HPL Newsletter - May 2026
Matthew Leathers
From the Director’s Desk…
May is a month of literary celebrations; Mother Goose Day (May 1), International Harry Potter Day (May 2), Peter Pan Day (May 9) and Sherlock Holmes Day (May 22). There are numerous book festivals that are being held in May; the Santa Fe International Literary Festival, Gold Coast Book Fair, the Annapolis Book Festival, and the Bay Area Book Festival. The 2026 PEN America Literary Gala will be held on May 14 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute Conservative Book of the Year will be awarded on May 1 in Washington D.C. The celebration that I am the most excited about however, is Children’s Book Week. This year is the 107th annual celebration. The week (May 4-10) was established in 1919 to encourage the love of reading. It focuses on fostering a love of reading in schools, libraries, and homes.
I thought I would take the opportunity to share in this column some of my favorite books from childhood. I have re-read some of these as an adult and have enjoyed them just as much as I did the first time around. Perhaps you will enjoy them as much as I have.
Banks, Lynne Reid. The Indian in the Cupboard
Blume, Judy. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
Blume, Judy. Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
Burton, Virginia Lee. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Cleary, Beverly. Beezus and Ramona
Cleary, Beverly. Dear Mr. Henshaw
Dahl, Roald. Matilda
Hoban, Russell. Bread and Jam for Frances
Juster, Norton. The Phantom Tollbooth
Lewis, C.S. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
McCloskey, Robert. Blueberries for Sal
Robinson, Barbara. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Rockwell, Thomas. How to Eat Fried Worms
Sachar, Louis. Wayside School is Falling Down
Smith, Robert Kimmel. Chocolate Fever
White, E.B. Charlotte’s Web
White, E.B. The Trumpet of the Swan
Wilder, Laura Ingalls. Little House on the Prairie
Respectfully submitted,
Nanci M. Hill
Library Director
May’s Guest Librarian:
Jeanne-Marie Crede – Library Patron
Our Guest Librarian this month is a library patron, Jeanne-Marie Crede. Jeanne-Marie and her husband moved to Hopkinton almost six years ago and one of the first things she did was get a library card. She is a life-long reader and feels lost if she doesn’t have a book by her bedside (or bathtub, or in the car, or on vacation). When she’s not reading she is making art, hiking with her dog, Dewy, and hanging with her family, especially her two grandkids, Harvey and Mabel.
Jeanne-Marie Recommends:
Alcott, Louisa May. Little Women
Atkinson, Kate. Life After Life
Bob the Drag Queen. Harriet Tubman Live in Concert
Bosker, Bianca. Get the Picture
Crede. Phea. Princess Battle Royale
Fisher, Dorothy Canfield. The Bent Twig
Griffith, Elly. The Crossing Places
Kingsolver, Barbara. The Lacuna
Montgue, Anna. How Does that Make You Feel, Magda Ekland
Pulley, Natasha. The Hymn to Dionysus
Satrapi, Maryjane. Persepolis
Wertz, Julia. Tenements, Towers and Trash
Adventure Pass of the Month - Boston Children’s Museum
Founded in 1913 by the Science Teachers’ Bureau, the Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest children’s museum in the world and one of the few that maintain a collection. Designed for both children and families, the Museum exhibits focus on science, culture, environmental awareness, health and fitness, and the arts, emphasizing hands-on engagement and learning through experience, and employing play as a tool to spark the inherent creativity, curiosity, and imagination of children. Place your hold requests for this pass by visiting our Adventure Pass page.
Our Adventure Passes are generously funded by The Friends of Hopkinton Public Library.
Library "Thing" of the Month - 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
Puzzle Race!
Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 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.
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.
250th: American Girl Doll Tea Party
Saturday, May 2 | 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Let's have a tea party! Bring your American Girl doll (or any doll!) for a fun afternoon of tea, juice, light snacks and American Girl // Colonial themed activities. Doll matching outfits and tea attire encouraged!
This is an All Ages program. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible person age 12 or older. Registration is required.
This program is part of our celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary. This program is generously funded by the Hopkinton Library Foundation.
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction with the Hopkinton Health Department
Tuesday, May 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.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Friday, May 15 | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library for a Book Sale! Books for all ages in good to excellent condition are available for purchase in the Betty Strong Room. Stop in and browse!
Cash, Checks, and Credit Cards (via Paypal or Venmo) are accepted. Come support the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library!
Step Into a Book! Audiobook Walking Club
Saturday, May 16 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday, June 13 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
This is an Off-Site program. Please read the entire description.
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.
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 11 am to 1 pm | Milford Upper Charles Trail
PARKING: Louisa Lake Recreation Area Parking Lot on Dilla Street, Milford
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 11 am to 1 pm | Hughes and Echo Loop, Hopkinton
PARKING: 192 Hayden Rowe, Hopkinton
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.
Asian American Heritage Event: Culinary Wellness, Food & Culture
Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Join the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton, Hopkinton Chinese American Association, and the Hopkinton Public Library in celebrating Asian American Heritage through culinary wellness, food, and culture. This event will feature a meet and greet session, a speaker and food demonstrations, a henna station, calligraphy, art for children, and displays by local artists.
Although all are welcome, food sampling by Prana Kitchens is limited and art supplies are limited so registration is required.
This is an All Ages Event and fun for the whole family. Registration opens on May 10th.
Conversation Circles
ELL Conversation Group - Beginning Learners
Friday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 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.
ELL Conversation Group - Intermediate Learners
Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, and 27 | 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.
ELL Conversation Group - Conversation and Culture
Thursday, May 7, 14, and 21 | 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.
Adult Programs
Drop-In CreatorSpace Hours
Monday, May 4 and 11 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Thursday, May 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 2:00 - 4:00 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. Users must be over the age of 10. Users ages 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.
While this is a drop-in program, a CreatorSpace Card is required.
CreatorSpace Staffers:
Monday, 5:30 - 7:30 PM: Our CreatorSpace staffer is Jak; her expertise is in fiber arts, paper crafts, and general crafting.
Tuesday, 5:30 - 7:30 PM: Our CreatorSpace staffer is Danielle; her expertise is in fiber arts, paper crafts, and general crafting.
Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:30 AM: Our CreatorSpace staffer is Danielle; her expertise is in fiber arts, paper crafts, and general crafting.
Thursday, 2:00 - 4:00 PM: Our CreatorSpace staffer is Danielle; her expertise is in fiber arts, paper crafts, and general crafting.
250th: CreatorSpace Workshop: Sampler Embroidery
Tuesday, May 5 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Embroidery samplers were a way for colonial women and girls to humble-brag about their skill with a needle and thread, especially to potential husbands or in-laws. While today we value women for more than our needlework, fiber arts is still a popular skill for people to practice. Come learn some basic stitches and create a simple design that shows off your budding talent. This program is for ages 14 to adult.
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 participant is eligible.
This program is part of our celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary.
Scrabble Group and Mahjong Group
Tuesday, May 5 | 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.
D20’s D&D Campaign (Ages 18-25)
Wednesday, May 6 and 20 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
A Dungeons & Dragons group for adults ages 18 to 25! The group will meet every other Wednesday at 5:30 PM in the library's Ellsworth Room. New and experienced adventurers are welcome.
VIRTUAL - On Courage, Turmoil, and the Transformative Power of Love
Thursday, May 7 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Join us for an exciting conversation with internationally acclaimed author Marjan Kamali as we delve into the timeless wonder of her New York Times bestselling novel, The Lion Women of Tehran.
In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives in grand comfort until the untimely death of her father, forcing Ellie and her mother to move to a tiny home downtown. Lonely and bearing the brunt of her mother’s endless grievances, Ellie dreams for a friend to alleviate her isolation.
Luckily, on the first day of school, she meets Homa, a kind girl with a brave and irrepressible spirit. Together, the two girls play games, learn to cook in the stone kitchen of Homa’s warm home, wander through the colorful stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and share their ambitions of becoming “lion women.”
But their happiness is disrupted when Ellie and her mother are afforded the opportunity to return to their previous bourgeois life. Now a popular student at the best girls’ high school in Iran, Ellie’s memories of Homa begin to fade. Years later, however, her sudden reappearance in Ellie’s privileged world alters the course of both of their lives.
Together, the two young women come of age and pursue their own goals for meaningful futures. But as the political turmoil in Iran builds to a breaking point, one earth-shattering betrayal will have enormous consequences.
Register now to hear directly from the author about the crafting of her tender, yet immensely powerful work. Click here to register!
About the Author: Marjan Kamali, born in Turkey to Iranian parents, is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lion Women of Tehran, The Stationery Shop, and Together Tea. She is the 2022 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Award. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages. Marjan lives with her family in the Boston area.
Textile Conservation at the MFA, Boston: "What's On?" For Spring 2026
Tuesday, May 12 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Join Conservator Joel Stephenson to learn about working in Art Conservation at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Learn about the profession, hear about techniques and best practices, and take a photo tour of her current projects happening in the textile lab this spring! Click here to register!
About the Presenter: Joel Stephenson is currently a conservator of textiles and fashion arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where she has worked for the past 23 years. Her materials expertise is varied, and she frequently combines techniques used in both objects and textile conservation to care for the museum’s mixed media textiles, indigenous clothing, costume accessories, archeological leather, contemporary fiber art and fashion. Her research interests include Renaissance shoes, ancient leather, and 3-D printed garments. She is a board member of the North American Textile Conservation Conference and an editor for the conference’s biannual Preprints.
Our thanks to the Hopkinton Women's Club for making this talk possible.
Old School Roleplaying Game Group (Adult Group)
Sunday, May 17 | 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. 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!
CreatorSpace Workshop: Memorial Day Crochet Poppy
Monday, May 18 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Join us for an evening of crocheting poppies to adorn our circulation desk with a garland for Memorial Day, and create a poppy to wear to honor our fallen veterans. Jak will take crocheters through the steps to create small crocheted poppies. Crafters should be familiar with the following crochet stitches: chain (ch), single crochet (sc), and half double crochet (hdc). If you do not know how to crochet and still want to participate, please contact Jak for a one-on-one or small group crochet lesson prior to the event via email at jmi...@hopkintonma.gov.
Yarn and pins will be provided.
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 participant is eligible.
VIRTUAL - Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True Potential
Tuesday, May 19 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM
What if the only thing standing between you and the seemingly impossible... was belief? This is the question posed by bestselling author Nir Eyal in his new work, Beyond Belief.
Most of your limits aren’t physical - they’re psychological. In Beyond Belief, Nir Eyal reveals how the hidden assumptions you carry shape what you see, how you feel, and what you do - and how to replace them with beliefs that unlock your true potential.
Grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and unforgettable case studies, Eyal introduces the Three Powers of Belief: Attention, Anticipation, and Agency. Mastering these powers transforms how you see challenges, feel about the future, and act when it matters most.
You’ll learn how to:
Spot hidden opportunities and solutions others overlook.
Reclaim your mood, energy, and confidence by reshaping your beliefs.
Stay calm, decisive, and in control when life feels uncertain.
Break free from beliefs that sabotage your health, relationships, and career.
Push further, last longer, and achieve beyond your limits.
If you’ve ever quit too soon, stalled in your career, or sabotaged your own goals, this book gives you the science and the system to go further than you thought possible.
Surgeries without anesthesia. Placebos that heal. Resilience multiplied 240 times longer. Beyond Belief reveals the science behind these breakthroughs and shows why your limits aren’t fixed - they’re learned. And with the right beliefs, you can achieve breakthrough results.
Click here to register now and learn more about how we can unlock our true potential.
About the Author: Nir Eyal writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and human potential. He previously taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford. He is the author of the international bestsellers Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life, which have sold over 1 million copies in more than 30 languages. As an active angel investor, Nir has backed multi-billion-dollar companies that implement his methodologies, including Canva, Kahoot!, and others. In addition to blogging at NirAndFar.com, his writing has been featured in The New York Times and Harvard Business Review, and he is a regular contributor to Psychology Today.
National Treasures Book Club
Tuesday, May 19 | 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 Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston. Books will be available for pickup at the Circulation Desk. We'll meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Registration is optional!
VIRTUAL - Dangerous Magic, Enchanting Romance, and Painting the Future
Wednesday, May 20 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Inspired by the classic, romantic tale of Beauty and the Beast, bestselling author Elizabeth Lim features a cursed dragon lord and a plot to bring down the gods in her latest spellbinding work, A Forgery of Fate.
Truyan Saigas didn’t choose to become a con artist, but after her father is lost at sea, it’s up to her to support her mother and two younger sisters. A gifted art forger, Tru has the unique ability to paint the future, but even such magic is not enough to put her family back together again, or stave off the gangsters demanding payment in blood for her mother’s gambling debts.
Left with few options, Tru agrees to a marriage contract with a mysterious dragon lord. He offers a fresh start for her mother and sisters and elusive answers about her father’s disappearance, but in exchange, she must join him in his desolate undersea palace. And she must assist him in a plot to infiltrate the tyrannical Dragon King’s inner circle, painting a future so treasonous, it could upend both the mortal and immortal realms…
Click here to register today and hear more about the mesmerizing, fantastical world of A Forgery of Fate.
About the Author: Elizabeth Lim grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she was raised on a hearty diet of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth was a professional film and video game composer, and she still tends to come up with her best book ideas when writing near a piano. An alumna of Harvard College and the Juilliard School, she now lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters. Elizabeth’s internationally bestselling novels include Spin the Dawn, Unravel the Dusk, and Six Crimson Cranes. She is also a contributor to Disney’s “A Twisted Tale” series.
CreatorSpace Workshop: Learn To Sew: Quilted Cotton Coaster
Tuesday, May 26 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Learn the basics of sewing! It's so easy, you'll make your own quilted coaster in under an hour! Though quilting is an art that can be immensely detailed, the basics are really easy to pick up. We will be using basic sewing machines. Come try it out and see why it has been a quintessential American art for generations!
This program is part of our celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary.
This program is for ages 16 to adult. This program earns you Sewing Machine Certification so that you can attend more advanced sewing classes. A signed CreatorSpace waiver is required to access this event. If the attendee is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign this waiver before the event starts.
Click here to register! This event is a repeat of a previous session. If you attended a previous session, please do not register for this session so that we can fit as many new crafters as possible!
Herbalist Walk at Braim Farm!
Thursday, May 28 | 5:45 - 7:45 PM
Off Site - See Event Description for Location
Join herbalist Mo Katz-Christy for a meander through Braim Farm to meet wild plants and explore their medicinal uses! We will explore weeds and native plants, trees and shrubs, and have lots of space for questions and conversation. Bring a notebook if you like!
Parking is limited at Braim Farm. Refer to the HALT website for details on parking. Please carpool, bike, or walk if possible. Please make sure to park so that the road is not obstructed. Registration is not required for this event, however it is strongly encouraged so that we can communicate any updates about weather, etc.
About the Presenter: Mo Katz-Christy (they/them) is a queer Ashkenazi Jewish clinical herbalist and educator in Boston, MA on unceded Massachusett land. They approach herbalism by connecting folks to the knowledge they already have about their body and herbs through working with kitchen medicine, ancestral traditions, and mulberries falling on the sidewalk! Mo teaches herb classes and programs at over 50 different sites in New England. They work one-on-one with clients, in Somerville and virtually, to address the root imbalances that are causing dysregulation and to promote long-term healing, focusing on gut health. You can find out more about their work at mokatzchristy.com.
Teen and Preteen Programs
YA Dungeons & Dragons Campaign (Grades 5-12)
Wednesday, May 13 and 27 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Join dungeon master Leann for a Spring session of D&D. New players welcome! Registration is required. Please e-mail Jess at jdy...@hopkintonma.gov with any questions.
Drop-In CreatorSpace Hours: For Teens!
Monday, May 4, 11, and 18 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, May 5, 12, and 19 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Join us for Drop-In Craft Hours in the CreatorSpace! CreatorSpace users must pre-register at the Reference Desk. Users must be over the age of 10. Users ages 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.
Monday, 3:00 - 5:00 PM: Our CreatorSpace staffer today is Jess, our Teen Librarian! Her expertise is in general crafts.
Tuesday, 3:00 - 5:00 PM: Our CreatorSpace staffer is Matt; his expertise is in model making and general crafting.
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, May 5 and 19 | 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, May 6 and 20 | 6:00 - 7:45 PM
Anime and 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 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.
Half-Day with One Up Games!
Friday, May 8 | 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Spend your afternoon with us at the library! Professional Gamers from One Up Games will set up consoles and Virtual Reality headsets in the Betty Strong Room for students in grades 5 through 12. Computers, board games, and crafts are also available in the YA Room.
YA Wooden Model Kit Workshop
Tuesday, May 26 | 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 ages 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. Participants will not be allowed into the Creatorspace without a completed waiver form, signed by a parent or guardian in front of library staff.
Children's Programs
Registration required for many programs through our website calendar.
Babytime (ages 0 to 18 months)
Friday, May 1, 15, 22, 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 to 5)
Friday, May 1, 15, 22, 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, May 2, 9, 16, and 30 | 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).
Baby and Toddler Storytime (ages 0 to 3)
Monday, May 4, 11, and 18 | 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.
Watch Party! - On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience with Jason Reynolds
Monday, May 4 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Did you miss the live virtual author talk from April 30? Join us in the Children's Programming Room for coloring, activity sheets, and to check out Jason's books while we stream the recording of a discussion with Jason Reynolds about the fifth – and last – entry in the highly popular Track series, Coach.
Following the immersive stories of Ghost, Lu, Patina, and Sunny, it’s finally time for Coach to shine in his own book as we discover: Who was Coach before he became an inspiring leader?
About the Author: Jason Reynolds is an award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author. Jason’s many books include Miles Morales: Spider Man, the Track series (Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu), Long Way Down, which received a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, and a Correta Scott King Honor, and Look Both Ways, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Recently named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Jason has appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and CBS This Morning. He is on faculty at Lesley University, for the Writing for Young People MFA Program and lives in Washington, DC. You can find his ramblings at JasonWritesBooks.com.
Missed the live session? Have questions about these virtual talks? Visit our Virtual Author Talks website page for recordings of past talks and an FAQ guide to the events.
Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.
Music and Movement
Wednesday, May 6 | 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 Sound Play Music!
Our monthly Music & Movement program is generously funded by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
Read to a Therapy Dog
Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, and 27 | 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, May 14, 21, and 28 | 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, May 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.
Teen-Led: Unplugged Programming with Alekhya
Thursday, May 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 5:15 - 6:15 PM
This series is led by local high school student Alekhya as part of the Hopkinton Public Library's Teen-Led Programs initiative. Alekhya's goal is to make technical literacy fun, interactive, and accessible to the entire community. In this structured workshop, kids in grades 2 through 4 will learn the foundations of coding skills through board games.
Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible person age 12 or older while visiting the library. Click here to register!
Babytime Special: Baby Prom!
Friday, May 8 | 9:15 - 11:00 AM
Saturday, May 9 | 9:15 - 11:00 AM
Babies from birth to 18 months old are invited to a special Babytime this week: Baby Prom! Put on your little one's itty bitty dancing shoes for an extra long play//social time with music, a ball pit, sensory play, bubbles, and more. Fancy clothes (or your kiddo's favorite outfit) are encouraged. Black-tie onesies optional.
Recommended for babies from birth to 18 months. Registration for this event opens Friday, May 1.
Preschool Storytellers
Wednesday, May 13, 20, and 27 | 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, May 13, 20, and 27 | 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 program.
Kids Crafternoon
Monday, May 18 | 4:00 - 5:15 PM
Drop by the Children's Programming Room on Mondays from 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM to try out a different craft, activity, or art style. Supplies are limited. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
This is a drop-in program, but all crafts must be completed by 5:15pm. Many crafts cannot be completed in 10 to 15 minutes, so please plan your time accordingly.
Pajama Storytime
Thursday, May 21 | 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!
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 “Birding for All”. 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, May 28 | 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 Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston. Books will be available for pickup at the Circulation Desk. We'll meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Registration is optional!
On May 6th, the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library will be meeting in the Betty Strong Room.
On May 19th, the Board of Library Trustees will be meeting in the Ellsworth Room.
From May 23th through May 25th, the Library will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
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.
