The Library will be closed Monday, October 14, 2024 in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. 

Adult:

Visit our Website Calendar for Additional Info & Registration links: 

Front Street Readers Book Club 

Tuesday, October 1 @ 7pm

Read “Necessary Trouble: Growing Up At Midcentury” by Drew Gilpin Faust.

Virtual - Even Bigger and Better: The Strong National Museum of Play’s New Expansion

Tuesday, October 1 @ 7pm

You know we love our museum talks and this one is guaranteed to be fun - it’s the Strong National Museum of Play, after all. Join Christopher Bensch, Vice President for Collections, for this presentation about what’s new and awesome at the museum. Play is not just for the little ones!

Virtual- Ditch the Fall Clean-Up with Claudia Thompson

Tuesday, October 1 @ 7pm

Come learn about a new approach to gardening that embraces and harnesses ecological systems instead of creating dead zones in our landscapes.

Virtual - Environmental Book Club

Wednesday, October 2 @ 6:30pm

Read “The Cancer Factory: Industrial Chemicals, Corporate Deception, and the hidden deaths of American Workers” by Jim Morris.

HYBRID - Romance Book Club 

Thursday, October 3 @ 6:30pm

Read Hawaiian Romances

Virtual- Declutter series with Jamie Novak: 3 Steps to Sort Your Photos

Thursday, October 3 @ 7pm

During this online program author and organizer Jamie Novak reveals the three steps you can take today to make sense of your boxes of memories. 

Virtual - Q&A with author Corrina Antrobus: “I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist”

Friday, October 4 @ 2pm

We are excited to be chatting with “womanist”, Corrina Antrobus about her most recent book, “”I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist” - a celebration of 100 of the best romantic comedies of all time – all with proper feminist credentials.

In Person - Horror Mini-Fest 

Saturday, October 5 @ 1:30-3:30pm

We love horror writers and we love mini-fests! We’re so excited to welcome this amazing slate of authors to the Ashland Library - Tom Deady, Kristin Dearborn, Errick Nunnally, Rob Smales, Mike Sullivan, and Steve Van Samson! We’ll have an afternoon of fun with a panel discussion and book sales/signings! 

Virtual: “Elections in Real Time”, Current Events in a College Classroom with Professors Rachael Cobb and Robert Rosenthal

Monday, October 7 @ 2pm

Join Professors Racheal Cobb and Robert Rosenthal of Suffolk University as they conduct their ““Elections in Real Time” class live for us to view and participate! They and their students will discuss the current events of the day and we can ask questions and make comments.

Virtual - Ways to Have a Green Holiday Season For Families with Sarah Robertson-Barnes

Monday, October 7 @ 7pm

A low waste holiday season is possible. Whether you have kids of your own, kids in your life, or love being a kid yourself during the holidays, Sarah has some suggestions for how to lower your ecological footprint this year.

Virtual - Thriller/Horror Book Recs with Bookstagrammer Jody Blanchette aka @redreadreviews

Tuesday, October 8 @ 7pm

Not sure what to read next? Join Jody for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - with a bent towards horror and thrillers and a few other genres thrown in! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Jody’s many enthusiastic reviews.

Virtual- Learn How Amateur Sleuths Are Solving America’s Coldest Cases

Tuesday, October 8 @ 7pm

There are currently more than 250,000 unsolved murders in America according to estimates from the U.S. Department of Justice. This startling reality has led to the rise of an online world of amateur sleuthing with everyday Americans trying to solve cold cases from the comfort of their living rooms.

In Person - Meet Local Author Frederic Fahey, Discussing His Debut Novel “The Scoundrel’s Son”

Wednesday, October 9 @ 6pm

Ashland High School graduate, Frederic Fahey (class of 1970!) returns to his roots to discuss his debut novel, “The Scoundrel’s Son”. If you love “Prince and the Pauper”, TSS is a continuation of Tom Canty’s story 6 years after PatP, set in Tudor England. Fred says, “this is not going to end well. Warning! Teenage angst ahead!”. We hope you’ll be able to join us to welcome Fred back to the area and hear about his wonderful book!

Virtual- Presidential Paranormal with Tim Weisberg

Wednesday, October 9 @ 7pm

Enjoy an entertaining look at the supernatural side of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. From séances in the Crimson Room with Mary Todd Lincoln to secret alien exchange programs under Dwight Eisenhower, there’s no shortage of weird when it comes to the White House. Please note this is a non-political presentation.

In Person - Women’s Wisdom Circle: Career Decision Making with Balance *For Adults

Thursday, October 10 @ 6pm

Welcome to our second Women’s Wisdom Circle! A passion project for our library director, it’s a place for all women, including cis and trans women, to gather and talk about issues that matter to them! For this session Olivia Peters, the Director of Program Management at reacHIRE, will facilitate a discussion regarding making the best decisions for ourselves and our families; career transitions; and seeking a balance.

Virtual - ‘Going to Extremes’ with Adventure Travel Journalist Peter Mandel

Thursday, October 10 @ 7pm

A nationally-known adventure travel journalist for The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, National Geographic, and The Los Angeles Times, Peter Mandel hunts his stories and photos in the world’s far corners, including Antarctica, India, Egypt, Patagonia, the fjords of Norway, the mountain pathways of Japan, and the deserts of Africa.

Virtual - In Conversation with Historical Fiction Author Madeline Martin: “The Booklover’s Library”

Thursday, October 10 @ 7pm

This one is for book lovers everywhere! We’re so pleased to be chatting with author Madeline Martin about her newest release, “The Booklover’s Library” (seriously, we had to do this one!) as well as several of her other book related books such as “The Keeper of Hidden Books” and “The Librarian Spy” (our own personal catnip). We hope you can join us for this fun and fascinating conversation.

Mystery Book Club

Friday, October 11 @ 12pm

Read “Shutter Island” by Dennis Lehane.

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, October 11 @ 7pm

Watch “Modern Times” Charlie Chaplin’s last outing as the Little Tramp.

A Meditative Outdoors Fall Walk with Hannah Stein

Saturday, October 12 @ 10am

Join fellow Ashlanders and Hannah Stein, Owner of Ashland REIKI & Wellness Center, on this lovely walk designed to increase your awareness of the relaxing and healing benefits of nature that you can discover right here in Ashland, Massachusetts!

In-Person - Mediumship: An Afternoon With Your Loved Ones! 

Saturday, October 12 @ 1:30-3pm

Join us for a transformative 90-minute Mediumship Event at the Library! Experience an afternoon of connection and spiritual insight as two gifted mediums conduct a gallery-style session.

Virtual: African Art Series: African Art in the medieval world--1000-1600 CE: The Trans-Saharan trade, Igbo-Ukwu, Ife, Benin, Djenné, Lalibela, Great Zimbabwe

Sunday, October 13 @ 2:30pm

Join Jean Borgatti, Consulting Curator of Global Africa, First Peoples - North America and Oceania at the Fitchburg Art Museum, for a conversation about this fascinating topic!

Cookbook Club

Tuesday, October 15 @ 5:30pm

Cook from “Mosquito Supper Club: Cajun Recipes from a Disappearing Bayou” by Melissa Martin.

Virtual- Masters of Song Carole King with Clint Edwards

Tuesday, October 15 @ 7pm

Explore the life, times, and music of one of popular song’s greatest composers.

Bio/Memoir Book Club

Wednesday, October 16 @ 11am

Read “Between Two Kingdoms: A memoir of a life interrupted” by Suleika Jaouad.

Half-Past Crafts: Needle Felted Ravens

Wednesday, October 16 @ 5:30-7:30pm

This month we will be making some spooky (and cute) felted ravens!

Virtual - Artist Ricardo Diseño and Writer Steve Mockus Discuss “Eerie Legends”

Wednesday, October 16 @ 7pm

We’re so excited to be chatting with artist Ricardo Diseño and writer Steve Mockus as they discuss their fascinating and frightening collection of folk tale monsters, ghosts, and other scary things that dwell in the dark.

Virtual- Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow

Wednesday, October 16 @ 7pm

Join author and journalist Sam Baltrusis on a bone-chilling journey through the streets of Sleepy Hollow as he breathes new life into the legendary village’s long-departed souls.

Great Decisions 

Thursday, October 17 @ 6:30pm

Discuss Pandemic Preparedness

 Virtual - Haunted Experiences with Jeff DePaoli

Thursday, October 17 @ 6:30pm

Join Brett Bertolino ,Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group’s Director of Special Projects, and Jeff DePaoli, host of “That Halloween Podcast”, as they talk all about The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor which has been named one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America by Time Magazine!

Card Making with Jan Poppendieck

Monday, October 21 @ 6:30pm

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

Virtual - Monster Romance Panel with Kass O’Shire, Lyonne Riley, and Ami Wright

Monday, October 21 @ 7pm

We welcome authors Kass O’Shire, Lyonne Riley, and Ami Wright as they talk about the rise of monster romances, their favorite monsters to write (and match up with a hero/heroine), diversity in the genre, their publishing journeys, and so much more.

Virtual - The Anglo-Saxons: The Beginnings of England with Historian Marc Morris

Tuesday, October 22 @ 2pm

This talk explores the Anglo-Saxon’s journey from warlords to kings, from paganism to Christianity, and from a galaxy of competing peoples to a single, unified nation.

Virtual- The Haunting of Edgar Allan Poe with Bill Thierfelder

Tuesday, October 22 @ 7pm

Now considered one of the great literary geniuses of world literature, in his life Poe was the epitome of the tortured artist who was perpetually misunderstood by family and friends--the mad intellect often derailed by circumstances of his own making.

Virtual - The Origins and Evolution of Project 2025 with Professor Brian Conley

Wednesday, October 23 @ 7pm

Join Professor Brian Conley of Suffolk University, as we delve into the history of this document and its origins during the Reagan Years. Professor Conley will help us understand the origins of this Mandate which led to the current Project 2025 document.

Virtual- The History of the Ouija Board

Wednesday, October 23 @ 7pm

Explore the history of the Ouija board, its various uses throughout the ages, and its past and present reputation.

Virtual: A History of Shipwrecks with Captain Greg Ketchen (Retired)

Thursday, October 24 @ 1pm

This talk will focus primarily on, but not be limited to, historic shipwrecks that have occurred south and east of Massachusetts. The region has been called the Graveyard of the North Atlantic with over 3,000 wrecks here since European sailors first began exploring the shores of the western Atlantic. 

Virtual- Art History’s Best Dressed with Jane Oneail

Thursday, October 24 @ 7pm

ul clothes rendered with awe-inspiring detail. This lighthearted program reviews some of the great fashions throughout the history of painting (with a few wardrobe malfunctions thrown in for good measure!).

Virtual: Democracy Talks: Understanding the Crisis in Sudan

Thursday, October 24 @ 7pm

Join Dr. Mai Hassan of MIT’s Political Science Department for an overview of the origins of the conflict in Sudan, Sudan’s history of authoritarianism and Islamist rule, the country’s fragmented internal security apparatus, and regional and ethnic divisions. 

Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion

Friday, October 25 @ 7pm

Watch “Cleo from 5 to 7” 

Paper Craft Makerspace

Monday, October 28 @ 6:30pm

Come create your own greeting cards, junk journals, art journals, altered books, etc. using the library’s extensive collection of stamps, inks, papers, punches, dies, embellishments, and embossing materials.

Virtual - Even More Haunted Lighthouses of New England with Author Jeremy D’Entremont

Monday, October 28 @ 7pm

Jeremy will be discussing the lovelorn spirit known as Ernie at Connecticut’s New London Ledge Light and the piano playing ghost of Maine’s Seguin Light, among others as well as about the mysterious Woman in White in the Isles of Shoals and the spirit of a drowned lighthouse keeper at Penfield Reef in Connecticut.

Virtual - Beyond the Library presents: The Art of Commemoration and America’s First Rural Cemetery

Tuesday, October 29 @ 7pm

Learn about Mount Auburn Cemetary, a virtual outdoor museum—an interwoven tapestry of art and nature—featuring memorials by artists such as Thomas Crawford, Stanford White, and Edmonia Lewis.

Virtual- Brink of War? The US, Iran, and the Middle East in 2024

Tuesday, October 29 @ 7pm

This library talk will examine the history of US-Iranian relations since the 1950s, highlighting historical sources of tensions, as well as the effects of the Israeli-Hamas conflict on the Middle East in the present. 

VIRTUAL: Ashland Adult Book Club

Wednesday, October 30 @ 6:30pm

Read “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann.

Virtual- Ghost Lore & Paranormal Reports From Western Massachusetts

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Ghost stories from the Berkshires have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the Berkshires forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Adult Weekly:

Knit and Crochet Club

Mondays @ 6pm

Walk-In

ESL Conversation Group

Mondays @ 6:30pm 

Walk-In

Gentle Yoga

Tuesdays @ 6pm

Registration is requested

Children: 

Halloween Costume Swap 

*lasts the whole month of October

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:

Homeschool Hour

Monday, October 7 @ 1pm

Homeschooling families, unite for Homeschool Hour! Join us for a fun-filled hour where you can connect with fellow homeschoolers, dive into a creative activity, and explore the exciting idea of starting a family book club. It’s the perfect opportunity to share experiences, get inspired, and build a supportive community. 

Happy Halloween Tricks & Treats with Robert Rivest 

*for families

Saturday, October 19 @ 10:30am

Registration is required

In this fun, interactive program, Comic Mime Robert Rivest will take us through a series of spooky yet silly Halloween stories. We will also learn how to do some mime tricks and treat our friends to funny mime illusions and hilarious Halloween characters. Come in costume, Robert will use his mastery of mime and movement to help us move and act like our costume characters. Also bring some ideas and suggestions, as we will create our own spooky story together, on the spot!

La Hora del Cuento 

*para familias 

Spanish Storytime 

*for families

Wednesday, October 23 @ 6:30pm

Los invitamos a disfrutar en familia de una sesión de cuentos en español en la biblioteca. Ofreceremos la oportunidad de sumergirse en historias cautivadoras, rimas divertidas y canciones alegres, ¡todo en español! Join us for a special story time, offering families the opportunity to immerse themselves in captivating stories, fun rhymes, and cheerful songs, all in Spanish. Stories, Songs, and Stretches 

*for ages 4-7

Thursday, October 24 @ 6:30pm

Registration is requested

Kids and their parents or caregivers are invited to play together through stories, songs and yoga shapes. No experience or equipment necessary!

Little Crafters 

*for 0-5 with a caregiver

Monday, October 28 @ 10:30am

Come join the Ashland Mom’s Club for this story time, where little hands get to explore big ideas! Start with a sweet and lively story time, followed by a simple craft that’s perfect for curious minds. Bring your imagination, and let’s make some colorful memories together!

Lego Club with Kim the Lego Lady 

*Grades K-3

Wednesday, October 30 @ 4:30pm

Registration is required and space is limited.

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! 

NEW Book Clubs!

Coding Class for Kids 

*for ages 5 and up

Saturday, October 12 @ 1-2pm

Coding Class for Kids 

*for ages 5 and up

Saturday, October 26 @ 1-2pm

Coding Class For Kids: 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! ???? Click here for more information.

Space is limited to 12 kids and registration is required.

Beginning Reader Book Club

Tuesday, October 15 @ 4:30pm

Calling all budding bookworms! Join us for the Beginning Readers Book Club, where stories come alive in the most magical way! Every month, kindergartners gather for a fun-filled, choral-style reading adventure. We’ll explore new worlds, create themed art, and make new friends—all while having a blast with books! 

Space is limited to 12 and registration is required.

Graphic Novel Book Club

Thursday, October 17 @ 6:30pm

*grades 3 thru 6

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 to 16 and registration is required.

Weekly Storytimes:

Clocktown Rockers! 

*For ages 2-5 with a caregiver

Tuesdays at 10:30-11am

Join Miss Katrina for this new music and movement program! We’ll dance to favorite kids’ tunes, have fun with instruments and other props, and read a story, all while building your child’s early literacy and executive function skills. Storytime Sprouts 

* For ages 0-3 with a caregiver

Wednesdays @ 10:30am

Join us for a fun and interactive story time filled with singing, reading, bounces, fingerplays, puppets, instruments, and more! This engaging program is designed to introduce young children to the joys of literature and music while promoting early literacy skills.

Read to a Dog with Knives and Machete 

(yes, those really are the dogs’ names!)

*For kids who are reading on their own

Saturday, October 5 @ 1:30pm

Saturday, October 19 @ 1:30pm

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

Project ABC Play, Learn, and Grow Group 

*for Ages 0 to 5

Tuesdays at 11am

A parent and child group offered by the Metrowest YMCA and the Early Childhood Alliance of Ashland & Framingham. A structured program to help prepare children for socialization and a school experience.

Registration *IS* required for this program

Teen:

CALL FOR TEEN HAUNTED TRAIL ACTORS

Do you love being spooky? Is October your favorite time of year? Do you love dressing up or getting in costume? Then the Ashland Public Library has the perfect opportunity for YOU. On October 25th, the library is putting on an all-out, after-hours Halloween bash including a haunted trail, and we need YOU to help make it as spooky as possible. The event is from 6:00-8:00PM, but we would start earlier for set up. Email Teen Librarian Laura Bernier at [email protected] for more information; volunteer hours available. 

Want to help determine what goes on at the Halloween bash or other events from the Teen Room? Join the library’s Teen Advisory Board. The board meets once a month; email [email protected] for details.

Teen Halloween Bash 

*Ages 12-19 Only

Friday, October 25 @ 6-8pm

Welcome to the library after dark... this special AFTER HOURS Halloween Bash is a haunted event that’s both trick and treat.

Enter if you dare...

You’ve never seen the library like before. More details to come, but get ready for a haunted trail that will scare your pages out, face painting, tarot card reading, Halloween themed snacks, and so much more! Scare... I mean SEE... you then.

Horror Tutorial: Special Effects Makeup 101

Wednesday, October 16 @ 5:30pm

Space is Limited, Registration is Required

Decimated Designs is BACK at the Ashland Public Library! Do you want to learn how to do professional special effects makeup? Or do you just want to get a little spooky? Register now for a horror makeup tutorial on Wednesday, October 16th from 5:30PM to 7:00PM. Some lucky attendees will even get to be part of the demonstration! Teens AND adults are welcome to this special scary event.

In this workshop, Decimated Designs will be walking us through special effects from how to get started to how pro’s make monsters jump to life. They will answer questions and do demonstrations on some lucky attendees.  This class is for anyone who wants to work on makeup for cosplay, next year’s Halloween costume, or to just get a basic crash-course on SFX makeup,  all levels of experience are welcome and participation is encouraged!

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

Saturday, September 7 @ 9:30am-1pm

Customers for all our sales will find thousands of titles on the permanent sales shelves including hard and soft cover fiction (all alphabetized by author for ease of shopping), a wide selection of history and politics titles, health and family living books, plus memoirs, biographies, and loads of additional titles, all arranged by genre. An entire section of the Book Sale Room is arranged for children to browse and select from a huge collection of board books, picture books, easy readers, and chapter books.

To keep the shelves stocked with fresh selections, the Friends accept donations in the library parking lot of gently used books, audio books and DVDs. Friends volunteers will be available to assist donors during this time. 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!