Arts:

Yarn & Needle Club

Tuesday, January 13 & 27, 3PM | AML Meeting Room

If you like to knit, crochet, embroider, or sew, join the library to work on your project and socialize! Whether you’re new to yarn work or an experienced enthusiast or you’re a new English learner looking to practice your conversational skills this is the place for you.

Sewing and Embroidery Club

Sewing and Embroidery Club @ West | Wednesday, January 7, 2:00—3:00 PM, West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register

Sewing and Embroidery Club @ AML | Wednesday, January 7, 6:00—7:00 PM, AML Meeting Room | Register

Join us each month for a cozy and creative evening at the library! The Sewing & Embroidery Club is a welcoming space for all skill levels to try their hand at fun, hands-on textile projects. Each session will feature a new sewing or embroidery activity, with all supplies provided—just bring your creativity and curiosity!

Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, come learn new techniques, share ideas, and enjoy crafting in community.

This month’s craft will be: Mandalas 

2026 Vision Boards

2026 Vision Boards @ West | Saturday, January 10, 11:00 AM—12:00 PM, West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register

2026 Vision Boards @ AML | Wednesday, January 14, 5:30—6:30 PM, AML Meeting Room | Register

For Adults!

Join for some chatting, music, and crafting!

This month’s craft is: 2026 Vision Boards

Make 2026 vision boards! Brainstorm your goals, browse magazines and stickers to craft a personalized collage, and receive a magnetic photo frame to display your work throughout the year!

English At Large:

Beginning English Classes:

Sign up for a free Beginner English class at Acton Memorial Library! This 90-minute class for Complete Beginners meets twice a week from September to December. You will learn basic English speaking skills to talk about yourself, family, home, community, as well as time, money, shopping, and weather.

The class is free, but registration is required.

Sign up for information about the Acton class at the English At Large website. You will receive an email in September with the class schedule and registration form in September

Registration is required through English At Large, registration cannot be completed through the Library. Contact English At Large with any questions: Call 781-395-2374 or email info@englishatlarge.org

Spring Beginner English classes | Every Monday & Wednesday starting January 26th | 10:00–11:30 AM | AML Conference Room

Conversation Classes:

Our conversation groups are groups of 8-12 learners who meet weekly to practice their English speaking skills. Our groups provide an opportunity for learners to improve their speaking confidence and meet other adults who are learning English.

• All groups are free! There is no cost to attend our conversation groups.
• All adults who want to practice their English speaking skills are welcome at our groups.
• We recommend that you have an at least an intermediate English speaking level. If you can speak on the telephone without too much difficulty, your English speaking ability is likely at an intermediate level.
• Conversation groups are not English classes. Our trained volunteers focus mainly on listening and speaking, and less on reading and writing.

Topics usually covered in conversation groups include American culture and holidays, idioms, casual spoken English, and daily life situations (the bank, the post office, speaking with neighbors, etc.).

Registration is required through English At Large. Registration cannot be completed through the Library but rather through this registration link . For more information, please contact English At Large to register: Call 781-395-2374 or email. For more information, visit: English At Large

Conversation Class | Every Monday from September 22 to December 15 | 6:15—7:45 PM | AML Conference Room

Tech Classes:

Teaching Tech – Google Docs

Teaching Tech @ West – Google Docs | Wednesday, January 21, 2:00—3:00 PM, West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register

Teaching Tech @ AML – Google Docs | Wednesday, January 21, 6:00—7:00 PM, AML Conference Room | Register

Join us each month for Teaching Tech, a free, hands-on series where we explore a new technology topic in an approachable, beginner-friendly way. From apps to devices to digital tools, each session focuses on building your confidence and skills.

This month’s topic: Google Docs

No experience necessary—just bring your questions and curiosity!

Please bring your smartphone, tablet, or laptop if you have one. If you don’t have a laptop, one can be supplied for you.

Drop-in Tech Help:

Need help with common smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet or laptop functions? Our Drop-in tech appointments offer patrons an opportunity to bring in their mobile devices and have a librarian assist them with questions related to using library apps or related services. These events offer 1:1 tech assistance so please bring your device and any questions you might have!

• Senior Center: Drop-in sessions take place on the second Thursday of the month between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Only for members of the Senior Center. Sign up for a 15min slot with the Senior Center.
• West Acton Citizens’ Library: Sessions take place on the second Wednesday of the month. Sign up for a 15-minute 1:1 tech help session. Please bring your device and any questions you might have. Registration is required!
  • 1:30pm Slot
  • 1:45pm Slot
  • 2:00pm Slot
  • 2:15pm Slot 

Lectures:

Great Decisions Group Discussion – America and the World

Monday, January 5, 6:30—7:45 PM, AML Conference Room

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. This months topic will be on America and the World. A short article is available from the Great Decisions briefing book. Please read it ahead of the meeting. It is available in the library.

Common Sense and the Birth of Independence: How Thomas Paine’s Words Ignited Acton – and America

Saturday, January 10, 2:00—3:00 PM, AML Meeting Room

This lecture will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. Click here for more information on the lecture and presentor.

ADHD Family Q&A: Real Questions, Real-Life Strategies

Thursday, January 15, 6:00—7:30 PM, AML Meeting Room | Register

Parenting ADHD kid(s) can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces (especially if you have ADHD yourself!). Join certified ADHD Coach, Lindsay Binette, Founder of The Wavy Brain, for this casual, drop-in session that will offer practical, evidence-informed strategies you can use right away—no jargon, no guilt. We’ll start with a quick primer on how the ADHD brain works, providing context, and then open the floor for your questions to foster community connection on topics such as routines, homework, emotions, motivation, school collaboration, and more. You’ll leave with 2–3 try-this-week ideas and a one-page resource sheet. All caregivers and community members are welcome; a diagnosis is not required. This program is educational and should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health care.

Book Discussion Group:

Check out future month’s books for all groups on the “Book Groups” page on our website: https://www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/kids-teens-and-adults/just-for-adults/book-groups/

West Acton Citizens’ Library Book Discussion Group

Wednesday, January 14, 3:30—4:30 PM | West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register

Join your fellow community members at the West Acton Citizens’ Library for a lively book discussion led by our Librarians. Limited copies of the book in multiple formats will be available at the West Acton branch. First come, first serve. All are welcome!

This months book is: Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe

Acton Memorial Library Book Discussion Group

Tuesday, January 20, 6:30—8:00 PM, AML Meeting Room

The AML Book Group meets at 6:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month. All are welcome. Copies of the books will be available at the circulation desk.

This month’s book is: James by Percival Everett

Cookbook Club:

Concerts:

Winter Concert Series – “Obsession” A violin and piano concert

Sunday, January 25, 2:00—3:00 PM, AML 2nd Floor Piano | Register

“Obsession” The Horizon of Possibility: A violin and piano concert

Musicians:

Amos Lawrence, Violin

Esther Ning-Yau, Piano

Click here for the program and musician bios.

Big Events:

Virtual Events:

Virtual – Inclusive and Diverse Book Recs with Bookstagrammer @sometimesleelynnreads

Thursday, January 15, 7:30—8:00 PM, Zoom

Register for the Zoom link here.

Looking for the best books with BIPOC/LGBTQ+/Neurodivergent/Disabled etc. characters or by representative authors but not sure what to read next? Join bookstagrammer, Leelynn Brady (aka @sometimesleelynnreads), monthly for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations – any genre as well as YA and Middle Grade books, as long as they are by diverse authors or have inclusive storylines! We’re sure you’ll find something to like from Leelyn’s many enthusiastic reviews.

This program is in partner with the Ashland Public Library

Virtual – How Librarians Became The Unlikely Spies Of World War II

Wednesday, January 21, 7:00—8:00 PM, Zoom

Register for the Zoom link here.

Author Elyse Graham will discuss her new book, Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II, the true untold story of the academics who became OSS spies, invented modern spycraft, and helped turn the tide of the war to defeat the Nazis. At the start of WWII, the U.S. found itself in desperate need of an intelligence agency. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a precursor to today’s CIA, was quickly formed—and, in an effort to fill its ranks with experts, the OSS turned to academia for recruits. Suddenly, literature professors, librarians, and historians were training to perform undercover operations and investigative work—and these surprising spies would go on to profoundly shape both the course of the war and our cultural institutions with their efforts. Graham is a historian, professor at Stony Brook University, and the author of three books: You Talkin’ to Me?; A Unified Theory of Cats on the Internet; and The Republic of Games.

RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

This program is in partner with the The Tewksbury Public Library

Virtual – Agents of Change — The Women Who Transformed The CIA

Wednesday, January 28, 7:00—8:00 PM, Zoom

Register for the Zoom link here.

Author Christina Hillsberg will discuss her new bestselling book, Agents of Change: The Women Who Transformed the CIA. Explore the pioneering women who changed the insulated world of international espionage — from the barrier-crashing challenges of the 1960s to the present-day reckoning — told through the eyes of a former intelligence operative herself. The recipient of multiple CIA Exceptional Performance Awards, Hillsberg work at the CIA included specializing in African politics and leaders as one of the intelligence community’s few Swahili and Zulu linguists, producing analytic assessments for senior-level policymakers including the president and his cabinet, and serving in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, clandestinely collecting intelligence from the field. A recognized expert on women in espionage and intelligence tradecraft, she is also the author of License to Parent: How My Career as a Spy Helped Me Raise Resourceful, Self-Sufficient Kids.

RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

This program is in partner with the Tewksbury Public Library

Programs at West Acton Citizens’ Library:

Sewing and Embroidery Club

Sewing and Embroidery Club @ West | Wednesday, January 7, 2:00—3:00 PM, West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register

Join us each month for a cozy and creative evening at the library! The Sewing & Embroidery Club is a welcoming space for all skill levels to try their hand at fun, hands-on textile projects. Each session will feature a new sewing or embroidery activity, with all supplies provided—just bring your creativity and curiosity!

Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, come learn new techniques, share ideas, and enjoy crafting in community.

This month’s craft will be: Mandalas

2026 Vision Boards

2026 Vision Boards @ West | Saturday, January 10, 11:00 AM—12:00 PM, West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register

For Adults!

Join for some chatting, music, and crafting!

This month’s craft is: 2026 Vision Boards

Make 2026 vision boards! Brainstorm your goals, browse magazines and stickers to craft a personalized collage, and receive a magnetic photo frame to display your work throughout the year!

Tech Help at West Acton Citizens’ Library

Wednesday, January 14, 1:30—2:30 PM | West Acton Citizens’ Library

Sign up for a 15-minute 1:1 tech help session.

Please bring your device and any questions you might have!

Registration is required!

1:30pm Slot

1:45pm Slot

2:00pm Slot

2:15pm Slot 

West Acton Citizens’ Library Book Discussion Group

Wednesday, January 14, 3:30—4:30 PM | West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register

Join your fellow community members at the West Acton Citizens’ Library for a lively book discussion led by our Librarians. Limited copies of the book in multiple formats will be available at the West Acton branch. First come, first serve. All are welcome!

This months book is: Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe

Teaching Tech – Google Docs

Teaching Tech @ West – Google Docs | Wednesday, January 21, 2:00—3:00 PM, West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register

Join us each month for Teaching Tech, a free, hands-on series where we explore a new technology topic in an approachable, beginner-friendly way. From apps to devices to digital tools, each session focuses on building your confidence and skills.

This month’s topic: Google Docs

No experience necessary—just bring your questions and curiosity!

Please bring your smartphone, tablet, or laptop if you have one. If you don’t have a laptop, one can be supplied for you.

Movement & Mindfulness:

Line Dancing Social Hour

Monday, January 5, 6:30—7:30 PM, AML Meeting Room | Register

Do you love line dancing or just want to get into it? Come to our Line Dancing Social Hour to dance with others in the community. Learn new dances or just dance some of your favorites! This is not a structured lesson, just an opportunity to dance socially with others.

Embodied Awareness for Balance and Ease: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique

Thursday, January 8, 6:00—7:00 PM, AML Meeting Room | Register

Balancing on two feet is a beautifully complex process! As life unfolds (family and work stress, injuries, child bearing, back problems, etc.), many of us experience changes in how we balance and stabilize ourselves. In this interactive workshop, come learn how fine-tuning your sensory awareness, redistributing muscular effort, and cooperating with your system’s innate design can help you stand, walk, and move with more ease. We will learn basic anatomy, do breathwork, explore activities of daily life (walking, sitting-to-standing, speaking), and experience gentle hands-on touch from the teacher. Learn about this wonderfully supportive self-care technique and leave feeling lighter, more alert, and more confident in movement. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.

Gentle Yoga with Revolution Yoga

Monday, January 12, 6:00—7:00 PM, AML Meeting Room | Register

Monday, January 26, 6:00—7:00 PM, AML Meeting Room | Register

Gentle Yoga with Jenny from Acton’s Revolution Community Yoga

Experience harmony and balance through this mindful practice designed to reduce stress, release tension and promote relaxation. Emphasis on self-awareness, breath, and honoring the body. This class is all levels and beginner friendly.