By Matthew Bachtold, Library Director and Lee Ann Murphy, Children’s Librarian

Summer Reading Program!

It's the Annual Summer Reading Program! This year's theme is Level Up at Your Library!, a theme encouraging a love of play and games. Register online or at the circulation desk, and be sure to visit the library to pick up your packet of materials. Keep reading all summer and join us for special events all summer long. The Summer Reading Program continues until Aug. 9. For all ages!

Summer Reading Bingo for Adults!

Summer reading isn’t just for children! Participate by picking up a bingo sheet at the library desk. Get bingo and return your sheet to earn raffle tickets to compete for prizes!

4-H Babysitters’ Course – July 21 & 22, 1 p.m.

Babysitting Course instructed by Massachusetts 4-H Foundation. Participants will learn the responsibilities of babysitting, as well as the skills needed to become good babysitters. The course will help develop confidence in handling situations that may occur when babysitting. Upon completion of this course, youth will receive a Babysitters' ID card and a Certificate of Completion. Register once for the two-day series. Must attend both days. For ages 11 to 16. Tuition fee of $35 must be paid by check made out to Massachusetts 4-H Foundation on the day of the class.

Friends of the Upton Town Library News:

Friends of the Library are pleased to announce two museum passes added to our collection: Plimoth Patuxet Museum available now and Old Sturbridge Village coming soon!

Now accepting donations of good condition books for the Friends booksale which supports the summer reading and museum pass programs!

Please join us at our next meeting, which will be held on Thursday, July 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. We will be planning for upcoming events and looking forward to ideas for our next projects. Please bring your ideas and enthusiasm. All are welcome!

Adult Events

Introduction to Hand Drums & Drum Circles with Dave Curry

Monday, July 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Ages 10-Adult

Join Dave Curry as he introduces you to a range of different types of drums from various traditional sources. He'll teach you the basic technique for getting a good sound from each of the drum types, and the common rhythms that are associated with those drums. No prior experience is necessary and instruments are provided, though you are welcome to bring a hand drum of your own if you have one. Register at uptonlibrary.org. 

Drum Circle with Dave Curry - Saturday, Aug. 2, 7 - 9 p.m. Ages 8 - Adult

Join facilitator Dave Curry for an evening of freestyle drumming. Instruction and extra drums are provided, but you can also bring your own drums and percussion instruments. No prior experience is necessary, so the circle is suitable for beginners on up to experienced drummers. Registration is requested. Now a monthly program on the first Saturday of each month, sponsored by Friends of the Upton Library

Scent & Suds: Create Your Own Foam Soap

Thursday, July 24, 6 - 7:15 p.m.

Cost $10 - Registration required.

Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll craft your own natural foam soap using essential oils. Learn about their benefits and how to safely use them while creating a personalized blend. It’s a great opportunity to make something special for yourself, your family, or as a thoughtful gift! All materials are provided, and space is limited. Registration is required, and the program costs $10, to be paid 1 week before the program. See the library website for details.This program is sponsored by the Friends of Upton Town Library.

Tabletop Game Night for Adults – Thursday, July 17, 5:15 - 7:30 p.m.

Join our tabletop game series for adults! The featured game in July will be Mysterium or Mysterium Park. Meets every third Thursday of the month from 5:15 - 7:30 p.m. Beginners and experienced players both welcome! Register at uptonlibrary.org.

Virtual Author Talk Series

View free online author talks, either live or recorded. Register and get more information at the library website, or at https://libraryc.org/uptontownlibrary

Author Talk with Pria Anand: On the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains - Thursday, July 31 at 2 p.m.

Author Talk with Casey McQuiston: Returning to Romance Through Food and Flirty Fun - Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.

Children’s & Young Adult Events

Kids’ Puzzle Swap – July 16, 3 p.m.

Join us for our first ever Kids' Puzzle Swap! Are you bored with the puzzles you have at home? Bring in a gently used children's puzzle, with no missing pieces, to participate in our puzzle swap (up to 100-200 pieces only, please). You will walk away with a new-to-you puzzle of your own! 

Contact Mrs. Murphy at [email protected] if you have any puzzles to donate for this event.

Nature Hike – July 19, 10 a.m.

Join Children's Librarian Mrs. Murphy and Park Ranger Viola Bramel as they hike through the Upton State Forest! Viola will share her expertise on all things flora and fauna during this hour-long exploration. Please dress accordingly for the weather, bring a bottle of water, and wear sturdy shoes. Check our website for any cancellations. We will meet at the CCC Building (the big brown building). Address for GPS: Upton State Forest, 205 Westboro Road, Upton.

Eyes on Owls – July 23, 6 p.m.

Join Marcia and Mark Wilson from Eyes On Owls as they present their live owl program, "Eyes on Owls!" They'll share a story and lots of information about these feathered friends, such as adaptations, habitats, and behaviors in the wild. We'll be joined by six live owls during the program as well! For ages 5+. Pre-registration required.

Card Games – July 25, 1 p.m.

Join us for a session of card games! Play an old favorite or learn something new. We'll supply the cards! For ages 8+. No registration required.

Science Heroes – July 31, 6 p.m.

Celebrate summer reading with stories and science! Join us as Science Heroes shares exciting storytelling with interactive science experiments and concepts. We will share ways that people use science in creating and solving games and puzzles, and what kinds of careers along that path a young "science hero" might explore. For ages 5+. Pre-registration required.

Movie Event – Aug. 2, 1 p.m.

Our monthly movie events will take place throughout the summer in the Greatroom. Visit our Event Calendar online for movie titles, descriptions, and audience age suggestions. No registration required.

Monthly Library Events – Register now!

All programs and events require pre-registration at uptonlibrary.org or call 508-529-6272. Registrations open the month prior to events.

Baby Storytime – Fridays, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Baby Storytime is for ages birth to 3 and is held on Fridays. This is a 20-30-minute lapsit program featuring stories, songs, and nursery rhymes. Pre-registration required.  

Preschool Storytime –Thursdays, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Storytime is for ages 3 to 5 and is held on Thursdays. This is a 45-minute program featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and a craft. Pre-registration required.

Sat. Storytime – July 12, 9:30 a.m.

Once a month we offer a 30-45-minute Saturday Storytime, blending Baby and Preschool storytimes featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and a craft. Can’t join us for our weekday programs? This event is just for you! For ages 0-5. Pre-registration required.

Drop-In Storytime – July 14, 9:30 a.m.

Our Children’s Department offers a Drop-In Storytime session, once a month. No registration required! This is a blend of our Baby and Preschool Storytimes; however, no craft will be provided. We will feature stories, songs, rhymes, and fun! This will be held in the Greatroom and will be a larger group size. For ages 0 to 5.

Music & Movement – July 21 and Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m.

This program features Deb Hudgins and is an interactive program, perfect for children and their caregivers to enjoy together. Deb plays guitar and sings, and is sure to incorporate stories, dancing, fingerplays, games and more at each of her fun, themed performances. This program is partially funded through a grant with Beginning Bridges CFCE in Uxbridge. For ages 1 to 5. Pre-registration is required.

Storybook Art Club – July 15, 10 a.m. 

This program meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Children will enjoy a picture book and create a craft inspired by the story. This month will feature books all about shells! Pre-registration required. For ages 3 to 5.

LEGO Club – July 16, July 30 and Aug. 6, 4 p.m.

This group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 4 - 5 p.m. This group is led by Library Director, Matthew Bachtold. We provide the LEGOs while you have fun building and making new friends. This program is for ages 3 to 12. Pre-registration is required. 

Crafternoon – July 24, 3 p.m. 

This is a new drop-in program that will meet the 4th Thursday of each month. Children can make a simple craft using materials such as crayons, scissors, paint, and glue. This month, we will create our own video game character from recycled materials! For ages 3+. No registration required.

Tween Book Club – July 17, 6:30 p.m.

This club is especially for our middle grade patrons, ages 10 to 14. This group reads popular middle grade titles selected by our members. This month, we will be discussing the title 365 Days to Alaska by Cathy Carr. We welcome new members all year round! Pre-registration required.

Kids’ Book Club – Aug. 6, 4 p.m.

Our book club members explore popular juvenile chapter books on the first Wednesday of each month from 4 - 4:45 p.m. We will be discussing our own members’ choices at this meeting. This group is for ages 7 to 10. We welcome new members all year round! Pre-registration required.

Chess Club – 1st Tuesday/Thursday each month, 2 - 5 p.m. 

Learn to play chess or just play with new players. We will have a student from BVT to help teach those new to the game. For ages 8 to 16. No registration required.

Crafting Club – 2nd Tuesday/Thursday each month, 2 - 5 p.m. 

Feeling crafty? Join us as we create new projects each month. Beading, crochet, painting – the possibilities are endless! For ages 8 to 16. No registration required.

Gaming Club – 3rd Tuesday/Thursday each month, 2 - 5 p.m. 

We’ve got a Play Station 5 and tons of board games and we’d love to have tweens and teens join us! New games each session! For ages 8 to 16. No registration required.

Magic the Gathering: Commander – 4th Tuesday each month, 4 - 6 p.m.

Join us for an introduction to the popular card game, Magic the Gathering - Commander format. 

We will be joined by local patron, Josef Vargas, as he shares his knowledge with those wanting to learn and play! If you have a Commander deck, please bring it to play. For ages 8+. Please register.

Upton Reads Book Group

An eclectic mix of contemporary literary fiction with meetings on the second Tuesday afternoon and Thursday evening of each month in the Community Center classroom, with a Zoom remote option.

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 12:45 p.m., and Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6:45 p.m.: The House of Eve by Sadequa Johnson.

Fic or No Fic Book Group

An adult book group led by Librarian Micaela that alternates fiction and non-fiction selections.  Meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:45 p.m. 

July 30, 6:45 p.m.: The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. 

For more information or assistance with any library services, call 508-529-6272 or email [email protected]