Library Closed-Summer Sunday

Jammin With You

Come dance, sing and jam along with Jammin With You! With a modern and engaging approach to children's music entertainment, Jammin With You takes your family on magical musical adventures with plenty of laughter and smiles along the way. This class is best suited for ch......More

Come dance, sing and jam along with Jammin With You! With a modern and engaging approach to children's music entertainment, Jammin With You takes your family on magical musical adventures with plenty of laughter and smiles along the way. This class is best suited for children ages 0 - 5 but is fun for the whole family! Pack your instruments and dancing shoes - we'll see you soon!Your Friends' membership made this program possible. Join us! [email protected].

Druker Auditorium

ELL - Table Talk

Imagine sitting at a table, having a cup of tea with friends while talking to each other. We will do this without the tea! We will talk about life in the United States and share experiences from our home countries, while improving our vocabulary and pronunciation. This ......More

Imagine sitting at a table, having a cup of tea with friends while talking to each other. We will do this without the tea! We will talk about life in the United States and share experiences from our home countries, while improving our vocabulary and pronunciation. This class is for high beginner to intermediate English learners. No registration is required. Come when you can!The class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) on Mondays at 12:00 p.m., from July 7 until August 18, 2025. The teacher's name is Robin. For more information, contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc

Tech Time Drop-In

Stop by for a drop-in technology session with one of our librarians! Each session is:20 minutes longfirst come, first servelimited to one per participant, per week We cannot assist with:Resume helpApplications (e.g. job applications, grants)Website designPhysical hardw......More

Stop by for a drop-in technology session with one of our librarians! Each session is:20 minutes longfirst come, first servelimited to one per participant, per week We cannot assist with:Resume helpApplications (e.g. job applications, grants)Website designPhysical hardware problems (e.g. broken buttons, damaged disk drives)There are no reservations ahead of time. Sessions are first come first serve the day of the event. Please sign in at the 1st floor Ask Desk.

Computer Lab

Jeopardy Night!

Let our librarians test your knowledge! There will be pizza, refreshments, and prizes! Stop by as an individual or as a team. Registration is required. For those entering grades 6-12.

Teen Area

Make Way for Storytime

Join us for storytimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Start your day with stories, songs and rhymes led by Newton Free Library children’s librarians. For children 0-2 and their caregivers.

Children's Program Room

Libby: Beyond the Basics

Already familiar with Libby? Join us in this session to go beyond the basics and learn more advanced features to maximize your use of this Library resource! Prerequisites: attendance at one of our introduction classes is recommended. You will receive an email with a li......More

Already familiar with Libby? Join us in this session to go beyond the basics and learn more advanced features to maximize your use of this Library resource! Prerequisites: attendance at one of our introduction classes is recommended. You will receive an email with a link to join the day before the program. ​​At the time of the program, simply click on the link and you'll see the host. Please be sure to check your spam folder in case it lands there. For more information email Julie at [email protected].

Virtual

Make Way for Storytime

Join us for storytimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Start your day with stories, songs and rhymes led by Newton Free Library children’s librarians. For children 0-2 and their caregivers.

Children's Program Room

Tech Time Drop-In

Stop by for a drop-in technology session with one of our librarians! Each session is:20 minutes longfirst come, first servelimited to one per participant, per week We cannot assist with:Resume helpApplications (e.g. job applications, grants)Website designPhysical hardw......More

Stop by for a drop-in technology session with one of our librarians! Each session is:20 minutes longfirst come, first servelimited to one per participant, per week We cannot assist with:Resume helpApplications (e.g. job applications, grants)Website designPhysical hardware problems (e.g. broken buttons, damaged disk drives)There are no reservations ahead of time. Sessions are first come first serve the day of the event. Please sign in at the 1st floor Ask Desk.

Computer Lab

Pokemon Club

Gather with fellow Pokemon fans to do simple crafts and watch an episode of Pikachu and Friends! Bring your own cards if you have them but please do not trade cards with other players. Recommened for kids ages 7 and up.

Children's Program Room

Magic: The Gathering

Play Magic: The Gathering on the first and third Tuesday of every month! Please bring cards if you have them! For those entering grades 6-12. Have questions? Email Megan at [email protected].

Teen Area

You Got the Beat!

Join us to learn a short dance routine! This high energy class will include warm ups and a new routine to a popular song. Registration (required) will be available for children ages 7-10 starting on Tuesday, June 17.

Druker Auditorium

50 Job Seekers Networking Group: Mastermind

If you are 50 and looking for work, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market, or recently retired and looking for your "encore career," then this is the perfect networking group for you! The Massachusetts Library Collaborative's 50 Job Seekers Group ......More

If you are 50 and looking for work, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market, or recently retired and looking for your "encore career," then this is the perfect networking group for you! The Massachusetts Library Collaborative's 50 Job Seekers Group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30-11:30am, via Zoom. Informal networking takes place from 9-9:30am and 11:30am-12pm. This is a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment, conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help in your career transition. Each meeting features a new topic. Meetings include a presentation and interactive workshop on topics relevant to career transition, guest speakers, access to hiring managers, small group breakout rooms to network, and one-on-one coaching guidance. Participants can attend any or all sessions, and new attendees are always welcome. Participating on a regular basis will give job seekers the many tools and strategies needed for a successful job search. Each meeting is facilitated by Deborah Hope, MBA, PCIC, an experienced executive career coach. Deborah is a former Fortune 500 executive, investment banker, and entrepreneur. She transitioned to executive coaching over 12 years ago. Deborah has coached with Harvard Business School Executive Education programs and the Massachusetts Conference for Women. She has been trained or certified in a variety of coaching models and assessment tools. Deborah has facilitated 50 job seekers networking groups since 2016. Register for the 50 Job Seekers Networking Group here! This session's topic is Mastermind ("Your Age Is Your Edge") The full schedule of topics is:August 6: Self-Assessment ("Finding Your Why")August 20: Mastermind ("Your Age Is Your Edge")September 3: Career Story ("Tell Me a Bit About Yourself")September 17: LinkedIn ("Professional Connecting")October 1: Resumes ("A Pocketful of STARS")October 15: Using AI ("Your Job Search Co-Pilot")November 5: Networking 2.0 ("You Must Give to Get")November 19: Interview StrategiesDecember 3: Second Act Careers ("Thinking Outside the Box")December 17: Marketing Plan ("Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan") Registration will remain open until the session starts. The Zoom link will come from the Massachusetts Library Collaborative 50 Job Seekers Networking Group. Please check your spam folder in case it lands there. This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. This group is sponsored by approximately 50 Massachusetts public libraries.

Virtual

Live at Hyde Bandstand: Matt Heaton Sing-along!

This concert will take place at the Hyde Bandstand and Playground. In case of inclement weather it will be moved indoors to the library. Please check this event calendar the morning of August 20 to confirm the location of the concert. Bring the whole family to this fun ......More

This concert will take place at the Hyde Bandstand and Playground. In case of inclement weather it will be moved indoors to the library. Please check this event calendar the morning of August 20 to confirm the location of the concert. Bring the whole family to this fun outdoor concert! Peppered with well-known classics and a few soon-to-be classics, and performed with panache on guitar & banjo, Matt makes music for parents and kids alike. This event is recommended for ages 1-5. Your Friends' membership made this program possible. Join us! [email protected]. A big thank you to the Hyde Community Center for helping organize this event and working with us to use the space. Additional thanks to The Newton Parks, Recreation and Culture Department.

Druker Auditorium

ELL - Afternoon Chat

We will discuss a variety of topics depending on students' interests, which could include life in the United States, cultural differences, current events, and raising children. This is an opportunity to practice speaking, so be prepared to participate! This class is int......More

We will discuss a variety of topics depending on students' interests, which could include life in the United States, cultural differences, current events, and raising children. This is an opportunity to practice speaking, so be prepared to participate! This class is intended for high beginner to intermediate students. No registration is required. Come when you can!This class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m., from July 2 until August 20, 2025.The teacher's name is Niki. For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc

Draw Along Creatures

Draw Along Creatures continues with a focus on seagulls! After creating a drawing of this popular creature from simple shapes, the artist instructor will show you how to create scenes from just your imagination. Registration (required) is only available for ages 7-10 a......More

Draw Along Creatures continues with a focus on seagulls! After creating a drawing of this popular creature from simple shapes, the artist instructor will show you how to create scenes from just your imagination. Registration (required) is only available for ages 7-10 and will begin on August 6.

Children's Program Room

Movie Night at the Library

Join us for movie night at the Library! We will be screening Sinners (2025)! Synopsis: Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back......More

Join us for movie night at the Library! We will be screening Sinners (2025)! Synopsis: Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Hailee Steinfeld, Lola Kirke, Michael B. JordanDirector: Ryan CooglerRating: RProduction Year: 2025Runtime: 128 minsStudio: Warner Bros.Closed captions will be provided on screen. Children 9 years old and younger must be accompanied and supervised by their caregiver at all times.

Druker Auditorium

[CLASS FULL] ELL - Everyday English Conversations

The best way to become comfortable with English is to speak it in everyday life. In this class we will practice conversations in common situations, with a different topic every week. Past topics have included talking to a doctor, making “small talk," and telling persona......More

The best way to become comfortable with English is to speak it in everyday life. In this class we will practice conversations in common situations, with a different topic every week. Past topics have included talking to a doctor, making “small talk," and telling personal stories, such as how you met your spouse. We will learn some vocabulary and idioms, practice pronunciation and grammar, and have fun talking in a low-pressure setting. This class is for intermediate students.This class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., from July 2 until August 27, 2025 (no class on July 9). The teacher's name is Eric. For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc

[CLASS FULL] ELL - English in Action

Let's practice speaking English in a fun and relaxed setting! This conversation group is an opportunity to learn new vocabulary, make friends, and feel more confident. It is for intermediate English learners.The class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) ......More

Let's practice speaking English in a fun and relaxed setting! This conversation group is an opportunity to learn new vocabulary, make friends, and feel more confident. It is for intermediate English learners.The class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m., from July 3 until August 21, 2025. The teacher's name is Rita. For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc

Make Way for Storytime

Join us for storytimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Start your day with stories, songs and rhymes led by Newton Free Library children’s librarians. For children 0-2 and their caregivers.

Children's Program Room

[CLASS FULL] ELL - Short Story Discussion Group

We will read several short stories that have been adapted for English learners. During our classes, we will discuss the stories and share our opinions about them. Students will answer questions based on the stories and will have the opportunity to read aloud to practice......More

We will read several short stories that have been adapted for English learners. During our classes, we will discuss the stories and share our opinions about them. Students will answer questions based on the stories and will have the opportunity to read aloud to practice pronunciation. Students must be able to attend class and read the assigned story every week. This class is for intermediate English learners. This class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m., from July 10 until August 28, 2025 (no class on July 24). The teacher's name is Karen. For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc

Make Way for Storytime

Join us for storytimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Start your day with stories, songs and rhymes led by Newton Free Library children’s librarians. For children 0-2 and their caregivers.

Children's Program Room

Mario Kart Tournament

Spend an afternoon competing against your friends and other gamers in the Teen Area! This will be a bracketed Mario Kart tournament. If you have a Switch, please bring it. The grand prize will be a big candy. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required. For those ......More

Spend an afternoon competing against your friends and other gamers in the Teen Area! This will be a bracketed Mario Kart tournament. If you have a Switch, please bring it. The grand prize will be a big candy. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required. For those entering grades 6 to 12.

Druker Auditorium

Chess Club for Adults

Interested in playing chess with other players? Newton Free Library has its very own chess club that meets once a month! Whether you're a beginner or a master, come on by for some healthy competition. We will provide the chess sets and timers - you bring your best game!......More

Interested in playing chess with other players? Newton Free Library has its very own chess club that meets once a month! Whether you're a beginner or a master, come on by for some healthy competition. We will provide the chess sets and timers - you bring your best game! Ages 18

Druker Auditorium

ELL - Let's Talk on Zoom!

A conversation group for intermediate English learners. No registration is required. Come when you can!This class meets on Zoom on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., from July 3 until August 28, 2025 (no class on July 17).The teacher's name is Margaret. For the Zoom link or more i......More

A conversation group for intermediate English learners. No registration is required. Come when you can!This class meets on Zoom on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., from July 3 until August 28, 2025 (no class on July 17).The teacher's name is Margaret. For the Zoom link or more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

Virtual

Inclusive and Diverse Book Recommendations on Zoom

Join Leelynn Brady for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations! Leelynn will share books in a variety of genres - as well as young adult and middle grade books - all featuring diverse perspectives. Come discover new books with BIPOC, LGBTQ , or disabled protagonists, or......More

Join Leelynn Brady for 30 minutes of pure book recommendations! Leelynn will share books in a variety of genres - as well as young adult and middle grade books - all featuring diverse perspectives. Come discover new books with BIPOC, LGBTQ , or disabled protagonists, or by authors from diverse backgrounds - and share your own recommendations in the chat. Whether you're looking for books that reflect your own identity or books with perspectives different from your own, we're sure you'll find something to like from Leelynn's many enthusiastic reviews. This is a virtual event. Click here to register for this program! Leelynn (she/they) is a book blogger and bookstagrammer at @sometimeleelynnreads. She is an avid reader and supporter of diverse books. She has been talking about her favorite books and authors on Instagram for 10 years and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Her love of reading was fostered at an early age, when her mom told her how much she loved reading and wanted to be just like her. She also participates in a few book clubs that continue to expand her reading, and is a huge library and indie bookstore supporter. Coming from the beautiful state of Hawaii, she is excited to continue to share her love of books and hopes to bring some new and amazing books to your radar. We'll send out a list of all recommendations for those who register. We will also be recording our meetings and uploading them to the Ashland Public Library's YouTube Channel. This program is sponsored by the Ashland Public Library. sometimeleelynnreads logo image credit: Graphics by Waffley Cute Designs.

Virtual

[CLASS FULL] ELL - Let's Talk About Food

Let's Talk About Food is a class for intermediate to advanced English learners. We explore food traditions from other cultures and the ways that food provides health, social connection, and pleasure. We discuss the relationship between food and the environment, facts an......More

Let's Talk About Food is a class for intermediate to advanced English learners. We explore food traditions from other cultures and the ways that food provides health, social connection, and pleasure. We discuss the relationship between food and the environment, facts and myths regarding food and nutrition, and current news about food. In this session, we will talk about eating light meals to deal with the heat, as well as other summer topics.This class meets on Zoom on Fridays at 10:00 a.m., from July 11 until August 29, 2025 (no class on July 25).The teacher's name is Carole. For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

Mariposas Monarca

Join Esther from Spanish Fun to learn all about the thousands of Monarch butterflies that visit Mexico each year! Kids will have the chance to dress up like butterflies as they sing, dance, and play games designed to teach vocabulary in Spanish. Registration (required) ......More

Join Esther from Spanish Fun to learn all about the thousands of Monarch butterflies that visit Mexico each year! Kids will have the chance to dress up like butterflies as they sing, dance, and play games designed to teach vocabulary in Spanish. Registration (required) will be available for kids ages 3-8 starting on Friday, August 8. Your Friends' membership made this program possible. Join us! [email protected].

Druker Auditorium

ELL - Conversation Practice at the Library

Practice conversation with ELL tutors at the library! This is an opportunity to develop your speaking and listening skills, learn new vocabulary, and improve your pronunciation. For English learners of all levels. No registration is necessary. Come when you can!This cla......More

Practice conversation with ELL tutors at the library! This is an opportunity to develop your speaking and listening skills, learn new vocabulary, and improve your pronunciation. For English learners of all levels. No registration is necessary. Come when you can!This class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) on Fridays at 11:00 a.m., from July 11 until August 29, 2025 (no class on July 25). There will be different teachers every week.For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc

ELL - Learning English with TED Talks

We will watch TED Talks – interesting speeches about technology, science, culture, and other topics, each about 10 minutes long – and discuss them, in order to improve our listening skills, speaking skills, vocabulary, and more. This class is for high intermediate to ad......More

We will watch TED Talks – interesting speeches about technology, science, culture, and other topics, each about 10 minutes long – and discuss them, in order to improve our listening skills, speaking skills, vocabulary, and more. This class is for high intermediate to advanced English learners. No registration is necessary. Come when you can!This class meets on Zoom on Fridays at 3:00 p.m., from July 11 until August 29, 2025 (no class on August 8).For more information or the Zoom link, please contact the teacher, Andrew Shapira, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

Virtual

Library Closed-Summer Sunday

Tech Time Drop-In

Stop by for a drop-in technology session with one of our librarians! Each session is:20 minutes longfirst come, first servelimited to one per participant, per week We cannot assist with:Resume helpApplications (e.g. job applications, grants)Website designPhysical hardw......More

Stop by for a drop-in technology session with one of our librarians! Each session is:20 minutes longfirst come, first servelimited to one per participant, per week We cannot assist with:Resume helpApplications (e.g. job applications, grants)Website designPhysical hardware problems (e.g. broken buttons, damaged disk drives)There are no reservations ahead of time. Sessions are first come first serve the day of the event. Please sign in at the 1st floor Ask Desk.

Computer Lab

Disability Dialogues Book Group

Join us for a book group that reads and discusses books exploring disability. We read a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and memoir - books may be written by disabled authors, feature disabled characters, tell the stories of real people with disabilities, or examine cont......More

Join us for a book group that reads and discusses books exploring disability. We read a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and memoir - books may be written by disabled authors, feature disabled characters, tell the stories of real people with disabilities, or examine contemporary or historical topics related to disability. Disability isn't a monolith, so we aim to read books that include different disabilities, themes, and perspectives. Everyone is welcome, and new members can join anytime. Copies of the group's current book are available for checkout at the front desk of the Library. This month, we will be discussing The Frangipani Tree Mystery by Ovidia Yu. The Disability Dialogues Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm. During daylight savings time (March-October), the group meets in person at the Library. During standard time (November-February), the group meets virtually via Zoom. The group is co-sponsored by the Understanding Our Differences, the Newton Commission On Disability, and the Newton Free Library. Questions? Write to Jenni at [email protected]

Room A

Party Games & Ice Cream

Celebrate the end of summer with party games and ice cream! We'll have small challenge games to complete using simple, everyday items. For those entering grades 6-12.

Teen Area

Short Story Discussion Group on Zoom

Join us for our Short Story Discussion Group over Zoom! We will read two short stories and come together to discuss them. Due to access limitations, please sign up to get access to the short stories. Stories will be emailed to everyone one week before the next meeting a......More

Join us for our Short Story Discussion Group over Zoom! We will read two short stories and come together to discuss them. Due to access limitations, please sign up to get access to the short stories. Stories will be emailed to everyone one week before the next meeting as a PDF.Zoom meeting information will be sent one hour before the event starts.

Virtual

[CLASS FULL] ELL - Everyday English Conversations

The best way to become comfortable with English is to speak it in everyday life. In this class we will practice conversations in common situations, with a different topic every week. Past topics have included talking to a doctor, making “small talk," and telling persona......More

The best way to become comfortable with English is to speak it in everyday life. In this class we will practice conversations in common situations, with a different topic every week. Past topics have included talking to a doctor, making “small talk," and telling personal stories, such as how you met your spouse. We will learn some vocabulary and idioms, practice pronunciation and grammar, and have fun talking in a low-pressure setting. This class is for intermediate students.This class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., from July 2 until August 27, 2025 (no class on July 9). The teacher's name is Eric. For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc