Happy New Year!
Kanopy is Here
We have subscribed to the Kanopy streaming service which has award-winning films from independent filmmakers as well as well-known distributors like PBS and the BBC. It contains many documentaries and the Great Courses Series as well as some television programming. There is also programming for children. Kanopy authenticates using the prefix on the Ashby library card so if your card does not start with 20459 come to the library and we can replace your card. Click on the image on the right to get started.
New Grant Funded Programs Coming to the Library
Tool Library and Repair Cafe
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has awarded the Ashby Free Public Library a $5,000 Microgrant to promote repair and reuse. We will be building a tool library and holding a series of workshops where people can learn how to repair items, or have professionals repair them. The tool library will keep useful items out of the landfill and encourage borrowing rather than buying. We will be accepting donations of tools and will be purchasing new tools as well. We welcome your suggestions.
The Smithsonian Institution and MassHumanities have awarded the Ashby Free Public Library a $10,000 grant to bring a traveling exhibition of the exhibit “Voices and Votes” to Ashby. This is a non-partisan examination of the history of voting throughout our country’s history and the the stories of the people who have changed voting for better, and for worse. This will come with 6 exciting programs to involve the whole community. This will be a wonderful opportunity for Ashby to get some national publicity, Coming this summer.
Support your Library with Some New Merch!
The Friends of the Ashby Free Public Library support many of the programs and services we offer at the library for people of all ages. They support music performances, art programs, cooking clubs, the AshbyFest and much more. Support them by shopping at our Print on Demand Store, or consider becoming a member of the Friends. If you prefer to order in person you may do so at the library or by emailing the friends at Friendsofashbylibrary@gmail.com
To access it use the icon on the Left or navigate to https://ashbyfreepubliclibrary.universalclass.com/ Universal Class is limited to users with Ashby Library Card Prefixes. If you are interested in using Universal Class and have an old card we can give you a new one. Universal Class is an amazing opportunity to learn new things, or take CEU classes and earn credits.
Programs at the Library
Photography with Joe Cantor
Join us every other Tuesday at 5PM as we learn to take better pictures with every device. This is a class for everyone, from the novice to the experienced photographer who wants to take their pictures to the next level.
Cooking Club
Join us on the First Thursday of every month for a cooking club that is fun for young and old. We have made salsa, apple crisp, lasagna, cookies and more. On Thursday, December 7th we will be making dirt pudding. Come and enjoy the messy fun!
Art for All Group
The Art for All group that formed under the leadership of Sue Ellen Siebert is continuing to meet. Vivian Morris along with the rest of the group are continuing to enjoy the companionship and encouragement of the group. New comers are welcome. Thursday Nights at 5:30.
Ashby Author Talks
If you would like to be included, contact Heather at hperry@cwmars.org.
Library Food Pantry
The library has reopened their food pantry. Thanks to the hard work of Brooke Garver the pantry is up and running. The pantry is open whenever the library is open and donations can be dropped off in the library or in the blue bin near the children's room entrance.
Ashby Oral History Project
A team of dedicated local historians are interviewing and collecting the stories of longtime Ashby residents. The first interview premiered October 9th with a celebration for Bob Bedard. The library will collect and index all of these priceless recollections.
Regular Programming
Download E-books & Audiobooks
Borrow and read ebooks and audiobooks instantly, for free! Get the Libby by Overdrive app for your phone or tablet. For more information on ebooks, check out our Resources page.
Children's Storytime
We are so excited that Jennifer Washington has joined the team as our Children's Librarian. Story time is now at 10:00 on Tuesdays. She will tell stories, sing songs, do movement and end with a craft! Please join us.
All Ages Craft Programs
Starting on Saturday, September 23rd at 11:00 we will have a morning of fun with art for adults and older children. Devon Berry will lead the group with a different activity each week for 8-weeks. This program will make Art fun. Please Join us.
Book Clubs
Read along with our monthly Cookbook Club, Fiction Book Club and Nonfiction Book Club and then join us to discuss. We have just subscribed to BookMovement to better notify club members of upcoming events. Members can suggest titles and know upcoming book.
We have a Cricut!
If you've ever wanted to try out a Cricut, you can try ours. The Cricut will cut all sorts of materials, from paper to vinyl to fabrics. View the Cricut YouTube channel for ideas!
Games & Puzzle Packs
Do you want new toys and puzzles, but don't want more stuff? Borrow some from us. We have some fun new games and puzzles. You can even take out a puzzle pack to rotate some new wooden puzzles into your little one's collection.