Hopkinton Public Library Newsletter - June 2025
Matthew Leathers
From The Director's Desk
This summer, we are encouraging children, teens and adults to up their recreational reading by Leveling Up at Your Library. Read at least four days a week. What counts as reading? Picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, audiobooks and magazines all count! Read on your own, read to someone else, or listen to a story. How long do you need to reach? Read for whatever amount of time is right for you. Each week that you read at least four days, you will receive a raffle ticket. Additional tickets can be earned by completing various activities. Tickets can be entered to win fabulous prizes! In addition, children and teens can earn free books by completing various activities. Pre-registration starts on June 16th. Logging runs from June 23rd through August 16th. The last day to claim tickets will be August 29th. Prize drawings will be held on Tuesday, September 2nd and winners will be notified by email. Get your game on and sit back, relax, and read!
Guest Librarian: Holly Morand, MSW, DBH Candidate
Our Guest Librarian for the month of June is Holly Morand. Holly is a Resource Counselor/Case Manager for Hopkinton Youth and Family Services. She began her social work career as a graduate intern at HYFS under Denise Hildreth. Her role allows her to create dignity, safety, care, and wellness pathways for residents. She also serves as the Chair of Hopkinton’s Commission on Disability and loves the Commission’s work toward making Hopkinton more inclusive for everyone. She began her career as a chemist, working in labs performing quality control and developing applications for a handful of companies.
Holly has resided in Hopkinton for 21 years and grew up next door in Holliston, where her family still lives. Holly lives with her two children (Dylan and Max), her three dogs (Wicket, Eisley, and Grogu), and her husband Matt, whom she met while science-ing. In her “free” time, Holly loves to play Call of Duty with Dylan and field hockey with Max, and getting absolutely smoked by both of them. She also loves Star Wars, documentaries, music (mainly from the 90s), playing sports even though she’s terrible at every one, going on weird adventures with friends, and the Celtics. Holly has loved to read since she was very young, mostly nonfiction, because it gives her a window into the lives of people very different from herself, which she believes makes her a better social worker and neighbor.
Holly recommends:
Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow
Blackhawk, Ned. The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History
Fadiman, Anne. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: a Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures
Hooks, Bell. Where We Stand: Class Matters
Johnson, George M. All Boys Aren’t Blue
Jung, Carl. The Red Book
Kant, Immanuel. Critique of Pure Reason
King, Stephen. The Stand
Lewis, Michael. Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game
Moore, Alan & David Gibbons. Watchmen
Mukherjee, Siddhartha. The Emperor of All Maladies: a biography of Cancer
Trumbo, Dalton. Johnny Got His Gun
Adventure Pass of the Month - Salem Witch Museum
Based on actual trial documents and using life-size stage sets with figures, lighting, and narration, the Salem Witch Museum's principle exhibit examines the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. In a second exhibit, “Witches: Evolving Perceptions,” museum guides take you through changing interpretations of witches, the truth behind the stereotypes, witchcraft practice today, and witch hunting. A gift shop is on the premises. This pass is not available during the months of September and October. 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 - Snap Circuits
Snap Circuits are a safe and fun way to teach children about electronics and electricity without needing tools. This STEM learning kit contains more than 60 parts; it is capable of building 300 different projects, ranging from radio parts, to doorbells and light switches, and even electronic board games. This kit is recommended for ages 8 and up, and requires 4 AA batteries (not included).
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
Touch a Truck by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation
Sunday, June 1 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Off Site - Hopkinton High School Parking Lot
Hopkinton Public Library Foundation’s Touch-A-Truck and Food Truck Festival is back! The event will take place rain or shine on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11 am to 2 pm, at the Hopkinton High School Parking Lot.
Climb aboard construction, service, and emergency trucks and vehicles from local individuals, businesses, and the Town of Hopkinton. As in years past, we are looking forward to a variety of about 50 different vehicles from the Town of Hopkinton and local businesses filling the HHS parking lot. Bring a blanket or chair and feast on lunch and dessert from a variety of Food Trucks.
Tickets for admission to the lot are $8 for an adult and $5 for a child; children under one are free. Speed up your check-in and purchase tickets in advance starting May 1 at www.HPLFinc.org. On the day of the event, tickets will be available at three entry points. Food from participating Food Trucks is not included in the ticket admission price.
Parking is available at the Hopkinton Middle School, Hopkins School, and Marathon Elementary School. Michael Connolly & Sons will provide free transportation between the Marathon School and the main entrance of the HHS parking lot. Please do not park at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, and please leave pets at home as they are not allowed on school property.
Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising money to support Library programming and collections. Please visit the HPLF website at www.HPLFinc.org for more information.
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction with the Hopkinton Health Department
Tuesday, June 10 | 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.
Animals of the Rainforest Live Animal Show presented by The Joys of Nature
Wednesday, June 25 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Join us for a live animal show presented by The Joys of Nature! Learn about rainforest animals around the world. A wet, leafy habitat requires animals to have special adaptations to survive. How do they find food and avoid predators in the forest? Do they climb? Do they change color? How do some species deal with extreme temperatures and other challenges? Come find out as you meet some rainforest animals up close, and learn more about their wild relatives.
This program is recommended for all ages. 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, and opens one week prior to the event.
Puzzle Race!
Saturday, June 28 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Puzzlers, prepare! We will be hosting a puzzle race! Teams will compete to complete a 500-piece puzzle first! All teams will complete the same puzzle. We're told the puzzle we're using this time is extra difficult! This program is appropriate for ages 9 and up. Maximum team size is 6.
Registration is required. Please complete only one registration form per team. Your confirmation email will say you've registered one participant no matter how many you have on your team. Don't panic - this is expected! If you are attending solo and would like to be placed on a team with other solos, please contact us (see below) and we'll try to make it happen!
If you have any questions, please email Adult Services Librarian Dan Boudreau - dbou...@hopkintonma.gov
Adult Programs
Scrabble Club and Mahjong Group
Tuesday, June 3 | 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.
VIRTUAL - Extinctopedia–A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About It
Wednesday, June 4 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Extinctopedia tells a complex story, not just of those who are extinct but also of those in greatest peril, with explanations of what threatens their survival. It is also a story of hope—hopes for animals that have been rediscovered, hope in the form of newly-discovered animals, and hope that we might hear the warning call and act to preserve the amazing biodiversity of our fragile planet for future generations to come.
You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet. In this talk, you will discover:
Animals that are no longer with us
Endangered animals at risk of extinction
Organizations that aim to protect animal life
Strategies for preserving biodiversity
Extinctopedia provides a fascinating catalog of life on earth and encourages the reader to find ways of preserving the incredible diversity of species, so we may all thrive and life itself can endure on this amazing and beautiful planet. Click here to register!
All About Local Mushrooms
Thursday, June 5 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
They can delight, sicken, enlighten, or kill. They’re mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of an otherwise invisible world of fungi hidden in our forests, lawns… and flowerpots. Join Certified Field Naturalist Jonathan Kranz as he reveals what mushrooms are and how they live; reviews the most common and most spectacular mushrooms in our region of New England; identifies the most delicious mushrooms to eat; and teaches the basics of safe mushroom foraging.
Jonathan Kranz is a Massachusetts Audubon Certified Field Naturalist who leads mushroom walks and talks for libraries, land trusts, clubs, and other interest groups in southern New England. He currently serves as vice president of the oldest mushroom club in North America, the Boston Mycological Club, and is a board member of the Pioneer Valley Mycological Association. He lives with his family in a former funeral home in Ayer, where he is chair of the Planning Board. Registration is appreciated, but not required.
VIRTUAL - Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell
Tuesday, June 10 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
You’re invited to an exclusive preview event with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title Don’t Let Him In (out June 24, 2025!). Along with an introduction to her newest bone-chilling, psychological thriller, Jewell will chat about her life as a writer and her critically-acclaimed body of work.
Lisa Jewell is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including None of This Is True, The Family Upstairs, and Then She Was Gone, as well as Invisible Girl and Watching You. Her novels have sold over ten million copies internationally, and her work has also been translated into twenty-nine languages. Click here to register!
Blood Drive
Tuesday, June 24 | 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Register on the Red Cross website by clicking here.
Learn a Language Online with Mango! At the Senior Center
Wednesday, June 25 | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Off Site - Hopkinton Senior Center
Join Librarian Danielle Wolber to learn about Mango, a phone app and website that you can use for free with your library card! Mango can help you to learn a wide variety of languages. Whether you want to brush up on a language that you used to know, or want to learn something entirely new to you, Mango can help. Learning a new language is a fun and engaging way to exercise your brain, meet new people, and learn about the world.
To register for this program, please call the Hopkinton Senior Center at (508) 497-9730. This program will take place at the Hopkinton Senior Center at 28 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton.
Get to Know Your Government: Massachusetts Office on Disability
Thursday, June 26 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm
The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) is a small state agency that provides information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and architectural access. They help people understand their disability rights and obligations, how regulations apply to the specifics of their situation, and practical steps they can take to assert their rights and comply with the law.
There are a lot of state agencies and other organizations that serve the disability community. This presentation will help the audience navigate the government, have more successful government interactions, and learn more about the MOD and how they can help them. It does not include legal information.
Please email us at dwo...@hopkintonma.gov if you require assistance accessing this event.
Teen and Preteen Programs
Young Adult Crafternoon
Monday, June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 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!
YA Animanga Club
Wednesday, June 4 and 18 | 6:00 - 7:45 pm
Anime and Manga Fans: Meet in the YA Room 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.
Final Exams Study Hall
Wednesday, June 11 | 12:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, June 12 | 12:30 - 7:30 pm
Monday, June 16 | 12:30 - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, June 17 | 12:30 - 5:00 pm
Includes extra study space, free snacks, and drop-in visits from Hula the therapy dog for students studying for their final exams.
YA Tabletop Gaming
Wednesday, June 11 and 25 | 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.
VIRTUAL: Fortnite Tournament with One Up Games
Thursday, June 12 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm | Registration Required
This virtual tournament is run by our friends at One Up Games in collaboration with other local libraries. This is a virtual program so you will play right from the comfort of your own home on your own Xbox One / Series X/S, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, or PC! Participants must have their own gaming platform, online connection, and a copy of the game. E-mail jdy...@hopkintonma.gov for more info and to register.
Read with Pride!
Friday, June 20 | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Come to the YA Room after school to discuss your favorite LGBTQ+ books and make a pride flag pin and bracelet! Register to receive a reminder email.
Science Heroes: Experiment Lab (Age 12+)
Thursday, June 26 | 7:00 - 7:45 pm
An informal and interactive workshop. Teens work together to investigate exciting science concepts through hands-on experimentation! Registration required.
Children's Programs
Registration required for many programs through our website calendar.
Open Chess Play (ages 6-12)
Monday, June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 | 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, June 3, 17, and 24 | 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, June 3, 17, and 24 | 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.
Read to a Therapy Dog
Wednesday, June 4 and 11 | 7:00 - 7:45 pm
Drop by to practice reading aloud to Hula, a local therapy dog!
Parent-Child Playgroup
Thursday, June 5 and 12 | 10:00 - 11:00 am | Registration Required
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 0-5, with a caregiver. 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. Registration opens one week before the event.
Lego and Pokemon Club (ages 5+)
Thursday, June 5, 12, and 26 | 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 0-18 months)
Friday, June 6, 20, and 27 | 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, June 6, 13, 20, and 27 | 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, June 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 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). On Saturday, May 17, this program will instead run from 12:00 - 3:00 pm.
Kids Creative Writing Club
Monday, June 9 | 4:15 - 5:00 pm | Registration Required
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 the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. This club usually meets every other week, alternating with the 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Book Club. Registration opens one week before the event.
3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Book Club
Monday, June 16 | 4:15 - 5:00 pm | Registration Required
3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are invited to join Ms. Carly to discuss books. There is no assigned book to read! Each meeting kids can share about a book they have read or are currently reading. We will talk about our favorite genres and kids will hear what other kids are reading. Ms. Carly will also share book recommendations and give kids the scoop on the latest books to hit the Children's Room. All types of reading formats are all up for discussion at this book club! Registration required.
Pride Storytime (ages 0-5)
Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 - 10:30 am
Join us 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 0-5. Registration opens one week before the event.
Lego & Duplo Club
Tuesday, June 24 | 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.
VIRTUAL - Living the Otter Life with Katherine Applegate
Tuesday, June 24 | 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder.
Katherine Applegate’s Odder is inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. This poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.
Katherine Applegate is the Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous books for young readers, including The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree, Crenshaw, the Endling series, the Roscoe Riley Rules chapter books series, and the Animorphs series. She lives with her husband, who writes as the author Michael Grant, and their children in California. Click here to register!
Monthly Music and Movement
Wednesday, June 25 | 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.
Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color (For Grades K to 5)
Thursday, June 26 | 6:00 - 6:45 pm
Join Science Heroes on our mission to turn science into an adventure!
Through hands-on experiments and fun, interactive stories, we get kids excited about the science that’s all around us as we celebrate the scientists who color our world with art!
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 "Family Pride: Love is What Makes a Family!". Patrons can stop by the library lobby anytime during the month to check out a themed title for adults, young adults and children.
The HPL Foundation Board will meet on Monday, June 2, at 7:00 pm.
The Friends of Hopkinton Public Library will meet on Wednesday, June 4, at 6:30 pm.
The Board of Library Trustees will meet on Monday, June 16, at 7:00 pm.
The Hopkinton Public Library will be closed on June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
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.
