|
Hello Ashland!
Wow, can you believe it's already the last day of March?!?!? We have so many great things happening in April, we hope you'll join us for the fun! Thanks to everyone who played Mini-Golf with the Friends, bought raffle tickets, or sponsored this special event. We could not do what we do without our Friends! (check out our Facebook page for pics!)
Download our April brochures
(note - sometimes we add/ programs so make sure to check our calendar regularly!)
April Adult Program Brochure
April Children & Teen Program Calendar
| | Friends of the Ashland Public Library | | |
Friends of the Ashland Public Library Monthly Book Sale & Donation Day!
Saturday, April 5 @ 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!
| |
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.
New registration guidelines for in-person limited space programs (such as crafting): Ashland residents will be given priority in registration; after one week non-residents will be admitted in the order that they registered. So, please sign up, just know there will be a delay in your confirmation email. You will be asked for a library card - you do not need to have an Ashland card to sign up! Any library card will do or, if you don't have one, please come in (with ID) and we'll make one for you on the spot.
| | |
Virtual - A History of Guinness Beer with Guinness Brewery Ambassador, Mike Reardon
Monday, March 31 @ 7pm
We're so excited to chat with Mike Reardon, a Guinness Ambassador - a highly trained beer expert and storyteller who captivates Guinness lovers and audiences with the beer, culinary, and cultural history of this fantastic beer. So, sit back, relax, grab a pint (if you're over 21), and join us for this wonderful discussion to close out St. Paddy's Day month!
| | | | | |
Virtual - Travel Photography 101 with Deborah Tual
Tuesday, April 1 @ 7pm
This step-by-step guide will show you how to document and showcase your travel experience with confidence using pro photography tips and tricks. Join Deborah Tual, our favorite iPhone and Photography aficionado, to learn the essentials of “what, when, where and how” to create photos that really stand out wherever you go. Composition guidelines will also be discussed to add interest and impact to your images.
| | |
In Person - The Legacy of Morrie: Two new books from Heather Pillar and Rob Schwartz
Wednesday, April 9 @ 6:30pm
We've been huge fans of Tuesdays with Morrie and now we have the opportunity to speak with his son, Rob Schwartz, and photographer Heather Pillar to learn more about this seminal story while also delving into more details which will round out the legacy of Morrie for us. We hope you'll join us for this important discussion!
| | | |
This Week and Next:
Virtual - Front Street Readers Book Club
Tuesday, April 1 @ 7pm
Read Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen L Carter
In Person - Mah Jongg
Wednesday, April 2 @ 6:00
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. This is an opportunity for the novice to hone their skills and experienced players to share their knowledge.
Virtual - Adult Book Club
Wednesday, April 2 @ 6:30pm
Read The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Virtual - Environmental Book Club
Wednesday, April 2 @ 6:30pm
Read The Weight of Nature: How a Changing Climate Changes Our Brains by Clayton Page Aldern.
Virtual - Bestselling Author Marie Benedict
Wednesday, April 2 @ 7pm
Online - Zoom
Bestselling author Marie Benedict will discuss her new historical fiction mystery, The Queens of Crime.
Virtual - Claude Monet -- Obsessed with the Natural World
Thursday, April 3 @ 10:30am
Indisputably, Claude Monet is one of the most recognizable and celebrated figures in art history. Everyone loves his beautiful landscapes, colorful and dynamic depictions of modern life, and monumental garden scenes. Learn all about how this revered figure went from being an impoverished, rejected outsider to becoming a ground-breaking icon of Modernism.
HYBRID - Romance Book Club
Thursday, April 3 @ 6:30pm
Read a Monster Romance
Virtual - Declutter series with Jamie Novak: How to Know What's It Worth: appraise your items
Thursday, April 3 @ 7pm
Log on for this month’s declutter club zoom when decluttering humorist Jamie Novak shares a quick way to identify and appraise your treasures for FREE. Plus, a list of where you can sell them easily. Then join the live guided tidy-up for a quick jumpstart!
Virtual - Local Farms, MA - Produce, Meats, Dairy, Oh My!
Monday, April 7 @ 7pm
Working with Ashland's Town Sustainability Coordinator, Samantha Riley, we'll have a panel of farmers who will help us understand the benefits of shopping locally grown AND give us suggestions for reputable growers in our area.
Virtual - Behind The Headlines -- Understanding Bird Flu
Monday, April 7 @ 7pm
Dr. Catherine (“Katie”) Brown is the Massachusetts State Epidemiologist and Public Health Veterinarian, and current President of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. She plays a key role at the state and national level in monitoring and responding to infectious disease threats, and has been involved with avian influenza for over 20 years. She will give a clear and authoritative overview of the nation's current situation and the risk that avian influenza presents.
Virtual - Armchair Travel To Panama The Traveling Librarian
Tuesday, April 8 @ 2:00—3:30 PM
This month, travel to Panama City, the capital of Panama, a vibrant seaside metropolis blending modern skyscrapers with historic neighborhoods. It's a gateway to the famous Panama Canal, a world-famous engineering marvel. Casco Viejo, the city's colonial quarter, boasts cobblestone streets and lively plazas. The city is also ringed by lush rainforests and stunning beaches, that offer rich biodiversity and adventure opportunities.
Virtual - Historical Fiction Book Recs with Bestselling Author, Jane Healey
Tuesday, April 8 @ 6:30pm
Love Historical Fiction but not sure what to read next? Join bestselling author, Jane Healey (and Ashland fave!), monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - the best of historical fiction out there!
| | |
More Next Week:
NEW! In Person - Men's Discussion Group: Managing Stress
Tuesday, April 8 @ 6:30pm
This one is for the guys! It's a place for all men, including cis and trans men, to gather and talk about issues that matter to them. For our first session Ben Draper will lead a discussion on Managing Stress. How to recognize it and how to handle it well. This is a safe, no judgement zone and we hope you can join us for this important topic. Maybe you'll learn something, teach something, or just make a friend.
Virtual - Batch Cooking and Your Healthy New Habits with Terry Walters
Tuesday, April 8 @ 7pm
Welcome back cookbook author Terry Walters to learn about batch cooking. Cook plant-forward, healthy, and delicious foundational recipes that can be prepared for one meal and then upcycled for multiple different quick and easy meals thereafter.
Virtual - Thriller/Horror Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @redreadreviews
Tuesday, April 8 @ 7:30pm
Not sure what to read next? Join Jody Blanchette (aka @redreadreviews), monthly, for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - the best of horror and thrillers out there!
Virtual - Job Search Help -- Create A Powerful Presence
Wednesday, April 9 @ 9:30am
People make up their minds about us in seconds. They’re responding to what they see when they look at us, what they hear when we speak, and how they feel when they’re with us—or seeing us on a screen. This session offers some practical steps you can take to increase your chances of making a strong impression, having more influence, and achieving your professional goals.
Virtual - Bram Stoker Award Winner Cynthia Pelayo with Christopher Golden
Wednesday, April 9 @ 7pm
Bestselling author Cynthia Pelayo will discuss her new horror/thriller, Vanishing Daughters, in conversation with bestselling author Christopher Golden.
In Person - Women's Wisdom Circle: Mindfulness practice for the every day
Thursday, April 10 @ 6:30pm
For this session Meredith Bazirgan will lead a discussion on Mindfulness practice for the every day - the little things we do to stay present.
Virtual - The Intersection of Climate Action and Romance Novels: A Panel Discussion
Thursday, April 10 @ 7pm
We are thrilled to welcome authors Nikki Payne, Tara L. Roí., and L.E. Sterling to discuss how genre fiction, specifically romance, can have an impact on Climate Action! Have you ever wondered how authors weave very important topics, such as environmental issues, into their books so that we learn about something while also enjoying a "light" read? Join us as our panelists discuss their books, research, and hopes for using their writing to have a broad impact on our thinking.
Virtual - Birds of the Hawaiian Islands
Thursday, April 10 @ 7pm
This presentation has something for birders and for those who might visit for vacation or cruise and want to know the birds likely to be found in Hawaii. Albatross, frigatebirds, parakeets, as well as some of the colorful finches are featured in this presentation.
In Person - Mystery Book Club
Friday, April 11 @ 12:00pm
Read Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion
Friday, April 11 @ 7pm
Watch “The Old Oak” (Kanopy)
Virtual - Tudor Queens and Ladies in Waiting: A Discussion with Authors Nicola Clark and Jade Scott
Saturday, April 12 @ 10:00am
We are so excited to welcome authors Nicola Clark and Jade Scott to our virtual stage to discuss one of our favorite topics - the Tudor Queens and their Ladies in Waiting! Nicola's book, "The Waiting Game: The Untold Story of the Women Who Served the Tudor Queens" and Jade's book, "Captive Queen: The Decrypted History of Mary, Queen of Scots" delve into the true lives of these historic women, digging into their lives in those times and the challenges of being in the Tudor monarchy.
| |
Yoga
Registration is Required, Space is Limited
| | |
Monday Knit & Crochet Club
Mondays at 6pm
| | | |
ESL Conversation Group
Wednesdays @ 6:30pm
| | | Unless otherwise specified, all programs are in-person walk-in. There may be room capacity limits for some, though, so come early! | | Special Programs in March | | |
Celebrate Eid al-Fitr: DIY Paper Lanterns
*for families
Monday, March 31 All Day
Join us at the library to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, by making and decorating your very own paper lantern! Drop in anytime throughout the day to make yours.
| | Special Programs in April | | |
Clocktown Rockers!
*For ages 2-5 with a caregiver
Friday, April 4 @ 10:30am
Friday, April 25 @ 10:30am
A special Friday edition of this popular story time! 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. For ages 2-5 with a caregiver.
Ashland STEM Club
Saturday, April 5 @ 11:00 AM—1:00 PM
*For grades K-5
A high school student-run workshop that ignites curiosity with hands-on experiments, new innovations and take-home activities. This month, the theme is MECHANICS. Registration is required.
Chinese Storytime
Tuesday, April 8 @ 6pm
Bring the whole family to the library for engaging stories, familiar songs, a fun art project and a special scavenger hunt, all in Chinese! Registration is requested and all are welcome.
Baby Sign Language
*for babies & young children 2 months+
Friday, April 11 @ 10:30am
This workshop introduces parents and caregivers to the benefits and research behind baby sign language while teaching numerous ASL signs. Led by Sheryl White, who used Joseph Garcia’s Sign with Your Baby program with her own children, the class begins with instruction on teaching methods, benefits, and research. Sheryl then engages babies with props, toys, and puppets while demonstrating signs, followed by caregiver participation. Babies enjoy a stimulating experience, often leading to longer naps! Caregivers leave with handouts and practical tools to continue signing at home. Registration is required and space is limited.
Mini Marvels: Comics Workshop
*for Ages 5-8
Saturday, April 12 @ 2:00pm
Do you love comics and graphic novels? Want to learn how to make your own? In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to the general structure of a story and begin drafting your comic using the characters you designed in the previous session.
| | |
Anime Club
Tuesday, April 15 @ 6:30pm
Calling all anime fans! Kids in grades 3 through 6 are invited to join us once monthly for our brand-new Anime Club. Whether you love Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, or anything else in between, this is the club for you! Watch new series, work on crafts, play games, and meet new friends! Registration required.
La Hora del Cuento
*para familias
Spanish Storytime
*for families
Wednesday, April 16 @ 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.
Medieval Crafternoon: DIY Flower Crowns & Movie Showing
*for families
Friday, April 18 @ 1:00—4:00 PM
No medieval get-up is complete without a beautiful flower crown! Come hang out with us on this no school day as we show you how to make a flower crown of your own ahead of our upcoming Ren Faire. Plus, we’ll be showing a family-friendly themed movie to help get everybody in the spirit. Registration is requested.
Little Crafters
*for 0-5 with a caregiver
Monday, April 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, April 30 @ 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! Registration is required and space is limited.
| | |
Poop Museum!
Saturday, April 19 @ 10:00am
The Poop Museum is the place to come for those who are curious and have questions about poop, and also, if like Susie Maguire, they LOVE poop, and think it’s fascinating! Susie is a poop expert who thinks poop is THE most interesting subject in the world. She has studied poop for years and loves nothing more than sharing her expansive knowledge of poop with the people of the world.
Celebrate Earth Day: DIY Cardboard Tube Shakers
*for families
Tuesday, April 22 @ All Day
Join us in the Children’s Room as we celebrate and honor Earth Day! Throughout the day, we’ll have materials set up so you can drop in and make a fun shaker instrument entirely from recycled materials. Drop in, no registration required.
Sign up for the time that works for you:
Starlab: A Night Sky Adventure
Wednesday, April 23 @ 2:00—2:45 PM
Wednesday, April 23 @ 3:00—3:45 PM
Wednesday, April 23 @ 4:00—4:45 PM
Step inside Starlab, a giant inflatable planetarium, and embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos—no need to wait for nightfall! Join astronomy educator Mike Francis for an unforgettable experience that brings the wonders of the universe to life.
Astronaut Training Camp
*for grades K-6
Thursday, April 24 @ 2:00pm
It’s Massachusetts Space Week, and we could think of no better celebration than exploring what it’s like to be an astronaut! During our extra-special Astronaut Training Camp, you’ll get to learn more about this unique job and even get to participate in our astronaut endurance test. Do you have what it takes to travel to space? Registration required.
| | |
Kids Rocket Launch
*for grades K-6
Friday, April 25 @ 1:00pm
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, blast off! Join us as we celebrate Massachusetts Space Week with an exciting DIY rocket launch. Kids in grades K-6 will work collaboratively to design and build their rockets. Then, we’ll take them outside to set them off with baking soda and vinegar. How high do you think YOUR rocket will soar? All materials are provided–just bring your thinking caps! Registration required.
Tree Sapling Distribution in collaboration with Neighborhood Forest
Saturday, April 26 @ 10:00 AM—2:00 PM
The Ashland Public Library is collaborating once again with Neighborhood Forest, this spring, in celebration of Earth Day, to give every child the priceless joy of planting & watching trees grow and to inspire youth environmentalism. Families who register before March 15th to receive a free tree sapling to plant with their child(ren) can come by the library today to collect it.
Sign up for the time that works for you:
Knight's Quest: An Escape Room-Style Adventure
*for ages 8-12
Saturday, April 26 @ 11:30 AM—12:30 PM
Saturday, April 26 @ 2:30—3:30 PM
Calling all knights-in-training! King Arthur and his sword, Excalibur, have gone missing, and we need your help returning them to safety! Kids ages 8-12 will be able to decode clues, solve puzzles, and explore the library to solve the mystery. We will be running two sessions of this escape room-style program throughout the afternoon (one at 11:30 and another at 2:30). Kids who complete the quest will receive a special badge and can be knighted at our Ren Faire the following weekend. Space is limited and registration is required.
| | |
Kindergarten Book Club
Tuesday, April 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 Jr.
*For 1st and 2nd graders
Wednesday, April 16 @ 4:15pm
Calling all first and second graders for APL Kids book club! Each month we will introduce an exciting book series. The children will follow along with Ms. Katrina as she reads the first book of the series aloud, then we’ll discuss what we’ve read and do a fun craft or activity together! Copies of the first and second book in the series will be available for checkout after the meeting. Registration required.
| | |
Graphic Novel Book Club
Thursday, April 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.
| | |
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.
| | |
Little Picassos Club
*Grades 2-5
Tuesday, April 8 @ 4:30pm
Tuesday, April 29 @ 4:30pm
Looking to create your next masterpiece? Join Miss Kayla for Little Picassos Club, ideal for kids in grades 2 through 5. Each week, we will learn about a different artist or art style and work on unique art projects, ranging from painting to sculpting and everything in between! Come ready to get your hands messy and let your creativity show! Registration required.
| |
Coding Class For Kids
Saturday, April 12 @ 1pm
Saturday, April 26 @ 1pm
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 to 12 kids and registration is required.
| | |
Saturday Stories
*for ages 2-5 with a caregiver
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.
Saturday, April 5 @ 10:30am
Saturday, April 12 @ 10:30am
Saturday, April 26 @ 10:30am
| | | |
Project ABC, Play Learn and Grow *For Ages 0-5
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; you can register through the YMCA's website linked above.
| | | |
Sunday, July 13th @ 10-5pm
(Save the Date!)
| | |
Teen Makers Club
Thursday, April 10 @ 6pm
Join us for our new monthly club of teen makers!
Stitch, knit, crochet, and generally hang out with other crafty teens the second Thursday of every month from 6:00PM-7:00PM. Bring, work on, and show off your latest projects, and maybe learn a few new tips while you're here! Registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome!
| | |
Mario Kart Tournament
*For Teens
Saturday, April 19 @ 12:30pm
Calling the fastest gamers in the land! See if you can be first to the finish line in a Mario Kart tournament held by local gaming company, OneUp Games. Winner gets a prize, but everyone ages 12 to 18 is welcome to play. Spots are limited, and registration is required. Start your karts, it is time to race!
| | |
Taylor Swift Night
*For Teens
Tuesday, April 22 @ 4:30pm
Come one, come all to a marvelous time! Play Taylor Trivia and Swiftie Name-That-Tune as you try to prove you're the greatest Swiftie in the land or just come to have a good time with friends. Everyone who attends will receive a prize at the door, and winners will receive something extra. We'll have the time of our lives, no fighting dragons required (one point in trivia for anyone who gets that reference :) ).
| |
*FOR TWEENS AGES 8-11*
Wednesday, April 23 @ 4:00pm
Learn or refine your art of making comics with a series of workshops featuring guest teacher, Adam Kane! Sign up for one or all! Each workshop will be newcomer friendly, but feature a different aspect of comic book making.
| | |
Comic Workshop
*FOR TEENS AGES 12-15*
Wednesday, April 23 @ 5:00pm
Learn or refine your art of making comics with a series of workshops featuring guest teacher, Adam Kane! Sign up for one or all! Each workshop will be newcomer friendly, but feature a different aspect of comic book making.
| | |
Teen Advisory Board
Wednesday, April 9 @ 5pm
The Teen Advisory Board will meet monthly to discuss what YOU think the library can provide to local teens. Plan events and make crafts that go along with them! Community service hours are offered.
| | 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!
| | Friends of the Ashland Public Library | | |
Friends of the Ashland Public Library Monthly Book Sale & Donation Day!
Saturday, April 5 @ 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!
| | |
“Geometric Progressions”
Paintings by Leslie Breault
March 3 - April 8, 2025
Former Ashland resident Leslie Breault discovered her love for art in her later school years, thanks to the support and encouragement of her middle and high school art teachers. While raising five children, painting was put on a back burner and her creative pursuits tended towards quilting and home projects,.
In 2020, when one of her children bought her two large canvases, she knew that it was time to reinvigorate her soul through painting. She has been contentedly painting since then and her work has been shown at galleries in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. She has also participated in three public art projects in Hopkinton, MA.
Leslie says of her art:
Patterns and lines are a common lens through which I view the world around me. Through my work, I seek to elevate these into intriguing designs for the viewer to interpret. Working predominantly in hard edge geometrics, I strive for precision in my painting, working in acrylics due their fast drying time and the amount of taping required.
I am inspired by the OpArt movement and artists like Victor Vasarely, Bridget Riley and Yaacov Agam.
For further info: email bez8313@gmail.com or via Instagram @lbreault.
Come by to meet Leslie at her artist reception on Saturday, March 8th from 1-3pm at the Library.
| | |
Upstairs Display Case
Everything Books: a Nonlinear & Interactive way to record life.
Creative Book craft by Bethany Robertson
March 4 - June l4, 2025
With an interest in studying film and a college without that program, Bethany Robertson majored in the closest option: Studio Art. Having no art background, this decision was challenging but ultimately a happy one. Since then Bethany studied Library Science and has worked in schools at all age levels. Art has always been a prominent fixture in her personal life, and she integrated it into her professional life as well. She moved to Ashland in 2013 and in the last year has focused much more on her art.
Bethany says of her work:
“I fell into art unintentionally, but it has become one of my biggest passions. My philosophy, technique and even media have evolved during my artistic journey. Though I like to focus on certain art forms, I don’t want to limit myself, hence why I call my studio “Scattered Art.”
“My current focus has been junk journals, or as I prefer to call them, “Everything Books.” I love how they combine some of my favorite elements: mixed media, sustainability, and books. They also give me the flexibility to include original photographs, documents, ephemera and even some of my own artwork.
“Another exciting aspect of Everything Books is the people involved, both pre and post book creation. When obtaining materials I meet many different individuals, learn about their connection to the material, and the item’s history. When flipping through the pages of a book I’ve created, I can see all of the different stories. However, my time with the materials is just a chapter in the middle - I love knowing the story isn’t done yet. Having conversations with those who get a book and knowing they will continue to change and make it theirs is incredibly satisfying as an artist. “
For More of Bethany’s work: www.scattered.com and contact.
| | |
Questions?
Contact us at ashlandprograms@minlib.net or 508-881-0134
Sign up for the library's newsletters
(if you haven't already :)
| | | | |
Physical Address
66 Front Street
Ashland, MA 01721
Phone: 508-881-0134
| | | | |