Library News

The Library will be open from 10am-2pm on Wednesday, December 24th and will be closed Thursday, December 25th for Christmas.  The Library will also be open from 10am-2pm on Wednesday, December 31st and closed on Thursday, January 1st. 

Santa’s Porch Drop Off Location

The Bancroft Memorial Library is a drop off location for Santa’s Porch! Donations of new, unwrapped gifts are being accepted through Wednesday, December 17th.

Giving Tree

We invite our generous patrons to donate handmade knitted items (hats, mittens, scarves, etc.) that will be given to the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Milford.  Donations are being accepted through Wednesday, December 17th.

Hopedale Winter Stroll & Shop Hop  – Saturday, December 6th from 10am-4pm

The Library will be open from 10am-4pm as part of the 2025 Friends of Historic Hopedale’s Winter Stroll & Shop Hop. There will be crafts for all ages from 10am-3:00pm and hot cocoa beginning at 12:00pm.  The Friends of the Hopedale Library invite you to hear the sounds of the season starting at 1:00pm with the local acapella group Holiday Harmony Quartet. This free event will take place in the upstairs Reading Room. To register, please sign up online on the Library’s Event Calendar, at the Circulation Desk, or call 508-634-2209.

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.  The next tournament is at Shrewsbury Public Library, Wednesday, December 3rd 5:30-7:30pm

Helen Symonds Book Group – Wednesday, December 3rd at 1:00pm

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

Community Conversations – Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:30pm

Community Conversations will meet in the Program Room to talk about “Setting a National Standard: How to Get Everyone on board for the Common Good.”  This meeting can be attended via Zoom; please email [email protected] to request the link.

Get help with Jenna – Tuesday, December 16th from 11:00am-1:00pm

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, December 15th at 6:00pm

This month the adult crafting workshop is making a facial scrub with sugar!  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 12/12, 12/19 & 12/26 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, December 10th at 6:30pm in the downstairs Program Room.

Holiday Harmony Quartet – Saturday, December 6th at 1:00pm

Come hear the sounds of the season on Saturday, December 6th at 1:00pm with the local acapella group Holiday Harmony Quartet. This free event will take place in the upstairs Reading Room. To register, please sign up through the Library’s Calendar of Events on the website, or call the Library at (508) 634-2209.

Shop Our Ongoing Book Sale During the Hopedale Winter Stroll!

Be sure to stop by the Ongoing Book Sale area and Program Room during the Winter Stroll on December 6th from 10:00am-3:00pm. We will have a special selection of gift-giving quality holiday books and puzzles. Prices start at just 50¢.

Celebrate a piece of Hopedale history!

Be sure to purchase a limited-edition Bancroft Memorial Library handcrafted glass ornament, created in honor of the Library’s 125th Anniversary!  Beautifully designed and made in Massachusetts, each ornament captures the timeless charm of this beloved landmark and makes a perfect keepsake or holiday gift.  Priced at $15.00, these ornaments come packaged in a gift box. A select number will even be available gift wrapped for your convenience during the Hopedale Winter Stroll & Shop Hop, a wonderful opportunity to shop local, support the Library, and take home a sparkling reminder of our community’s heritage.  

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:

Tummy Time Play – Tuesdays 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 & 12/23 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 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18 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!

Builder Saturday – Saturday, December 13th from 10:00am-1:00pm

If you love Legos, we’ve got thousands to play with!  Use our Legos to create a masterpiece that we can put on display for all to see. Drop in and all ages welcome!

Movie Matinee – Saturday, December 20th 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, December 27th 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.

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