As summer comes to a close, so ends our Summer Reading program for the year. Many residents completed the program, and I’d like to share some of our statistics with you. There were a total of 1,160 participants in the combined adult (150), young adult (163) and youth (847) programs. 835 families participated, with 617,808 logged points!  The top book read by adults was Happy Place by Emily Henry, I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys for young adults, and The Adventures of Sophie Mouse Collection by Poppy Green beat out Harry Potter and Dog Man books in the youth division.

This fall brings our One Book/One Hopkinton event. Hopkinton’s first One Book/One Hopkinton program will run from September 15, 2023 through November 17, 2023.  The title that we have chosen is Digging to America by Anne Tyler. The novel is about two families who meet at the Baltimore Airport as they are picking up their adopted Korean daughters. The Yazdan and Donaldson families form a lifelong friendship. As they raise their daughters, both families grapple with questions of assimilation and cultural identity.  Given that Hopkinton is one of the fastest growing communities in Massachusetts and that we have made a town-wide commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, we thought Tyler’s book would provide the basis for important discussions.  
We have ordered 150 copies of the book, which are available with the compliments of the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation while supplies last.  Our OB/OH committee, composed of library staff and representatives from the community, have planned book discussions and other programs relevant to the themes in the novel, for all ages. Programs range from a coffee house with French-Canadian singer Josee Vachon to a genealogy program on ethnicity and migration with Eric Migdal. We’ll have a DIY Korean Lantern making program, as well as a presentation by the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Network on becoming a foster parent and adopting in Massachusetts. Chinese acrobat Li Lu will be back for an acrobatic performance, and children will be able to participate in storytimes on the themes of love and family.  All ages will also be able to attend a program featuring Kathaka: Dancing Rhythms and Stories of India (funded through a Talk Story grant from the American Library Association). 

For more information on individual programs, please visit our website calendar. The One Book/One Hopkinton event is generously funded by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation. 

September is Library Card Month! From borrowing books, ebooks, and museum passes to getting homework help, learning new skills, or attending a library program, a library card helps you do more of what you enjoy! Patrons five and older are eligible for a library card.

Database of the Month – Creativebug

Check out our newest databaseoffering for patrons! Creativebug has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists offered free to Hopkinton patrons.

Adventure Pass of the Month - Salem Witch Museum

Based on actual trial documents and using life-size stage sets with figures, lighting, and narration, the museum's principle exhibit examines the 1692 Salem witch trials. In a second exhibit, “Witches: Evolving Perceptions,” guides take you through changing interpretations of witches, the truth behind the stereotypes, witchcraft practice today, and witch hunting. A gift shop is on the premises. Place your hold requests for this pass by visiting our Adventure Pass page. Our Adventure Passes are generously funded by The Friends of Hopkinton Public Library.

"Thing" of the Month - Forbidden Desert Game

Our Library of Things offers 27 different tabletop games geared toward gamers ages 8 and up! The sequel to "Forbidden Island," "Forbidden Desert" is a bit different in that it is a co-operative game in which you coordinate with teammates to "recover a legendary flying machine buried deep in the ruins of an ancient desert city...Find the flying machine and escape before you all become permanent artifacts of the forbidden desert!" You can place your hold requests for Forbidden Desert or any of our other games by visiting our Library of Things page. The Library of Things is generously funded by The Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.

Programs are hosted at the library unless otherwise noted.
Please confirm the location of the program when registering.
Registration is required for many programs.
Visit our website calendar to obtain updated information.
Programs are subject to change or cancellation.

For Multiple Ages

Summer Reading Drawing Winners will be pulled and contacted
Tuesday, September 5

Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction with the Hopkinton Health Department
Tuesday, September 12  5:30 - 6:30 pm
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction with the Hopkinton Health Department
Narcan is the brand name of the generic Naloxone and is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids. This free Narcan training will provide participants with a brief training on how to recognize an opioid overdose, when and how to use Narcan, and a free kit to take home.

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle
Wednesday, September 13 & 27   6:30 - 7:30 pm
Join us for the Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle! Bring your current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adult of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, needle felting, etc. ) are more than welcome to join us! 

Open Video Game Play by One Up Games
Friday, September 15  1:00 - 4:00 pm
Like gaming?  Cool, so do we!  Join us for some free open game play!  We will have all systems set up, to include VR devices.   Here's what you can expect:One Up Games brings a variety of next-gen consoles and gaming monitors to the HPL! They bring all the popular games along with a mixture of classic and retro games. 

One Book/One Hopkinton
Kathaka: Dancing Rhythms and Stories of India
Saturday, September 23  3:30 - 4:30 pm   Hopkinton High School - Family Day
Kathaka: Dancing Rhythms and Stories of IndiaThe ancient art of Kathak is one of the eight forms of classical Indian dance. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word for “story. ” Kathak dancers use swift and precise footwork and graceful gestures to tell traditional Indian stories. Through movement, music and math, Kathakas perform “Kathak Yoga” – a technique which unifies the recitation of taal (rhythm), the singing of a melody and the dancing of complex footwork and rapid spins.  

One Book/One Hopkinton
Digging to America Book Discussion
Monday, September 25   6:00 - 7:00 pm
Join us for the first library staff-facilitated book discussions of our One Book/One Hopkinton book choice, "Digging to America". Books are available at the library, compliments of the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.

One Book/One Hopkinton
Suitcase: A True and Inspiring American Story by D.N. Chadha
Tuesday, September 26   6:30 - 7:30 pm
Mr. Chadha is not a rich businessman or famous celebrity but an ordinary man who came to America with only a Suitcase. His story is the story of all Immigrants who came to America with only a suitcase and some extraordinary dreams. He desired to succeed in his career, business, and education in order to have a better life for himself and his family in America.

One Book/One Hopkinton
The Fabric of Fusion - One of Many, Many to One
Saturday, September 30   3:00 - 4:00 pm
Join members of the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton for a lively panel discussion across many facets of life that require locating or living a part of your life away from a country and origin or working within family structures that belong to different locations in one's formative years and onwards.

Adult Programs - Additional programs may be offered after publication.

English Language Learning - Conversation Circles
Beginning Thursday, September 28
English Language Learners Conversation Circles are for people at all levels, whether just getting started or refining skills and vocabulary. Please register at https://forms.gle/VmdRxxUQZRosGGwW9 to be placed with a group. This program is offered by Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.

Blood Drive
Friday, September 1   11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Register on the Red Cross website at https://rcblood.org/3AmuYsP  

VIRTUAL : 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group via Zoom
Wednesday, September 6 & 20  9:00 - 11:30 am
Wednesday, September 13 & 27  6:00 - 8:00 pm
If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your "Encore Career", this networking group program is perfect for you! Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking! Please visit our website for class and joining information

Life, Love, Family, and Food: An Author Talk with Lidia Bastianich
Thursday, September 7   7:00 - 8:00 pm on Zoom
You’re invited to an intimate evening with award-winning television host and bestselling author Lidia Bastianich as she talks about her memoir My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food.

Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center
Thursday, September 7  1:00 - 2:15 pm
Sponsored by Hopkinton Senior Services and the Hopkinton Public Library, Our Time Memory Cafe’ invites those with forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia and their care partner, family and friends to attend. Our Time Memory Cafe’ takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. For more information, please contact the Senior Center 508-497-9730 and ask for Outreach (Kim or Julia).

Hopkinton SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) Parents and Care Partners Coffee Hour
Friday, September 8   10:00 - 11:30 am   &   Tuesday, September 26   10:00 - 11:30 am
Welcome back to school! Hopkinton SEPAC with Hopkinton Library are hosting two September coffee hours for parents and care partners of special needs students. Come to meet other special needs parents and learn more about Hopkinton SEPAC. We will be serving coffee and donuts.

Rough Sleepers: An Evening with Dr. Jim O'Connell
Monday, September 11   6:00 - 8:00 pm
Please join us for a special evening with Dr. Jim O'Connell, the doctor at the heart of Tracy Kidders' book Rough Sleepers. Rough Sleepers, a New York Times bestseller, is the powerful story of an inspiring doctor who made a difference, by helping to create a program to care for Boston’s homeless community. This program is co-sponsored with the Hopkinton Board of Health.

Back to School organization with Jenna Elliot of The Naked Flower
Tuesday, September 12   6:30 - 7:30 pm
This fun and informative workshop will give you new ways to approach the clutter and commitments that school days can bring into the home.  She will share tips on combating over-committed schedules, entry and exit strategies,tips on delegating to your kids, and fun and helpful resources.

VIRTUAL: Women's Financial Roundtable
Wednesday, September 13   1:00 - 2:00 pm on Zoom
Confused about financial markets? Wondering what Bitcoin is all about? Staring blankly at your retirement statements? Join Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone for Women and Money Roundtable: How to Make Sense of Today's Financial Markets. Each session focuses on a different topic. 

Broadway Musicals: The Golden Age 1927-1964 with Fran Lautenberger
Wednesday, September 13, 20 & 27  10:00 - 11:00 am on Zoom
This class is brought to you by Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library and offered by Hopkinton Public Library. It is a part of the Life Long Learner program funded by the Friends and is offered at no charge to our community. Course Description: With the opening of Show Boat in 1927, a new style of musical was born. Referred to as the ‘book’ musical, it would become the standard of shows on Broadway, especially in the 1940’s and 1950’s with great shows by Rodgers and Hammerstein. We will discuss the development of this new musical form and see clips of the best and brightest Broadway has to offer.

Massachusetts Desserts with Tammy Donroe
Tuesday, September 19   6:30 - 7:30 pm
Tammy Donroe Inman, award-winning author of New England Desserts: Classic and Creative Recipes for All Seasons, will discuss her favorite desserts that originated in Massachusetts, the stories behind them, and the pleasures of seasonal baking. Tammy Donroe Inman is a trained chef, cooking instructor, and award-winning author of New England Desserts: Classic and Creative Recipes for All Seasons.

How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most: An Author Talk with Adam Alter
Wednesday, September 20   2:00 - 3:00 pm on Zoom
Join us as we chat with New York Times bestselling author Adam Alter about his new book Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most.

Teen Programs

Friday, September 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29   3:15 - 4:15 pm
SAT Study, Practice and Strategy Session
Looking for help preparing for the SAT? Join us for peer-led, drop-in study sessions to help you achieve your best score. Drop in on Friday  in the Hopkinton Public Library's Teen Room from 3:15 - 4:15. There is no need to register, but please feel free to do so if you would like to receive a calendar reminder.

Wednesday, September 6, 13, 20 & 27   6:00 - 8:00 pm
Dungeons and Dragons Group (Suggested Ages 10+)
Join Nate, Hopkinton's resident Dungeon Master for HPL's weekly Dungeons and Dragons Group.   Players will test their skills and wills through challenging and fun campaigns and character development. Upper elementary students, teens, tweens, and new adults are welcome to join us for a night of role playing fun. Registration highly encouraged.

Hire Me! Resume Writing and Interview Skills for Young Adults
Saturday, September 16  1:00 - 2:00 pm
Adulting 101: Teens and Young Adults  (high school students, recent graduates, college students and recent grads) are encouraged to come and learn about resume writing and interviewing.

Children's Programs

Registration required for most programs through our website calendar .

Monthly Music & Movement
Tuesday, September 5  10:30 - 11:15 am
Join us for a children's concert (recommended aged 0-5) with performer Stacey Peasley. These monthly concerts are generously sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.

Pokémon Club - After school free play (ages 8+)
Wednesday, September 6, 13, 20 & 27    4:00 - 5:00 pm
Do you play Pokémon?  Looking for someone to play with, trade cards, and chat about all that is Pokémon? You've found you place!  Join us at the HPL for after school Pokémon club.  This club is a peer directed event that will be held in the main library area outside of the YA room, adjacent to the magazine area starting at 4:00 pm.  Bring your Pokémon cards if you have some.  If you do not have cards, we will have a small amount for in-library use.  This is a drop-in style club.  No registration necessary. 

Read to a Therapy Dog
Wednesday, September 6, 13, & 20   7:00 - 7:45 pm
Drop by to practice reading aloud to one of our therapy dogs, Gracie and Hula!

Lego & Duplo Club (ages 5+)
Thursday, September 7, 14, 21 & 28   4:00 - 4:45 pm
Build a creation out of legos which will be displayed in the children's department. No registration is required for this program.

Chess club (recommended for ages 6-12)
Monday, September 11, 18 & 25  4:00 - 5:00 pm
Stop by to play chess and to get tips and tricks!

Baby-Toddler Storytime (ages 0-3) 
Tuesday, September 12, 19 & 26   10:00 - 10:45 am **Sensory Friendly**
Wednesday, September 6, 13, 20 & 27   10:00 - 10:45 am

Preschool Storytime  (ages 3-6)   
Tuesday, September 12, 19 & 26  11:00 - 11:45 am  **Sensory Friendly**
Wednesday, September 6, 13, 20 & 27   11:00 - 11:45 am

Parent-Child Playgroup (ages 0-5)
Thursday, September 14, 21 & 28      10:00 - 11:00 am
Join us for Parent-Child Playgroup, cohosted with the Hopkinton YMCA (Project ABC). This event will include free play as well as a circle time with stories, songs, and rhymes! Registration is required starting 1 week prior to the event.

Diversity Book Club
We have a new passive "book club" for all ages. Patrons can check out a book related to a theme and then engage in an at-home discussion activity. This month's theme celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Mexican experience stories. Patrons can stop by the library's lobby anytime during the month to check out a themed title for adults, young adults and children.

Chat 'n' Chew Book Club
Wednesday, September 20   12:30 - 2:00 pm
Missing your Book Club? Consider joining the Chat'n'Chew book group. Instead of assigning a book for all participants to read, each person reviews something they read this month. All reviews of the books will then be posted to Facebook to share with the Hopkinton reading community. This meeting will be in person or by Google Meet. Register to receive information for joining.

The library will be closed from Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4 for the Labor Day weekend.

The Friends of Hopkinton Public Library will meet on Wednesday, September 6 at 6:30 pm.

The Hopkinton Public Library Foundation will meet September 11 at 7:00 pm.

The Board of Library Trustees meetings will meet on September 18 at 7:00 pm.  These meetings are open to the public. The agenda will be posted on the Town calendar.

Learn more about the Friends of the Hopkinton Library. Show your support by becoming a member.  Becoming a member is a great way to show your support for your local library, even if you don’t have time to get involved. You can join or renew your membership here.

The Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission of supporting Hopkinton Public Library by funding resources, technology, educational and special projects, and long term improvements. Their fundraising efforts seek to bridge the gap between the community’s aspirations for its Library and the usual or customary funding available from municipal budgets. Working in partnership with the Library, as well as the supporting organizations of the Trustees and Friends of the Library, the Foundation encourages continued and increased support of the Hopkinton Public Library as a valuable community resource. Meet the team and find out ways to support the library here.

Read More On Our Website 

Click Here for more information about Hopkinton Public Library News And Programs - September 2023