Hopkinton Public Library Newsletter - July 2025
Hopkinton Library Newsletter
From The Director's Desk
The End of an Era
For over 20 years, the Beach Reads genre has been dominated by bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand. Her debut novel, The Beach Club (2000) was a bestseller and was immediately dubbed a “beach read.” In fact, for 24 years, the term “beach read” has been synonymous with Elin Hilderbrand. Her fans (dubbed Hilderbabes) crowd Nantucket every summer, hoping to get a glimpse of the famous author. The Nantucket Hotel even offers a Hilderbrand getaway. In 2021, fans were disappointed to hear that Hilderbrand intended to retire. Her upcoming novel, The Academy (2025) will be her last. The author has said in numerous interviews that she has simply run out of ideas.
Summer has been a time when many folks are looking for light reads that can be finished in one or two sittings. These can be read at the beach or by the pool. They are easily put down and can be picked right back up after you’ve been refreshed. They take place in resort towns where you get to know the residents and all of their dirty secrets. You can follow their relationships; both breakups and that first glint of blossoming love and friendship. They are, quite simply, a refreshing escape. Now that the queen of the beach read has retired, what will you read this summer? Like Hilderbrand’s novels, the following titles are character-driven, contain a strong sense of place, and are plot-driven. Stop by the HPL this summer to pick up a copy. If we’re out, we’re happy to place a hold for you; just ask at the Circulation Desk on the main floor.
Andrews, Mary Kay. The High Tide Club
Frank, Dorothea Benton. Shem Creek
Green, Jane. The Friends We Keep
Griffin, Emily. Meant to Be
Harvey, Kristy Woodson. Slightly South of Simple
King, Cassandra. Queen of Broken Hearts
King, Cassandra. The Same Sweet Girls
Macomber, Debbie. Cottage by the Sea
Monroe, Mary Alice. The Summer Guests
Shalvis, Jill. Sweet Little Lies
Siddons, Anne Rivers. The Girls of August
Thayer, Nancy. A Nantucket Wedding
Thayer, Nancy. The Surfside Sisters
Waxman, Abbi. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
White, Karen. On Folly Beach
July’s Guest Librarian: Amanda Landry
Amanda Landry, Youth Services Supervisor, is the newest member of the HPL team. She’s been working professionally in libraries for nine years, though her real passion for libraries started when she was a 5th grade library aid at her elementary school library. Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature with a concentration in Children’s and Young Adult Literature from Framingham State University. She has since graduated from Simmons University with a Master of Science in Library Science, and a Master of Arts in Children’s and Young Adult Literature. She loves combining the practicality and community-centered approach of library science with the heart and soul of youth literature.
When Amanda’s not convincing people to get a library card or come to storytime, you can find her tap dancing, coloring or dot painting, walking bike or disc golf trails, catching up on the latest Twenty One Pilots lore, and hanging out with her two cats. Her favorite shows are Avatar: the Last Airbender, and Kotaro Lives Alone. She’s currently reading Bury Our Bones in Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab and watching Hunter x Hunter.
Amanda Recommends:
Case, Kiera. The Selection (series)
Grehan, Meg. The Lonely Book
Jin-Ho, Jung. Look Up!
Khorram, Adib. Darius the Great is Not Okay
LaRocca, Rajani. Midsummer’s Mayhem
Lo, Malinda. Ash
Lucianovic, V.W. Touch the Sky
Muir, Tamsyn. Gideon the Ninth
Sanchez, Erika. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Sharp, Sid. Bog Myrtle
Siegel, Mark. 5 Words (series)
Smith, Zadie. Swing Time
Thomas, Angie. Concrete Rose
Underwood, Deborah. The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals
Stewart, Trenton Lee. The Mysterious Benedict Society
Adventure Pass of the Month - Boston Children’s Museum
Founded in 1913 by the Science Teachers’ Bureau, the Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest children’s museum in the world and one of the few that maintain a collection. Designed for both children and families, the Museum exhibits focus on science, culture, environmental awareness, health and fitness, and the arts, emphasizing hands-on engagement and learning through experience, and employing play as a tool to spark the inherent creativity, curiosity, and imagination of children. Place your hold requests for this pass by visiting our Adventure Pass page.
Our Adventure Passes are generously funded by The Friends of Hopkinton Public Library.
Library "Thing" of the Month - GRIT Freedom Chair
The GRIT Freedom Chair is a mobility aid designed to traverse difficult and rough outdoor terrain. Inspired by mountain bikes, its tires are rugged enough to handle dirt, gravel, sand, and snow, and its wide, steel-aluminum frame is designed to minimize the risk of tipping over while traversing outdoor terrain. The chair is also designed to be easy to disassemble for transportation.
You can reserve this by visiting our Library of Things page. The Library of Things is generously supported by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
Programs are hosted at the library unless otherwise noted.
Registration is required for many programs.
Visit our website calendar to obtain updated information and registration.
Programs are subject to change or cancellation.
For Multiple Ages
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction with the Hopkinton Health Department
Tuesday, July 8 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Narcan is the brand name of the generic Naloxone and is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids. This free Narcan training will provide participants with a brief training on how to recognize an opioid overdose, when and how to use Narcan, and a free kit to take home. This event is put on by the Hopkinton Board of Health in partnership with the Hopkinton Public Library.
Chess!
Thursday, July 10 | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Hone your chess skills with other players through some friendly play! We'll have chess sets available for your use. Please note that this is not an instructional program. Registration is not required - just drop in!
Adult Programs
Scrabble Club and Mahjong Group
Tuesday, July 1 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Join us for Scrabble Club and Mahjong Group, where we play Scrabble and Mahjong! We'll provide Scrabble sets, but we don't have a Mahjong set at this time. Please bring your own set if you can! No registration is required.
Blood Drive
Wednesday, July 9 | 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Register on the Red Cross website by clicking here.
Municipal Aggregation System Informational Session
Wednesday, July 16 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm
The Town of Hopkinton is pleased to announce the September 2025 launch of Hopkinton Power Choice, a new group electricity buying program from the Town for residents and business owners. The Town has signed a contract with Direct Energy that will provide 24 months of stable electricity supply prices as well as cleaner electricity for program participants. In launching Hopkinton Power Choice, the town is joining more than 200 other Massachusetts cities and towns with similar programs, including the communities of Westborough, Grafton, Sherborn, Framingham, and Natick.
Two public information sessions will be held where the public can learn more about the program, ask questions, and get answers:
July 16, 2025 – 2:30 pm at the Hopkinton Senior Center
July 16, 2025 – 6:00 pm at the Hopkinton Public Library
Program details will be available on the program website, HopkintonPowerChoice.com.
Teen and Preteen Programs
Young Adult Book Club
Tuesday, July 15 and 29 | 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Join us for casual discussion of Young Adult books, and free snacks! Suggested for grades 8 to 12. This club will meet every other week, and copies of the book for each meeting will be available to pick up at the Main Desk. Click here to register!
Young Adult Crafternoon
Monday, July 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Come to the YA Room every Monday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm to hang out, listen to music, and make some art! We will have a different theme craft every meeting as well as extra materials to make your own creations. Open to teens and pre-teens in 5th grade and up. Please e-mail Jess at jdy...@hopkintonma.gov with any questions!
Middle Grade Book Club
Tuesday, July 8 and 22 | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Join us for casual discussion of Middle Grade books, and free snacks! Suggested for grades 5 to 8. This club will meet every other week, and copies of the book for each meeting will be available to pick up at the Main Desk. Click here to register!
YA Tabletop Gaming
Wednesday, July 9 and 23 | 6:00 - 7:45 pm
Come to the YA Room every other Wednesday for an evening of screen-free, collaborative gaming. Snacks provided. Register for a reminder! Registration opens one week before the event.
Dungeons & Dragons (Teen + Tween)
Friday, July 11, 18, and 25 | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Level up this Summer with D&D! Our volunteer Game Master is returning with a fun summer campaign. Open to new and established players in grades 5 to 12. Please e-mail Jess at jdy...@hopkintonma.gov with any questions. Click here to register!
YA Animanga Club
Wednesday, July 16 and 30 | 6:00 - 7:45 pm
Anime and Manga Fans: Meet in the Betty Strong room to discuss manga, watch Crunchyroll, draw characters, and eat fun snacks! Open to teens and pre-teens in 5th Grade and up. Please e-mail Jess at jdy...@hopkintonma.gov with any questions.
Please Note: In this program we may watch and/or discuss material that is rated TV-14 or unrated.
Dragon's Eye Sculpture with Pop Up Art School
Wednesday, July 23 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Create your own dragon's eye using a glass eye, air dry clay and metallic paint. If time allows we'll also make a Dragon egg. Hosted by an artist from Pop Up Art School! Open to ages 11 to 18. Registration required.
Escape Room (for teens + tweens)
Thursday, July 31 | 3:00 - 4:00 pm and 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Escape from the Terrible Thicket! Wicked Fun Games presents a pop-up escape room in the library's Betty Strong Room. You will need to work together as a group to mix potions with the correct herbs, read the signs of the forest, and translate messages from fairies to escape the forest. Open to teens and tweens age 11 and up. Registration is required.
There will be two sessions:
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Click here to register)
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm (Click here to register)
Children's Programs
Registration required for many programs through our website calendar.
Open Chess Play (ages 6-12)
Monday, July 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Drop by the Children's Programming Room on Monday and Wednesday evenings for Open Chess Play. We will provide chess sets so you can practice on your own, play against a friend, or teach the game to someone new. This program is intended for ages 6 and up and is self guided. No registration required.
Baby and Toddler Storytime (ages 0-3)
Tuesday, July 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 10:00 - 10:45 am | Registration Required
Babies and toddlers are invited to a storytime full of songs, stories, rhymes, movements, bubbles, and more! This storytime always begins with play/social time for children and their caregivers. Recommended for babies and toddlers ages 0 to 3. Registration opens one week before the event.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesday, July 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 11:00 - 11:30 am | Registration Required
Preschoolers are invited for stories, songs, puppets, movements, and more! This lively, interactive storytime encourages the development of early literacy and social skills. Recommended for ages 3 to 6, with a caregiver. Registration opens one week before the event.
Lego & Duplo Club
Tuesday, July 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 4:00 - 4:45 pm
Drop by the Children's Room to build a creation out of LEGO bricks or DUPLO blocks. Creations will be displayed in the children's department for a few days. No registration required.
Kids Crafternoon (ages 5+)
Wednesday, July 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Drop by the Children's Room to make a craft while supplies last! Recommended for ages 5+.
July 9: Paper Weaving
July 16: Cardboard Spinners
July 23: Rain Sticks
July 30: Wind Socks
August 6: Decorate a Picture Frame
August 13: Popsicle Stick Sea Creatures
Read to a Therapy Dog
Wednesday, July 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 7:00 - 7:45 pm
Drop by to practice reading aloud to Hula, a local therapy dog!
Lego and Pokemon Club (ages 5+)
Thursday, July 10, 17, 24, and 31 | 4:00 - 4:45 pm
Children can play and create at Lego and Pokémon Club! Build a creation out of Legos or Duplo blocks. Creations will be displayed in the children's department for a few days. Do you play Pokémon? Looking for someone to play with, trade cards, and chat about all that is Pokémon? This club is for you! Bring your Pokémon cards if you have some. If you do not have cards, we will have a small amount for in-library use. This is a drop-in style club.
Princess Meet & Greet
Thursday, July 10 | 10:00 - 11:30 am
Children are invited for a meet and greet with the Book Princess and the Mermaid Princess! Drop by anytime between 10:00 to 11:30 am to say hello to each princess and take a picture together. We will also have princess coloring pages and a simple scavenger hunt. No registration required.
Babytime (ages 0-18 months)
Friday, July 11, 18, and 25 | 9:15 - 10:00 am | Registration Required
This baby lapsit storytime encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions with lively songs and rhymes, gentle tickles, bounces, and body-awareness. This storytime will begin with play/social time for babies and their caregivers! Registration opens one week before the event.
Little Explorers (recommended ages 2-5)
Friday, July 11, 18, and 25 | 10:30 - 11:15 am | Registration Required
Join us for hands-on learning for curious little kids. Each week children will explore a new concept through a variety of fun activities and have a chance to discover and experiment at their own pace. Registration opens one week before the event.
Drop-in Family Activities
Saturday, July 12, 19, and 26 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Drop by the Children's Department programming room for some family activities (i.e. chess, board games, blocks, coloring, etc).
Pumpernickel Puppets presents Sir George and the Dragon (ages 3+)
Tuesday, July 15 | 2:00 - 2:45 pm
Children are invited to a performance of Sir George and the Dragon presented by Pumpernickel Puppets! For over forty years the Pumpernickel Puppets have captivated audiences of all ages with humorous and colorful adaptations of classic folk and fairy tales. John McDonough and his puppets present over two hundred fifty shows a year at schools, libraries and private parties throughout the New England area. Shows are presented with a cast of colorful puppet characters, audience participation, live voices and sound effects and fast paced scripts that not only entertain, but stimulate children's imagination and creativity. A demonstration period follows every performance giving the audience some insight into what happens behind the scenes.
This performance will last approximately 30 to 40 minutes and is recommended for children aged three and over. Please note that children under the age of 9 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible person age 12 or older while visiting the library.
Monthly Music and Movement
Wednesday, July 16 | 10:30 - 11:15 am
Join us for a children's concert (recommended for children ages 0 to 5) with Stacey Peasley! These monthly concerts are generously sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
Family Storytime (ages 0-5)
Saturday, July 26 | 10:00 - 10:30 am
Join Ms. Carly for stories, movement songs, fingerplays, puppets, more! This lively, interactive storytime encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions.
Recommended for ages 0-5. Registration opens one week before the event.
Step-by-Step Paint Class for Kids
Saturday, July 26 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Children ages 7 to 12 are invited to join instructor Julie Harrold for this step-by-step paint class. All materials will be provided and attendees will take home their completed painting. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible person age 12 or older while visiting the library.
Julie Harrold has a BFA in Studio Arts, is a former Elementary art teacher/Art director, and is currently a homeschool mom who also teaches art classes in her spare time.
This program is for children ages 7 to 12. Registration required.
Diversity Book Club
We have a passive "book club" for all ages. Patrons can check out a book related to a theme and then engage in an at-home discussion activity. This month's theme is "Living Duality: Exploring the Highs and Lows of Motherhood". Patrons can stop by the library lobby anytime during the month to check out a themed title for adults, young adults and children.
The Hopkinton Public Library will be closed from July 3rd through July 6th, in observance of Independence Day.
Learn more about the Friends of the Hopkinton Library. Show your support by becoming a member. Becoming a member is a great way to show your support for your local library, even if you don’t have time to get involved. You can join or renew your membership here.
The Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission of supporting Hopkinton Public Library by funding resources, technology, educational and special projects, and long term improvements. Their fundraising efforts seek to bridge the gap between the community’s aspirations for its Library and the usual or customary funding available from municipal budgets. Working in partnership with the Library, as well as the supporting organizations of the Trustees and Friends of the Library, the Foundation encourages continued and increased support of the Hopkinton Public Library as a valuable community resource. Meet the team and find out ways to support the library here.
Help shape the Town of Hopkinton’s future! Please complete this survey about the Town of Hopkinton’s committees and boards and how to improve community engagement in local government. Your feedback will help the Town understand public awareness, assess current needs, and improve community engagement. Whether you're already involved, interested in joining, or just want to share your thoughts, Your Voice Matters!