Dear Boylston Community Members,

On a snowy day like this, it’s hard to believe that spring will be here in the blink of an eye! Things move at a fast pace at the library. We had our busiest fall and early winter on record due to the number of programs and participants we’ve hosted. This is thanks to special programs such as the Fall Festival which attracted over 400 people, as well as popular ongoing programs like our Story Time sessions.

Our strategic planning process concluded this fall. Thanks to the Strategic Planning Committee and our Board of Trustees, we have an approved plan of goals and objectives to guide our initiatives for the next five years. (Detailed information on the library’s updated five year goals, mission and vision statements can be found on the library’s website.)

While conducting our strategic planning process, we heard so often that people were looking for new ways to meet community members. We wanted to start responding to this immediately, and are excited to introduce a “Meet Your Neighbor” series. I know firsthand from meeting many of you that our community is full of dynamic, interesting, and diverse people. If you or someone you know want to share your talent, skills, knowledge, or experience, please reach out. (Join us tomorrow, Jan. 24th at 6:30pm for Meet Your Neighbor: Photography with Owen Johnson as we kick off the series.)

Another program we’ve just debuted is HelpNow, an online resource that provides live online homework help with professional tutors, a writing lab, a Spanish language lab, SAT test prep, access to FAFSA specialists, and more. We partnered with our neighbors at the Berlin Public Library to offer this service, which will ensure that all of our students at BES and Tahanto have equal access. HelpNow is free and available to use at home, at school, and on-the-go with a Berlin or Boylston library card. (HelpNow is generously funded through the Boylston Public Library Foundation, Inc. The Foundation and the Friends of the Library are conducting their annual appeal to raise funds. Learn more about their annual campaign or make a donation.)

The library staff are busy finalizing our spring offerings. We’re planning a wide range of new upcoming programs and community partnerships. Be on the lookout for our spring publication within a few weeks!

Today’s library is about more than reading. See how the library can open new possibilities for you.

You belong here.

Erica Hout, MLIS
Boylston Public Library

This week's events:

Story Time: Terrific 2s & 3s

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 11-11:45am

Those toddling two and three-year olds will love this active and fun Story Time inside the library! Registration required; space is limited. If you prefer to join us online, you can sign up for the Zoom link upon registration.

Meet Your Neighbor: Photography with Owen Johnson

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6:30-7:30pm

Meet Boylston resident Owen Johnson as he discusses his passion for photography. As a hobbyist photographer for the last 22 years, Owen has learned many tips over time to hone his skills. Both beginner and experienced photographers will enjoy chatting with Owen, and seeing some of his work. 

Boylston Library's Meet Your Neighbor series showcases local talent, skills, and knowledge while providing an opportunity to get acquainted with various community members. If you know someone local who might want to participate in this ongoing series, please email [email protected].

Story Time: Fabulous 4s & 5s

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 11-11:45am

Join us for this hands-on Story Time program geared for you curious and tenacious four to five year olds. Children will participate in different activities that provide room to explore concepts presented in the stories through STEM activities. Registration required; space is limited. If you prefer to join us online, you can sign up for the Zoom link upon registration. 

Story Time: Bouncing Babies

Thursday, Jan. 26, 11-11:45am

Infants and toddlers aged 0-23 months are invited to this musical program specially designed to engage the tiniest library users while developing early literacy skills. Registration required; space is limited. If you prefer to join us online, you can sign up for the Zoom link upon registration. 

Homework Help with Teen Mentor

Thursday, Jan. 26, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Students of all ages may come in the library to work on homework and receive extra guidance from an experienced teen mentor on assignments in any subject. Register online for one-on-one assistance, or just drop-in.   

Take & Make Craft Kits

Saturday, Jan. 28, 10am-5pm

New activity kits for kids are available all day Saturday while supplies last!