HPL Newsletter - December 2025
Matthew Leathers
From The Director's Desk
From the Director’s Desk
The library community has much to celebrate as we head into December. On November 21st, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell ruled in favor of 21 state attorneys general, including Massachusetts AG, Andrea Campbell, ruling that Executive Order 14238, which was aimed at dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) exceeded presidential authority and violated laws governing agencies established by Congress. The ruling prohibits any further attempts to dismantle the agency. In Massachusetts, both the House and Senate have restored IMLS funding in their budget revisions.
On December 4th, the First Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in Boston in a case challenging the Trump Administration’s attempt to eliminate the IMLS. Democracy Forward filed a challenge on behalf of the American Library Association (ALA) and AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees). Groups signing the amicus brief emphasized that the administration’s refusal to spend congressionally appropriated funds undermines vital public services and threatens communities nationwide.
On another note, the Freedom to Read bill (S.2328) that went before the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development on July 22nd passed in the Senate. The next stop is Ways and Means, then onto the House. Another legislative win came in the form of the ebook bill (S.2710) which addressed challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections.
Though these are great advances we still face challenges at the national level. We are heartened during this season of giving through the support we find in our community for libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions that we hold dear.
No matter what traditions you uphold, we wish you health and happiness during this season of light.
Respectfully submitted,
Nanci M. Hill
Library Director
December’s Guest Librarian:
Karin Fredricksen, Library Substitute
Karin Fredricksen, Library Substitute
Karin Fredricksen is happy to be the guest librarian of the month at the Hopkinton Public Library. Karin is currently working towards her master’s degree in Library and Information Science through the online program at the University of Iowa. Her work experience has also included being a middle school reading tutor and pharmacy technician. Karin has always been an avid reader and is appreciative that her journey through life so far has brought her to a career in libraries.
Karin believes that storytelling is at the center of what it means to be human, and that a curious mind is the key to enjoying life to the fullest. She has been a patron of her own local public library in the Worcester area since childhood, and it is important to her that libraries are celebrated as places of community and learning.
Outside of work and school, Karin enjoys reading books with happy endings, singing with her community chorus, and spending time with her family and friends. She is excited to share some of her favorite books with the Hopkinton community and hopes someone can find their next favorite story.
Karin Recommends:
Aster, Alex. Summer in the City
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice
Bardugo, Leigh. Six of Crows
Donnelly, Jennifer. Revolution
Donnelly, Jennifer. These Shallow Graves
Henry, Emily. Funny Story
McManus, Karen M. One of Us is Lying
Montgomery, L.M. Anne of Green Gables
Murphy, Emily Bain. The Disappearances
Ross, Rebecca. Divine Rivals
Adventure Pass of the Month - Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. Situated on more than 200 scenic acres are more than 40 original buildings, including homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, working farm, three water-powered mills, and trade shops. Visitors can see heritage breed farm animals and interact with authentically costumed staff. Special events take place throughout the year. A gift shop and bookstore are located on the premises. 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 - Pocket Microscope
Take a closer look at the world around you with the Hopkinton Public Library’s Pocket Microscope! This pocket-sized microscope is capable of magnifying images by 60 to 120 times, and has a built-in LED light to illuminate the image. The Hopkinton Public Library’s Pocket Microscope requires one AA battery, not provided by the library.
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
Coffee House: Carols and their Stories
Thursday, December 4 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM
After a wonderful performance last year, “Carols and Their Stories” returns! This event features HCA Harmony performing traditional carols in a beautiful blend of four-part harmony. Woven throughout the musical performance, stories of the traditional carols will be read by the ensemble's members. Some of these stories may be surprising, and certainly entertaining!
HCA Harmony is Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ twelve-voice singing ensemble. They meet at the Center every week to rehearse a mostly a cappella-based repertoire ranging from madrigals, to Bach chorales, barbershop quartet styles, jazz standards, contemporary songs and of course, seasonal carols.
HCA Harmony’s Director, Sharon Broadley-Martin, is an accomplished composer, arranger, and vocalist with numerous publications, recordings, and international performances. She is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, and an alumna of New England Conservatory.
This program has been made possible by the generous support of the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
Holiday Harp in the Library
Saturday, December 6 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Join us to celebrate the holiday season with Sam, a truly talented Harpist. Listen to her play as you check out books, shop the book sale, or get warm from the Holiday Stroll.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday, December 6 | 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday, December 7 | 12:00PM - 2:00PM
The Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library will be hosting their annual Winter Book Sale in the Betty Strong Room! They will be selling books for all ages in good to excellent condition. They accept payment by cash, check, and credit cards (via Paypal). Come support the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library!
Winter Crafternoon
Monday, December 8 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Gather and celebrate the upcoming solstice season with a crafternoon at the library. We’ll have stations with cookie decorating along with various winter-themed crafts to make and take. Great for handmade gifts and decorations!
Open to ages 9 through adult. Click here to register!
Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle
Wednesday, December 10 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Join us for the Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle! Bring your current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adults of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, hand quilting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, finger knitting, needle felting, etc.) are more than welcome to join us! This group will meet on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Do you have questions or need fiber arts materials? Looking to learn to crochet? Email Jak at jmi...@hopkintonma.gov. Registration for this event opens two weeks before the event.
Eyes on Owls Live Animal Show
Saturday, December 20 | 3:00 - 4:15 PM
Join Marcia and Mark Wilson from Eyes On Owls for a live owl program! Attendees will learn about owls’ unique adaptations, habitats, and behaviors in the wild. Everyone gets to practice the owls' calls during lively hooting lessons and hear tips on how you can find owls near you. The Wilsons will bring 6 live owls for the audience to observe, as they perch safely on Marcia's glove.
This program is for ages 5 and up. 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.
Due to limited space, registration is required. Registration opens one week before the event.
Adult Programs
VIRTUAL - Scheming Wives and High-Stakes Hilarity with Author Sue Hincenbergs
Tuesday, December 2 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Buckle up for a wild ride and join us as we sit down for an online chat with debut author Sue Hincenbergs to discuss her novel The Retirement Plan, in which murder is the name of the game. When the only thing standing between three best friends and a sunny beachfront retirement condo are their husbands, what ensues is a diabolical plan to collect on their spouses’ life insurance policies.
Click here to register!
After thirty years of friendship, Pam dreams of her perfect retirement with Nancy, Shalisa, Marlene, and their husbands—until their husbands pool their funds for an investment that goes terribly wrong, and their dreams of beachfront condos and a sunny, carefree retirement vanish. The golden years are looking as dreary as their marriages.
But when one husband dies in a freak accident, the other three women are shocked to see his widow rebound with a huge life insurance payout and a new life in Florida. In the aftermath, the women discover that their husbands have identical, seven-figure life insurance policies. A new dream forms, and this time, it involves a hitman. Meanwhile, their husbands have a secret retirement plan of their own.
You won’t want to miss this darkly humorous debut by Sue Hincenbergs, filled with both laugh-out-loud and genuinely tense moments as our headstrong wives pursue their dream retirement at all costs. Register today to take part in the fun!
About the Author: Sue Hincenbergs is a former television producer who has worked on multiple award-winning programs ranging from sitcoms to lifestyle. She oversaw the content on two national daily shows, including Canada’s longest running morning show before turning her talents to live music specials, and eventually to writing. Sue lives in Toronto with her (very much alive) husband, her scruffy, middle-aged rescue dog Kramer, and the rooms full of the stuff her three sons left behind when they moved out.
Old School Roleplaying Game Group (Adult Group)
Sunday, December 14 and 28 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Keith will be running a D&D campaign using old-school rules (Holmes Basic D&D, for those who want to know) and adventure modules ("In Search of the Unknown", "Keep on the Borderlands", etc.). If you are new to Dungeons & Dragons, then this will be an easy introduction to the game! If you are a veteran player, then this will be a fun way to learn about its history. And if you just want to hang out with some cool people who enjoy tabletop fantasy gaming, then this is your chance.
New members will be accepted mid-campaign! Drop by!
Drop-In CreatorSpace Hours
Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 17, 24, and 31 | 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Wednesday, December 3, 10, 17, and 31 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Join us for Drop-In Craft Hours in the CreatorSpace! Find out more about our CreatorSpace at this link. CreatorSpace users must pre-register at the Reference Desk. All users must be over the age of 10. Users aged 10 to 17 require a parent or legal guardian’s in-person signature before they may use the CreatorSpace.
While this is a drop-in program, a CreatorSpace Card is required.
CreatorSpace Staffers:
Monday, 10:00 - 12:00 PM: Amanda; her expertise is in paper crafts.
Tuesday, 5:30 - 7:30 PM: Danielle; her expertise is in fiber arts, paper crafts, and general crafting.
Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:30 AM: Danielle; her expertise is in fiber arts, paper crafts, and general crafting.
Wednesday, 5:30 - 7:30 PM: Jak; her expertise is in fiber arts, paper crafts, and general crafting.
Scrabble Group and Mahjong Group
Tuesday, December 2 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Join us for Scrabble Group 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.
ELL Conversation Group - Intermediate Learners
Wednesday, December 3, 10, and 17 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Intermediate Learners have mastered basic vocabulary and simple grammar and are now focused on greater comfort level in everyday conversations. At the Intermediate level, we will prioritize components of grammar, vocabulary expansion, reading comprehension, and group discussion. Reading together helps to expand vocabulary, and provides a focus for group discussion and increased understanding of the complexities of language.
Registration is optional. Registering will sign you up for reminder emails and updates about meeting cancellations. Cancellations will also be posted on the library’s calendar.
Our English Language Learning groups are made possible by the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction with the Hopkinton Health Department
Tuesday, December 9 | 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.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, December 16 | 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Register on the Red Cross website at https://rcblood.org/3AmuYsP
ELL Conversation Group - Conversation and Culture
Thursday, December 4, 11, and 18 | 6:30 - 7:45 PM
Conversation and Culture is a gathering of new and old friends who meet under the direction of a leader to focus on English fluency. Participants who choose this offering are fairly comfortable in everyday conversation but recognize the need to be more comfortable in the world around them.
Under the direction of the group leader, an informal survey is conducted to identify topics of interest for the group. These topics of conversation provide a focus for expanding vocabulary and understanding idioms and colloquialisms. One night the conversation might focus on great places to hike, or fascinating facts about the Boston Marathon or how and why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Other times the focus might be more practical, such as how to navigate town government or how to become a volunteer. Often local community experts will lead the discussion. A member of town government, a local historian, or business owner may lead the group. Participants always are encouraged to share their own stories and expand the conversation.
No matter what the evenings focus might be, Conversation and Culture will help the participants to enrich their vocabulary, practice communication skills, and learn about the local community.
Registration is optional. Registering will sign you up for reminder emails and updates about meeting cancellations. Cancellations will also be posted on the library’s calendar.
Our English Language Learning groups are made possible by the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.
ELL Conversation Group - Beginning Learners
Friday, December 5 and 19 | 10:30 - 11:30 AM
ELL Conversation Circle for Beginning Learners is appropriate for someone with very limited experience with the English language. This learner may be familiar with basic vocabulary and simple phrases but is struggling with everyday conversations.
The beginner group provides an opportunity to build English vocabulary, and practice grammar and reading in a supportive setting. Each meeting emphasizes new vocabulary, common idioms and basic rules of grammar. Emphasis is also placed on improving conversation skills that reflect everyday interactions.
In order to create a comfortable environment, this class is limited to true beginners. Please consider our Intermediate group or Conversations and Culture if you are no longer a beginner.
Registration is optional. Registering will sign you up for reminder emails and updates about meeting cancellations. Cancellations will also be posted on the library’s calendar.
Our English Language Learning groups are made possible by the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.
Evidence Locker: True Crime Club
Sunday, December 28 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Dive deep into the mystery, motive, and infamous minds behind the crime! Each session, we will feature one curated true crime event. Bring your favorite books, documentaries, or podcasts to discuss and theorize with the group. Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or just crime-curious, come examine the facts behind the headlines.
This month we will discuss the case of Elisa Lam, a Canadian tourist whose body was recovered from a large cistern atop the Cecil hotel in downtown Los Angeles, where she had been a guest. She was last seen alive on January 31, 2013 and reported missing by her parents on February 8. Listen to a podcast about the gruesome discovery and subsequent case on Spotify, Crime Junkie, or Apple; watch a riveting documentary about the case on Netflix; or read one of several books on the case before coming to dissect the details of the case with us.
No registration is necessary. Click here to join virtually with Google Meet.
Teen and Preteen Programs
Drop-In CreatorSpace Hours: For Teens!
Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Join us for Drop-In Craft Hours in the CreatorSpace!
Our CreatorSpace staffer today is Jess, our Teen Librarian! Her expertise is in general crafts. Find out more about our CreatorSpace here!
CreatorSpace users must pre-register at the Reference Desk. Users must be over the age of 10. Users aged 10 to 17 require a parent's or legal guardian's signature before CreatorSpace use. The maximum capacity of the room is 10 users at one time.
Magic: The Gathering Club
Tuesday, December 16 and 30 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Come play Magic: the Gathering on select Tuesday nights. Learn to play, build decks, trade cards, and play against friends! Hosted by Pete from Pete's Nerd Emporium. For children and teens ages 9 and up. New players must register.
YA Animanga Club
Wednesday, December 3, 17, and 31 | 6:00 - 7:45 PM
Anime and Manga Fans: Meet in the Betty Strong room to discuss manga, watch anime, 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.
YA Dungeons & Dragons
Wednesday, December 10 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
A new Dungeons & Dragons campaign for Fall, led by Dungeon Master Leann. Open to new and established players in grades 5 through 12. Space is limited and registration is required. Please e-mail Jess at jdy...@hopkintonma.gov with any questions!
Reverse Painting with Pop Up Art School
Saturday, December 13 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM
This free class is open to ages 12 to 18 and hosted by a professional artist from Pop Up Art School!
Learn about the centuries-old art of reverse glass painting and create your own reverse painting! Choose from three images, and paint it using acrylic paint on clear acetate. Reverse painting techniques have been used since the 16th century. In reverse painting, the details are painted first and then the larger shapes. It's the reverse order of how one usually paints on paper or canvas where we start with the background, add medium to large shapes and then details. Once the image has been painted, it is viewed from the opposite side through the clear acetate.
YA Wooden Model Kit Workshop
Tuesday, December 23 and 30 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Looking for a fun after-school hobby that encourages creativity while working with your hands? Sign up for our Wooden Model Kit Workshop! In this program, participants will learn how to safely use basic hobby tools before selecting and constructing a wooden model kit alongside a few friends. After completing their kits, participants will be able to customize their wooden model using the Creatorspace’s resources, and take their work home!
This program is intended for young adult patrons aged 12 to 17. Because this workshop will involve using sharp tools, the age requirement will be strictly enforced. Interested participants must return a completed waiver form, signed by a parent or guardian in front of library staff. We strongly encourage interested participants to complete this step ahead of time! Registration is required; supplies are limited. A CreatorSpace Card, signed by a parent or guardian in front of library staff, is required.
Children's Programs
Registration required for many programs through our website calendar.
Kids Crafternoon
Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Come try out a different craft, activity, or art style each Monday. Recommended for ages 6 and up; supplies are limited.
Baby and Toddler Storytime (ages 0 to 3)
Tuesday, December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 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 Storytellers
Wednesday, December 3 and 10 | 10:00 - 10:45 AM
Preschool Storytellers includes a short storytime followed by play-based activities. We will start with a few songs and then Ms. Carly will read a picture book with children, inviting them to respond to the story and pictures. After this shared reading children will continue storytelling through crafts, sensory activities, dramatic play, and more.
This program supports the five early literacy practices and is best for children ages 3 to 6. Registration is required and opens one week before the program.
Kids Creative Writing Club
Wednesday, December 3, 10, and 17 | 4:15 - 5:00 PM
At Kids Creative Writing Club, children will have fun exploring the world of writing, imagination, and storytelling with their friends. Each meeting will include creative activities like interactive games, poetry prompts, group storytelling, and more. This program is for children in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.
Read to a Therapy Dog
Wednesday, December 3, 10, and 17 | 7:00 - 7:45 PM
Drop by the Children's Room to practice reading aloud to Hula, a local therapy dog!
Parent-Child Playgroup
Thursday, December 4, 11, and 18 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Join us for Parent-Child Playgroup, cohosted with the Hopkinton YMCA (Project ABC). This event will include free play as well as a circle time with stories, songs, and rhymes! Recommended for children ages 0 to 5, with a caregiver. Registration is required, and opens one week before the event.
Project ABC is a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant program funded by the Department of Early Education and Care (ECC) and managed by the MetroWest YMCA. Project ABC currently serves Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, and Natick. Interested in learning more about your child's development? Take this Ages and Stages Questionnaire.
Lego and Pokemon Club (ages 5+)
Thursday, December 4, 11, and 18 | 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.
Babytime (ages 0 to 18 months)
Friday, December 5 | 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 to 5)
Friday, December 5 | 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, December 6, 13, 20, and 27 | 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).
Family Storytime
Saturday, December 6 | 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 is required.
Music and Movement
Wednesday, December 17 | 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Recommended for ages 0-5. Come sing and groove each month with a different children’s performer. Let's welcome Sound Play Music!
Our monthly Music & Movement program is generously funded by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
Pajama Storytime
Thursday, December 18 | 6:00 - 6:30 PM
Join Ms. Carly for a special evening storytime. We’ll sing songs to shake the end of day sillies out and read stories to wind down for bedtime. Pajamas and stuffed animals are welcome!
Recommended for ages 0-5. Registration opens one week before the event.
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 "Witchy Winter: Stories of Pagan Holidays". Patrons can stop by the library lobby anytime during the month to check out a themed title for adults, young adults and children.
On December 12th, the library will be opening late at 1:00 PM for professional development.
On December 16th, the Board of Library Trustees will be meeting in the Ellsworth Room.
On December 19th and December 27th, the library will be hosting its Quarterly Library Volunteer Interest Orientation; open to all ages 14 and up.
On December 25th, the library will be closed in observance of Christmas.
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.
