HPL Newsletter - June 2026
Matthew Leathers
From the Director’s Desk…
Summer is just around the corner, and with summer comes weekend getaways, trips to visit with family and friends, beach days, walks in the woods and parents looking to keep their young ones busy in ways that encourage exploration and discovery. Whatever you’re looking to do this summer, the Hopkinton Public Library should definitely be one of your first stops. We can find something to help you survive the summer, even if you’ve never stepped foot through our doors before!
Do you yearn to hike with the youngest member of your family? Check out our Child Hiking Backpack and you’re off! Do you love the beach but find it hard to bring along your disabled partner? Check out our GRIT Freedom All-Terrain Wheelchair for the day. Do you have relatives visiting from out of town? Take them to Old Sturbridge Village or the Museum of Science using one of our many free museum passes. Make sure to reserve yours ahead of time online or you might find it already taken for your desired date. Maybe you want to learn a new craft? Our CreatorSpace offers a variety of classes, like the upcoming one on pressing flowers on Tuesday, June 9th or the one on learning how to sew a market wallet on Tuesday, July 21st. Step Into a Book with our Audiobook Walking Club, with our own Danielle Wolber and Annie Glater from the Milford Public Library! Whether you're an avowed audiobook fan or audio-curious, walking is a great way to enjoy an audiobook while keeping your body engaged. Summer is a great time to dig into your family’s history. Do you need help getting started? Join other amateur family historians in a casual atmosphere with Librarian Allison Keaney when The Genealogist is In. If you have children in grades 5 through 9, they won’t want to miss out on our Mario Kart Tournament on July 8th, hosted by One Up Games. Teens ages 11 to 17 will have a blast sculpting their own catch-all Clay Sea Turtle Dish with our friends from Pop Up Art School on Tuesday, July 14th. The Whalemobile is back on Tuesday, July 21st! Spaces are limited, so sign up via our online calendar for your preferred time slot. Your littles are sure to be entertained as Chinese Acrobat Li Liu returns on July 25th.
Of course, summer also sees the return of our annual Summer Reading Program! This year’s theme is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Pre-registration opens on June 15th with the official first day of the program on June 22nd. Be on the lookout for more information to come!
As always, my door is open.
Respectfully submitted,
Nanci M. Hill
Library Director
June’s Guest Librarians:
Ian Richardson & Ashleigh McKoy – Administrative Aide to the Town Clerk's Office & Library Patron
As a newer addition to the Hopkinton community, Ian works in both the Human Resources and Town Clerk departments. In this position, no two days are the same as he supports day-to-day personnel functions, onboarding, and administrative processes on the HR side while also assisting with official town records, licensing, elections, and resident services in the Town Clerk’s office. This work reflects a strong commitment to helping others and building community through ensuring meaningful support for residents and town employees alike.
When asked to serve as a guest librarian, Ian was excited to share some of his favorite recommendations, but knew he wanted to include his fiancée, Ashleigh, since they read nearly everything together. Together, they love getting lost in a good story, and while they occasionally branch out into other genres, they always find themselves returning to horror. They are drawn to stories that stay with you long after you finish them, whether they’re unsettling, emotional, creepy, or oddly captivating. If they found themselves thinking or debating about a book after it's finished, it made its way onto their list! They love stories that make the reader feel something and give things to talk about long after the last chapter.
Although they read physical books a fair amount, they are primarily audiobooks fans as it allows them to continue the story without stopping daily tasks. They are always sharing recommendations and looking for books that are atmospheric, memorable, and impossible to put down. Horror has always been their favorite genre because the best stories can be scary, emotional, and deeply human all at the same time.
Ian and Ashleigh recommend:
Bazterrica, Augustina. Tender is the Flesh
Brom, Gerald. Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery
Cassidy, Nat. Mary: An Awakening of Terror
Fanu, Joseph Sheridan Le. Carmilla
Hendrix, Grady. The Final Girl Support Group
Hendrix, Grady. How to Sell a Haunted House
Hill, Joe. 20th Century Ghosts (especially The Black Phone)
Jackson, Shirley. We Have Always Lived in the Castle
King, Stephen. Salem’s Lot
Kingfisher, T. What Moves the Dead
Maberry, Jonathan. Rot & Ruin
Malerman, Josh. Incidents Around the House
Moreno-Garcia. Silvia. Mexican Gothic
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
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction with the Hopkinton Health Department
Tuesday, June 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.
OFF-SITE: Step Into a Book! Audiobook Walking Club
Saturday, June 13 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
This is an off-site program that will take place at Hughes and Echo Loop, Hopkinton; parking is available at 192 Hayden Rowe, Hopkinton.
Take your book for a walk with the library! Whether you're an avowed audiobook fan or audio-curious, walking is a great way to enjoy an audiobook while keeping your body engaged. This cross-town program features one walk in Milford, led by Milford Town Library's Annie Glater, and one walk in Hopkinton, led by Hopkinton Public Library's Danielle Wolber.
Make sure to bring your own water! Hydration is important! Snacks will be provided at the midpoint. We will have two walking groups to accommodate different walking speeds. The program will be canceled in the event of extreme weather, but we will walk if there is light rain.
Need help getting set up with an audiobook? Your librarians can help you find books on CD, all-in-one Playaway, or free to download on your phone. Stop into your library a few days before the program to get assistance.
Registration is not required. Please register if you would like weather updates.
This program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Milford Upper Charles Trail and the Hopkinton Trails Club. Our thanks to them for their assistance navigating their trails.
Conversation Circles
ELL Conversation Group - Beginning Learners
Friday, June 5 and 12 | 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.
Adult Programs
VIRTUAL - Your Ticket to the Best State Fair Crafts
Wednesday, June 3 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Join us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on the history and significance of craft at state fairs, from blue-ribbon quilts to sculpted butter cows, and so much more!
Click here to register now and hear about the fascinating (and often surprising) world of American state fair crafts!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Crash-Course
Friday, June 5 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Join the library for a presentation running through the basics of what you should know when interacting with AI models and tools. The presentation will go over terminology, how AI works, tasks that AI can perform, and things to keep in mind while using AI. No prior experience with AI is necessary; there will be no use of AI Tools during the presentation. There will be time for questions and discussion at the end. Registration is optional.
250th: CreatorSpace Workshop: Pressed Flowers
Tuesday, June 9 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Pressed flowers are a popular way to save lovely summer blooms for dreary winter days. Pressed flowers can be used in other crafts after they are preserved, as well! Learn a little bit about the language of flowers, then start some of your own pressed flowers. Feel free to bring your own flowers to press, just remember that smaller flowers that will flatten easily tend to work better (roses or other big/thick flowers don't do well).
This program is for ages 12 to adult. This program is part of our celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary.
VIRTUAL - Apocalyptic Mayhem, Lava-Spitting Llamas, and One Very Sassy Cat
Thursday, June 11 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Hold onto your heart-patterned boxers! Matt Dinniman, New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular (and just plain wild) Dungeon Crawler Carl series, joins us to chat about his latest book, A Parade of Horribles.
As chaos and mass panic spread outside the dungeon in the wake of Faction Wars, Carl and Donut find themselves on the tenth floor, where they’re forced to compete in a surprisingly normal set of tasks. Well, normal for the dungeon.
Click here to register for a fun-filled discussion you won’t want to miss!
The Genealogist Is IN
Thursday, June 18 | 6:30-7:30 PM
Wednesday, June 24th | 3:00-4:00 PM
Join other amateur family historians in a casual atmosphere to share resources and brainstorm ideas for further investigation. Librarian Allison Keaney will be available to help with your research, whether you are just starting out or need help knocking down a brick wall! Registration is not required. Drop on by!
Allison is a longtime genealogist, with over 20 years of experience, including several graduate level genealogy courses.
VIRTUAL - Simple, Sustainable, and Powerfully Delicious Meals
Tuesday, June 23 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Join us as we chat with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy about The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, which celebrates beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with 85 recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms.
Click here to register now and learn more about Diaspora Spice Co., the progressive spice company rooted in flavor and equity.
National Treasures Book Club
Tuesday, June 23 | 6:15 - 7:15 PM
Introducing the National Treasures book discussion group, where we’ll read classic American literature through the ages. Revisit those high school cornerstones to see if they’re any different than you remember. Or, if you haven’t read them before, see what all the fuss is about!
This month’s book is Tender Is the Night, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Books will be available for pickup at the Circulation Desk. We'll meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Registration is optional!
Teen and Preteen Programs
Magic: the Gathering Club
Tuesday, June 2 and 30 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
For Ages 9+ and Teens. Come learn to play Magic: the Gathering! Bring your own decks or choose from the ones provided. Hosted by Pete from Pete's Nerd Emporium.
YA Animanga Club
Wednesday, June 3 | 6:00 - 7:45 PM
Anime & Manga Fans: Meet in the YA Room to discuss manga, watch anime, draw characters, and eat fun snacks! Open to teens and pre-teens in grades 5 to 12. Click here to register.
Please note: In this program we may watch and/or discuss material that is rated TV-14 or unrated. Please e-mail Jess at jdy...@hopkintonma.gov with any questions.
Final Exams Study Hall
June 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, and 17 | 2:00 - 7:30 PM
The library will provide extra study space and free snacks for students during Finals.
Last Day of School Arcade
Wednesday, June 24 | 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Happy Last Day of School!
Grade 5-12: Come to the Betty Strong Room where our friends from One Up Games will set up gaming consoles and Virtual Reality. We'll also have board games & activities in the YA Room.
For younger kids, there will be activities upstairs in the Children's Programming Room.
YA CreatorSpace Crafternoon
Monday, June 29 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Join Ray and Jess in the CreatorSpace on Monday afternoons for some fun projects. This week we are making friendship bracelets and keychains using elastic, embroidery floss, and beads! This program is for ages 10 to 17. Click here to register.
A signed CreatorSpace waiver is required for access to most CreatorSpace events. This event does not require a signed waiver. We encourage all CreatorSpace users to sign a waiver (or have a parent/guardian sign if between the ages of 10 and 17). Once signed, the waiver confers full access to all events for which the user is eligible.
Children's Programs
Registration required for many programs through our website calendar.
Baby & Toddler Storytime
Monday, June 1 and 8 | 10:00 - 10:45 AM
Recommended for ages 0 to 3. Sure to delight, this storytime is full of songs, stories, wiggles, and rhymes. Start with play/social time and end with bubbles!
Registration opens one week before the storytime date.
Kids Crafternoon
Monday, June 1, 8, and 15 | 4:00 - 5:15 PM
Recommended for ages 6+. Come try out a different craft, activity, or art style each Monday. This is a drop-in program, but all crafts must be completed by 5:15 PM. Many crafts cannot be completed in 10 to 15 minutes. Supplies are limited.
Kids Creative Writing Club
Wednesday, June 3 and 10 | 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. Registration opens one week before the event.
Read to a Therapy Dog
Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17, and 24 | 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, June 4 and 11 | 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 prior to 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 & Pokémon Club
Thursday, June 4, 11, and 18 | 4:00 - 4:45 PM
Children can play and create at Lego & 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. No registration necessary.
Babytime
Friday, June 5, 12, and 26 | 9:15 - 10:00 AM
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!
Recommended for babies from birth to 18 months old. Registration is required, and opens one week before the event.
Little Explorers
Friday, June 5, 12, and 26 | 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Join us for hands-on learning for curious little kids. Each month, children will explore a new subject through a variety of activities and have a chance to discover and experiment at their own pace.
Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Registration is required, and opens one week before the event.
Drop-in Family Activities
Saturday, June 6 and 27 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday, June 13 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Drop by the Children's Department programming room for some family activities (i.e. chess, board games, blocks, coloring, etc).
Preschool Storytellers
Wednesday, June 10 and 17 | 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 event.
Pride Storytime
Saturday, June 13 | 10:00 - 10:30 AM
Join Ms. Carly to celebrate Pride Month with fun songs, rhymes, and LGBTQIA+ inclusive stories. This lively, interactive storytime encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions.
Recommended for ages 0 to 5. Registration is required, and opens one week before the event. Click here to register!
VIRTUAL - Wonderfully Weird: Celebrating the Joys of Feeling Different
Tuesday, June 16 | 7:00 - 7:30 PM
Join us for an uplifting virtual conversation with bestselling author and Scripps National Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde as we discuss her new picture book, Weird and Wonderful You, in which she encourages young readers to embrace what makes them different.
We are the weird. The wonderfully weird, that is. When others blend in, we stand out.
Young readers will find joyful encouragement in this empowering celebration of individuality and self-acceptance. Through a motivating message and a series of inspiring quotes and affirmations, this book encourages readers to embrace their unique quirks and see them as strengths. It’s a colorful manifesto for anyone who has ever felt out of place or different, urging them to stand out, be proud, and stay true to themselves.
This book is a perfect gift for anyone who needs a reminder that being weird is wonderful, from one of America’s most exciting and unique young voices.
Click here to register today for a joyful reminder on staying true to ourselves.
About the Author: Zaila Avant-garde is a multi-talented powerhouse and a New York Times bestselling author, with success springing from all her endeavors. She was named SportsKid of the Year 2021 by Sports Illustrated Kids. She won the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, making her the first African-American to win in almost 100 years of the competition. Avant-garde holds two Guinness World Records for her basketball prowess.
Her success has been celebrated by the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama, LeBron James, and Dr. Jill Biden. Since winning the Bee, Zaila has appeared in a cameo role in Netflix’s “HUSTLE”, as well as NBA on TNT, and Peacock’s “Kid’s Tonight Show”. You can also see her displaying her basketball skills in brand campaigns for Carnival Cruise Lines, BYJU, Xbox, and Gymshark.
Pajama Storytime
Thursday, June 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 to 5. Registration is required and opens one week before the event.
Martell Magic Show
Tuesday, June 23 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Celebrate the start of our Summer Reading Program with a magic show by Scott Martell! This interactive show will be full of fun and surprises. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible person age 12 or older while visiting the library.
Registration is required, and opens one week before the event.
Music and Movement
Wednesday, June 24 | 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Recommended for ages 0 to 5. Come sing and groove each month with a different children’s performer. Let's welcome the BenAnna Band!
Our monthly Music & Movement program is generously funded by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
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 “DIY-Not?”. Patrons can stop by the library lobby anytime during the month to check out a themed title for adults, young adults and children.
National Treasures Book Club
Tuesday, June 23 | 6:15 - 7:15 PM
Introducing the National Treasures book discussion group, where we’ll read classic American literature through the ages. Revisit those high school cornerstones to see if they’re any different than you remember. Or, if you haven’t read them before, see what all the fuss is about!
This month’s book is Tender Is the Night, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Books will be available for pickup at the Circulation Desk. We'll meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Registration is optional!
On June 3rd, the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library will be meeting in the Betty Strong Room.
On June 16th, the Board of Library Trustees will be meeting in the Ellsworth Room.
From June 19th through June 20th, the Library will be closed in observance of Juneteenth.
Starting on May 31st, the library will be closed on Sundays.
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.
