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.
Calling all young explorers, dreamers, and creative minds! Grafton Public Library is thrilled to announce our exhilarating 2023 Summer Reading Program, where we invite you to embark on a journey to “Find Your Voice” through the power of books, stories, and imagination. 📖🌍
At Grafton Public Library we believe that every child has a unique voice that deserves to be heard, and this summer, we’re here to help you discover and express your own extraordinary stories.
Inspired by the amazing resources provided by the iREAD program, our Summer 2023 program promises an unforgettable experience filled with captivating tales, exciting events, and interactive workshops. From July to August, we’ll be your guide as you explore the enchanting worlds of literature and unleash your creative potential. 🚀🌟
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.
In celebration of Simon Willard’s birthday (April 7, 1605) the Willard House and Clock Museum and Grafton Public Library are partnering on a Library Clock Scavenger Hunt! Children in grades 1-6 are eligible to participate.
The museum will hold a special drawing as part of its Clocks for Kids program and will give a away a restored shelf clock to a lucky winner at the end of April. The prize makes a nice introduction to conventional (non-digital) clocks. Complete and turn in a Library Clock Scavenger Hunt Entry Form to earn a glow in the dark sticker, and a chance to win a restored, working 1920s mantle clock from the Willard House and Clock Museum’s Clocks for Kids program!
“Horology, the science of time and timekeeping, has been a neglected science throughout our schooling” explains Executive Director, Robert C. Cheney “yet it is perhaps the most important of the sciences for the development of our modern world. Virtually every important discovery you can think of depends on horology.” The museum has partnered with the Grafton Public Library on a special clock scavenger hunt, at the library. First through sixth graders are invited to find clocks of various types including a Benjamin Willard Jr. tall case clock and an Aaron Willard steeple clock. Participating children will turn in a check list and receive glow-in-the-dark stickers highlighting the museum’s collection.
“We are thrilled to provide an interactive, DIY program for youth this month celebrating our partnership with Willard House and Clock Museum!” says Library Director, Beth Schreiber.
Grafton’s Simon Willard was born on April 3rd, 1753. His birthday will be celebrated during the entire month of April. Free Museum Admission Kicking off the festivities, the museum will offer FREE admission starting April 1st. This was made possible by a generous donation from Gaudette Insurance of North Grafton. Book at visit at: https://willardhouse.org/contact.
Richard Potter’s 19th Century Magic Show, April 21st
Rounding out the month, Willard will host Richard Potter’s 19th Century Magic show on Friday, April 21st, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. “Willard is pleased to welcome back Robert Olson as Richard Potter to amaze our audience with his marvelous feats of magic. Robert has made it his life’s devotion to study and perform as Potter and his passion shines through”, says Cheney. “His prior appearance was standing room only, so order your seats early.” Wearing 19th century costume, veteran magician, Olson, brings Richard Potter’s 1800s magic to audiences, using original and recreated props (cards, coins, ribbons, and boxes) as well as costumes and the language that was used during that period-– all to carry the audience back in time.
About Willard House and Clock Museum – Celebrating its 50th Anniversary
Located at 11 Willard Street in North Grafton, MA, Willard House and Clock Museum exhibits more than 90 Willard clocks in the birthplace and original workshop of the Willard clockmakers, along with family portraits, furnishings and other family heirlooms. The work of all three generations of Willard clockmakers, focusing on the famed brothers, Simon Willard and Aaron Willard are displayed. The Museum tour includes the original Willard House built in 1718, the original 1766 clock-making workshop, and three modern galleries. Willard is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visit the Willard House and Clock Museum website at http://www.willardhouse.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter , Instagram and LinkedIn. For more information about about the museum, please contact Beverly Snow, Program Coordinator, at 508-839-3500. To reserve a Library museum pass for discounted admission after the generous free period ends April 30, please visit https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=GRAFTON.
From February 1 through March 15, The Grafton Public Library, Cradles to Crayons®, the Boston Bruins, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and Wonderfund are coming together with organizations in our community to collect new pajamas for local children living in low-income and homeless situations.
Together, we are looking to collect 10,000 pairs of pajamas! By dropping off your donations at the Grafton Public Library, you will directly supply new pajamas to the children who need them most so they can stay warm for a good night’s sleep!
What we are collecting: We are looking for brand new pajamas, appropriate for all seasons, from sizes 0-3 months through adult medium. Please do not give pajamas that include any family or holiday references, and refer to our Quality = Dignity guidelines.
Our most needed sizes are:
Girls:
12-18 months
18-24 months
5/6 (child S)
18/20 (child XXL/adult M)
Boys:
12-18 months
18-24 months
10/12 (child L)
14/16 (child XL/adult S)
18/20 (child XXL/adult M)
Other ways to donate: Purchase and donate pajamas through Cradles to Crayons’ Amazon Wish List (beginning on February 1) or make a $10 donation to provide a child with a pair of pajamas!
Library Staff will be wearing their pajamas in support of this program on Fridays and Saturdays during the month of February. Thanks for your support!
Due to a construction issue, these children’s programs have been canceled for December:
Library Babies, Toddler Time, Preschool Storytime
Lego Brickbuilders, Video Games and Comics Creator Club.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
The weather outside is frightful, so join us in our toasty warm library for storytime!
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 9:15am and 10:30am. Storytime for preschoolers is held on Thursdays at 9:15am. Registration is required for Preschool Storytime and Toddler Time.
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 right 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. Storytime programs will run until Thursday, December 22nd.
Ms. Kayla from Apple Tree Arts will visit the Library for a Music and Movement program from children aged two and up on Monday, December 5th at 10:30am. Registration is required.
On Wednesday, December 14th 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 and registration is required.
There’s lots to do for older kids at the library too! Join us for Comic Creator Club or one of the three Bookworms book discussion groups. All four programs meet on Tuesday, December 13th. Please adhere to age requirements when registering. See graftonlibrary.org/events to see what books each age group will be reading this month. Books can be picked up at the library.
Feeling creative? Drop-in to LEGO Brickbuilders December 15th, 22nd and 29th from 3:30-5:00pm. Sewing club will be held on December 2nd and December 1oth.
Feeling artistic? Drop in and create Winter Art on Tuesday, December 6th, Tuesday, December 20th or Thursday, December 15th from 5:30-7:00pm.
Feeling competitive? We’re bringing out the Wii or Wii U to play some Nintendo Classics on the big screen in the program room on Friday, December 23rd from 3:00pm-5:00pm.
Join us during school vacation week for a replay of some of our more popular school aged programs. Winter Art will be on Tuesday at 5:30pm, Video Games will run on Wednesday at 3:00pm, and Lego Brickbuilders will meet on Thursday at 3:30pm.
New Years at Noon is back, and bigger than ever! Join us on December 31st at 11:30am for a child-friendly bash. Count down to 2023 with us in our big community room. We’ve got lots of surprises in store!
To sign up or see all Library programs, please visit our online calendar.
