Grafton Public Library

Library Updates

This week at GPL Kids March 18-23

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This week at GPL Kids

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.

Check out our online calendar for more information, and to register for Preschool Storytime.

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Children’s Programming resumes in March

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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.

 

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Children’s Playspace Reopens in Community Room

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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.
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February Vacation Programs

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Tuesday-Thursday:
Drop by the Children’s Room temporary space to pick up a take-home kit during school vacation week. Kits are for grades K-5 and must be completed at home. These kits will be a single activity and may include sticker painting, paper crafts, or fortune tellers. Limit one per child. While supplies last.

Friday:
Join us this vacation week to create some Diamond Art.
Please note: Room capacity is extremely limited, so please register every person that will be attending. Children under 8 must have a parent/guardian in the room at all times. Children over 8 may be left alone in the room, but the parent/guardian must remain in the Library building.

Register here for one of 5 sessions.

Saturday:
Kids, Tweens, and Teens! Join us in the Teen Maker Space for Spin Art. Never done Spin Art before? No problem! We’ll guide you through the process step by step.
Drop into the Teen Room Maker Space between 10:30am-12:00 noon OR 1:00pm-2:00pm

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Library CLOSED in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15, 2024

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The Grafton Public Library will be CLOSED in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, January 15, 2024. No items are due this day. The Library will reopen at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16.

Please pick up museum passes for Monday before the Library closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 13.

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

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

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Temporary Hours of Operation – Winter 2024

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Due to staffing shortages, we are temporary reducing our hours of operation from January 2 to April 30th, 2024.

Our temporary hours of operation will be:

Monday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

 

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The Children’s Room is closed for construction.

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On Friday 8/18, portions of the Children’s Room, Children’s Workroom (where staff offices are located), and Community Rooms, as well as the entirety of the Children’s Program room flooded during a late summer storm. Construction began Monday, 9/25 to remove and replace damaged sections of walls and flooring in the above-mentioned areas.

A limited selection of children’s books is available in the lobby. No toys, games, or seating space is available in the lobby.  Please remember that the teen room is exclusively for teens in grades 6 and above.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding.

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Flood Update! Disaster Mediation Begins Monday September 25

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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.

 

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September in the Children’s Room

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Click here for a copy of our September Newsletter.

 

Dear Patrons,

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.

Sign Up for a Library Card Online!
Did you know:

  • 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!
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Flood Update

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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.

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