Acton Memorial Library will be CLOSED on Monday, October 13, for Indigenous Peoples' Day. The library will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14.
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Programs
Arts
Arts:
Yarn & Needle Club
Tuesday, October 14 & 28, 3PM | 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.
Adult Writing Group
Thursday, October 2, 6:00—7:00 PM | AML Conference Room | Register
Writing Club is a free group for prose, poetry and non-fiction writers to come together, connect, share and create in a welcoming environment. Join the conversation, work on optional weekly prompts or use the time to work on an existing project that your passionate about. Feel free to join in person or on Zoom, all writing levels welcome!
Optional Prompt: Describe a character, object or location in 3 paragraphs. Then strip it down to one paragraph, then three sentences and finally one sentence.
Meditation Series – Remaining Stable in Challenging Times
Monday, October 6, 6:00—7:00 PM | AML Meeting Room
Space is limited, sign up on the program page on our website.
This meditation series explores practical ways to remain centered and resilient. Discover how to create powerful layers of inner protection and experience a deep sense of stability from within.
Free event – Conducted by Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center, Watertown, MA
Halloween Wreath Making
Halloween Wreath Making @ AML | Wednesday, October 15, 6:00—7:00 PM | AML Meeting Room | Register
Halloween Wreath Making @ West | Saturday, October 18, 11:00 AM—12:00 PM | West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register
Join us for Halloween Wreath Making!
Sewing and Embroidery Club
Sewing and Embroidery Club @ West | Tuesday, October 21, 12:00—1:00 PM | West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register
Sewing and Embroidery Club @ AML | Monday, October 20, 5:30—6:30 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: Fabric Pumpkins
Meditation Series – Awakening the Inner Powers of the Soul
Monday, October 27, November 3 & 10 | 6:00—7:00 PM | AML Meeting Room | Register
Space is limited, sign up on the program page on our website.
Journey inward to rediscover peace, harmony, and the hidden powers of the soul through this unique meditation practice. Gain insights into how your thoughts shape your inner world and relationships. Through engaging sessions focused on silence, self-reflection, and soul-consciousness, you’ll explore the profound question, “Who am I?” and develop practical tools for inner strength, clarity, emotional resilience, and lasting self-esteem.
Free event – Conducted by Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center, Watertown, MA
English Language Learning
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
Beginner English Learners | Every Monday & Wednesday from September 15th to December 10th | 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 Help
Tech Classes:
Teaching Tech – Libby
Teaching Tech @ West | Tuesday, October 7, 12:00—1:00 PM | West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register
Teaching Tech @ AML | Tuesday, October 7, 5:30—6:30 PM | AML Meeting 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: Libby
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: Sign up for a 15-minute 1:1 tech help session. Please bring your device and any questions you might have. Registration is required!
Lectures
Lectures:
Teaching Tech – Libby
Teaching Tech @ West | Tuesday, October 7, 12:00—1:00 PM | West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register
Teaching Tech @ AML | Tuesday, October 7, 5:30—6:30 PM | AML Meeting 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: Libby
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.
Pine Hawk: Discover Ancient Nipmuc Mishoonash at Lake Quinsigamond
Thursday, October 9, 7:00—8:30 PM | AML Meeting Room | Register
Join Cheryl Stedtler of Project Mishoon for an immersive journey into underwater archaeology, Indigenous heritage, and 1640s canoe discoveries that are reshaping New England’s historical narrative. History emerges from beneath the surface.
Basics of Investing with CFA Society Boston
Wednesday, October 8, 6:00—7:00 PM | AML Meeting Room | Register
New to investing? This beginner-friendly session offers a broad overview of how investing works and why it matters. Learn the difference between saving and investing, understand key terms, and explore the basics of stocks, bonds, and building a simple portfolio. Walk away with the knowledge you need to take your first steps toward smart investing.
Pine Hawk: The Historical Archaeology of Massachusetts
Wednesday, October 22, 7:00—8:30 PM | AML Meeting Room | Register
Some of America’s most significant historic archaeological sites are located in Massachusetts and some of the earliest and most influential archaeologists investigated sites in the Commonwealth. Join archaeologist Holly Herbster for an overview of Massachusetts’ post-1600 archaeological heritage, its role in the development of historical archaeology, and the ways in which current research and collaboration are helping to rediscover histories that have long been hidden or ignored.
Great Decisions Group Discussion – TBD
Wednesday, October 29, 6:30—8:00 PM | AML Meeting 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 TBD. A short article is available from the Great Decisions briefing book. Please read it ahead of the meeting. It is available in the library.
Book Group
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/
Acton Memorial Library Book Discussion Group
Tuesday, October 21, 6:30 – 7:45 PM | AML Conference 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: Consilience by Edward O. Wilson
West Acton Citizens’ Library Book Discussion Group
Wednesday, October 8, 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: The Editor by Steven Rowley
Cookbook Club:
Cookbook Club @ West
Thursday, October 16, 12:00—1:00 PM | West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register
Cookbook Club @ AML
Thursday, October 16, 6:00—7:00 PM | AML Meeting Room | Register
Join us each month for a deliciously fun and free event! In our Cookbook Club, we’ll explore a different cookbook together—then meet to share and enjoy dishes we’ve each prepared from that month’s selection. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, it’s a great way to try new recipes, swap tips, and connect with fellow food lovers. Cookbooks will be available to check out at both library locations. First come, first serve.
Bring a dish from the cookbook to share—and come hungry!
This month’s book is: Dinner in One: Exceptional & Easy One-Pan Meals: A Cookbook by Melissa Clark
Concerts & Big Events
Big Events:
Friends of Acton Libraries 3rd Annual Apple Pie Contest
Sunday, October 12, 1:00—4:00 PM | Back Library Lawn
Celebrate local bakers and eat some delicious pie!
Friends Booksale
Saturday, October 25, 9:00 AM—5:00 PM | AML Meeting Room
Sunday, October 26, 1:00—4:30 PM | AML Meeting Room
Concerts:
Winter Concert Series To Be Announced…
Virtual Events
Virtual Events:
Virtual – Revolutionary Whiskey – History and Recs of American Whiskeys with Travis Ireland
Monday, October 20, 7:00—8:00 PM | Zoom
Register for the Zoom link here.
We’re excited to welcome Travis Ireland back to discuss the best American whiskeys to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Revolutionary War! You may be surprised at how many wonderful whiskeys made right here in the good old U.S. of A.! Learn a bit of history and BYO to do a virtual taste test with Travis, who will be recommending some of his favorites. You must be 21 or older to participate in taste testing but all are welcome to join and learn. Hope you can make it!
This program is in partner with the Ashland Public Library
Virtual – “The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto” with Historian Elizabeth R. Hyman
Tuesday, October 28, 7:00—8:00 PM | Zoom
Register for the Zoom link here
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising is one of the most storied events of the Holocaust, yet previous accounts of which have almost entirely focused on its male participants. In “The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto: The True Story of Five Courageous Young Women Who Sparked an Uprising”, Holocaust historian Elizabeth Hyman introduces five young, courageous Polish Jewish women—known as “the girls” by the leadership of the resistance and “bandits” by their Nazi oppressors—who were central to the Jewish resistance as fighters, commanders, couriers, and smugglers. Join us as Elizabeth shares this extraordinary, important, and heretofore hidden history with us.
This program is in partner with the Ashland Public Library
West Acton Citizens’ Library
Programs at West Acton Citizens’ Library:
Teaching Tech – Libby @ West
Tuesday, October 7, 12:00—1:00 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: Libby
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.
Tech Help at West Acton Citizens’ Library
Wednesday, October 8, 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!
West Acton Citizens’ Library Book Discussion Group
Wednesday, October 8, 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: The Editor by Steven Rowley
Cookbook Club @ West
Thursday, October 16, 12:00—1:00 PM | West Acton Citizens’ Library | Register
Join us each month for a deliciously fun and free event! In our Cookbook Club, we’ll explore a different cookbook together—then meet to share and enjoy dishes we’ve each prepared from that month’s selection. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, it’s a great way to try new recipes, swap tips, and connect with fellow food lovers. Cookbooks will be available to check out at both library locations. First come, first serve.
Bring a dish from the cookbook to share—and come hungry!
This month’s book is: Dinner in One: Exceptional & Easy One-Pan Meals: A Cookbook by Melissa Clark
Halloween Wreath Making @ West
Tuesday, September 23, 3:00—4:00 PM | AML Meeting Room | Register
Join us for Halloween Wreath Making!
Sewing and Embroidery Club @ West
Tuesday, October 21, 12:00—1:00 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: Fabric Pumpkins