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In Person - Horror Festival @ the Ashland Library: A Celebration of Fear
Saturday, April 11 @ 9:30 AM—4:00 PM
We are so thrilled about this lineup of fantastic authors, we can hardly contain ourselves! It's going to be a rollicking good time! We're excited to welcome author Joe Hill (King Sorrow) from 1:30-2:30 as our special guest (you may have heard of his dad, Stephen King :).
We hope you can join us to meet: Emily Carpenter (A Spell for Saints and Sinners, coming out March 31st), Luke Dumas (Nothing Tastes as Good, coming out March 31st), Christopher Golden (The Night Birds, edited: The End of the World As We Know It), Nicky Gonzalez (Mayra), Brian Keene (edited: The End of the World As We Know It), Ronald Malfi (The Hive, coming out April 14th), J.H. Markert (The Dig, coming out March 24th), Sam Rebelein (Galloway’s Gospel), Rebecca Rowland (Eminence Front, came January 20th), Saratoga Schaefer (Trad Wife, coming out February 10th), V.E. Tirado (You Should Have Been Nicer to My Mom, coming out March 10th). Catherynne M. Valente (Space Oddity).
This will be a day of panels (including a special panel celebrating the book, The End of the World As We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King's The Stand ), discussions, games, booksales/signings, and some unique events.
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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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This Week and Next:
Cards for Veterans - Card Drop Off
Wednesday, April 1—Thursday, April 30
In honor of Memorial Day, the Ashland Public Library will be collecting cards for Veterans throughout the month of April. Please drop cards off at the upstairs circulation desk. Librarians must be able to proofread cards before they are sent out. Blank cards will be available in the Teen Room.
In Person - Mah Jongg
Wednesday, April 1 @ 6pm
Whether you have a rudimentary knowledge of Mah Jongg or have been playing for years, we would love to have you join us for an evening of strategy, luck and fun. Knowledge of the American version of Mah Jongg rules and your own National Mah Jongg League card is necessary.
In Person - Front Street Readers Book Club
Tuesday, April 7 @ 11:00 AM—12:30 PM
Read The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
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More Next Week:
In Person - Kentucky Derby Fascinator Workshop
Wednesday, April 8 @ 6:00—7:30 PM
Get ready to sip, style, and create something fabulously you! Join us for a hands-on Kentucky Derby Fascinator Workshop where you’ll design and create your very own custom fascinator—from start to finish. Whether you’re dreaming of bold oversized bows, elegant florals, feathers, or something delightfully dramatic, your piece will be as unique as your personality.
In Person - Women's Wisdom Circle
Thursday, April 9 @ 6:00—7:30 PM
For this session Paula Topliffe will lead a discussion on: Spring rejuvenation: Letting go of what no longer adds value to life.
In Person - Great Decisions: Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
Thursday, April 9 @ 6:00—7:45 PM
Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?
In Person - Mystery Book Club
Friday, April 10 @ 12pm
Read Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
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This Week:
Virtual - "The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto" with Historian Elizabeth R. Hyman (Take Two)
Monday, March 30 @ 7pm
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising is one of the most storied events of the Holocaust, yet previous accounts of which have almost entirely focused on its male participants. In The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto: The True Story of Five Courageous Young Women Who Sparked an Uprising, Holocaust historian Elizabeth Hyman introduces five young, courageous Polish Jewish women—known as “the girls” by the leadership of the resistance and “bandits” by their Nazi oppressors—who were central to the Jewish resistance as fighters, commanders, couriers, and smugglers. This time, we'll take a deeper dive into our women heroes - what was their motivation, how did they succeed in their endeavors, what was the impact of their work?
Virtual - Bestselling Author Emily Franklin In Conversation With Bestselling Author Marjan Kamali
Monday, March 30 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Emily Franklin will discuss her new historical fiction novel, Love & Other Monsters, in conversation with bestselling author Marjan Kamali.
Virtual - In Conversation with Horror Author Lindy Ryan: "Dollface"
Tuesday, March 31 @ 7pm
You all know we love our Horror books so we're really looking forward to this discussion with author Lindy Ryan about her recent release, "Dollface", Barbie meets Scream with a nostalgic 90s twist - what's not to love?! We'll chat with Lindy about the book, her writing and research process, and how it felt to write about a horror writer (what pieces were her and what were fiction?). The conversation will be moderated by our favorite horror bookstagrammer, Jody Blanchette (aka, @redreadreviews).
Virtual - When We Spoke to the Dead with Ilise Carter
Tuesday, March 31 @ 7pm
It began with whispers in a dimly lit room. In the 1840s, the Fox Sisters—and the legions of mediums they inspired—ignited the Spiritualist movement that swept through Victorian parlors and presidential campaigns alike. Contacting the dead wasn't merely a parlor trick: It was a political statement, a declaration of self that still echoes.
Virtual - Environmental Book Club
Wednesday, April 1 @ 6:30pm
Read No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson by Gardiner Harris.
Virtual - Behind The Judicial Curtain -- Secrets Of A Trial Judge
Wednesday, April 1 @ 7pm
Retired Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Dennis Curran will discuss the behind-the-scenes process by which judges make their decisions: how bail is set, how sentencing decisions are made, how a criminal trial works, what juries really think, whether Massachusetts juries are “giving away the store,” how judges are selected, the difference between appointed versus elected judges, how jurors are chosen, specialty courts (such as drug and gun courts), and the challenges of being fair, and yet also adhering to the law.
Virtual - A Visit To Haddon Hall -- England's 900-Year-Old Medieval Manor Home
Thursday, April 2 @ 2pm
Set in the rolling hills and valleys of Derbyshire, England, the medieval manor house of Haddon Hall has been home to the Vernon and Manners families for 900 years. Its history is complex; the house lay virtually untouched for 200 years while the family lived elsewhere. That resulted in its picture perfect, ‘frozen in time’ appearance which architectural historians celebrate and earned it a place as a stunning backdrop to numerous films.
Virtual - Thrive! Caregiver Education series - Help is on the Way!
Thursday, April 2 @ 2pm
Noticing symptoms of memory loss or receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be a traumatic life changing event in both your family life and the life of your loved one living with memory loss. Many wonder where they can turn for assistance, guidance and support. This webinar will have a panel of experts ready to answer your questions and to let you know about the resources available to you here in your own community.
Virtual - But, What About Cremation?
Thursday, April 2 @ 7pm
The discussion will cover the full range of options (direct cremation, services before cremation, and cremation followed by a memorial service), what families need to have ready before a death occurs, and the benefits of pre-planning, how it works in Massachusetts, and practical next steps such as scattering, burial, keepsakes, and eco-friendly alternatives, all designed to help attendees make informed, confident decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
Virtual - Adventures in the Spring Garden
Thursday, April 2 @ 7:00—8:15 PM
Growing your own food is a rewarding and tasty way to spend a summer in your yard. it's also a good way to reduce your grocery bills and provide food for your family in uncertain times. This class covers step by step "how-to's" for selecting, preparing and planting a garden site, and provides tips and tricks for making your garden adventures a success!
VIRTUAL - Romance Book Club
Thursday, April 2 @ 7pm
Topic: Secret Identity
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Next Week:
Virtual - Shut Up and Read with Author Jeannine A. Cook
Monday, April 6 @ 7pm
We are so excited to have Jeannine A. Cook, self described "wordworker" join us for this virtual event! Jeannine's latest book, Shut Up and Read: A Memoir from Harriett’s Bookshop goes straight to our reader's hearts. The author of It’s Me They Follow chronicles the improbable true story of how she left an abusive past to build a bookshop that survived the Covid pandemic and become an international sensation.
Virtual - The Asteroid Hunter: A Scientist’s Journey to the Dawn of Our Solar System
Tuesday, April 7 @ 7pm
On September 11, 1999, scientists identified an asteroid that would soon reshape our understanding of the early solar system and perhaps the origins of life itself. Named Bennu, this ancient, carbon-rich world rises higher than the Empire State Building and stretches nearly the length of five and a half American football fields. More than a celestial curiosity, Bennu is a pristine archive of the organic chemistry and volatile materials that circulated as planets were forming.
Virtual - The Sonnet with Bill Thierfelder
Tuesday, April 7 @ 7:00—8:30 PM
This program takes a look at one of the most frequently used poetic forms--the Sonnet--and traces the history of these 14-line gems from their beginnings in Italy during the early Renaissance to the modern period.
Virtual - Get the Most Out of Social Security with Mary Beth Franklin
Wednesday, April 8 @ 1pm
Deciding when and how to claim your maximum Social Security benefits is one of the most important decisions one can make before retirement. Join Mary Beth Franklin, one of the true experts in the field, for a deep dive on Social Security, including strategies for deciding when to claim benefits and considerations of your overall retirement plan.
Virtual - Create Amazing iPhone Videos: 2026 Masterclass for Beginners with Deborah Tual
Wednesday, April 8 @ 7pm
Please Note: This program will NOT be recorded
Master your iPhone’s built-in video camera features, including adjusting resolution, frame rates, focus, exposure, and sound. Learn how to plan, shoot, and edit professional-quality videos using the different shooting modes, like video, cinematic, slow-motion, and time-lapse.
Virtual - Life Lessons From The Happiest People On Earth
Wednesday, April 8 @ 7pm
Every year, the World Happiness Report is dominated by the same countries: Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. What is it about these Scandinavian countries that makes living there so pleasant? Learn to improve your own life by embracing the practices of hygge and lykke (Danish coziness and happiness); lagom (Swedish balance); sisu (Finnish determination); Niksen (Dutch disassociation); Þetta reddast (Icelandic optimism); and friluftsliv (Norwegian outdoor life).
Virtual - A Sisterhood Of Sculptors -- American Ex-Patriots In Rome
Thursday, April 9 @ 2pm
From about 1850 to 1876 a fearless band of nineteenth-century Americans defied Victorian conventions of womanhood and traveled to Italy to become professional sculptors. The cause of these women was to fight for their art, and in doing so, they also took on the battle for abolition and women’s suffrage.
Virtual - In Conversation with Romance Author & Baseball Enthusiast, KD Casey
Thursday, April 9 @ 7:00—8:00 PM
Just in time for Spring Training, we are thrilled to be chatting with MM romance author, KD Casey. Her most recent book, "Breakout Year", features some of our favorite tropes - fake relationships and second chance romance. We'll find out why KD is such a huge baseball fan, how she decided to feature this in her writing (although, she also has a paranormal short story which is adorable!), and all of the reasons why we should pick up her books (there are so many!).
Virtual - Declutter series with Jamie Novak: Declutter Like You Are Moving
Thursday, April 9 @ 7:00—8:30 PM
Log on for the April Declutter Program when professional organizer Jamie Novak shares how pretending you are moving can be a great way to evaluate what to keep. If you are really moving this step will be extra helpful. Jumpstart your decluttering by participating in an (optional) short, live guided tidy up task during the program.
Virtual - Presidential Series with Doodler Heather Rogers: James Madison
Friday, April 10 @ 10:30am
Welcome to our yearlong series in which “America’s Preeminent Presidential Doodler”, Heather Rogers, shares facts, factoids, and fun illustrations about the presidents of these United States. This month we turn to James Madison: Our teensiest president who tried to conquer Canada. Instead, Canada captured Michigan. Oops. Don't you want to know more?
Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion
Friday, April 10 @ 7pm
Watch Eat Drink Man Woman
| | Weekly Adult In Person Programs | |
Yoga
Registration is Required, Space is Limited. Please plan on showing early as those coming in more than 5 minutes after the start of instruction will not be admitted. Registration begins 2 weeks before each session.
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Monday Knit & Crochet Club
Mondays at 6pm
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Starting 5/13/25, registration for children's events with limited space opens two weeks before the event date. If you can’t attend after registering, please cancel or contact the library at least 48 hours in advance. No-shows will lose registration privileges for one month. Please also arrive on time—those more than 10 minutes late may not be able to join due to missed introductions.
For programs requiring registration, signs up will begin 2 weeks prior to the event.
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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.
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Baby Time
*For ages 0-3 with a caregiver
Wednesdays @ 10:30—11:00 AM
Join Miss Lindsay for Baby Time, our weekly storytime especially designed for babies and toddlers ages 0-3! This interactive storytime includes sweet stories, fun rhymes and fingerplays, bounces, and so much more.
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ABC Adventures
*For ages 3-6 with a caregiver
Fridays at 10:30-11am
Join Miss Kayla for this new literacy-focused storytime! Each week, we’ll focus on different letters of the alphabet and letter sounds as a cornerstone of building early reading skills. We’ll also read thematic stories, do fun rhymes and fingerplays, and even work on hands-on crafts!
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Saturday Stories
*for ages 2-5 with a caregiver
Most Saturdays at 10:30am
Check our calendar for dates
Join Miss Kayla for a new Saturday morning storytime! We’ll read lively stories, do fun rhymes and movement activities, and work on simple crafts. For families with children ages 2-5. No registration required.
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Juntos en la Biblioteca: Actividades en Español en Familia
*for families
para familias
Monday, March 30 @ 6:30pm
Los invitamos a disfrutar en familia de una sesión de actividades en español en la biblioteca. En “Juntos en la Biblioteca,” ofreceremos la oportunidad de creer lazos fuertes en comunidad, ¡todo en español! | Join us for family activities in Spanish at the library! Through "Juntos en la Biblioteca" (Together at the Library), we're creating a space to strengthen community ties and connect, entirely in Spanish.
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Take & Make: Marshmallow Peep Houses
*for families
Friday, April 3, 10am and on while supplies last!
We’re celebrating the start of spring with our favorite seasonal treat: marshmallow Peeps! Drop by the library on Friday, April 3 to pick up a take-home kit to make your own marshmallow Peep house using goodies like graham crackers, icing, candy, and more. Kits are available from the Children’s Room desk while supplies last and are first come first served! No pre-registration required.
Flicknic: The Wild Robot
*for families
Friday, April 3 @ 12:30—2:30 PM
Join us on this no-school day to watch a movie inspired by one of our favorite books: The Wild Robot! Bring your own blanket and snacks to get cozy in our large meeting room. The Wild Robot is rated PG. No registration required!
Coding Class for Kids
*for grades K-5
Saturday, April 4 @ 12:15pm
Saturday, April 11 @ 12:15pm
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! 🌟👾 Space is limited and registration is required.
Little Picassos Club
*for grades K-2
Tuesday, April 7 @ 4:30—5:15 PM
Tuesday, April 28 @ 4:30—5:15 PM
Join Miss Kayla for Little Picassos—revamped! Perfect for kids in grades K-2 who love to get their hands messy, Little Picassos is a unique art club that introduces younger elementary students to different artists, art styles, and mediums. We’ll paint, sculpt, and everything in between—just bring your creativity! Registration required.
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Art Club
*for grades 3-6
Thursday, April 9 @ 4:30pm
It’s our Art Club for older kids! Young artists in grades 3-6 are invited to join Miss Lindsay to learn about a different artist each month and make awesome creations through a variety of mediums. It’s the perfect place to hang out with other creative kids and hone in on your skills! Registration required.
LEGO Club!
Monday, April 13 @ 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! For kids in grades K-3. Registration is required and space is limited.
Pokémon Club
*for grades 2-6
Tuesday, April 14 @ 6:30pm
Are you a Pokémon master? Kids in grades 2-6 are welcome to join us for our exciting Pokémon Club! This is a low-key hangout space, where kids can come together to share their card collections, watch episodes of the Pokémon anime, and participate in passive activities. Come hang out and make new Pokémon friends! Registration required.
Juntos en la Biblioteca: Actividades en Español en Familia
*for families
para familias
Monday, April 27 @ 6:30pm
Los invitamos a disfrutar en familia de una sesión de actividades en español en la biblioteca. En “Juntos en la Biblioteca,” ofreceremos la oportunidad de creer lazos fuertes en comunidad, ¡todo en español! | Join us for family activities in Spanish at the library! Through "Juntos en la Biblioteca" (Together at the Library), we're creating a space to strengthen community ties and connect, entirely in Spanish!
Little Crafters
Thursday, April 30 @ 10:30am
Come join the Ashland Moms Club for this storytime, where little hands get to explore big ideas! We'll start with a sweet and lively storytime, followed by a simple craft that’s perfect for curious minds. Bring your imagination, and let’s make some colorful memories together! For families with children ages 0-5. No registration required.
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Off the Page Movie Club: Paddington
*for families
Saturday, April 18 @ 1:00—3:00 PM
All families are welcome to join us for our new Off the Page Movie Club, where we’ll be checking out different book-to-screen adaptations of favorite children’s books! You’ll have the opportunity to read the source material as a family before joining us for a fun Saturday movie showing in our large meeting room. This month, we’ll be highlighting A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond and the 2024 film Paddington in Peru.
Parody Playhouse: Family Concert
*for ages 0-6 with a caregiver
Tuesday, April 21 @ 10:30am
Put on your dancing shoes, because we’re welcoming Parody Playhouse BACK to the library for another morning of musical fun! A music and movement experience for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, Parody Playhouse’s performance includes kid-friendly versions of popular songs that help teach important social-emotional skills. If you and your kiddos love to sing and dance, this is the program for you! Drop in, no registration required.
Craft It!: DIY Tic-Tac-Toe Boards
*for grades K-6
Tuesday, April 21 @ 2:00—2:45 PM
Tuesday, April 21 @ 3:15—4:00 PM
We love crafts and we love games—what better way is there to combine both than by making your own tic-tac-toe game? By painting your own board and crafting unique game pieces out of air-dry clay, you’ll have your own special tic-tac-toe set you can take home and play with again and again. All supplies are provided, just bring your creativity! Please only sign up for one session.
Earth Day Cupcake Decorating
*for grades K-6
Wednesday, April 22 @ 2:00—2:45 PM
Wednesday, April 22 @ 3:15—4:00 PM
Join us for a tasty Earth Day celebration where we’ll be decorating earth-inspired cupcakes! You’ll get to make two different cupcakes to enjoy. All supplies will be provided!. **Please keep in mind that cupcakes contain allergens such as gluten, eggs, dairy, etc.** Space is limited and registration is required! Please only sign up for one session.
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Buildwave ® | A Hands-On Building Game!
*for ages 5+
Thursday, April 23 @ 11:30am
Boost your child's STEAM interest with Buildwave® — a building event that feels like a gameshow! During the event, participants build with waves of diverse materials like Lego®, Plus-Plus®, and more. Each building wave is enhanced by a dynamic audiovisual experience unlike any other. As participants complete wave after wave of building, they gain creative confidence, enhance teamwork, and experience design fundamentals in a unique and memorable context. Registration required.
Gaming & Mini-Golf w/ One Up Games
*for families, kids, and teens
Friday, April 24 @ 1:00—4:00 PM
Have you ever wanted to play mini golf in the library? Thanks to our friends from One Up Games, you can! Stop on by to play through several holes of their LED mini golf course with your family and friends. Families, kids, and teens will also enjoy hours of video games galore, from MarioKart to Smash Brothers! No registration required, just come check it out!
**Please note that the Children’s Room will be closed for circulation purposes between 12:30 and 4:00 p.m. for this event. We apologize for the inconvenience!**
Music at the Blissful: Family Concert
*for families
Saturday, April 25 @ 10:30am
We can’t wait to sing and dance along with award-winning children’s musician Evan Haller, AKA Music at the Blissful! Evan’s show is high-energy, interactive, a little silly, and perfect for kids of all ages. All families are welcome to join for a toe-tapping good time! Drop in, no registration required.
Family Trivia Party
*for families
Saturday, April 25 @ 2pm
Join us for our first-ever family trivia extravaganza! Register your family as a team to participate in a game of general knowledge trivia covering a variety of topics. Put your collective skills to the test to see if you’re the most trivia-savvy family! The winning team will receive a small prize. Registration required.
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Project ABC: Play, Learn & Grow
*for ages 0-5
Mondays @ 11:00 AM—12:00 PM
Join the Metrowest YMCA in partnership with the Early Childhood Alliance of Ashland & Framingham for a fun and interactive experience designed just for little ones aged 5 and under! Their Play, Learn & Grow program is the perfect way to get your child ready for school and socializing with new friends. Packed with creative activities, playful learning, and joyful moments, this structured program will help your child build confidence and get excited about their educational journey. Registration is required. Register HERE
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March Madness!
All March Long
Which YA book will reign supreme? Vote every week between pairs of fantastic works to help determine the winner! Voting will open by Sunday at 10am and close on Saturday at 10pm.
For more information and a link to vote visit: https://tinyurl.com/apl-teen-marchmadness-2026
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Teen - In Person Creative Writing Club
Thursday, April 2nd 5:00-6:00 PM and Thursday, April 16th 5:00-6:00 PM
Stop by the Teen Room at the Ashland Public Library to do some creative writing. You can continue working on a project or start a new one! There will be optional prompts for inspiration and you can share your work at the end of the meeting. You do not have to share any writing to join the group.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting In Person
Monday, April 13th 4:00-5:00 PM
Share your ideas and help plan teen events! This event can be used for community service hours.
Teen - In Person Make Your Own Slime
Tuesday, April 21st 3:00-4:00 PM:
Make some slime (and a little bit of a mess) at the library.
Teen - In Person Write to a Veteran
Thursday, April 23rd 2:30-3:30 PM
Write a letter to be delivered to a Veteran for Memorial Day. Students can use this event for community service hours. Teens are welcome to write letters all month long and drop them off at the upstairs circulation desk. Librarians must be able to proof read cards before they are sent out.
Gaming & Golf w/ One Up Games
*for kids & teens
Friday, April 24 @ 1:00—4:00 PM
Have you ever wanted to play mini golf in the library? Thanks to our friends from One Up Games, you can! Stop on by to play through several holes of their LED mini golf course with your family and friends. No registration required, just come check it out!
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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!
| | Friends of the Ashland Public Library | | |
Friends of the Ashland Public Library Monthly Book Sale & Donation Day!
Saturday, April 4 @ 9:30 AM—1:00 PM
Monthly Book Sales and Donation Days are held the 1st Saturday of every month from 9:30 am-1 pm. Exceptions are the Big 2-Day Sale weekends in March, June, and December and June. 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 monthly book sales fund library programs for children, teens, and adults, Museum Passes, and so much more!
Donation Days are held every 1st Saturday of every month from 9:30am-1pm. 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.
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.
If you can't make it to the sales, the Friends have a book sale corner on the 1st floor of the library (in the beautiful original part of the building). There, you can find great books for yourself and your family any time the library is open.
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
Planned Spontaneity
Bruno Wernli
March 28-May 16
Learn more about Bruno on his website.
Artist Statement:
Ideas, Concepts and Experiences
The work investigates the coexistence of control and unpredictability. Each painting begins with a defined composition and palette, then evolves through spontaneous gestures and the organic movement of paint. This mirrors the uncertain flow of life, where structure often dissolves into the unexpected. Layered surfaces become visual metaphors for resilience, transformation, and emotional complexity.
At its core, the work seeks to create emotion—a pursuit I see as the holy grail of painting. I have long envied music and film for the way they can move audiences so directly. Abstraction, for me, is a way to reach toward that immediacy of feeling through pure color, rhythm, and texture. Ultimately, the questions beneath the work may remain unanswered: How did I get here? Who am I? Why? The paintings do not answer, but they open space for the viewer to reflect.
Inspirations and Traditions That Guide the Work
Rooted in abstract expressionism, the work is also shaped by architectural principles such as spatial balance, structural foundation, and proportion—an influence of my education and interest in architecture. Photography and my years living in the Caribbean, the United States, Europe, and Latin America also influenced my visual language, adding layers of atmosphere, rhythm, and cultural resonance.
Key inspirations include the bold chromatic experiments of Niki de Saint Phalle, the gestural urgency of K.R.H. Sonderborg, and the textural complexity of Jack Whitten, as well as Gerhard Richter’s exploration of abstraction and chance. These references converge in works that celebrate the interplay between deliberate intent and intuitive mark-making.
Methods and Techniques in This Body of Work
Each painting is developed through a multi-layered process, a private, intimate, and emotionally charged practice. Pigments and raw materials are mixed into custom paints, emphasizing a direct, hands-on engagement with color. Surfaces are built up through successive applications, creating luminous, almost three-dimensional effects that embody tension between presence and impermanence.
The use of raw, unblended, self-made pigments alongside standard, off the shelve materials, underscores the honesty and authenticity of the process—nothing hidden, only a direct dialogue between hand, surface, and color. Frames and supports are handcrafted as part of this philosophy of slow, intentional creation. The result is a body of work that does not dictate meaning but instead invites viewers to step into an open field of perception, memory, and emotion.
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Upstairs Display Case
“Mini-Books"
by Ashland Library Staff
March 2 - April 28, 2026.
The Library staff know stories come in all shapes and sizes and are happy to share some of their tiniest books for this display!
They will be available to purchase at the Friends Booksale in May.
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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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