Grafton Public Library

Library Updates

We’re counting down to 2023 in the children’s room!

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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.

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It’s Dinovember in the Children’s Room!

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View our November newsletter.

Join us for special dinosaur themed events and activities all month long! We’re celebrating Dinovember in our Science Nook and as part of our monthly mission. Stop in and view our dinosaur decorations, play in our dinosaur-themed sensory table and attend one of our special dino programs.

Drop-in and create dinosaur art with Ms. Stacie on Tuesday November 8th or Thursday, November 10th.  Craft materials will be available from 5:30-7:00pm.

A special dino guest will join Ms. Cyndi for a quick storytime on Tuesday, November 8th at 2:00pm. Stay for a photo op!

Finally, hatch dinosaur eggs on Saturday, November 26th from 3:00-5:00pm.  This program is for kids in grades 3-5 and registration is required.

Young Scientists meets on Friday, November 4th, and Friday November 18th at 10:30 am.

Join STEM Beginnings for a 6-week series for children, ages 3-6. Children will learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time and simple experiments. Registration is required.

Ms. Kayla from Apple Tree Arts will visit the Library for a Music and Movement program for children aged two and up on Monday November 7th at 10:30am. Registration is required.

BookWorms Book Clubs will meet on Tuesday, November 15th.

K-1 graders will meet 5:45-6:15 pm to discuss the book Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder and Dan Santat. 2-3 will meet from 6:30-7:00pm to discuss Fairy Tale Comics by Chris Duffy; 4-5 graders will meet from 7:15-7:45pm to discuss Rump: the true story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff. Registration is required. Stop by the Children’s Room to pick up a copy of any of the BookWorms Book Club books.

Comic Creators Club meets on Tuesday, November 15th at 4:00pm. 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 and registration is required.

Open Play for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers will be held on Tuesday the 15th, Wednesday the 16th, and Thursday the 17th from 10:00-11:00am. Has going to the library on storytime days become part of your routine? Though storytime is on hiatus, the library is still open! Come by and meet up with friends, play, or choose from a selection of specially curated read-aloud books.

Storytime resumes the last week of November.

We’re offering two sessions of Sewing Club in November. Tweens is grades 5-8 will learn how to make a Thanksgiving apron. This special class meets from 3:00-5:00pm on Saturday, November 12th and Friday, November 18th. Please register for only one session. Sewing skills are not required but helpful.

Drop in and make a pinecone turkey on Tuesday, November 17th. Craft supplies will be available from 5:30-7:00pm.

On Wednesday, November 23rd we’ll be showing a special movie in our program room. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required. Movie will be either rated G or PG.

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September is National Library Card Sign Up Month!

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As of August 31, we have 8,874 Grafton cardholders (patrons with a library card barcode starting with 27445) and 9,612 Grafton residents with a library card (patrons who may have gotten the card in Worcester, Millbury or another CW MARS Library, but have a Grafton zip code). This averages to almost one card per household; 48% of our residents have a Library card!

If you are in the 52% without a card, September is the best time to come and get a card! Visit our website for more information. You can:

  1. Apply for an ecard only to get digital content through OverDrive/Libby;
  2. Apply online in advance, and come in to pick up the card and show your proof of identity/residency,
  3. Apply in person and come in during operating hours–Mon-Thu 10am-9pm or Fri/Sat 10am-6pm.

REMINDER: Please don’t share your card with family or friends! Every library user should have their own individual card.

Cards are FREE to Grafton residents, students and property owners, and to any MA resident. Replacement cards cost $1, but we waive that fee annually for the month of September. If you have LOST or misplaced your Library card, September is the BEST time to replace the card, because the replacement cost is WAIVED every September.

The Grafton Public Library continues to be FINE FREE for the duration of the Pandemic. If you have FINES or BLOCKS on your library card due to overdue or lost items at other libraries, we are happy to help connect you to the owning library to pay off balances.

For LOST or MISSING items, we ask you to speak with our selectors directly. We will often allow an exact copy (based on ISBN) replacement procured by the patron at a lower cost than list price. We also allow a one-time “work off the fees” program for youth ages 14-18, allowing them to volunteer at a rate of $10 per hour to pay off fees.

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!

Every four years, cards that have not been used are deleted from our database if the account has no items checked out and no accrued fines or fees. If we haven’t seen you in awhile, stop by to check your account status.

National Library Card Sign Up Month ambassadors Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel

This Year, Find Your Voice @ the Library!
For 2022, Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel and her sister author and educator Cara Mentzel will serve as honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-Up Month 2022.
As honorary chairs, Idina and Cara will remind everyone that one of the best places to find your voice is at the library. And during Library Card Sign-Up Month, they want you to explore all the library has to offer, like new children’s books, access to technology, and educational programming.
“It’s a little card that goes a loud way. Let your imagination sing at the library.” — Idina Menzel
“The library is where your imagination sings. Get your library card and ‘check it out’ today.” — Cara Mentzel
Ways to Celebrate
1. Visit The Grafton Public Library
Visit the Library to see what’s new and take part in the celebration! Libraries across the country are participating. Do you have friends who don’t have a library card? Invite them to sign up during September.
2. #GetLibraryCarded
It’s the most powerful tool in your wallet – show it off! Share a photo of yourself with your library card for the chance to win $100!
Post to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #GetLibraryCarded. Entries can also be submitted by posting as a comment or wall post on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Be sure not to reveal any personal information on your library card and don’t forget to tag your library! The creator of one randomly-selected post will receive a $100 Visa gift and a poster of choice from ALA Graphics. Three second-place winners will receive their poster of choice from ALA Graphics.
The #GetLibraryCarded promotion begins Thursday, September 1, at 12 noon CT and ends Friday, September 23, at 12 noon CT. All library lovers and librarians are encouraged to participate. The promotion is open to residents of the United States, Washington, D.C., and U.S. Territories. Employees of the American Library Association are not eligible to participate.
Please see the Official Rules for details, and don’t forget to tag the library! @Grafton Public Library on Facebook, @graftonpubliclibrary on Instagram, or @GraftonPubLib on Twitter.
3. Help Spread the Word
  • Follow I Love Libraries on Facebook and Twitter and the hashtag #LibraryCardSignUpMonth to join the celebration on social media.
  • Post Library Card Sign-up Month digital graphics on your website or social media accounts.
The Arrival of Our Piano is Imminent!
The Capital Campaign has acquired a 1921 refurbished “O” series Steinway baby grand piano, to be delivered September 6. Originally a player piano, a modern player system was installed when it was restored by Geoffrey Searles of Apollo Piano of Grafton, Massachusetts. When plans were made for the renovation and expansion of the library, the Community Room space was designed around the concept of including of having a baby grand piano which was purchased for the Library by the Capital Campaign. We are very excited to add this to our offerings of program and services, and the Policy Subcommittee is working on a piano use policy.
Musical Programs in September
In celebration of National Library Card Sign Up Month, and to help you Find Your Voice, we invite you to participate in several musical offerings this month, including two that feature our player piano:
  • Wednesday September 14 1:00 p.m. Name That Tune (adults)
  • Wednesday September 14 6:30 p.m. GUM Jam (teens & adults)
  • Friday September 23, 6:30 p.m. Sing Along Movie Night (ages 13+)
  • Wednesday September 28 1:00 p.m. Piano Karaoke (all ages)
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Storytime returns in September at the Grafton Public Library

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View our September newsletter or sign up to receive our newsletter in your email monthly. 

Storytime programs resume in September at the Grafton Public Library!

Join us for unique programs for three different age groups starting the week of September 17th.

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. Join Ms. Sarah to share stories, sing songs and recite rhymes and finger plays.

Storytime for preschoolers is held on Thursdays at 9:15am. This 45-minute program includes stories, felt board fun, and movement activities. Registration is required for Preschool Storytime. The other two programs are drop-in.

Because these 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 for six weeks this fall, ending the week of October 24th.

 


On Wednesday, September 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 ages three through five and registration is required.

 

Comic Creator Club meets on Monday, September 12th at 5:30pm. Learn about the characteristics of comics/graphic novels and then try drawing or writing some of your own! This workshop is for children in grades two through five. Registration is required.

Register now!

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Gators… Cats… Bruins… Oh my! Things are getting WILD in the Children’s Room in July.

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It’s summer at the Library and we’re busier than ever. Have you signed up for Summer Reading yet? Register on Beanstack to be eligible for your Davis Farmland discount coupon.

 


On Saturday July 9th at 10:30am, Animal Adventures joins us for a 90-minute program. Two expert animal handlers will bring 10 animal ambassadors to the library. Registration isn’t required but encouraged. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Grafton Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

 

The Grafton Public Library is pleased to welcome back Toto the Tornado Kitten to Grafton. The hero cat and his human, Johnathan, will be visiting Grafton on Friday, July 29th at 10:30am. Jonathan and Toto have visited Grafton over half a dozen times.

In honor of our favorite feline friend, the Grafton Public Library will be collecting pet food and supplies for the Grafton Food Bank in July and August. Bring your donations of new, unopened, dog, cat, or small animal food, litter or supplies to the Grafton Public Library. Items particularly needed are dry cat food and canned dog food. There will be a collection box in the lobby.

 

On Saturday, July 30th at 1pm guess who’s coming to the Grafton Public Library? The Bruins Mascot Blades!

Blades will be at the Grafton Library for a special visit to celebrate summer reading. Pose for a photo with Blades in the hockey photo booth, win Bruins trivia, make your own Bruins button, or take your shot at some fun and games. This free program is for all ages – kids, teens, and adults. Registration is not required but encouraged.

Check out ALL the fun programs for different ages we’re hosting all month long! Remember that registration opens two weeks prior to each event. Please adhere to age guidelines when registering.

 


Stop the Summer Slide!

It’s important to keep kids reading while school is out.

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’re looking for something a little different, we have some alternatives for you. Ask a librarian to suggest some titles for you, or peak at our new arrivals, located right at the entrance to the room.

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? We have that too.

 

With Summer comes an uptick in foot traffic, so we’d like to remind parents and caregivers of our unattended children policy:

• Children ages 0-7 must be accompanied at all times by a parent or caregiver who is at least 14 years of age.
• Children ages 8-12 may be left unaccompanied in the Children’s Room while a parent or caregiver pursues other activities in the Library, provided the child is able to use the Library independently, without supervision.

• Children age 13 and older may use the Library without an adult in attendance, provided the child is able to use the Library independently, without supervision.
• The Library cannot assume responsibility for the behavior or safety of children of any age left unattended at the Library. Staff members are unable to watch children for parents or caregivers.

The entire policy can be read online. 

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Library to Collect Pet Food and Supplies in Honor of Toto the Tornado Kitten’s Return Visit in July

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graphic of cat and dog, with text: Pet Food Drive for the Grafton Food Bank Dry cat food and canned dog food are currently needed for distribution. but all new/unopened and non-expired food, treats, toys and supplies will be accepted.The Grafton Public Library is pleased to welcome back Toto the Tornado Kitten to Grafton. The hero cat and his human, Jonathan, will be visiting Grafton on Friday, July 29th at 10:30am. This program is for all ages: kids, teens, and adults.

One of our favorite summer guests, Toto made headlines in 2011 when he was found clinging to life after a devastating F3 Tornado struck western and central Massachusetts. Firefighter Jonathan adopted the tiny kitten, and later published a book about their adventure called Toto the Tornado Kitten. Together they visit schools and libraries, raising money for animal shelters throughout the state.

Jonathan and Toto have visited Grafton over half a dozen times. In honor of our favorite feline friend, the Grafton Public Library will be collecting pet food and supplies for the Grafton Food Bank in July and August. Bring your donations of new, unopened dog, cat or small animal food, litter or supplies to the Grafton Public Library. Items particularly needed are dry cat food and canned dog food. There will be a collection box in the lobby beginning

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Animals abound in another of our big Summer Reading programs. On Saturday, July 7th at 10:30am, we’ll be hosting expert animal handlers from Animal Adventures in Bolton with 10 animal ambassadors. Animals you might see include:

  • American Alligator (Go Grafton Gators!)
  • Ring Tailed Lemur
  • Eurasian Eagle Owl
  • Boa Constrictor
  • Mountain Coati
  • North American Porcupine
  • Bush Baby
  • Armadillo
  • Red Kangaroo
  • Fennec Fox

(Note that animals are subject to change based on their health and willingness to travel the day of the program.)

Come learn, see, and maybe even touch, some of these animals up close.

This program is for all ages: kids, teens, and adults. Sign up is required and begins June 20.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Grafton Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Learn more about our Summer Reading Program by visiting our website at graftonlibrary.org/srp.

Details, Sarah Banister, 508-839-4649 or banisters@graftonlibrary.org

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The Children’s Room Staff Can’t Wait for Summer!

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This June, we’ll be busy planning and prepping our Summer Reading program: Read Beyond the Beaten Path. Join us for six weeks of programs, classes, and activities! Returning favorites include Summer Songs in the Park, LEGO BrickBuilders, and movie afternoons. If you want a sneak peek, check out our online event calendar at graftonlibrary.org/events.

 

 

 

Come visit the Library in June to see the growing crystals in our Science Nook. Don’t forget to complete the Rainbow I Spy Monthly Mission! We’re also extending take home Tuesdays. For the entire month of June, we’ll have craft activities to take home every single day. First come, first serve. Look out for the return of Tinker Bags later in the month as well.

 

 

Join us for the last two Young Scientists classes of the Spring on Monday June 6th and Monday June 13th at 10:30am.  STEM Beginnings runs this class for children, ages 3-6. Learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time and simple experiments. Register for this program online at graftonlibrary.org/events.

 

Also in June, if you have a child entering Kindergarten this fall, join YFCP at the Tom Knight Puppet Show! This program will take place on Thursday, June 9th at 6:30pm.  Siblings are welcome. Registration is required. Get Ready for Kindergarten and 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 MA.

 

 

 

Check out our special displays for June:

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Storytime Returns in May!

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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 9. Library Babies, featuring songs, bounces, and interactive board books, runs on Tuesdays at 10:30am. Toddler Time, an active program for walkers through age three, is held on Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join Ms. Sarah to share stories, sing songs and recite rhymes and finger plays. Storytime for preschoolers is held on Thursday at 10:30am. 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.

Returning to an in-person format 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.

On Thursday, May 26 at 3:00pm, 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.

Only in May! Elementary aged children are invited to register for the How We Role program. Meet members of the Cummings School of Veterinary medicine in this series of interactive classroom activities. Sessions highlight the many jobs that veterinarians do, the fact that animals get many of the same diseases that people get, and how we have learned to live with and come to love dog behavior. This program is for children in grades two through four and will be held Saturday, May 7, 14 and 21 at 10:30am. Registration is required.

Comic Creator Club meets on Monday May 23 at 5:30pm. Learn about the characteristics of comics/graphic novels and then try drawing or writing some of your own! This workshop is for children in grades two through five. Registration is required.

Bookworms Book Clubs will be held on May 19. Grades Kindergarten and first grade will read Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard. The Case of the Weird Blue Chicken by Doreen Cronin is the second and third grade pick. Fourth and fifth grades will be reading 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan. Registration is required for all programs, and all books are available to check out at the library.
To sign up or see all Library programs, please visit our online Calendar of Events.

Details, Sarah Banister, Head of Children’s Services, 508-839-4649 x 1811.
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April in the Children’s Room

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Spring is a time for new beginnings in the Children’s Room. We are reintroducing our computers, wall manipulatives, coloring sheets, sensory table, games, and toys. Come visit and stay a while! We’re a great destination for playdates, grandparent outings, or rainy days.

In-room activities this month include the Monthly Mission animal match game. Investigate seedlings in our Science Nook. Celebrate National Poetry month by composing a quick poem on our magnetic poetry board.

To celebrate Pet First Aid Awareness Month, we’re hosting a Stuffed Animal Hospital. If your favorite stuffed friend isn’t feeling well, check them in for a stay. Drop off your friend any time on Monday, April 11th through Thursday April 14th. Pick them up by Saturday, April 16th.

Programming is also back this month! The first of three Mr. Kim shows is Friday, April 8th at 10:30. Registration is required. Families may only sign up for one Mr. Kim program per month. Additional shows are Friday, April 15th and Friday, April 29th. Register online.

Elementary school aged kids will find lots to do at the Grafton Public Library during vacation week.

On Tuesday, April 19th, children in grades three and up can craft a cute felt puppet. All materials will be provided. Register online.

On Wednesday, April 20th, celebrate Earth Day with us by crafting using recycled materials! Children in grades Kindergarten and up can make tornadoes in bottles. All materials will be provided. Register online.

On Thursday April 21st, Lego Brickbuilders Club meets. What will you create with the library’s HUGE collection of LEGO? Drop-in.

Friday April 22nd is movie day! Watch a magical family saga and make something magical of your own. Suncatchers at the 10:30am show, and perler beads at the 3:30pm show. Craft projects will be available on a first come, first served basis.

 

On Monday April 25 , learn about the characteristics of comics/graphic novels and then try drawing or writing some of your own.

 

Community Read Bookworms Book Clubs Thursday, April 28th

In celebration of the green building practices used during the library’s renovation and expansion project and Earth Day, The Friends of the Grafton Public Library encourage everyone in town to participate in this year’s Community Read.

Register online.

 

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Thursday April 28 at 3:00pm

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. Register online.
Location: Willard House & Clock Museum, 11 Willard St.

 

Next Month-Storytime returns! Keep an eye on our Event Calendar for all the up-to-date info!

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April Library Service Update

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Due to decreasing COVID-19 case counts in Grafton, we are able to reduce our Children’s Room “Masks Required” mandate to “Masks Recommended.” Masks can be provided if needed.

Computers, manipulatives, and in-person programming for school-age children is now available, as well.

The remainder of the Library remains Mask Optional.

We continue to offer Home Delivery and No-Contact Curbside Pickup for those who need it.

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