Storytimes near Woods Memorial Library

Multipurpose Room

Sandra Knipe, Regional Public Health Nurse at the Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition, will be at the library each month to provide monthly health and wellness checks. Visit to chat with her and get your blood pressure and blood sugar checked for free.

Multipurpose Room

You have been abducted by aliens with a group of your peers! You have a chance to escape but only if you can follow the steps to charge the escape pod. Hurry! You have just 1 hour before the aliens discover you’ve broken free! Be the first team to finish and save everyone! Ages 7-16yrs Registration Required

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.** You know them as the Two Nerdy History Girls - authors Loretta Chase and Susan Holloway Scott were the originators of the infamous blog. We have Loretta and Susan here to answer all of our burning questions about the 250th. How do they do their research, how much of it comes out of their visits to Colonial Williamsburg, and how do they incorporate their knowledge into their writing? We can't wait for what we know is going to be a fascinating conversation between these two friends and researchers. RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. Please note that Zoom has a 500 person capacity limit. If you aren't able to join the live webinar, the recording will be available for viewing afterwards. Loretta Chase has worked in academe, retail, and the visual arts, as well as on the streets—as a meter maid—and in video, as a scriptwriter. She might have developed an excitingly checkered career had her spouse not nagged her into writing fiction. Her bestselling historical romances, set in the Regency and Romantic eras of the early nineteenth century, have won a number of awards, including the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® and Vivian®. For more about her past, her books, and what she does and doesn’t do on social media, please visit her website. Susan Holloway Scott is the author of over fifty historical novels and novellas. Her bestselling books have received numerous awards and honors, and with more than four million copies of her books in print, she has been published in nineteen foreign countries around the world. She has also written under the pseudonyms Isabella Bradford and Miranda Jarrett. Susan is a graduate of Brown University, and lives with her family in a book-filled house outside of Philadelphia, PA. Check out the previous posts on Two Nerdy History Girls Blog! Please register for this event and you'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, the email will be coming from Zoom. This program is offered in collaboration with Ashland Public Library and sponsored by The Friends of the Ashland Public Library.

Multipurpose Room

Get your hands messy with science and slime! Using just three simple ingredients, we'll create delicious-smelling "mud" to play with and experiment. Come ready to explore, discover, and get messy—so be sure to dress for it! Ages 4-10 Registration is required.

Carroll-Healy Room

Visit with Miriam Nyante, Human Services Director at the Leicester Regional Pubic Health Coalition, to check your eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If you are eligible, she will be able to provide contact information to apply with the Worcester Community Action Council. Held on the second Tuesday of each month.

Multipurpose Room

LaunchSpace will be here again to bring us another fun workshop! Block printing with rubber (sometimes referred to as "linocut" which references the linoleum blocks some people carve instead) is a great way to customize your clothes, curtains, tote bags, and many other textiles! In this class, you learn how to use carved blocks to print on various textiles using specialty ink. Bring your own items to print on and upcycle your textiles. Space is limited and online registration is required. For ages 18 plus.

Multipurpose Room

Designed for infants and toddlers and their caregivers, this program fosters early literacy through interactive storytelling, music, and movement, and encourages bonding and language development in a welcoming environment. Ages 0-24 months

Multipurpose Room

Get ready for a fun-filled Kids Story & Craft Time with Ms. Katie! We’ll begin with an exciting story that will take you on a fun adventure, followed by a hands-on craft activity inspired by the tale. Let your imagination soar as you create your very own masterpiece to take home. It’s a perfect way to enjoy stories, get creative, and make new friends. Ages 3

Multipurpose Room

Join us for Teen Hangout Night at the library, complete with pizza, snacks and drinks, video games, and board games! Some gaming consoles will be available to use, or you can bring your own laptops, tablets, or phones. Whether you want to play games, relax, or just spend time with friends, Teen Hangout Night is a fun, casual space to unwind at the library. For teens, ages 13 . Registration is not required. Please note: In following library policy, and as with all of our offerings, teens may come and go from the library as they wish during this program. Parents/guardians should be aware of their teen’s attendance and ensure they can be reached if needed. Participants are expected to follow library behavior guidelines so everyone can enjoy the space.

Allen Hall

Chill, snack, game, repeat. Join us at the library for a fun-filled afternoon with games, tasty treats, henna tattoos, and awesome caricature art. Summer fun starts here! Henna Caricatures Gaming Snacks Hangout Ages 13

Multipurpose Room

Join Becky Caranci, Banking Center Manager at Fidelity Bank, for a fun introduction to money and saving! Children will enjoy hands-on activities while learning basic financial literacy concepts. For ages 5 .

Allen Hall

Join Master Gardener Gretel Anspach for a presentation on the native plants of New England. Plants native to our region will be easier to maintain, better able to withstand New England weather and may offer better resistance to deer and rabbits. The trees, shrubs, and perennials that evolved here will grow here with much less input from you. You will reduce your workload while creating a paradise for the native birds and pollinators. Gretel Anspach is a Trustee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, a Lifetime Master Gardener with the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association, and a recently-retired systems engineer for Raytheon. She won the MMGA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Gretel established and maintains a 20,000 square foot food production garden that has provided fresh produce to the Marlboro and Maynard Food Pantries for the last ten years. Her primary interest and focus is always in the science behind horticulture.

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.** We're thrilled to welcome Gracia Collins Rich, Independent Scholar, Author and Avid Reader to our virtual stage. She will be discussing the extraordinary efforts of Black Americans whose invaluable contributions during the Revolutionary War helped bring about U.S. Independence. Gracia discusses ALL things history and all things on the origins of the United States even if it is uncomfortable because she believes that that is what leads to a better understanding of this Country and why some things are the way they are. We hope you can join us for this fascinating and important conversation! RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. Please note that Zoom has a 500 person capacity limit. If you aren't able to join the live webinar, the recording will be available for viewing afterwards. About Gracia: I’m Gracia and I LOVE HISTORY! I mean REALLY LOVE IT! My goal is that we can learn and grow together in the fascinating world of American History through the ALL-INCLUSIVE HISTORY that you will find on this site. For me, the real crux of what we know as “American History” is what we are taught about our foundation, the 17th through 19th centuries. So most history featured on these pages will reflect that time period. I have this saying, “I love the Why. I love beginnings, and here is where we find our beginning. What happened in these years brings us to today’s problems.” It all started here and we are going to find out how and why together. I look forward to sharing All-inclusive American History with you. Please register for this event and you'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, the email will be coming from Zoom. This program is offered in collaboration with Ashland Public Library and sponsored by The Friends of the Ashland Public Library.

Children's Room

The Boston Bruins have teamed up with libraries across the Commonwealth to encourage kids and teens to keep reading over the summer. Woods Memorial Library is one of just 12 public libraries selected to receive a special summer reading visit from Bruins mascot Blades. Blades will join readers for a story, some game day fun, and crafts. Participants can design and make their own Bruins fan button, take pictures at the ice rink photo station, and more. A special library poster featuring Bruins player Jeremey Swayman will also be available while supplies last. The Boston Bruins have been teaming up with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) since 2009 for the annual Summer Library Program, When You Read, You Score! Since then, millions of kids, teens, and adults have participated in this statewide program. The Statewide Summer Library Program is sponsored by your local library, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library System and the Boston Bruins.

Multipurpose Room

Designed for infants and toddlers and their caregivers, this program fosters early literacy through interactive storytelling, music, and movement, and encourages bonding and language development in a welcoming environment. Ages 0-24 months

Multipurpose Room

Get ready for a fun-filled Kids Story & Craft Time with Ms. Katie! We’ll begin with an exciting story that will take you on a fun adventure, followed by a hands-on craft activity inspired by the tale. Let your imagination soar as you create your very own masterpiece to take home. It’s a perfect way to enjoy stories, get creative, and make new friends. Ages 3

Allen Hall

Are you ready to turn scientific concepts into fun, hands-on experiments using safe, edible ingredients? I know we are! Join us and Little Chef’s for some knowledge and some sustenance all in one! Ages 5-12yrs Registration Required

Multipurpose Room

Calling all young artists and animal lovers! Pick a photo of an adoptable pet from Second Chance Animal Shelter and create your own painted pet portrait. We’ll provide the canvas and supplies, and finished artwork will be displayed in the library to help these furry friends find forever homes! Ages 6 Registration Required

Multipurpose Room

Becky Caranci, Banking Center Manager at Fidelity Bank, will present an engaging, hands-on financial literacy workshop for teens. Participants will take part in interactive activities while exploring practical money skills in a fun and approachable way. For ages 13 .

Allen Hall

Let’s talk about farms and agriculture, and how local farms are working to improve our health, our community, and the environment. We’ll discuss farming practices, the benefits of buying local, the crisis our local farmers face, and how you can help. Presented by Dave Reed, Executive Director of Central Mass Grown. Central Mass Grown is a non-profit organization comprised of farmers, buy-local advocates, and community leaders dedicated to raising consumer awareness and increasing the profitability of regional farms.

Multipurpose Room

Join us for a special messy play program. This unique and educational experience combines fun with learning as children dissect owl pellets—masses of undigested parts of an owl's meal, like bones, fur, and feathers. This hands-on activity not only sparks curiosity and enhances fine motor skills, but also introduces key concepts in biology and ecology. Ages 5-12 Registration is required.

Multipurpose Room

Love reading? Join our book club for lively discussions, new friendships, and unforgettable literary journeys! Whether you're a bookworm or just starting your reading adventure, all are welcome (ages 18 )! Copies of the book are available at the main desk for book club members. July: The Housekeepers by Alex Hay Aug: The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro Sep: The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott

Multipurpose Room

Designed for infants and toddlers and their caregivers, this program fosters early literacy through interactive storytelling, music, and movement, and encourages bonding and language development in a welcoming environment. Ages 0-24 months

Multipurpose Room

Get ready for a fun-filled Kids Story & Craft Time with Ms. Katie! We’ll begin with an exciting story that will take you on a fun adventure, followed by a hands-on craft activity inspired by the tale. Let your imagination soar as you create your very own masterpiece to take home. It’s a perfect way to enjoy stories, get creative, and make new friends. Ages 3

Multipurpose Room

Join us for Teen Hangout Night at the library, complete with pizza, snacks and drinks, video games, and board games! Some gaming consoles will be available to use, or you can bring your own laptops, tablets, or phones. Whether you want to play games, relax, or just spend time with friends, Teen Hangout Night is a fun, casual space to unwind at the library. For teens, ages 13 . Registration is not required. Please note: In following library policy, and as with all of our offerings, teens may come and go from the library as they wish during this program. Parents/guardians should be aware of their teen’s attendance and ensure they can be reached if needed. Participants are expected to follow library behavior guidelines so everyone can enjoy the space.

Multipurpose Room

Calling all teens who love art! Join Kevin Figueroa as he instructs you on using an iPad for digital art! No experience is necessary for this program. Ages 10-16yrs - Registration Required

Bring your lunch, a blanket, and your teddy bear! Barre's EMTs and paramedics will run a Teddy Bear Picnic for pretend "boo-boos." Meet emergency personnel in a fun, non-emergency setting and explore ambulances, fire trucks, police cruisers, and other emergency vehicls. For children of all ages.

Carroll-Healy Room

Crafts, conversation & camaraderie! Bring your crochet, knitting, needlepoint, sketchbook or any craft project to work on and meet others with similar interests.

Multipurpose Room

Designed for infants and toddlers and their caregivers, this program fosters early literacy through interactive storytelling, music, and movement, and encourages bonding and language development in a welcoming environment. Ages 0-24 months

Multipurpose Room

Get ready for a fun-filled Kids Story & Craft Time with Ms. Katie! We’ll begin with an exciting story that will take you on a fun adventure, followed by a hands-on craft activity inspired by the tale. Let your imagination soar as you create your very own masterpiece to take home. It’s a perfect way to enjoy stories, get creative, and make new friends. Ages 3