Hello American!
Thank you for your patience as we figure out the glitches in this new newsletter - hopefully your name is showing up this week :).
Quick reminder that we're closed on Monday, January 15th for MLK, Jr. Day.
Download our January Adult & Teen Program Brochure
Download our January Children's Program Brochure
Featured: Don't forget to send us your minutes! Adult Winter Reading Challenge
Adult Winter Reading Challenge:
Monday January 1 - Wednesday January 31, 2024
Fill out the form daily, weekly, as you read, or at the end of the month!
All the details in the form.
And, then, join us for a celebration:
Hot Chocolate Bar and Winter Reading Discussion
Wednesday, January 31 @ 6:00pm
Whether you've spent January participating in our Adult Winter Reading Challenge or you just love books and hot chocolate, join us for this special evening of relaxing, discussion, and hot cocoa! This program is for adults 18+ and does require registration (so we have plenty of HC to go around :).
Adult Programs
We have in person, hybrid or virtual programs! Please click on the link to receive the zoom information if it's online. Check your spam folder if you don't see the confirmation in your inbox.
Featured this week:
Virtual - Book Recs with Bookstagrammer Jody Blanchette aka @redreadreviews
Tuesday, January 9 @ 7pm
Not sure what to read next? Join Jody for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations - every genre and interest! We're sure you'll find something to like from Jody's many enthusiastic reviews.
"Mean Girls" Movie Viewing and Popcorn Bar
*For Ages 16+
Thursday, January 11 @ 6pm
Join us for an evening with Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey and so many others that made us laugh and cringe. Can you believe it's been 20 years!?!!?
This Week:
Virtual - American Politics at a Crossroads
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 @ 7pm
Today America faces a critical historical dilemma. The progressive/liberal governing synthesis that functioned since the end of World War II has for various reasons dissolved during the early decades of the 21st century. What are the fundamental characteristics of a governing synthesis and what do the previous syntheses tell us about the shape of an emergent 21st governing synthesis?
Sending Sunshine: Community Letter Writing
*For All Ages
Wednesday, January 10 @ 5pm
Do you love letter writing or want to spend some family time doing this time honored tradition in service of senior citizens? Join us!
Virtual - The Two Nerdy History Girls Ride Again!
Wednesday, January 10 @ 7pm
We, once again, have Loretta Chase and Susan Holloway Scott here to answer all of our burning questions. How do they find interesting tidbits of historical lore, which libraries of the world have they visited, and how do they avoid the inescapable "rabbit hole"?
Virtual - Introduction to Ornithology with Bill Gette: Introduction and Avian Systematics
Thursday, January 11 @ 1pm
Bill will teach you about the origin of birds, early concepts about life forms, innovations in thought, Darwin’s influence, taxonomy (relationships among birds), and nomenclature (naming of birds).
Learn About the Benefits of Reiki with Hannah Stein
Thursday, January 11 @ 6:30pm
Why learn about Reiki? Come learn how Reiki can enhance your well-being!
Friday, January 12 @ 12pm
NOTE NEW DAY AND TIME!
Read "The Maid" by Nita Prose
Virtual - Friday Night Film Discussion: "Seven Samurai" Part 1
Friday, January 12 @ 7pm
Join in the discussion of Part 1 (the first two hours) of “Seven Samurai"
Cookbook Club: A Taste of Mexico
Saturday, January 13 @ 12pm
Cook from any recipe you find that has origins in Mexican cuisine
Virtual - Author and Historian Helen Fry Discusses "Women in Intelligence"
Saturday, January 13 @ 2pm
Author and historian, Helen Fry, will discuss her latest book "Women in Intelligence: The Hidden History of Two World Wars". It is a ground-breaking history of women in British intelligence, revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the twentieth century.
Sunday, January 14 @ 2:30pm
Discover how for thousands of years the artists of India and its neighbors have beautifully depicted their impressions of their deities, and reflected their culture.
Knitting
Saturday Knit & Crochet Club
Saturdays at 2pm
Monday Knit & Crochet Club
Mondays at 6pm
ESL
ESL Conversation Group with Theresa Cerullo
Mondays @ 6:30pm
Children's Programs
Unless otherwise specified, all programs are in-person walk-in. There may be room capacity limits for some, though, so come early!
A Look Ahead
You're Invited! Retirement Party for Miss Lois
Saturday, January 27 @ 10-2pm
Miss Lois, our longtime Director of Children's Services, is retiring on January 31st and we would like to give her a great send-off! Join us for cake and cookies as we remember all of the fun times we've had with Miss Lois. We'll be raising a glass (of cider :) to wish her well on her next adventure.
Next Week
Saturday, January 20 @ 10:30am
Come see and touch a variety of live animals. Admission to the program is free, but space is limited and this will be a popular program. Tickets will be available near the Children's Room beginning at 10:00 a.m. the day of the show.
Stem Thursdays
*For Ages 5-9
Thursday, January 11 @ 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.
Thursday, January 18 @ 4pm
Cardboard Builder Set - Each participant will make their own cardboard construction set, with endless possibilities for creation!
Read to a Dog with Knives & Machete
Yes, those are really the dog's names!
*For kids who are reading on their own
Children with some reading ability will have the chance to read to one of our registered therapy dogs for 10 minutes.
Recurring Programs
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
Lapsit
*Infants, Toddlers & Caregivers
Wednesdays @ 10:30am
Join Miss Lois for a story time full of songs and fingerplays. Check out the songs performed by Miss Lois here
Friday Afternoon Story and Craft
*For Ages 4-7
Fridays @ 4:15pm
Stop into the children's room as we read a story and do a related craft project
Saturday Story Time
*For Ages 3 and up
Saturday, January 13 @ 10:30am
Saturday, January 20 @ 10:30am
Come listen to Ryan read some of his favorite stories aloud
Crafty Saturdays
Saturdays 10am-3pm
Drop in on Saturdays in the Children's Room and find a different craft to do every week!
Visit our website calendar for all of the details!
Sign up for our Monthly Children's Room Newsletter
Laura, our Teen Librarian, wants to hear from YOU about what Teens want to see at the APL!
Fill Out our Teen Room Survey Today!
Contact Laura with questions: lbernier@ashlandmass.com, check our website calendar for details and to register, and sign up for our Teen Newsletter!
Friends of the Ashland Public Library
SAVE THE DATES!
The Friends are hosting their 2nd Mini Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th. We'll have more details soon but here's a heads up so you can join the fun!
Next Donation Day & Mini Book Sale
Donation Days are held every 1st Saturday of every month from 10am-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.
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!
