Current Programs- In Person

Check out these programs coming up. Click the links to register where necessary.

Drop-In Tech Help with WMA Students

Fridays, Nov. 1, 8, & 22 from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Not available Nov. 15 or 29.

Need help setting up an email account, updating your phone, or figuring out a new device? Students from Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) will be at the library to assist with technology-related questions. No registration required. 

Assistance is available on a first come, first served basis. Please bring any relevant devices and log-in/password information.

Diamond Painting Ornaments

Monday, Dec. 9 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Join us for another relaxing session of diamond painting. Choose one of several adhesive designs to apply gems and create a Winter snowflake or holiday ornament. 

This is an ideal project for beginners interested in trying diamond painting for the first time. Estimated time to complete this project is 1.5 hours or less. All materials will be provided. Registration will open Nov. 25. 

Drop-In DIY Gift Wrapping

  • Friday, Dec. 13 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 16 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Need more space to wrap gifts, or want some privacy away from prying eyes? Wrap your gifts at the library! You bring the gifts, we bring the supplies. We will provide scissors, tape, wrapping paper, and basic ribbon and tags, along with plenty of room for you to work. Enjoy the cozy environment & cross your gift wrapping off your holiday to-do list! Available while supplies last.

Current Programs- Virtual

Check out these upcoming virtual programs. Click the links to register.

 

Living with Wild Turkeys in Massachusetts with MassWildlife

Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Wild turkeys, the official game bird of Massachusetts, thrive in a variety of habitats across the Commonwealth, including in urban and suburban areas. Learn about wild turkey biology and behavior, as well as how residents can coexist with these beautiful birds. Led by Meghan Crawford, Community Engagement Biologist with MassWildlife, and David Scarpitti, Turkey Biologist with MassWildlife.

Presented in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library. 

Native Nations & The Beginning of the United States (1100-1860)

Wednesday Nov 27 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Native history predates 1492. Native peoples have been on the North American continent for centuries before colonization began. Learn about U.S. History but from the perspective of Native Americans. From the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy to landing on Plymouth Rock and the Lost Colony of Roanoke to the tribes that participated in the American Revolution and the move westward, discover the creation of the treaties between the United States and Native Nations. The beginning of the end for Native Nations with the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears will also be covered. This lecture begins in the 1100s and ends just before the Civil War in 1860.

Led by Heather Bruegl, a public historian, activist, and decolonial education consultant who works with institutions and organizations for Indigenous sovereignty and collective liberation. She is an Oneida Nation of Wisconsin citizen and first-line descendent Stockbridge Munsee. 

Presented in partnership with the Tewksbury Public Library.

More Holiday Romance Book Recommendations with Booklist Reviewer, John Charles

Monday, December 2 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

We had such a great time chatting with John last year, we just had to do it again! With the holidays right around the corner, take a minute (or an hour) to relax and find some good holiday romance reads! John Charles will give us his "best of" list of 2024 that will have your TBR pile tipping over and your holidays spent cozying up to a good book (bring your own hot toddy!). No need to bring papyrus and quill, we'll send out a list after the session. We hope you can join us!

After working in public libraries for thirty years, John Charles retired and then immediately went to work for the Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale’s independent bookstore. In addition to reviewing for Booklist and Library Journal, John is the co-author of Romance Today An A to Z Guide to Contemporary American Romance Writers, The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Mystery, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Ultimate Reading List.

Presented in partnership with the Ashland Public Library.
RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

Q&A with Author Nicole Tersigni: "Cat People To Judge In Art And Life"

Monday, December 9 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

It's a discussion about cats and their people! What could go wrong? We can't wait to chat with bestselling author Nicole Tersigni about her most recent book, "Cat People To Judge In Art And Life" - we were intrigued right from the cover! Against the backdrop of fine art, Nicole delves into the minds of our feline companions and the people who serve them. 

Presented in partnership with the Ashland Public Library.
RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

ABOUT THE BOOK: From the author of the hit humor book Men to Avoid in Art and Life comes this tongue-in-cheek collection of cats' innermost thoughts.

Cat people love their cats deeply . . . maybe a little too deeply. Cats, on the other hand, secretly hate our haircuts but tolerate our presence because we have the thumbs to open the food can. Against the backdrop of fine art, bestselling author Nicole Tersigni delves into the minds of our feline companions and the people who serve them.

Broken into five sections representing all kinds of cat people, including the Smotherer, the Oversharer, the Pushover, the Proud Parent, and the Roommate, this hilariously insightful cat humor book says the things our loved ones can’t—that Mewlius Caesar would enjoy us more if we gave them some space. And a better name.

Encounters with Killers with Katherine Ramsland

Monday, January 27 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

True Crime Author & Professor of Forensic Psychology Dr. Katherine Ramsland recounts her most memorable interactions with serial killers over the course of her life, describing how it shaped her career in forensic psychology. A Pied Piper, two Coed Killers, a Candy Man’s handyman, and BTK, among others, have left their marks on her research and writing, both fiction and nonfiction.

Presented in partnership with the Ashland Public Library.
RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Katherine Ramsland, most recently, taught forensic psychology and criminology at DeSales University in Pennsylvania, where she was the Assistant Provost. She has appeared as an expert in criminal psychology on more than 250 crime documentaries and magazine shows, is an executive producer of Murder House Flip, and has consulted for CSI, Bones, and The Alienist. The author of more than 1,800 articles and 73 books, including The Forensic Science of CSI, The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds, How to Catch a Killer, The Psychology of Death Investigations, The Serial Killer’s Apprentice, and Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, The BTK Killer, she was co-executive producer for the Wolf Entertainment/A&E four-part documentary based on the years she spent talking with Rader. Ramsland consults on death investigations, pens a blog for Psychology Today, and is currently writing a fiction series based on a female forensic psychologist who manages a private investigation agency. 

How Birds Created the World with Author Randi Minetor

Monday, January 13 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

We're very excited to chat with author and journalist Randi Minetor who, with her photographer husband Nic, have visited 354 (out of 429) National Parks! All of their travels have inspired one of Randi's books, "The Complete Language Of Birds". Today, Randi will be discussion her book, birds and their evolution, and (hopefully) some of her travels! 

Presented in partnership with the Ashland Public Library.

About the Book: Expand your bird knowledge with this gorgeous encyclopedia of over 400 bird species around the world, unique for its inclusion of both their physical and mythological characteristics.

If you're a nature lover who thrives on bird videos and photography, go beyond the scope of standard field guides with this comprehensive reference. Each entry of The Complete Language of Birds provides not only the bird's name and physical qualities, but also its history, symbolic meanings, and hidden properties from mythology, legends, and folklore.