ServPro will be on site on Monday September 25 through Friday September 29 to begin removing flooring, wall, and millwork damaged by water during the flood August 18. We will need to close areas of the building for this work to be completed. The Children’s Room will close to pack, store and relocate items on Thursday September 21, and remain closed for the duration of the work, with a reopening date to be determined.
Affected areas include the Children’s Room, Children’s Program Room, Children’s Room Storage Closet, Children’s Workroom, Community Room, A/V Storage Closet, and Kitchen.
There is likely to be significant noise and disruption due to this demolition work, all week, between 10am and 4pm. Visitors should manage expectations accordingly. Please obey all staff directives and signage during this reconstruction period.
The Community Room continues to be unavailable and we are not taking any new bookings until the reconstruction project is completed.
A selection of Children’s Materials will be available in the Friends Corner (Thank you to our Friends for temporarily giving up this space!) until the Community Room work is completed. Puzzles, toys, crafts and activities will not be available. All Children’s Programming is suspended through October. Unfortunately, this means the Library will need to be a an errand, not a destination, and visitors should manage expectations accordingly.
We apologize for the inconvenience, and hope to complete this restoration work quickly! Thank you for your patience and patronage.
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!
UPDATE: The Community Room has been reopened for the scheduled Friends Book Sale Setup. Teen Room’s Maker Space iMac computers and Gaming Room televisions were restored when electrical use was approved. The Children’s Room is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday September 5.
The Library sustained significant flooding on Friday morning August 18 as a result of intense rainstorms, with water sheeting off the wetlands side of the building and flowing into the Community Room, A/V closet, Kitchen, Children’s Room, Children’s Program Room, and Sprinkler Room.
We do not yet have an update from the Town’s fire department or building official when these spaces will be habitable – Town and Library staff responded heroically, and ServPro was on site over the weekend to install industrial dryers.
Currently, the rugs and walls are dry, electrical has been restored, and an insurance claim has been filed.
The Children’s Room, and Children’s Program Room will be CLOSED to the public until further notice. The Friends Book Sale will proceed as scheduled, and we are currently accepting donations.
A collection of Children’s Materials will be available for browsing in the Historic Reading Room on the Common (upper) Level, accessible by elevator and from the Common Entrance.
We will share more information as soon as we have new information, and will make every effort to reschedule meetings and programs in other spaces.
We thank you for your flexibility and understanding of these circumstances beyond our control.
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.
