Have you checked out our playspace yet? While it’s not the Children’s Room we all know and love, it’s still lots of fun!
This week, Arts and Crafts returns.
Monday
Let’s kick off the week with a lot of fun and play. That’s right, it’s Library Babies time. This event starts at 10:30 am. Parents and caregivers can bring in their babies for a fun-filled time of songs, rhymes, and of course, lots of cuddles. This is a perfect opportunity for babies to develop their motor skills, and for parents to connect with other parents. Don’t forget to join us!
Open Play runs after storytime, 11:30am-7pm.
Tuesday
Drop in and unleash your creativity with seasonal art in this engaging program designed for Grades K-5! Craft materials will be at your fingertips from 5:30-7:00 pm.
Our Open Play starts from 11:30 am and goes till 5:00 pm. This is a great opportunity for the kids to interact and learn from each other. Open Play encourages independent play, social interaction, and is a fun way for your little ones to start the week.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, we have a variety of activities lined up that will keep your little ones busy. It’s Toddler Time at 10:30 am, this event is designed to keep toddlers engaged and stimulated. In the evening, at 5:30 pm, we have our Card Games event. This is a great time for kids to learn new games, develop strategic thinking, and of course, have a lot of fun!
Open Play runs after storytime, 11:30am-5pm.
Thursday
On Thursday mornings, we have our Preschool Storytime at 10:30 am. This is a wonderful opportunity for preschoolers to enjoy some delightful stories and develop a love for reading from a young age.
Open Play runs after storytime, 11:30am-5pm.
Drop in and unleash your creativity with seasonal art in this engaging program designed for Grades K-5! Craft materials will be at your fingertips from 5:30-7:00 pm.
Friday and Saturday
On Fridays and Saturdays, Open Play is available, but with a slightly different schedule. It starts from 11:30 am and ends at 2:00 pm. It’s a great way to wrap up the week with more fun and play.
The Grafton Public Library is thrilled to announce the return of beloved children’s programs in March. Join us for three versions of storytime, arts and crafts, book clubs, and STEM programs. Check out our new event calendar here.
MONDAYS
MARCH 11TH, 18TH, 25TH
Library Babies is 20-minute program tailored for our tiniest visitors, ages birth to walking. Every Monday at 10:30 am, join us for an engaging experience where we read stories, sing songs, recite familiar nursery rhymes, and interact with the little ones through bounces and finger plays. Parents and caregivers are not just spectators – they play a crucial role in creating a community of support and friendship. This drop-in program provides a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow parents, forge lifelong friendships, and witness the joy of early literacy together. No registration is required.
WEDNESDAYS
MARCH 12TH, 19TH, 26TH
Toddler Time is a lively 30-minute program designed for our little ones aged walking to 3 years! Join us on Wednesdays at 10:30 as we share stories, sing and dance, and engage in fun movement activities. Beyond the enriching activities, Toddler Time is an opportunity for toddlers, parents, and caregivers to come together, fostering first friendships and creating a warm community.
THURSDAYS
MARCH 13TH, 20TH, 27TH
Tailored for children aged 3-5, this 45-minute program offers a structured and engaging storytime experience. Join Ms. Sarah, and dive into a world of stories,catchy songs, interactive felt board fun, and movement activities. It’s not just a storytime – it’s a stepping stone to school readiness. Registration is required.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13TH@3:30pm
Join us for a special storytime, fun activities, and see a highlighted feature of the Willard House & Clock Museum.
This program is for preschoolers ages 3-5 and registration is required.
TUESDAYS @5:30-7:00PM
MARCH 12TH & 19TH
THURSDAYS @ 5:30-7:00PM
MARCH 14TH, 21ST, AND 28TH
Drop in and unleash your creativity with seasonal art in this engaging program designed for Grades K-5! Craft materials will be at your fingertips from 5:30-7:00 pm, allowing you to explore your artistic talents and make something special.
Join us for a night of artistic expression and seasonal fun!
While creating masterpieces, please keep in mind the Library’s Unattended Child Policy: children aged 0-7 must always be accompanied by a parent/guardian; those aged 8-12 should have a parent/guardian in the Library; and those 13 and older may enjoy the program unaccompanied, provided they can use the Library independently and adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct.
W
WEDNESDAYS@ 5:30-7:00PM
MARCH 13TH, 20TH AND 27TH
Join us for an exciting adventure into the world of mathematics through the fun and engaging medium of card games! In this STEM program tailored for kids, we’ll delve into various mathematical concepts while enjoying classic and modern card games. From arithmetic to probability, participants will sharpen their critical thinking skills, develop strategic reasoning, and explore mathematical principles in action. Don’t miss out on this hands-on STEM adventure where learning meets fun with every shuffle and deal!
While creating masterpieces, please keep in mind the Library’s Unattended Child Policy: children aged 0-7 must always be accompanied by a parent/guardian; those aged 8-12 should have a parent/guardian in the Library; and those 13 and older may enjoy the program unaccompanied, provided they can use the Library independently and adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct.
TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@4:15pm
Learn about the characteristics of comics/graphic novels and then try drawing or writing some of you own.
This program is for school aged children in grades 2-5.
While creating masterpieces, please keep in mind the Library’s Unattended Child Policy: children aged 0-7 must always be accompanied by a parent/guardian; those aged 8-12 should have a parent/guardian in the Library; and those 13 and older may enjoy the program unaccompanied, provided they can use the Library independently and adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct.
TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@5:30pm
Embark on an exciting literary adventure with Ms. Kristin as she hosts a captivating book discussion tailored for our young readers in kindergarten through first grade! Immerse yourselves in the world of Fox and Chick: The Party and Other Stories. Fox is calm and thoughtful. Chick is hyperactive and flighty. They don’t always agree, but they are friends anyway.
TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@6:15pm
Kids in grades 2 and 3! This month we’ll be reading Bunnicula : the graphic novel. Ensure you don’t miss a beat – secure your own copy, conveniently available for pickup at the library.
TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@7:00pm
Join Ms. Kristin for a book discussion for kids in grades 4 and 5. Copies of the book The Lightning Thief : the graphic novel by Rick Riordan will be available for pick-up at the library.
After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.
Please register below. If the event is full, you may still submit this form to be placed on the waiting list.
The Grafton Public Library is excited to share that the Children’s Room playspace is temporarily moving to the Library’s Community Room, marking a step towards normalcy, starting Monday, March 4th. Open play will be from 11:30am-7:00pm Monday through Thursday, and 11:30-2:00pm on Friday and Saturdays.
In the temporary location in the Community Room, children can enjoy various activities, including playing with toys, games, and AWE computers. There is ample space to play, meet friends, or read a story in our cozy seating and dedicated play areas.
Additionally, the Grafton Public Library is thrilled to announce the return of beloved children’s programs in March. Join us for three versions of storytime, arts and crafts, book clubs, and STEM programs.
For our inaugural program, join Ms. Stacie on Tuesday, March 5th for Dr. Seuss themed crafts. Celebrate Read Across America day by making truffula trees and wockets. Craft materials will be available starting at 5:30pm.
The library extends heartfelt gratitude to the community for their support, understanding, and cooperation during this challenging time. Although this temporary space may differ from the familiar Children’s Room, we aim to meet the community’s desire for a dedicated playspace and children’s programming. We eagerly anticipate welcoming families and children back to the temporary space and will provide further updates on the reopening of the permanent Children’s Room.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, when libraries nationwide join the American Library Association (ALA) to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of children, offering a variety of programs to spark creativity and stimulate an interest in reading and learning. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams, explore new passions and interests, and find their voice.
Library cards are FREE to Grafton residents, students and property owners, and to any MA resident.
Did you lose your card? September is the BEST time to replace the card, because the replacement cost is WAIVED every September.
It takes only minute to set up a library card.
Anyone can get a library card-even babies!
The Grafton Public Library continues to be FINE FREE.
Every two years, your card must be updated so we can confirm we have current contact information for you. September is a great time to update your card!
We regret to inform you that there won’t be any staff-led programs in the Children’s Room this September. We’re still in the process of recovering from an unfortunate flooding incident that occurred on the morning of Friday, August 18th.
Intense rainstorms resulted in significant flooding, with water entering the Children’s Room, the adjacent Children’s Program Room, and other areas on the south side of the building. The Children’s Program Room may require significant remediation to become a usable space again.
Additionally, we’re facing staffing challenges due to recent retirements and illnesses.
We understand that the Children’s Room is the heart of our library, and we’re aware of how much our beloved programs mean to you. Rest assured, there’s always plenty to do in the Children’s Room. We offer a wide range of activities, from toys and coloring to our famous in-room scavenger hunt. We’ve got enough fun to keep the kids entertained! Families, children, and caregivers are always welcome to enjoy our space, and we’d be thrilled to host playgroups and meetups in our engaging children’s area. For the latest updates on our programs,including special pop-up events, please visit our website and social media accounts.
We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.
-CR Staff
We are delighted to see so many students who want to use the Library after school, but must remind parents of our Unattended Child Policy:
youth ages 0-7 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times;
youth ages 8-12 must be accompanied by parent/guardian remaining in the Library;
youth ages 13+ may be unaccompanied, provided your child is able to use Library independently and follow the Library’s Code of Conduct.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, when libraries nationwide join the American Library Association (ALA) to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of children, offering a variety of programs to spark creativity and stimulate an interest in reading and learning. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams, explore new passions and interests, and find their voice.
Library cards are FREE to Grafton residents, students and property owners, and to any MA resident.
Did you lose your card? September is the BEST time to replace the card, because the replacement cost is WAIVED every September.
It takes only minute to set up a library card.
Anyone can get a library card-even babies!
The Grafton Public Library continues to be FINE FREE.
Every two years, your card must be updated so we can confirm we have current contact information for you. September is a great time to update your card!
Willard House & Clock Museum and the Grafton Public Library, will present the James Webb Space Telescope + Stargazing Party on Wednesday, July 26th at the museum, from 7:00 pm to after dark. This FREE and open-to-the-public event was generously supported by the Webster First Federal Credit Union. Guests are encouraged to register in advance here.
NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, M.J. Johnson will present the non-technical talk on the James Webb Space Telescope, followed immediately afterward by a “star party”, hosted in partnership with the Aldrich Astronomical
Society, one of the oldest amateur astronomy clubs in the U.S. This presentation and event are appropriate for all ages.
“In 2021, humanity successfully initiated the most ambitious, complicated, and expensive telescope ever conceived, and began a new era of discovery unlike any before it”, explains Mr. Johnson. “The James Webb Space Telescope (or JWST) has begun returning images to us that stretch the limits of our very understanding.”
“This presentation will provide context for what we’ve begun learning from the JWST as it looks toward the very beginning of our universe. These images offer as much beauty to the public as they offer insight to scientists eager to pull back the veil on events in our cosmos to which we’ve never before had access.”
After the talk, members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society will be available to help navigate the starry night (weather permitting) and to share views of the heavens through their telescopes. Grafton Public Library’s Expanded Telescope Loaner Program The Grafton Public Library will also be on site with its expanded telescope loaner collection, and it will explain how to borrow the instruments. Astronomical resources, including books, magazines, movies, music, and kits will be available for checkout to help families discover the beauty of the night sky for themselves.
Schedule of events is as follows:
7:00pm – Event open to public, tabletop displays, Q&A
7:30pm – Presentation on the James Webb Space Telescope
8:30pm – Presentation Q&A
8:45pm – Transition from presentation to outdoor stargazing
For more information about the program, please contact Beverly Snow, Program Coordinator, at 508-839-3500.
Brother and sister team Anton and Leora participated in the Grafton Public Library’s April Clock Scavenger hunt. They roamed all of the library’s 26,000 square feet of space to answer more than a dozen clock questions and tasks. Not only did these young library fans complete the scavenger list, they also answered a bonus question correctly!
Anton and Leora were entered into a drawing, and they won a fully restored 1920s Seth Thomas mantel clock. Our young readers and now newly minted Horologists will keep and maintain this beautiful clock.
Please join us in celebrating Senior Library Associate Marilyn Wilcox, who will be retiring on June 30 after nearly 19 years of service in the Children’s Room at the Grafton Public Library. We will be honoring her with a reception on Friday June 30 from 10am-12noon at the Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, and the community is invited to attend.
Miss Marilyn staffed the children’s room service desk, navigated two library moves and several library renovations with grace and patience. She did a LOT of meticulous shelving and shelf-reading, helped with programs and displays, provided storytime, and served as volunteer coordinator. Miss Marilyn has provided a warm, welcoming presence to families, fostered compassion and kindness towards co-workers, and delivered excellence in connecting the right person with the right book at the right time. She was awarded a level II Paralibrarian Certificate from the MA Library Association in May 2022.
We wish her well and she will be greatly missed! We will both celebrate our joy in the next chapter of her life, and drown our sorrows in her leaving, with cake! Please RSVP via the event on our Facebook Page or directly to Beth Schreiber at 508-839-4649 x1836 or by email at schreiberb@graftonlibrary.org.
Drop in and make Star Wars themed crafts. All day. K+ Crafts may contain small parts. While supplies last.
Stop by the Library and pick up your FREE comic book in celebration of Free Comic Book Day!
Comics will be available while supplies last.
For more information on Free Comic Book Day and to find other locations visit: https://www.freecomicbookday.com/
May 6th at 11:00am
Saturday storytime is an all-ages program that repeats some elements from our popular weekday programs. Join Ms. Jen and Ms. Stacie for seasonal stories and songs!
Come dressed as your favorite superhero!
Preschool storytime programs resume this May at the Grafton Public Library! Join us for unique programs for three different age groups starting the week of May 1st! Storytimes will run for 4 weeks until May 25th.
Library Babies, featuring songs, bounces, and interactive board books, runs on Tuesdays at 9:15am.
Toddler Time, an active program for walkers through age three, is held on Wednesdays at 9:15 AND 10:30am. Join Ms. Sarah to share stories, sing songs and recite rhymes and finger plays.
Storytime for preschoolers is held on Thursday at 9:15am. This 45-minute program includes stories, felt board fun, and movement activities. These three programs will run for three weeks in May. Registration is required.
Because the 9:15am programs take place before the library opens to the public, please enter through the children’s program room door on the left side of the library. There will be directional signage posted outside the library on storytime days. Please arrive on time for these programs. Due to their short run time, we cannot allow any latecomers to enter.
Also in May is Young Scientists, the STEM storytime for ages three through six. Presented by STEM Beginnings, this 6-week series introduces STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time and simple experiments. The “Young Scientists” series is sponsored by the YMCA Family & Community Partnership (YFCP), a Massachusetts Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE) Grant program funded by the Department of Early Education & Care and awarded to the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. Registration is required.
Fridays at 10:30am
May 5th, 12th, and 19th.
On Wednesday, May 10th at 3:30pm, join us at the Willard House & Clock Museum for a special storytime and a tour of the museum’s beautiful grounds. This program is for preschoolers ages three through five and registration is required.
On Monday, May 1st, join Apple Tree Arts for a fun-filled music and movement program for preschoolers ages 2 and up. Siblings are welcome! Parental participation is encouraged. Registration is required.
Drop-in and create some seasonal art. Grades K-5. Craft materials will be available from 5:30-7:00pm.