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In-Person - Mini Renaissance Faire @ the Ashland Library!
*For All Ages
Saturday, May 4 @ 10-4pm
At the Farmer's Market Field (across from the Library)
Rain or Shine
This is a new one for us, but we are beyond excited to bring a Mini Ren Faire to Ashland! If you love things Medieval, Pirates, Puffy Shirts, and so much more, this is for your. We'll have knights, crafts, vendors, and something for every age. This is not just a turkey leg extravaganza, it is also an opportunity to learn how people lived (and survived) back in the day with demonstrations and hands-on activities. We hope that you'll bring the whole family (in costume, of course :).
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Adult Programs
We have in person, hybrid or virtual programs! Please click on the link to receive the zoom information if it's online. Also, make sure the email address you submit when registering is correct otherwise you will not receive the zoom link! Check your spam folder if you don't see the confirmation in your inbox.
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Virtual - iPhone Photography: Use Your iPhone Camera to its Full Potential
Tuesday, April 30 @ 6-8pm
Take better photos and get the best results from your iPhone by knowing camera features and components to improve the quality of your photos, including hidden settings and tools. Pro photography tips will be shared so you know what the features and settings are, what they do, and when to use them. Take control and improve your photography skills to create stunning photos. For all skill levels.
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Adult Spring Reading Challenge
Wednesday, May 1 - May 31, 2024
We had so much fun with Adult Winter Reading earlier this year that we had to do it again to celebrate Spring! 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! We are back to using Beanstack so it will be easier for you to keep track of your reading. Register today!
And then be ready to chat about your reading on Thursday, May 30th at 6pm for our Hot & Cold Tea Bar and Spring Reading Discussion!
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This Week and Next:
Make Your Own Flower Crown
Monday, April 29 @ 6:30pm
Have you heard that we are hosting a Mini Ren(aissance) Faire at the Ashland Library on Saturday, May 4th? Well, no self respecting Medieval-ite can attend a Ren Faire without a Flower Crown! We invite you to join us making your very own to wear to the Ren Faire or just around the house. Either way, you'll be stylin'!
Virtual - Environmental Book Club
Wednesday, May 1 @ 6:30pm
Read "The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon" by Bill McKibben
HYBRID - Romance Book Club
Thursday, May 2 @ 6:30pm
Read Canadian Romances
In-Person: Front Street Readers Book Club
Tuesday, May 7 @ 7pm
Read "The Island of Sea Women" by Lisa See
Virtual - Book Recs with Bookstagrammer Jody Blanchette aka @redreadreviews
Tuesday, May 7 @ 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 - Romance Book Recs and Conversation with Lorelei of Lorelei's Lit Lair
Wednesday, May 8 @ 7pm
Affectionately referred to as a passionate Romance Ambassador, Lorelei has been offering book recommendations, author spotlights, giveaways and connecting authors with readers through social media since 2010, providing a safe and friendly environment for book lovers around the globe. We are so pleased to be in conversation with Lorelei about how (and why) she got started, her most memorable author-meet moments, and books she's reading and recommending
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More Next Week:
Virtual - Introduction to Ornithology with Bill Gette: Breeding Behavior
Thursday, May 9 @ 1pm
Join us for this 5 part series all about Ornithology! During this PowerPoint lecture, Bill will teach you about why birds establish territories, ways birds develop and maintain pair bonds, mating systems, nest types, egg production and incubation, and care of young. As one of our favorite speakers on the natural world, Bill will wow us with his knowledge and fantastic photographs!
Paint Night with Ashwini Chitnavis
Thursday, May 9 @ 5:30pm
We're excited to bring Paint Night to Ashland! We welcome Ashwini Chitnavis to host this session where you learn to paint on canvas. No art experience necessary, just an open mind and a can-do attitude
Virtual: Coexisting with Coyotes in Suburban Communities
Thursday, May 9 @ 7pm
Eastern coyotes are found in nearly every town and city in Massachusetts, and they can thrive close to humans in a variety of habitats
Mystery Book Club
Friday, May 10 @ 1pm
Read "Case Histories" by Kate Atkinson
Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion
Friday, May 10 @ 7pm
Watch "Madame Rosa" (Kanopy)
Cookbook Club
Saturday, May 11 @ 12pm
Cook from "Japanese Home Cooking: Simple Meals, Authentic Flavors" by Sonoko Sakai
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Yoga
Registration begins 2 weeks before each session. Space is limited.
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Monday Knit & Crochet Club
Mondays at 6pm
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ESL Conversation Group
Mondays @ 6:30pm
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Unless otherwise specified, all programs are in-person walk-in. There may be room capacity limits for some, though, so come early! | |
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La Hora del Cuento *por familias | Spanish Storytime
*for families
Wednesday, May 15 @ 5:30pm
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.
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Lego Club with Kim the Lego Lady
*Grades K-3
Thursday, May 16 @ 4:30pm
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!
Homeschoolers' Meetup
*For Homeschooling Families
Wednesday, May 29 @ 1pm
Create an art project, learn about library resources, chat with the librarians and make connections with other homeschooling families.
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PJ Story Time with Ryan
(and his stuffed animals!)
*For Ages 3 and up
Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm
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.
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Alphabits
*For kids ages 4 & 5
Thursdays @ 10:30am
Alphabits is a story time program where each week kids focus on a different letter of the alphabet. Stories, songs, rhymes and a fun art project complement this early literacy-focused 45-minute session.
Clocktown Rockers!
*For ages 2-5 with a caregiver
Fridays 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.
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Thursday, April 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.
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Friday Afternoon Story And Craft
*For Ages 4-7
Fridays @ 4:15pm
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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
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Make Your Own Flower Crown
Wednesday, May 1 @ 5pm
Celebrate May Day and our upcoming Mini Renaissance Faire by making your own flower crown fit for royalty! The flowers may be fake, but the fun will be real!
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Virtual - Literary Cafe presents: Writing Young Adult Novels
Wednesday, May 8 @ 7pm
We're excited to join the Cary Library, Lexington, for this special event! Cary Library's next Literary Cafe will spotlight three Boston-area Young Adult authors—AUTUMN ALLEN (ALL YOU HAVE TO DO), TM Blanchet (HERRICK’S END, HERRICK’S LIE, HERRICK’S KEY) and Desmond Hall (YOUR CORNER DARK and the forthcoming BETTER MUST COME).
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Laura, our Teen Librarian, wants to hear from YOU about what Teens want to see at the APL! Contact her if you and your friends are interested in joining the Teen Advisory Board. | |
Program Videos
Check out the library's YouTube Channel! We are recording many of our programs so subscribe today so you don't miss out.
Please let us know what you think of our programs by filling out a quick Feedback Survey - Thanks!
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Friends of the Ashland Public Library | |
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Donation Day & Mini Book Sale!
Saturday, May 4 @ 10am-4pm
We're participating in the Ashland Library's Mini Ren Faire! Shop for gently used books or drop your gently used books from 10-4pm, wear your Medieval garb, and check out our vendors, merchants, and performers here for the Ren Faire! Can't wait to see you!
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!
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Downstairs Gallery
“Season In Watercolor”
Watercolor paintings by Suzanne Meeker
April 2 -May 5, 2024
Ashland resident Suzanne Meeker has art degrees from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Texas Woman’s University and studies at Temple University. She has worked for over 25 years in Ashland teaching children’s art classes and Senior Center Art Classes, sharing the joy and benefits of creative imagination. Her own art depicts flowers, still life, and landscapes. Experiments with different types of watercolors – gouache, acrylic, ink and gesso – keeps her world exciting and adds interest to her collection. Her local studio has been in Ashland since 1989. Her works have been acquired both locally and worldwide for the pleasure of those who enjoy easy viewing to enhance their living spaces.
I view my art “as a joyful hobby, my commitment seems to be never ending - sometimes successful and sometimes not. Keep in mind the struggle with art is always a balance that can be fun and fulfilling. Thank you for taking the time to look at my work. Art only happens if it is seen, heard or felt.”
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Upstairs Display Case
“Resin & Wood:
Functional Art Work for the Home”
by Randy Weiner
March 5 – June 15, 2024
Randy Weiner has been a dentist for the past 37 years and enjoys the creativity of producing both functional and fashionable items for the home. For the past 5 years, he found his passion specifically working with wood and resin. The results are unique and beautiful charcuterie boards (which can be customized with college logos, nature scenes, or abstract designs), wall art (featuring geometric block designs, or hobby themes), furniture (including raw wood edge tables and desks), cutting boards and more. Since Randy started wood turning April 2023, he now makes vases and bowls.
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Questions?
Contact us at ashlandprograms@minlib.net or 508-881-0134
Sign up for the library's newsletters
(if you haven't already :)
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Physical Address
66 Front Street
Ashland, MA 01721
Phone: 508-881-0134
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