Library Hours

Acton Memorial Library

Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

West Acton Citizens' Library

Tuesday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

CLOSED Monday, Friday, and Sunday

Upcoming Closures

Thursday, October 29: AML closing at 4:00 p.m.

Director's Corner

Greetings!

Acton Memorial Library will be closing at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29 for our third annual Haunted Library event! West Acton Citizens' Library will remain open that day until 5:00 p.m.

The Friends of Acton Libraries Book Sale will be held at the Acton Memorial Library on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25. Stop by for great deals on gently used books for all ages and interests!

We are currently on schedule for the accessibility renovations to AML's first floor restrooms to be completed in the coming weeks. Restrooms will remain available in the Children's Room, upstairs, and in the restroom trailer outside the library in the meantime. We appreciate your patience!

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request to library@actonma.gov. For programs taking place at the West Acton Citizens' Library, please send requests to WACL@actonma.gov. Please note that the West Acton Citizens' Library has limited accessibility. More accessible programs are offered at the Acton Memorial Library.

Please remember to check our online calendar and follow the libraries on social media for updates.

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at library@actonma.gov.

Adult Programs

Line Dancing Social Hour

Monday, October 19 & 26

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Do you love line dancing or just want to get into it? Come to our Line Dancing Social Hour to dance with others in the community.

Learn new dances or just dance some of your favorites! This is not a structured lesson, just an opportunity to dance socially with others.

All skill levels welcome!

AML Book Discussion Group

Tuesday, October 20

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

The AML Book Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Copies of this month's book is available at the AML circulation desk.

Crafting @ AML: Decoupage Trinket Bowls

Wednesday, October 21

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Join for some chatting, music, and crafting! This month, we will be making decoupage trinket bowls

Author Leslye Penelope Discusses "The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglass"

Wednesday, October 21

7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Back by (very) popular demand, we are thrilled to welcome author Leslye Penelope to our virtual stage!

Leslye will be discussing her new book, "The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglass" which she tells us is not strictly a romance but with a strong romantic subplot — you know what? We'll take it!

This is a virtual event held via Zoom.

Yarn & Needle Club

Tuesday, October 27

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and sewers, join the library to work on your project and socialize! We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.

The Big World of New England's Native Americans

Tuesday, October 27

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

From the Paleoindian period, beginning almost 13,000 years ago, to today, New England’s Native Americans have participated in many social networks throughout the continent. Robert Goodby, an archaeologist and Professor of Anthropology at Franklin Pierce University, will present "The Big World of New England's Native Americans."

Teaching Tech @ AML: Libby

Wednesday, October 28

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Join us each month for Teaching Tech, a free, hands-on series where we explore a new technology topic in an approachable, beginner-friendly way! This month, we will cover using Libby.

Afternoon Movie: Now You See Me: Now You Don't

Friday, October 30

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Join us for this free afternoon showing of Now You See Me: Now You Don't.

Please arrive early, the movie starts at 11:30 a.m.

Acton Center History Walk with Amy Cole

Saturday, October 31

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Walking Acton’s historic civic center, you will learn about the people, places and practices that shaped the town’s history and our nation’s as well. Topics include Native American history, the role of the church, the importance of Captain Isaac Davis and the Acton Minutemen, nearby historic buildings, memorials, and more.

Space is limited and registration is required!

Teen Programs

Halloween Window Painting Contest

Monday, September 28–Thursday, October 22

Help us get into the Spooky Season spirit by decorating windows in the library! In teams of 2 to 6, you will work to brainstorm, design, and implement your vision. Winners will be announced at the Haunted Library event at the end of October.

Suitable for tweens and teens in grades 5 through 12.

Homeschool Book Club for Teens

Monday, October 19

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Join our book club designed for homeschool families. We will provide the monthly book and participants will engage in a self led discussion of the themes and storyline.

Suitable for tweens and teens between the ages of 12 and 18.

Monday Matinee for Teens and Tweens

Monday, October 19

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Start your week off right with a movie! Drinks and popcorn are provided!

Suitable for tweens and teens in grades 5 through 12.

Teen Study Hall

Wednesday, October 21

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

On the third Wednesday evening of every month during the school year, we will offer pizza and quick crafts for teens who come to the YA space for studying.

Suitable for teens in grades 7 through 12.

Teen Early Release Day Craft: Macramé Spider Webs

Monday, October 26

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Make decorative macramé spider webs to hang up in your room, locker, or where you want! All supplies provided.

Suitable for students in grades 7 through 12.

Homeschool Hangout @ AML

Tuesday, October 27

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Looking to connect with other families who homeschool? Learn at home students can join our Homeschool Hangout and play games, do crafts, or generally just hang out.

Tweens and Teens (ages 11–18) meet in the YA Space!

Teen Advisory Group

Wednesday, October 28

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Join the Teen Advisory Group and have a say in what happens at the library. On the last Wednesday of every month during the school year, we discuss teen services and events at the library. Join in and get the opportunity to earn community service hours! Pizza is provided!

Suitable for students in grades 9 through 12.

Haunted Library

Thursday, October 29

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

For one night only, Acton Memorial Library will open its doors to ghouls and teens alike. Come to this free, after hours event and prepare to be scared! Activities will include crafts, games, campfire stories, and, for the bravest of you, entry into our haunted stacks!

Enter into our Costume Contest to win a prize and take pictures with your friends in our photo booth! Register ahead of time to become eligible to receive a Door Prize on entry!

Suitable for students in grades 5 through 12.

Dungeons & Dragons for Teens

Saturday, October 31

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join us on the second and fourth Saturday of every month for Dungeons & Dragons. All participants will be going through a long form campaign.

DMs are already selected. No experience with D&D required.

Suitable for teens in grades 7 through 12. This program is also open to adults if they will be joining a teen!

Special Children's Programs

Sensory-Friendly Storytime

Friday, October 16

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join us for storytime featuring quiet books, quiet songs, tactile toys, and a consistent visual guide. Children are also encouraged to bring in their own toys.

Sound-dampening headphones can be provided upon request and the lights are dimmed to reduce sensory input.

Geared especially toward autistic and neurodiverse children, but open to all!

Homeschool Book Club for Kids

Monday, October 19

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Join our book club designed for homeschool families. We will provide the monthly book and participants will engage in a self led discussion of the themes and storyline.

Suitable for children in ages 7 through 11.

Monday Matinee for Teens and Tweens

Monday, October 19

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Start your week off right with a movie! Drinks and popcorn are provided!

Suitable for tweens and teens in grades 5 through 12.

Early Release Wednesday: Spooky Lego Scene

Wednesday, October 21

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Make your own spooky Lego scene with our bricks and minifigs to display in the library.

Suitable for students in grades K+.

Storytime at the Arboretum

Friday, October 23

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join us for storytime at the Acton Arboretum (weather permitting)! Bring your lunch!

Storytime may be cancelled with short notice due to poor weather. Please check our online calendar to confirm.

Macramé Spider Web Craft

Monday, October 26

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Make decorative macramé spider webs to hang up in your room, locker, or where you want! All supplies provided.

Suitable for students in grades 5 through 12.

Russian Storytime and Simple Art Activity

Tuesday, October 27

10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Free one-hour community sessions for families and children, featuring Russian storytime and a simple art activity. These events are designed to introduce families to language through creativity and to give young children an engaging cultural experience.

Homeschool Hangout @ AML

Tuesday, October 27

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Looking to connect with other families who homeschool? Learn at home students can join our Homeschool Hangout and play games, do crafts, or generally just hang out.

Caregivers and children (ages 5–10) meet in the AML Meeting Room!

Tweens and Teens (ages 11–18) meet in the YA Space!

Hip Hop Dancing for 2 and 3 Year Olds

Wednesday, October 28

10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

A dance program for kids with individual learning differences, physical challenges, and sensory processing needs. Presented by the Acton-Boxborough Dance Center.

Early Release Wednesday: Time Capsule Party

Wednesday, October 28

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Celebrate the Acton250 Time Capsule with us!

Suitable for students in grades 1+.

Haunted Library

Thursday, October 29

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Enter into our Costume Contest to win a prize and take pictures with your friends in our photo booth! Register ahead of time to become eligible to receive a Door Prize on entry!

Suitable for students in grades 5 through 12.

Trick-or-Treating at the Library and Town Hall

Friday, October 30

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to dress-up in Halloween costumes and come to the Library and Town Hall for a Pumpkin Parade! Bring a trick-or-treat bag to collect treats!

We'll meet first in the Children's Room of the library for a story.

Recurring Children's Programs

Tummy Time and Socialize

Mondays

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

This free-flow, drop-in program offers a safe and cozy space with foam mats, developmentally appropriate toys, and books. Connect with other new parents while your little ones enjoy some quality playtime. Designed for babies who aren't yet walking, but all are welcome!

Baby/Toddler Storytime with Ms. Amy!

Tuesdays

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Join Ms. Amy and her friends for Baby/Toddler Storytime! We'll read stories, sing songs, and move around. Come ready to participate with your little one! There will be time after the program for caregivers and children to play and socialize.

Read with Ms. Rachel!

Wednesdays

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join Ms. Rachel for a morning full of stories, singing, shakers, and scarves! Geared towards ages 3–6, but all are welcome!

Pre-K to 1st Grade Crafting

Fridays

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

A craft program especially for Pre-Kindergarten to 1st grade children.

West Acton Citizens' Library Programs

Preschool Storytime at West Acton Citizens' Library!

Thursdays

10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Join us for stories and songs at the West Acton Citizens' Library!

All are welcome!

Third Thursdays at West Acton: Pumpkin Spinners

Thursday, October 15

4:00 – 4:45 p.m.

Join us to make twirligig pumpkin spinners! All materials are provided and no registration is required.

Suitable for children K+.

Crafting @ West: Decoupage Trinket Bowls

Saturday, October 17

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join for some chatting, music, and crafting! This month, we will be making decoupage trinket bowls

Homeschool Hangout @ West

Wednesday, October 21

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Looking to connect with other families who homeschool? Learn at home students can join our Homeschool Hangout and play games, do crafts, or generally just hang out.

Suitable for ages 5 through 11 and their caregivers.

Teaching Tech @ West: Libby

Wednesday, October 28

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Join us each month for Teaching Tech, a free, hands-on series where we explore a new technology topic in an approachable, beginner-friendly way! This month, we will cover using Libby.

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