30am

Friday Afternoon Story And Craft

*For Ages 4-7

Fridays @ 4:15pm

Crafty Saturdays

Drop in Crafting

Saturdays @ 10-3pm

Teen:

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

Saturday, January 6 @ 10-1pm

Shop or Drop is the name of the game! Join us to buy gently used books, audiobooks, DVDs and games. You can also donate from your home shelves to make space for the “new”. The Friends accept donations in the library parking lot.   Friends volunteers will be available to assist donors during this time.