Hopkinton Public Library Newsletter - August 2025
Hopkinton Library Newsletter
From The Director's Desk
Dog Days of Summer
Feeling like you’re in the dog house because you lost some library books a long time ago and never paid that bill you received? Fret no more! During the month of August, the Library is partnering with the Baypath Humane Society and the Brown Dog Coalition to get your bills forgiven and get you back in the library, all while helping out our four-legged friends.
Not a dog person? No worries! Baypath also helps kittens and other types of small pets. Donate to a shelter that assists whatever kind of animal you love. Just show us the donation receipt and we will forgive your bill for long lost items.
To be eligible to have your bill waived, your lost items must be owned by the Hopkinton Public Library, and must have been in “lost” status for over one year. Talk to the staff at the main service desk and show them your donation receipt and your bill will be forgiven!
If you can find the overdue book, return it to the library! No matter how long you’ve had it, we will forgive all of your bills and late fines when the book is returned. If you can’t find the book and need financial relief in order to clear your library card, let us know! We may be able to work with you to make arrangements.
Want to know how else you can participate?
If you don’t have bills that need forgiving, that’s fine! You can donate to our shelter partners anyway!
Return overdue or long overdue books if you can find them! We never charge late fees!
Attend our Events! We’ll be having dog and pet-themed events throughout the month of August. (See our Calendar for more info and to register)
Snuggle your pets and tell them that you love them! Just remember that they can’t come to the library with you unless your service dog is trained to perform a specific task to manage a medical condition.
Volunteer at a shelter or animal rescue! Most rescues are looking for folks who can volunteer on a regular schedule.
August’s Guest Librarian: Caroline Schroeder
Caroline Schroeder - Librarian and Full-Time Mom
Caroline has been a Hopkinton resident since 2020, and loves bringing her two kids, Josie (2) and August (6 months), to HPL storytimes and programs. Caroline earned her Masters in Library and Information Science in 2018 and then worked at Boston Children's Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts before becoming a full-time parent. Caroline loves reading historical fiction, romance, young adult, and memoirs. When she isn't reading during her kids' naps, you can find her running, making peanut butter snacks, or watching Star Wars.
Caroline Recommends:
Arnott, Robbie. The Rain Heron
Bardugo, Leigh. Six of Crows
Boyne, John. The Hearts Invisible Furies
Brodsky, Jordanna Max. The Wolf in the Whale
Brooks, Geraldine. Horse
Cashore, Kristin. Graceling
Coplin, Amanda. The Orchardist
Edugyan, Esi. Washington Black
Follett, Ken. Pillars of the Earth
Forster, E. M. A Room with a View
Frazier, Charles. Cold Mountain
Gyasi, Yaa. Homegoing
Herbert, Frank. Dune
Krivak, Andrew. The Sojourn
Mason, Daniel. North Woods
Miller, Madeline. Circe
Parker, John L., Jr. Once a Runner
Reid, Taylor Jenkins. Carrie Soto is Back
Sanderson, Brandon. Mistborn: The Final Empire
Zevin, Gabrielle. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Adventure Pass of the Month - Worcester Ecotarium
The EcoTarium is a unique indoor-outdoor museum in Worcester, MA. Set in an urban oasis, the museum offers a chance to walk through the treetops, take a multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium, meet wildlife, stroll nature trails, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. 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 - Wi-Fi Hotspots
Wi-Fi Hotspots are electronic devices that are able to provide portable internet access. Patrons can use this Hotspot to connect laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices to the internet. This Hotspot must have cellular reception in order to function. This kit comes with a Wi-Fi Hotspot, a Micro-USB Charger, and a Carrying Case. A signed Borrowing Agreement is required for each checkout.
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, August 12 | 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.
Read & Watch Movie Night
Wednesday, August 13 | 5:00 - 7:30 PM
Read & Watch with the Hopkinton Public Library! This event is open to all ages. Copies of The Wild Robot by Peter Brown are available to borrow at the main desk. Read the book, and then come watch the movie with us on Wednesday, August 13th! Doors will open at 5:00 PM and the movie will begin at 5:30 PM. Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.
Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle
Wednesday, August 13 | 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.
OFF SITE: Hopkinton Trails Club Walk: Berry Acres
Sunday, August 17 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM
This often-overlooked area has a lot to offer, including trails, streams, beaver activity, and some great new bridges! Meet at the Ice House Pond parking area on West Main Street (by the old Train Depot). This event is organized by the Hopkinton Trails Club and co-sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library.
Chess!
Thursday, August 21 | 6:00 - 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
VIRTUAL: The Stories, Science, and History of Birds with Smithsonian Biologist Jay Falk
Tuesday, August 5 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Delve into the fascinating world of birds through astonishing photography and clear explanations in this absorbing global guide, The Bird Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Birds. Birds are dinosaurs with a history going back millions of years. Our fascination with them runs deep in history, and our close association is reflected in creation stories, myths, legends, songs, and children's stories.
This book and presentation explore:
Both the natural history of birds and their deep cultural connection, from their evolution and anatomy to their behavior and diversity.
Hawks, finches, swans, or birds of paradise, moving the focus away from a predictable species-by-species account and allowing for truly global coverage.
The bold nature of European Robins and why they are associated with Christmas; the mythical Phoenix, which rises from the ashes; and learn about eagles, from their hunting prowess to their myriad stories and symbolism.
Packed with information, beautiful photography, and illustrations, The Bird Book is a must-have for nature enthusiasts. Click here to register today to learn more about your very own backyard friends!
Scrabble Club and Mahjong Group
Tuesday, August 5 | 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.
Snuggle a Therapy Dog: For Adults!
Tuesday, August 5 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Book a 10-minute appointment with Hula the Therapy Dog! Hula is our "Read to a Therapy Dog" star, but why let the kiddos have all the fun? Adults can book 10 minutes with Hula for snuggles, kisses, and belly rubs. Studies show that petting a dog can reduce stress and cortisol levels in humans!
Hula works as a First Responder Therapy Dog, who provides emotional support to first responders. She also assists children in learning to read through our "Read to a Therapy Dog" program. On her off time, she cares for Liz and Will, her humans. Our thanks to her for joining us today. This program is part of our "Dog Days of Summer." Our thanks to the Baypath Humane Society and Brown Dog Coalition for their partnership!
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the library at 508-497-9777 and speak to the Reference Desk to register for a time slot.
DCF Adoption Table
Saturday, August 9 | 12:00 - 4:30 PM
Learn about the importance of fostering and adopting from our friends at the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families. Staff members from the DCF will be available to answer questions, provide guidance, and explain navigating the fostering and adoption systems. This event is co-sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library.
Dog Days of Summer: Dog Behavior 101 with the Dog Behavior Institute
Thursday, August 14 | 6:00 - 7:15 PM
Do you think you know how your dog is feeling, but want to learn more? Are you a dog lover who wants to know more about the science behind behavior? Are you a parent whose kids just love your dog, and you want it to stay that way? Join us for a live workshop on dog behavior and body language. This event is appropriate for adults and children capable of engaging with an interactive presentation for 75 minutes. We will cover the basics of dog behavior, including an introduction to body language (a wagging tail often means something different from what you might think!), followed by time for questions. We’ll approach all of this with the goal of having a healthy, enriching, joyful relationship with your dog.
This event is intended for humans. Pets are not permitted in the library. Registration required.
Thank you to the Dog Behavior Institute for providing their expertise!
Thank you to the Baypath Humane Society and the Brown Dog Coalition for partnering with us for this series!
Dog Days of Summer: DIY Braided Dog Toy
Tuesday, August 19 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Join us for a fun program where you'll learn to make DIY dog toys! These are great for dogs of all sizes and chew styles, and can be modified for cats. Recycled denim makes these one-of-a-kind and eco-friendly too! Registration required.
Dog Days of Summer: DIY Cat Scratch Post
Wednesday, August 20 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Why let the dogs have all the fun? Learn how to create your own cat scratching post to help your felines take out their repressed aggression on something other than (or, at the very least, in addition to) your couch! By using cardboard and carpet scraps, this craft is super sustainable!
VIRTUAL: Returning to Romance Through Food and Flirty Fun in Fiction with Casey McQuiston
Wednesday, August 20 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Bring an appetite for sizzling drama as we discuss New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston's latest romantic comedy, The Pairing.
When two bisexual exes accidentally book the same European food and wine tour, they challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they're over each other—except they're definitely not. Theo and Kit have been a lot of things: childhood best friends, crushes, in love, and now estranged exes. After a brutal breakup on the transatlantic flight to their dream European food and wine tour, they exited each other's lives once and for all.
Time apart has done them good. Theo has found confidence as a hustling bartender by night and aspiring sommelier by day, with a long roster of casual lovers. Kit, who never returned to America, graduated as the reigning sex god of his pastry school class and now bakes at one of the finest restaurants in Paris. Sure, nothing really compares to what they had, and life stretches out long and lonely ahead of them, but—yeah. It's in the past. All that remains is the unused voucher for the European tour that never happened, good for forty-eight months after its original date and about to expire. Four years later, it seems like a great idea to finally take the trip. Solo. Separately.
It's not until they board the tour bus that they discover they've both accidentally had the exact same idea, and now they're trapped with each other for three weeks of stunning views, luscious flavors, and the most romantic cities of France, Spain, and Italy. It's fine; there's nothing left between them. So much ‘nothing’ that, when Theo suggests a friendly wager to see who can sleep with their hot Italian tour guide first, Kit is totally game. And why stop there? Why not a full-on European hookup competition? But sometimes a taste of everything only makes you crave what you can't have.
Click here to register now to join our discussion about Casey McQuiston’s spiciest book yet!
Dog Days of Summer: Punch Needle Pet Noses
Tuesday, August 26 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Join us for a fun program where you'll learn the basics of punch needle crafting and go home with a sweet nose embroidery! Punch needle is a fun, fast, and easy way to create rugs or embroidery. Ages 14 and up due to sharp objects. Registration required.
VIRTUAL: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos with Organizational Psychologist Dr. Tasha Eurich
Thursday, August 28 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Learn how to master the daily grind and become shatterproof in a tumultuous world with key insights by Dr. Tasha Eurich as she talks about her newest book, Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And Why Resilience Alone Isn’t Enough).
Are you working too much but feel like it’s never enough? Have you turned the act of pretending you’re “fine” into an art form? Does self-care feel like one more item on your already long to-do list?
We’ve been taught that resilience is the secret to navigating life’s most difficult moments. But according to New York Times bestselling author, organizational psychologist, and researcher Dr. Tasha Eurich, there is one problem with this assumption. Scientifically, resilience isn’t an unlimited resource, especially with the growing pressure and uncertainty we’re experiencing today.
Whether you’re grappling with work stress, personal challenges, or the chaos of everyday life, Shatterproof offers an urgent alternative to stoic endurance as the only strategy for survival. Combining cutting-edge research, practical tools, and insights from her own struggle with a life-defining health crisis, Dr. Eurich will overturn your beliefs about what it takes to thrive through adversity, offering a scientifically supported system to help you feel better, do better, and live better than before. You’ll discover how to:
Reclaim your best self when stress turns you into someone you barely recognize.
Uncover the unmet needs that keep you stuck in self-limiting patterns.
Turn stress into strength, exhaustion into energy, and confusion into confidence.
Find peace in the present and be prepared for what the future holds, and much more!
This timely discussion with Dr. Eurich is sure to unlock powerful new ideas about how to show up as our best selves. Click here to register now to be a part of the conversation!
Teen and Preteen Programs
YA Dungeons & Dragons
Friday, August 1, 8, and 15 | 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!
Young Adult Crafternoon
Monday, August 4, 11, and 18 | 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, August 5 and 19 | 3:00 - 4:00 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, August 6 | 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.
Terrariums with Tower Hill (ages 12-18)
Thursday, August 7 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Learn about cacti and succulent care by creating a terrarium complete with a live plant, sea glass, sand, marbles, and more. Led by instructors from the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. This program is for ages 12 to 18. Click here to register!
Young Adult Book Club
Tuesday, August 12 | 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!
YA Animanga Club
Wednesday, August 13 | 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.
Children's Programs
Registration required for many programs through our website calendar.
Babytime (ages 0-18 months)
Friday, August 1, 8, and 29 | 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, August 1, 8, and 29 | 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, August 2, 9, 16, and 23 | 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).
Open Chess Play (ages 6-12)
Monday, August 4, 11, and 18 | 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, August 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 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, August 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 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, August 5 and 12 | 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, August 6 and 13 | 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Drop by the Children's Room to make a craft while supplies last! Recommended for ages 5+.
August 6: Decorate a Picture Frame
August 13: Popsicle Stick Sea Creatures
Read to a Therapy Dog
Wednesday, August 6, 13, and 20 | 7:00 - 7:45 PM
Drop by to practice reading aloud to Hula, a local therapy dog!
Lego and Pokemon Club (ages 5+)
Thursday, August 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 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.
Mason Jar Garden with Tower Hill (ages 6-11)
Thursday, August 7 | 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Learn what plants need to survive, plant two types of flowers or herbs from seed, and start a growing journal. Led by instructors from the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. This program is for ages 6 to 11. Click here to register!
Monthly Music and Movement
Wednesday, August 13 | 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Join us for a children's concert (recommended for children ages 0 to 5) with Little Groove Music! These monthly concerts are generously sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
Family Storytime
Saturday, August 23 | 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 to 5. 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 "Body Inclusivity in Fiction: Seeing Different Bodies on Covers and on Pages". Patrons can stop by the library lobby anytime during the month to check out a themed title for adults, young adults and children.
August 16th is the last day to log reading for the library’s Summer Reading Program.
August 22nd is a staff development day; the library will be opening late at 1:00 PM.
August 29th is the last day to claim drawing tickets for the library’s Summer Reading Program.
September 2nd is the final day of the library’s Summer Reading Program; prize winners will be drawn and contacted via email.
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.
