Holiday Closure

Posted by lipinskik on 05 December 24

Register for the Pen Pal Program!

Posted by alliep on 20 November 24

November 18 – December 31, 2024

Connect with other Grafton communities through our Grafton to Grafton Pen Pal Program! Spreading joy—one postcard at a time. Everyone loves getting mail and having a pen pal is a neat way to meet someone new. You can share your favorite books, recipes, funny stories, and more when you communicate by snail mail.

Grafton Public Library has teamed up with three other Grafton libraries in Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Together we have created the first Grafton to Grafton Pen Pal Program “You’ve Got Mail.” All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. Register for the Grafton to Grafton Pen Pal Program between November 18 and December 31.  We will then pair you with the perfect pen pal and contact you between January 1-6, 2025.  Your first postcard/letter is due before January 13.

The Grafton to Grafton Pen Pal Program will run for twelve weeks (January through end of March) and require you to write six letters to your pen pal. Every other week, the letters will be due Saturday as they will be mailed out first thing Monday Morning. The mailing dates are 1/13/2025, 1/27/2025, 2/10/2025, 2/24/2025, 3/10/2025 and 3/24/2025.

Registration is now open until December 31. Click here to register or copy and paste this link in your browser: https://shorturl.at/oczg3

The Children’s Room is OPEN

Posted by karad on 15 October 24

Home Delivery Service Volunteer Needed

Posted by alliep on 02 July 24

August in the Children’s Room

Posted by karad on 29 June 24

PLEASE NOTE:

The children’s playspace will be closed from August 12th-August 25th for the Friends of the Grafton Public Library book sale. The limited children’s collection will be available, and we can order materials for you.

There will be no children’s programming in the last two weeks of August.

Support the Friends of the Grafton Public Library and stock up on some great items! Browse a selection of gently used books, games, DVDs and more, on Saturday, August 24th, 10:00am-3:00pm and Sunday, August 25th, 12:00pm-2:00pm. The sale will take place at the Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton MA 01519.

ATTENTION TEACHERS! We are offering 50% off ALL books so you can stock up on everything your classroom needs this school year. We will also be offering a bag sale on Sunday – fill a bag for $5.00!

Prices range from $0.50 – $2.00/book. Special pricing for collections. Payment accepted via cash, check, or PayPal (for purchases over $5 only).

Donations accepted Monday, August 12 through Friday, August 23. Donations of all gently used books, DVDs, CDs, games & complete puzzles will be accepted. Please no textbooks or heavily damaged items. Ask front desk staff where to drop off your items upon arrival.

To learn more please visit us at FACEBOOK.COM/GPLFRIENDS

Read to Bead is in full swing! Don’t have your packet yet? You can pick it up at the library! Need an extra tracking sheet? Download one here, or you can always pick one up at the Library.

When choosing a reading goal for your family, remember: you know your child best!

Tip: When choosing a goal, try to have it be enough of a stretch to create a real sense of accomplishment.

Track pages, chapters, books read or time spent- minutes or hours. For reluctant readers, start simple by aiming to read every day. Remember you can always adjust your goals as the summer progresses.

Once a row is filled, bring it to the library to redeem a token for our gumball machine! Our gumball machines give out beads so your child can create a unique summer reading necklace.

Keep filling rows for more tokens and beads. Earn special charms by attending Library Programs.

The summer slide refers to the learning loss that can occur when children are out of school for the summer, especially in their reading skills. It’s important to keep kids reading all summer long to maintain their progress and prevent this setback.

Whether it’s a comic book, a mystery novel, or even a favorite magazine, as long as they’re reading something, they’re keeping their minds active and engaged. Consistent reading helps children retain and even improve their literacy skills, setting them up for success when they return to school in the fall. Let’s make this summer a time for fun and growth through reading!

Break out of the box!

If your child has a required reading list, we can help you order the books that you need. If a title is older, there may be limited copies in our network, so please be patient if it takes a bit longer for us to find you a copy. If your reading list is recommended, not required, or if you’d like to try more modern or diverse books, we have some alternatives for you:

• The American Library Association has lists that are full of book titles to keep children engaged in reading throughout the summer.
• Check out these diverse books for kids and teens.
• Boston Public Library has a collection called Black Stories Matter!: Children’s Books by Black Authors and Illustrators.
• Use your Grafton Public Library card to log into Novelist to search for books by Lexile level.
• Have a reluctant reader? Try graphic novels!

There’s nothing better than choosing your own books. Come in and let your children browse the shelves. Summer is a great time to explore their interests. Are they interested in Minecraft? We have a book for that! How about rockets?

Remember, it doesn’t matter what your child reads, as long as they are reading!

Goodbye from Ms. Jen

After twelve wonderful years in the Grafton Public Library’s Children’s Room, the time has come for me to turn the page to a new chapter in my life. It’s with a mixture of joy, gratitude, and a touch of sadness that I say goodbye.

When I first started working at the Grafton Public Library, my own children were just 7 and 5 years old. Today, one is a senior in high school, and the other is a sophomore in college! Time flies when you’re having fun, and boy, did we have fun!

From the delightful chaos of Library Babies, to those first very small “Bank on Reading” sessions at Unibank, I’ve watched your children grow. I’ve loved helping them find that perfect book or celebrating their first official library card. Sharing in their literary adventures has been an absolute privilege. I’ll never forget all of those LEGO club creations, Halloween costumes, and New Years at Noon ball and/or balloon drops.

Thank you for the laughter, the stories, and the unforgettable memories. Keep reading, keep exploring, and always remember – the library is a place where magic happens!

Library Closed for Memorial Day Weekend Saturday May 25-Monday May 27

Posted by mcneilj on 20 May 24

The Grafton Public Library will be CLOSED for Memorial Day on Saturday, May 25th and Monday, May  27th. No items are due this day. The Library will reopen on Tuesday, May 28th.

Please pick up museum passes for Saturday before the Library closes at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24th.

Please visit our online digital branch 24/7 at www.graftonlibrary.org – you can even get a digital card if you do not have a library card.

For a complete calendar of 2024 Library closings, please visit https://graftonlibrary.org/2024-library-closings/

Hoopla Is Back!

Posted by shenoys on 01 May 24

https://www.hoopladigital.com/

Borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, or music everywhere you have a screen-your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card. Hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can stream titles immediately or whenever you’re in the mood. Most titles can also be downloaded to your phone or tablet. Hoopla offers more content, in more places, than any other digital library platform and it’s all FREE thanks to your public library! Titles may vary based on library catalog.  You are allowed to check out 6 items each month on your library card.

If you had a Hoopla account previously through the Grafton Public Library, your old login will not be valid.
Click on this link to Register for your new account:  https://www.hoopladigital.com/register

If you have any questions feel free to call the Grafton Public Library 508-839-4649.

This week at GPL Kids April 22- 27

Posted by mcneilj on 09 March 24

Friday

Join local author Kristy Kielbasinski for a special reading of her children’s book, I DON’T KNOW. 

Join a mischievous bee on a hilarious journey to discover a little penguin’s favorite book. Will it be a fairy tale, a classic, or maybe a silly new story? I Don’t Know! By the end of this playful rhyming read-aloud adventure the room will be filled with laughter and your hearts filled with love.

After storytime, Kristy will lead the children through a simple craft. Every family that attends will receive a free signed copy of the book!

Children’s Programming resumes in March

Posted by mcneilj on 04 March 24

Youth Services Newsletter-March

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.

New Library Calendar/Reservation System

Posted by phelans on 27 February 24

Starting on Tuesday, February 27, the library is transitioning to a new, more user-friendly computer program for patrons to reserve museum passes, book study rooms, and register for library events.

We have created these video tutorials to help you get to know our new reservation system:

• How to Book a Study Room 

• How to Reserve a Museum Pass

If you still need assistance, please contact the library at (508) 839-4649, extension 1820. Our library staff are eager to help you make use of the new reservation system.