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Hopedale - Local Town Pages

Bancroft Memorial Library

Oct 30, 2025 11:56AM ● By Chuck Tashjian

Library News

The Library will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th for Veterans Day.  The Library will be open from 10am-2pm on Wednesday, November 26th and will be closed Thursday, November 27th for the Thanksgiving holiday.  

Cribbage Tournaments

We are excited to partner with Blackstone Valley Libraries to host Cribbage Tournaments! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this event is open to players of all levels. Enjoy an evening of strategy, fun, and great company!  Registration is mandatory; please contact the hosting Library directly to sign up.

At Upton Public Library, Wednesday, November 19th 5:30-7:30pm

At Shrewsbury Public Library, Wednesday, December 3rd 5:30-7:30pm

Helen Symonds Book Group – Wednesday, November 5th at 1:00pm

The group will be discussing The Wedding People by Alison Espach.

Community Conversations – Wednesday, November 5th at 6:30pm

Community Conversations will meet in the Program Room to talk about “Election Wrap Up.”  This meeting can be attended via Zoom; please email [email protected] to request the link.

Get help with Jenna – Tuesday, November 18th from 10:30am-12:30pm

Need help with applications or accessing support services? Jenna, a Community Health Worker with the Blackstone Valley Partnership for Public Health, is here to help! She works closely with the Hopedale Board of Health and has a Master’s degree from Nichols College, along with extensive experience in healthcare and human services.  Whether you need assistance with applications for MassHealth, WIC, Fuel Assistance, or Medicare – or you're looking for support with past-due bills or navigating life's challenges – Jenna can provide guidance.  Schedule a FREE 30-minute appointment with Jenna through the Library’s Calendar of Events on the website, or call the Library at (508) 634-2209.

Maker Monday – Monday, November 17th at 6:00pm

This month the adult crafting workshop is Felting!  Registration is required using your library card.  Please register online on the Library website under Calendar of Events or call the Library at (508) 634-2209.

Drop in Cribbage – Fridays 11/7, 11/14, 11/21 & 11/28 at 1:30pm

Join us every Friday in the Program Room where we offer a relaxed, come-when-you-can atmosphere to enjoy friendly games with players of all levels.

News from the Friends of the Hopedale Library:

The next Friends of the Hopedale Library Meeting is Wednesday, November 12th at 6:30pm in the downstairs Program Room.

Beehives and Their Importance to Man – Monday, November 3rd at 6:00 pm

The Friends of the Hopedale Library are pleased to present veteran beekeeper Kenneth Warchol as he takes us on a dive into the beehive to better understand bee society and their importance to man. Learn about the challenges facing bees and the hobby of beekeeping. This program includes a tasting of different honeys from around the world.  Please register online on the Library website under Calendar of Events or call the Library at (508) 634-2209

Craft Swap – Saturday, November 8th from 10:30am – 1:30pm

The Friends of the Hopedale Library are hosting a Craft Swap on Saturday, November 8th in the downstairs Program Room. No need to bring something to take something — everyone is welcome! We're accepting all types of arts and crafts supplies, including kits, equipment, and tools. Items can be new, used, or opened, as long as they’re clean and in usable condition. Be sure to bring a bag!  Can’t make it that day? No problem! You can drop off your donations at the library anytime during regular hours.

Book Donation Day – Wednesday, November 19th from 5:30-7:30pm

The Friends of the Hopedale Library would love your like-new books for our Ongoing Book Sale. Children’s books of any age are welcome. Due to space constraints, we ask that adult books be published within the last 10 years or later. Unfortunately, we cannot accept old books, textbooks, or cookbooks. We depend on books in saleable condition to raise money to support our programming.

Ongoing Book Sale

Did you know that you can support the Friends of the Hopedale Library anytime the Library is open by shopping at the Ongoing Book sale? We offer a selection of adult and children’s titles, and even puzzles! You can find the sale area downstairs just outside the Program room.  All monies raised go back to the Bancroft Memorial Library to pay for children's and adult programs, museum passes and other expenses not covered by the library budget. Thank you for your support!

About the Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Hopedale Library, founded in 1983, is an active volunteer, non-profit organization with a town-wide membership and a representative executive board. We work with the library staff and the trustees to support the library in providing funds for equipment, materials, and programs not covered by the library's regular operating budget. The Friends of the Hopedale Library meets the second Wednesday of the month, September through June at 6:30pm. New members and ideas are always welcome.

News from the Marjorie Hattersley Children's Room:

Veteran’s Recognition Activity – Saturday, November 1st from 10:00am-1:00pm

Drop in the library and make a special project to thank a Veteran for their service.

Tummy Time Play – Tuesdays 11/4, 11/18 & 11/25 at 10:00am, ages 0-18 months

Join us for some infant fun in a safe environment! Along with a story there will be fun, developmentally appropriate toys that encourage gross motor development.  Drop in!

Toddler Tunes  – Thursdays 11/6, 11/13 & 11/20 at 10:00am, ages 18 mos– 3 years

This program is perfect for energetic toddlers!  Along with a story, we will work on gross motor skills and play with balls, a parachute, instruments, bean bags, scarves and more. Drop in!

Movie Matinee – Saturday, November 15th from 11:00am-1:00pm

Join us for a movie at the Library!  Bring some snacks, a cozy blanket, get comfy and enjoy a family friendly flick!

Volunteer Saturdays for High School Students – Saturday, November 22nd 11:00am-1:00pm

Each month there will be an opportunity for high school students to earn 2 hours of volunteer time from 11am - 1pm. Registration is required.  Please register online on the Library website under Calendar of Events or call the Library at (508) 634-2209. We will provide all necessary supplies, you just bring your energy and motivation.

Genre Book Club

This is a book club for readers of all ages who want to discover what they love about reading! With help from Miss Laura, you will find the perfect-for-you book in the genre of your choice.  Each time you explore a new genre, you’ll earn a colorful genre badge to add to your own personalized bookmark - collect them all as you read your way through different types of stories.  There are no required meetings - just sign up with Miss Laura, read at your own pace, and earn badges as you go. It’s reading made fun, flexible, and full of discovery!

B.A.S.H. (Bancroft After School Hangout)

B.A.S.H. is a drop-in program for children in grades 4–6. It runs weekly from 2:30pm to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday. Students can walk to the Library from the elementary school and play video and board games, use library laptops or get creative with arts and crafts.  This program offers a fun and safe way for kids to socialize after school in a positive environment. Children must be able to contact a parent, guardian, or caregiver in case of emergency and are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior while in the Library.

For updates throughout the month, Friend us on Facebook and sign up at www.wowbrary.org to discover the Library’s newest books, movies and music. Our webpage is www.bancroftmememoriallibrary.org