Finding Physics

Calling all young scientists! This spring, uncover the physics behind everyday life with Newton South High School’s Physics Club. Through an engaging mini-lesson and a series of hands-on lab activities led by Newton high schoolers passionate about STEM, you’ll learn abo......More

Calling all young scientists! This spring, uncover the physics behind everyday life with Newton South High School’s Physics Club. Through an engaging mini-lesson and a series of hands-on lab activities led by Newton high schoolers passionate about STEM, you’ll learn about fascinating new topics in the field of physics. Feed your curiosity, explore your interests, and stretch your brain with projects like building rockets, shooting lasers, and making magnetic slime! We welcome all tweens to come learn, collaborate, and explore. Session 2 will focus on electromagnetism. Students are not required to attend both sessions.

Children's Program Room

Movie Matinee at the Library

Watch Mufasa: The Lion King at the Newton Free Library! Synopsis: “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the sto......More

Watch Mufasa: The Lion King at the Newton Free Library! Synopsis: “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe. Cast: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston NymanDirector: Barry Jenkins Run Time: 118 MinutesRated: PGRelease Year: 2024Studio: Walt Disney PicturesSubtitles will be on screen Children 8 years-old and younger must be accompanied and supervised by their caregiver at all times.

Druker Auditorium

Sensational Play

Drop by anytime in the hour for self directed sensory activities for ages 2-4. There will be stations set up around the room each with a different activity for children to explore at their own pace.

Children's Program Room

Level Up at Your Library: Activities for 3-6 year olds

Celebrate summer reading and the library with fun activities all summer long! Stop by for a fun new craft or activity each week . This event is recommended for ages 3-6 and will repeat on the following days. July 7July 14July 28

Children's Program Room

Crochet Workshop for Beginners

Join Off the Hook Crochet to learn the basics of crochet! This is a 90-minute workshop for adults designed for absolute beginners, providing a perfect opportunity to learn and practice in a supportive and interactive environment. If you've never held a crochet hook befo......More

Join Off the Hook Crochet to learn the basics of crochet! This is a 90-minute workshop for adults designed for absolute beginners, providing a perfect opportunity to learn and practice in a supportive and interactive environment. If you've never held a crochet hook before, this class is for you! Led by an instructor with 30 years of experience in the art of crochet, this program will introduce you to the fundamentals, including how to crochet in rows, how to interpret yarn labels, and how to identify crochet stitches. The instructor is the founder of Off the Hook Crochet, a locally-owned small business specializing in fiber arts design. Yarn and crochet hooks will be provided at the workshop – all you need to do is arrive ready to learn and have fun!

Druker Auditorium

Family Bingo

Join us for a family friendly version of picture bingo! Rounds will include pictures, music and sounds that you will need to identify before checking them off your bingo card. Families are welcome to work together, content will be aimed at ages 5 and up.

Children's Program Room

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

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

Santon: Pianist and Composer Defying Limits

Santon, a blind and autistic pianist and composer, is captivating audiences with his emotionally rich and stylistically diverse performances. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia and raised in Massachusetts, he spent two decades studying at Perkins School for the Blind, wher......More

Santon, a blind and autistic pianist and composer, is captivating audiences with his emotionally rich and stylistically diverse performances. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia and raised in Massachusetts, he spent two decades studying at Perkins School for the Blind, where he received foundational musical training. Santon later graduated summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music, further honing his skills as a performer and composer. His dynamic repertoire spans classical, jazz, tango, and world music. Santon continues to inspire with his remarkable talent, breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible through music. This concert is presented in partnership with the Department of Older Adult Services. This program is generously sponsored by the Jayne Colino Fund at the Senior Citizens Fund of Newton. RSVP requested. Please call 617-796-1675, stop by the Front Desk at 20 Hartford Street, or send your name, telephone number, and email address to our receptionists at [email protected]

Druker Auditorium

ELL - Conversation, Vocabulary, and Grammar

This is an opportunity to practice conversation and learn about English vocabulary and grammar. It is for intermediate to advanced English learners. No registration is required. Come when you can!This class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) on Tuesdays......More

This is an opportunity to practice conversation and learn about English vocabulary and grammar. It is for intermediate to advanced English learners. No registration is required. Come when you can!This class meets in person (on the third floor of the library) on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m., from April 1 until June 24, 2025.The teacher's name is Matt. For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc

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 grades 5-12. Have questions? Email Megan at [email protected].

Teen Area

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 Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Ladau. In honor of Disability Pride Month in July, Emily Ladau will be speaking at the Newton Free Library! Join us in person or on Zoom for Demystifying Disability: A Community Conversation with Author Emily Ladau on Wednesday, July 9 at 7pm, presented in partnership between the Newton Commission on Disability, Understanding Our Differences, and the Newton Free Library. Attending the Disability Dialogues Book Group is a great way to explore the themes of Emily Ladau's work before her event at the Library! 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

Proud To Be Me: Dance Party

Celebrate Pride and the start of summer with a high energy dance party! This program is best suited for ages 3-8 but all ages are welcome- just bring your dancing shoes!

Druker Auditorium

One-on-One Tech Time

Got tech questions? Get tech answers! Sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Tech Time help session with one of our staff members. These sessions are good for people with questions regarding:Basic computer skills and questionsE-readers and mobile devicesInternet searchingE......More

Got tech questions? Get tech answers! Sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Tech Time help session with one of our staff members. These sessions are good for people with questions regarding:Basic computer skills and questionsE-readers and mobile devicesInternet searchingEmailLibrary resources (Hoopla, Overdrive, Kanopy, and more)We cannot assist with:Resume helpJob applicationsWebsite designPhysical hardware problems (ex broken buttons, etc.) Registration is required. Each participant is limited to one 30-minute session per week.

Computer Lab

One-on-One Tech Time

Got tech questions? Get tech answers! Sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Tech Time help session with one of our staff members. These sessions are good for people with questions regarding:Basic computer skills and questionsE-readers and mobile devicesInternet searchingE......More

Got tech questions? Get tech answers! Sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Tech Time help session with one of our staff members. These sessions are good for people with questions regarding:Basic computer skills and questionsE-readers and mobile devicesInternet searchingEmailLibrary resources (Hoopla, Overdrive, Kanopy, and more)We cannot assist with:Resume helpJob applicationsWebsite designPhysical hardware problems (ex broken buttons, etc.) Registration is required. Each participant is limited to one 30-minute session per week.

Computer Lab

Scrunched Tissue Paper Creations

Stop by to make designs and landscapes out of scrunched tissue paper! There will be examples to work from or you can create from your own imagination! This event is recommended for kids ages 7-9.

Children's Program Room

Short Story Discussion Group on Zoom

Join us for our Short Story Discussion group over Zoom! We'll read two short stories and come together to discuss them. Stories TBD. Due to access limitations, please sign up to get access to the short stories of the week. We will email them to you as a PDF.Zoom meeting......More

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

Virtual

Anime/Manga Club

Meet and hang out with lovers of all things anime! Activities include anime screenings, snacks, and casual chats about our favorite series. We'll meet every other week on the following dates in the Teen Area: 1/8, 1/22, 2/12, 2/26, 3/12, 3/26, 4/16, 4/30, 5/14, 5/28, 6/......More

Meet and hang out with lovers of all things anime! Activities include anime screenings, snacks, and casual chats about our favorite series. We'll meet every other week on the following dates in the Teen Area: 1/8, 1/22, 2/12, 2/26, 3/12, 3/26, 4/16, 4/30, 5/14, 5/28, 6/11 & 6/25

Teen Area

Trustees Meeting

Trustees Room

Community Craft Night

Join us for crafting and conversation at the library! Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery, or handicrafts and chat with fellow crafters as you work on your project. All sessions are drop in, no registration required. For more information, contact Julian at newtonpu......More

Join us for crafting and conversation at the library! Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery, or handicrafts and chat with fellow crafters as you work on your project. All sessions are drop in, no registration required. For more information, contact Julian at [email protected].

Druker Auditorium

Spooky Stories

Get ready for ghostly giggles, eerie adventures, and a frightfully good time! Come listen to a few scary stories to share with your friends over the next campfire. Recommended for ages 7-10.

Children's Program Room

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

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

One-on-One Tech Time

Got tech questions? Get tech answers! Sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Tech Time help session with one of our staff members. These sessions are good for people with questions regarding:Basic computer skills and questionsE-readers and mobile devicesInternet searchingE......More

Got tech questions? Get tech answers! Sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Tech Time help session with one of our staff members. These sessions are good for people with questions regarding:Basic computer skills and questionsE-readers and mobile devicesInternet searchingEmailLibrary resources (Hoopla, Overdrive, Kanopy, and more)We cannot assist with:Resume helpJob applicationsWebsite designPhysical hardware problems (ex broken buttons, etc.) Registration is required. Each participant is limited to one 30-minute session per week.

Computer Lab

One-on-One Tech Time

Got tech questions? Get tech answers! Sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Tech Time help session with one of our staff members. These sessions are good for people with questions regarding:Basic computer skills and questionsE-readers and mobile devicesInternet searchingE......More

Got tech questions? Get tech answers! Sign up for a 30 minute one-on-one Tech Time help session with one of our staff members. These sessions are good for people with questions regarding:Basic computer skills and questionsE-readers and mobile devicesInternet searchingEmailLibrary resources (Hoopla, Overdrive, Kanopy, and more)We cannot assist with:Resume helpJob applicationsWebsite designPhysical hardware problems (ex broken buttons, etc.) Registration is required. Each participant is limited to one 30-minute session per week.

Computer Lab

Dancing in Each Other's Shoes

Join professional dancers from Arts for Learning Massachusetts for a journey through multiple different dance styles! The dancers will get the kids up and moving while telling a story about self expression and kindness. This event is recommended for ages 5 and up. We wi......More

Join professional dancers from Arts for Learning Massachusetts for a journey through multiple different dance styles! The dancers will get the kids up and moving while telling a story about self expression and kindness. This event is recommended for ages 5 and up. We will also be talking about how to join in our summer reading program at the library to track your reading and win awesome prizes! This program is made possible by the Nancy Lurensky Swidler Memorial Fund.

Druker Auditorium

ELL Tutor Talk Time

This is an opportunity for you to share experiences with other ELL tutors and exchange ideas about teaching English learners. Bring your questions, challenges, suggestions, and successes!This event will take place in person, on the third floor of the library. For more i......More

This is an opportunity for you to share experiences with other ELL tutors and exchange ideas about teaching English learners. Bring your questions, challenges, suggestions, and successes!This event will take place in person, on the third floor of the library. For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc

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

Hooked on Books Club

Looking for a casual book club that reads a wide variety of books? You’ve come to the right place! Come join the Hooked on Books club on the last Thursday of each month for good conversation and discussion. Be sure to check our previous selections to see if this book cl......More

Looking for a casual book club that reads a wide variety of books? You’ve come to the right place! Come join the Hooked on Books club on the last Thursday of each month for good conversation and discussion. Be sure to check our previous selections to see if this book club is for you. Previous books can be found here on our website. Get out of your comfort zone and read something new! We meet in-person on the 1st floor of the Library in Druker Auditorium! This group is geared towards adults and older teens. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, please contact Aiden at [email protected] This month we are reading "The upstairs delicatessen: on eating, reading, reading about eating, and eating while reading" by Dwight Garner. Physical copies of the book are available to pickup at the front Circulation Desk, and digital e-book and e-audiobook copies are available to borrow through Libby.

Druker Auditorium

Teen Graphic Novel Book Club

If you love comics and graphic novels, join us once a month as we discuss all things illustrated! This group will meet in the Teen Area and books will be available for pick up at the Teen Desk. For Grades 8-12. We meet once a month on the following dates: 6/26. This mon......More

If you love comics and graphic novels, join us once a month as we discuss all things illustrated! This group will meet in the Teen Area and books will be available for pick up at the Teen Desk. For Grades 8-12. We meet once a month on the following dates: 6/26. This month: The Pantomime by Christopher Sebela. For more information, please email [email protected]

Teen Area

Spanish Fun

Join Esther Gomez for songs, games and more all designed to help kids learn Spanish through play. Recommended for ages 2 and up. Your Friends' membership made this program possible. Join us! [email protected].

Druker Auditorium

Pride Rocks!

Take your pride outside! We'll have sidewalk chalk and painting rocks to decorate! Beautify the library grounds with us or take your creations home! No sign up needed. Grade 5-12.

Outside

Imagination Station

Calling all budding artists to an open ended art time focused on exploring different ways to create! The activities will be designed to expose kids to different artistic processes and there may not be a finished product to take home. We will dim the lights and have othe......More

Calling all budding artists to an open ended art time focused on exploring different ways to create! The activities will be designed to expose kids to different artistic processes and there may not be a finished product to take home. We will dim the lights and have other sensory adaptations, such as headphones, available upon request. Registration (required) will be available for kids ages 4-7 on Friday, June 13.

Children's Program Room

Music and Movement with Madison

Join Early Childhood Music Specialist Madison for engaging songs, dancing and musical activities! This event is for ages 0-5. Registration (required) will be available starting on Saturday, June 14.

Children's Program Room

Board Game Club

Come play some board games! Bring games you've been itching to play with other like-minded folks or grab one of the library's. You can see our selection of games on the first floor in the atrium or here in our catalog. If you've ever played and enjoyed games like Settle......More

Come play some board games! Bring games you've been itching to play with other like-minded folks or grab one of the library's. You can see our selection of games on the first floor in the atrium or here in our catalog. If you've ever played and enjoyed games like Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, King of Tokyo, or Dominion, this game night would be for you! The Board Game Club meets on the first and second Thursdays of the month and the fourth Saturday of the month. You can attend any or all sessions, and new members are always welcome!

Room A

Crochet for Our Community!

Join us in the Teen Area for a weekly crochet lesson! In our six classes, we will build up the skills to create a final project, a crochet stuffed bunny! Each bunny will be donated to TBD. This club is a great opportunity to explore a new hobby while finding a way to gi......More

Join us in the Teen Area for a weekly crochet lesson! In our six classes, we will build up the skills to create a final project, a crochet stuffed bunny! Each bunny will be donated to TBD. This club is a great opportunity to explore a new hobby while finding a way to give back to the community. We meet weekly on the following days: 6/28,7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26 & 8/2. Participants are registered and required to attend ALL 6 sessions. For those entering grades 6-12.

Teen Area

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

Pronoun Accessories

Drop in to make unique pronoun accessories! We'll have supplies to make pronoun bracelets, earring, pendants, and of course, pins! For those entering grades 6-12.

Teen Area

Proud to be Me Festival

Stop by to enjoy crafts and activities in celebration of Pride month! This event is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Children's Program Room

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

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

Gross, Weird, Cool Science

From real world vampires to animals that glow in the dark Gross, Weird, Cool Science has something for everyone! Kids will walk away with tons of fun facts about the amazing world around us. Susie, from the Poop Museum, brings her infectious energy and enthusiasm to thi......More

From real world vampires to animals that glow in the dark Gross, Weird, Cool Science has something for everyone! Kids will walk away with tons of fun facts about the amazing world around us. Susie, from the Poop Museum, brings her infectious energy and enthusiasm to this event. While fun for the whole family this event is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Druker Auditorium

ELL - Let's Talk!

A conversation group 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 Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m., from July 1 until August 5, 2025.The teacher's name is Manya. For more infor......More

A conversation group 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 Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m., from July 1 until August 5, 2025.The teacher's name is Manya. For more information, please contact Andrew Shapira, ELL Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or [email protected].

3rd Floor Rear Arc

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