Hopkinton Public Library News - October 2022

A Message from the Director

October is Global Diversity Awareness Month and the Hopkinton Library is celebrating cultural diversity with many different displays and programs for all ages.  In addition to displays on “Own Voices: The American Immigrant Experience,” “German Heritage” and “Italian Heritage,” adults can participate in our monthly take-and-make, which in October, will be an origami star.  Children can participate in a scavenger hunt that highlights the different diverse books in our collection. Adults and teens can participate in one or all four of the films featured in our “Global Diversity Awareness Film Festival.”  On Saturday, October 15th, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, we will be showing the Arabic and Hebrew film, Ajami. Through the dramatic collision of different worlds, we witness cultural and religious tensions simmering beneath the surface and the tragic consequences of enemies living as neighbors.

On October 22nd from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, we will be showing the English and Mandarin film, The Farewell, about Chinese-born, U.S.-raised Billi, who returns home under the guise of a family wedding to find that her beloved Nai-Nai has only weeks to live - and that her relatives have decided not to tell her.

On Wednesday, October 26th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, join us for the French and Arabic film, Wadjda. Wadjda, a fun-loving 10-year-old girl living in Saudi Arabia, has her heart set on a beautiful new bicycle. However, her mother won't allow it, fearing repercussions from a society that sees bicycles as dangerous to a girl's virtue. Determined to turn her dreams into reality and buy the bike on her own, Wadjda uncovers the contradictions and opportunities ingrained in her world. Hilarious, heartbreaking and inspiring all at once, this groundbreaking film has charmed critics and audiences all over the globe.

Our last film in the series, the Hindi film, Billu, will be shown on Saturday, October 29th from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm.  Billu mentions to his family that he was once a friend of superstar Sahir Khan (Shahrukh Khan). Sahir Khan happens to come to the village to shoot a film and Billu's children spread the rumor that their father is his childhood friend. The villagers, on hearing their Billu could be their ticket to meeting the star, shower him with gifts and promises on condition that Billu make contact for them. Were Billu and Sahir childhood friends? Will Sahir meet with the villagers?

While celebrating Global Diversity in October, we are also celebrating local celebrities at our Local Author Fair on Saturday, October 15th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Come hear local authors read from their work.  Kathryn Hulick is the author of two books for teens, Welcome to the Future: Robot Friends, Fusion Energy, Pet Dinosaurs, and More (Quarto, 2021) and Strange But True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained (Quarto, 2019). As a freelance science journalist, she contributes to Science News Explores, Muse magazine, and Front Vision. An interior designer by day, Betsy Ellor lives near the beach in a house filled with color and chaos. When not at her desk, she’s usually either hiking, hunting for shells, or chasing either her son or dog. She’s the editor for the anthology Heroic Care and the author of the picture book, My Dog is NOT a Scientist which releases this spring from Yeehoo Press. Nanette A. Kenrick is the author of Secret Letters to my Psychiatrist, a collection of stories inspired by the story of Scheherazade, the female storyteller in One Thousand and One Nights. Robert W. Foster lives in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Robert is the author of Decisions, Decisions, Michael's Eyes, and Jonah's Judgment.

Each author will read from their work and answer questions.  Books will be available for purchase and signing following the talk.  If you would like to read their books before the event, ask for them at the Circulation Desk at the Library.

As always, my door is open.

Nanci M. Hill

Library Director

For Multiple Ages

Global Diversity Film Series
Sat.,October 15 - "Ajami" 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Sat.,October 22 - "The Farewell"  1:00 - 2:30 pm
Wed.,October 26 - "Wadjda"  6:00 - 8:00 pm
Sat.,October 29 - "Billu"  9:30 am - 12:00 pm
See our calendar listings for more information.

Local Author Fair
Saturday, Oct. 15   1:00 am - 12:30 pm
Please see program info in the above "Directors Message"

The Hopkinton Garden Club and the Friends of the Library will present Books in Bloom.
October 24 to October 29 during library hours.
Come enjoy the artful arrangements created by Garden Club members reflecting the covers of the books selected by the staff related to the theme "Home and Belonging". 

Adult Programs

Registration is required for many programs. Visit our website calendar to receive participation information. Please confirm the location of the program when registering. Programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Book talk with author Ed Achorn (Recommended ages 16+)
Tuesday, October 4   6:30 - 7:30 pm
Join us for a talk by Ed about his new book, Every Drop Of Blood, about Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural. Ed is a local favorite and we look forward to hosting him! 

Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, October 6  2:00 - 7:00 pm
Register on the Red Cross website at https://rcblood.org/3AmuYsP or call us at 508-497-9777 and the Reference Desk can help you schedule your appointment.

King Charles III -- The Royal Ghostbuster with U.K. Ghost Hunter Steve Parsons
Thursday, October 6    7:00 - 8:00 pm ON ZOOM. Register on our website.
As Great Britain and the Commonwealth welcome its new King Charles III, we'll examine some of the stories that have circulated about his fascination for ghosts. His interest may point to a much deeper interest in the paranormal and the mystical within the Royal Family, going back to the reign of Queen Victoria and spanning many of the generations of the oldest and greatest monarchy in the world. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Meeting via email or may register directly on Zoom here.

Conversation Circles
Thursday, Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27   2:00 - 3:30 pm
This program will provide an opportunity for English Language Learners to practice vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar in a fun, comfortable, laid-back environment.  Registration is required on our website.

Ask a Muslim Anything
Tuesday, October 11   6:00 - 7:30 pm
Robert Azzi speaks about his life, what it’s like to be Muslim in America, how he came to convert to Islam, about the religion of Islam and its history – especially in America – and about the Middle East, terrorism and associated political and social issues. Nothing of discussion, except disrespect, is off the table.

Adult Craft - Dragon Eyes (Ages 16+)
Tuesday, October 18   6:00 - 7:00 pm
Join us for a fun evening of adult craft! Tonight we will be making Dragon Eyes, a spooky decoration that you can use as a pendant, as a piece in a larger display, or just as a small reminder that the Wild is closer than we'd like. We will be using air-dry clay. Registration is required.

Teen Programs

Water Dipped Marble Mugs Teen Craft
Tuesday, October 4   4:00 - 5:00 pm
Calling all high school and middle school students!  During this time we will use a water marbling technique to create a one-of-a-kind mug.  Space is limited so please sign up early.    No experience is necessary.  We will be using nail polish and sealant, so if you are sensitive to some smells, please be aware of this.  All materials and instruction will be provided.

Teen Movie and Game Drop In
Wednesday, Oct. 5     1:00 - 3:30 pm
Drop in for a teen/ tween movie and game afternoon.  Snacks will be provided.  No registration necessary. Intended for patrons aged 10+.

Rebel the Therapy Dog
Tuesdays, Oct. 4,11,18 & 25    3:00 - 4:00 pm
All ages are welcome to stop by to visit with Rebel, a sweet Swiss Mountain Dog, for a bit of stress reduction in the Young Adult or Ellsworth Room.

VIRTUAL- Author Matthew Raidbard "Lead Like A Pro" Sports Coaching and Leadership (Recommended ages 16+)
Tuesday, Oct. 18   6:30 - 7:30 pm 
Learn about many aspects of sports leadership from Division 1 collegiate coach and athletic director Michael Raidbard. Please register on our website calendar to join this virtual event.

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle (Teens & Adults)
Wednesday, Oct. 26  6:30 - 7:30 pm
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! 

LGBTQ+ Book Club is back.
Thursday, October 13   4:00 - 5:00 pm
We are reading Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender. Books are available now at the circulation desk.

Middle School Book Club on Google Meet
Wednesday, October 19     6:45 - 7:30 pm
Join us on the third Wednesday of the month. Read a book of your choice and share it with the group! Open to all middle schoolers! Register on our website for joining info.

Children's Programs

Please register for most programs on our website calendar to receive participation information

Trick or Treating at the Library!

October 31   10:00 am - 7:30 pm

Gracie the Therapy Dog
October 5, 12, 19 & 26

2nd & 3rd Grade Book Club on Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 13     4:15 - 5:00 pm
Mrs. C will host a book discussion group for interested 2nd & 3rd graders! This book club is more of a 'roundtable discussion' in which each child will share a book they have read, or are currently reading. There is no assigned book to read.  An email containing the Zoom link will be sent the day of the program.

Tabletop Games & Activities
Friday, October 14  1:00 - 4:00 pm
Hopkinton Schools have a half day! Drop by the children's programming room to play some table-top games with friends and family (e.g. chess, Guess Who, scrabble, etc.).

Monthly Music & Movement (ages 0-5)
Wednesday, October 19  11:00 - 11:45 am
Join us for a children's concert (recommended aged 0-5) with performer Stacey Peasley! This program was funded by The Friends of Hopkinton Public Library (hopkintonlibraryfriends.org)

Literacy Bingo
Monday, October 24   1:30 - 2:30 pm
Drop in for a few rounds of bingo to practice sight word recognition- there will be prizes! Practice the list of words ahead of time with these flashcards: Level 1 Sight Words and Flashcards!

4th & 5th Grade Book Club on Zoom
Thursday, October 27   4:15 - 5:00 pm
Mrs. C will host a book discussion group for interested 4th & 5th graders! There is no assigned book to read. Children will share a book they have read, or are currently reading.  Mrs. C will also share a few new books recently added to the department that they may be interested in. An email containing the Zoom link will be sent the day of the program.

Baby-Toddler Storytime (ages 0-3)
Wednesday, Oct. 12 & 26   10:00 - 10:45 am
Registration required.

Preschool Storytime  (ages 3-6)
Wednesday, Oct. 12 & 26    11:00 - 11:30 am
Registration required

Parent-Child Playgroup
Thursday, Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27   10:00 - 11:00 am
Registration required

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