5 April, 2023
From the Director's Desk
National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association and was first celebrated in 1958 as a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions and to promote library use and support. The theme for this year’s National Library Week, which is being celebrated between April 23rd and April 29th, is “There’s More to the Story.”
Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats. But there's so much more to the story.
At the Hopkinton Public Library, we lend items like adventure passes, games, musical instruments, and tech items. Our library programming brings the community together for entertainment, education, and connection through book discussions, movie showings, storytimes, monthly music and movement sessions for children, craft programs for all ages, author talks, and our English Language Learning program, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Last year, they offered one session. This year, attendance had grown enough to support three sessions at two different levels - beginner and advanced, and includes participants from thirteen different countries and surrounding communities.
Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, community meeting spaces, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. In 2022, we circulated 200,522 items. Hopkinton residents were able to borrow 13,353 items from other Massachusetts libraries while we lent 6,941 of our items to those communities. We held 329 live programs which 3,123 people attended.
During National Library Week the Hopkinton Library staff will be celebrating with different themed days and we invite the public to join us on Monday, April 24th by wearing library or book-themed clothing. Tuesday the 25th come dressed as your favorite character. On Wednesday the 26th we will be showing off our pajamas. Thursday the 27th is cardigan day, and Friday the 28th is mismatch day. A list of library programming and take-and-makes that week will be listed on our web calendar. Join us for any or all of them.
The Hopkinton Public Library is committed to upholding and defending the core values of inclusion and free and equal access to ideas and information, which are essential to an informed democratic society. We enjoy National Library Week while remembering those core values.
Upcoming Programs
Programs are hosted at the library unless otherwise noted. Registration is required for many programs.
Visit our website calendar to receive participation information.
Please confirm the location of the program when registering. Programs are subject to change or cancellation.
For Multiple Ages
Tuesday, April 4 6:30 - 7:30 pm
The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy
Join author and scholar Jennifer Brunton, Ph. D for a discussion of her new book The #ActuallyAustistic Guide to Advocacy, which she co-authored with Jenna Gensic, M. A. The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy takes an in-depth look at the key elements of effective, respectful, inclusive advocacy and allyship.
Tuesday, April 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm on Zoom
Virtual Author Talk with Kate Beaton: Bestselling Cartoonist of Hark! A Vagrant!
Join us for an enlightening hour online with highly-acclaimed Kate Beaton, the New York Times bestselling author of Hark! A Vagrant! And Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands.
Wednesday, April 12 & 26 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle
Join us for the Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle! Bring your current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adult of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, needle felting, etc.) are more than welcome to join us!
Wednesday, April 12 7:00 - 8:00 pm on Zoom
Virtual - Going Zero Waste As a Family with Sarah Robertson-Barnes
Learn how to manage eco-anxiety and lessen your impact on the planet with easy-to-implement sustainable living tips for busy families. All ages are welcome! Sarah Robertson-Barnes, founder of the Sustainable in the Suburbs blog, is a freelance writer, educator, and consultant.
Card-Making Crafternoon (all ages/family event)
Wednesday, April 19 2:00 - 4:00 pm
All ages and families welcome! Stop by and make a card for someone special.
Tuesday, April 25 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Write a Letter to the Troops
Getting a letter can be the highlight of a military person's day. Join Adult Services Librarian Danielle to write a letter of thanks (or two or three) to members of our military. The library will be sending the letters to the nonprofit organization A Million Thanks for sorting and posting. If you want to learn more about how to write a letter, you can find guidelines from A Million Thanks HERE. This is a drop-in event. All ages are welcome. Children under 9 must be supervised, but are welcome to write a letter or make a drawing to be included in a letter written by a guardian.
Wednesday, April 26 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Hopkinton Trail Explorers Event
Drop in anytime between 4-6:30 pm in the large event room to find out about all the FUN for kids on the local Hopkinton Trails! There will be activities, prizes, and information for families! Hosted by the Trails Committee (TCMC) and the Hopkinton Public Library.
Wednesday, April 26 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Job Corps Information Session
Job Corps is the largest job training and education program in the country, free to low-income 16- to 24-year-olds. You can get the experience and skills you need to start a career that's right for you, go on to college, or join the military.
Adult Programs
Wednesday, April 5 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Red Cross Blood Drive
Register on the Red Cross website at https://rcblood.org/3AmuYsP
Thursday, April 6 1:00 - 2:15 pm
Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center
Sponsored by Hopkinton Senior Services and the Hopkinton Public Library, Our Time Memory Cafe’ invites those with forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia and their care partner, family and friends to attend. Our Time Memory Cafe’ takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. For more information, please contact the Senior Center 508-497-9730 and ask for Outreach (Kim or Julia).
Thursday, April 6 5:30 - 7:30 pm
NEW DATE! - Movie and Director Q&A: "Being Robin" by Roger Kabler
Join local filmmaker and performer, Roger Kabler, for a viewing and discussion of his film "Being Robin. "Watch the trailer at https://beingrobinthemovie. com/A man believes he is possessed by the spirit of Robin Williams. Whether he is truly at the center of spiritual event or he is delusional, he mounts an hysterical and touching stage tribute to Robin which becomes a hit around America
Monday, April 10 6:00 - 7:30 pm
The Plant Guy Eric - Cannabis Consultant
Eric is a cannabis cultivation consultant based in central Massachusetts. He will cover everything from choosing and starting seeds, what equipment is needed, daily care including info on nutrients and types of soil, right through the process of harvesting, with an emphasis on destigmatizing the use of cannabis.
Tuesday, April 11 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction with the Hopkinton Health Department
Narcan is the brand name of the generic Naloxone and is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids. This free Narcan training will provide participants with a brief training on how to recognize an opioid overdose, when and how to use Narcan, and a free kit to take home.
Tuesday, April 11 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Author Talk at the Library: "The Unlocked Path" with Janis Robinson Daly
The Unlocked Path presents and embraces a “New Woman” of the early 20th century: educated, career-minded, independent. In 1897 Philadelphia, after witnessing her aunt’s suicide Eliza Edwards vows to find ways to help and heal. With the support of a circle of women, Eliza charts a new life course. Combining science and sympathy, can she triumph to heal others and herself?
Wednesday, April 12 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Zoom
Women's Financial Roundtable
Confused about financial markets? Wondering what Bitcoin is all about? Staring blankly at your retirement statements? Join Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone for Women and Money Roundtable: How to Make Sense of Today's Financial Markets. Each session focuses on a different topic.
Saturday, April 15 10:00 - 11:00 am on Zoom - Via Another Library
Author Christopher Morash Discusses "Dublin: A Writer's City"
If you are a fan of classic literature and love a pint of Guinness while you're reading, join us for this conversation with author & professor at Trinity College Christopher Morash as he discusses his book "Dublin: A Writer's City" which unfolds a book-lover's map of this unique city, inviting us to experience what it means to live in a great city of literature. REGISTER HERE. Our thanks to the Ashland Public Library for coordinating this event.
Saturday, April 22 10:00 - 11:00 am on Zoom
Author Louise Gray - "Avocado Anxiety and Other Stories About Where Your Food Comes From"
Have you ever wondered who picked your Fairtrade banana? Or why we can buy British strawberries in April? How far do you think your green beans travelled to get to your plate? And where do all the wonky carrots go? Above all, how do we stop worrying about our food choices and start making decisions that make a difference? In an effort to make sense of the complex food system, Louise Gray decides to track the stories of our five-a-day, from farm to fruit bowl, and discover the impact that growing fruits and vegetables has on the planet.
Thursday, April 27 8:00 - 9:00 pm on Zoom
New York Times Bestselling Author of Ordinary Grace: Author Talk with William Kent Krueger
You are in for a riveting hour online with New York Times bestselling author William Kent Krueger! Join us as he discusses his newest book in the Cork O’Connor series Fox Creek and his other works!
Teen Programs
Rebel the Therapy Dog
Most Tuesdays in April 3:00 - 4:00 pm
All ages are welcome to stop by to visit with Rebel, a sweet Swiss Mountain Dog, for a bit of stress reduction in the Young Adult or Ellsworth Room. Please check our website for any cancelations before coming.
AP Strategy Session by Princeton Review
Wednesday, April 12 6:30 - 7:30 pm
AP students who have succeeded all year long in their classes still need to prepare for the actual exam. In this presentation , you will learn about strategies for the AP exams that can earn scores that equate to college credit. Join us for this AP strategy session with Princeton Review's Sarah Cao to help you navigate grades and college admission. This program is free and is intended for high school students, and parents of students. Participants must register for this session at https://secure.princetonreview.com/event?PSOId=509532.
VIRTUAL: SAT Practice Test
Saturday, April 15 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Join us online on April 15th at 10:00 am for a FREE SAT practice test with the Princeton Review. Please sign up at https://secure.princetonreview.com/event?PSOId=518553.
Children's Programs
Please register for most programs on our website calendar to receive participation information.
Chess Club is back! (recommended for ages 6-12)
Tuesday, April 4 & 18 4:00 - 4:45 pm
Stop by to play chess and to get tips and tricks! No registration is required for this program.
Lego Club (ages 5+)
Tuesday, April 11 & 25 4:00 - 4:45 pm
Tuesday, April 18 10:00 - 11:00 am
Build a creation out of legos which will be displayed in the children's department. No registration is required for this program.
Baby-Toddler Storytime (ages 0-3)
Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 10:15 - 10:45 am
Saturday, April 1 & 29 10:15 - 10:45 am
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-6)
Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 11:00 - 11:30 am
Saturday, April 1 & 29 11:00 - 11:30 am
Parent-Child Playgroup
Thursday, April 6, 20 & 27 10:00 - 11:00 am
Monthly Music & Movement
Thursday, April 13 11:00 - 11:45 am
Join us for a children's concert (recommended aged 0-5) with performer Stacey Peasley! This program was funded by The Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.
Literacy Bingo (Alphabet!)
Tuesday, April 18 2:00 - 2:45 pm
Drop in for a few rounds of bingo to practice alphabet (letter) recognition and sounds- there will be prizes!
Literacy Bingo (sight words)
Thursday, April 20 2:00 - 2:45 pm
Drop in for a few rounds of bingo to practice sight word recognition
Tabletop Games & Activities
Friday, April 21 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Hopkinton Elementary Schools are on vacation! Drop by the children's programming room to play some table-top games with friends and family (e.g. chess, Guess Who, scrabble, etc.).
Gracie, Therapy Dog
Wednesday, April 5, 12 19 & 26 7:00 - 7:45 pm
