By Reference Department

Holiday Hours

The library will close at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and will be closed Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25. In addition, the library will close at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 and will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 for New Year’s. 

Self-Serve Wrapping Station

Come enjoy our second annual self-serve holiday wrapping station available now through Saturday, Dec. 21. We provide the paper, bows, tissue paper, tags and tape. You may use our two designated tables for wrapping away from prying eyes as well as the hustle and bustle of home at the holidays. Supplies are plentiful thanks to generous donations from patrons. In the spirit of the season, we ask that you tidy up the station for the next person when you’ve finished your wrapping.

ESL Drop-in Classes

The last ESL classes for 2024 will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. (beginner) and Thursday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. (intermediate) and 7 p.m. (beginner). Classes will return on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at 7 p.m.

As últimas aulas de ESL para 2024 serão realizadas na terça-feira, 12 de dezembro às 19h (iniciante) e quinta-feira, 14 de dezembro às 17h30 (intermediário) e 19h (iniciante). As aulas retornarão na terça-feira, 14 de janeiro de 2025 às 19h.

Las últimas clases de ESL de 2024 se llevarán a cabo el martes 12 de diciembre a las 7:00 pm. (nivel inicial) y el jueves 14 de diciembre a las 5:30 pm. (nivel intermedio) y a las 7:00 pm. (nivel inicial). Las clases regresarán el martes 14 de enero de 2025 a las 7:00 pm.

Puzzle Swap!

We’re hosting a winter jigsaw puzzle swap on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Puzzles will be available on the round display table by our front entrance. Take one or more puzzles home and leave a puzzle if you want. Refresh your stash and share your favorites with others. Some people will even leave notes for the next puzzler to inspire and urge them on to complete a difficult one!

Center Book Group

The Center Book Group will meet Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. to discuss James McBride’s novel Deacon King Kong. 

Set in 1969 in Brooklyn, this raucous tale of a cranky old church deacon, members of the Five Ends Baptist Church, drug dealers, the mob and police officers, really takes readers for a ride. McBride, author of The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, The Good Lord Bird and The Color of Water, among others always marries vivid storytelling and acute social commentary.

In November, the group voted to donate the “Christmas Jar” to both the Daily Bread Food Pantry and the Salvation Army. Members can opt to make small donations at monthly meetings to contribute to the community purse. 

December’s discussion will be the last meeting of Center Book Group for 2024. The group will take a short winter hiatus and will meet in March 2025. The book selections for 2025 will be announced in January. 

Dignity Matters Menstrual Product Drive

Response to our menstrual products drive to support Dignity Matters has been amazing and we’ve collected 4 large boxes to donate to this Metrowest based organization that provides pads and tampons to homeless and disadvantaged women. 

Sadly, food stamps can be used to buy candy, but not tampons. This effort is greatly needed and important to those women managing limited resources. We thank our patrons for understanding and supporting this drive.

Coming up in 2025

The following virtual programs are offered in partnership with the Ashland Public Library. To register for either or both programs, see the library’s events calendar for a Zoom link.

Virtual - How Birds Created the World and other Stories

Join author Randi Minetor for a free virtual program, How Birds Created the World and Other Stories on Monday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.

Birding expert Minetor will speak about her new book The Complete Language of Birds and draw on extensive research covering the science, mythology, folklore of our avian friends. A prolific author of more than 90 books including Backyard Birding and Butterfly Gardening, Minetor will make you see birds in new ways. 

Virtual - Encounters with Killers with True Crime 

Author and Professor of Forensic Psychology Dr. Katherine Ramsland recounts her most memorable interactions with serial killers over the course of her life in this free virtual program on Monday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. 

Ramsland taught forensic psychology and criminology at DeSales University in Pennsylvania, has appeared as an expert on more than 250 crime documentaries and has consulted on the shows CSI, Bones, and The Alienist. She is the author The Forensic Science of CSI, The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds, How to Catch a Killer, The Psychology of Death Investigations, The Serial Killer’s Apprentice, and Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, The BTK Killer.  Ramsland actually spent time speaking with Rader. She is currently writing a fiction series based on a female forensic psychologist who manages a private investigation agency.

January & February: The library will hold a pet food & supply drive to benefit the Milford Humane Society. See the library website and social media for additional information.