Events Calendar / Main Library

Main Library Yarn Social Hour thumbnail Photo

Main Library Yarn Social Hour

Join us for a yarn social hour for knitting, crocheting, and yarn crafting at the Main Library, McAuliffe Branch, or both!

At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM. At the McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM.

This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.

Sci-Fi Book Discussion: Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler thumbnail Photo

Sci-Fi Book Discussion: Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler

The Sci-Fi Book Discussion reads and discusses both classic and contemporary science fiction, covering subgenres such as speculative fiction, alternate history, and apocalyptic. This discussion meets the second Wednesday of the month, from 7-8 pm. This group is hybrid, meeting at the Main Library and streaming to Zoom. Register here: https://bit.ly/fpl-scifidiscussion

April read: Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler

"Dr. Damira Khismatullina, an expert in elephant behavior, was brutally murdered trying to defend the world's last elephants from the brutal ivory trade. Now, her digitized consciousness has been downloaded into the mind of a mammoth.

As the herd's new matriarch, can Damira help fend off poachers long enough for the species to take hold? Or will her own ghosts, and Moscow's real reason for bringing the mammoth back, doom them to a new extinction?"

Collaborative Mural for Neurodiversity Celebration Month thumbnail Photo

Collaborative Mural for Neurodiversity Celebration Month

April 4, 2PM | MAIN, SPARK LAB | All Ages

April 6, 6PM | MAIN, SPARK LAB | All Ages

April 9, 5PM | MAIN, SPARK LAB | All Ages

The Children’s Department is creating a mural and we want YOUR HELP! Drop in to contribute by decorating a square using your own artistic style. After all three events have been held, the squares will be put together to form a beautiful mural for display to celebrate the idea that it is our differences that are our strengths. 

Job Search Prep Program: Concise Introductions thumbnail Photo

Job Search Prep Program: Concise Introductions

Experts all agree that the best way to ultimately land a job sooner is via networking. But how do you strike up a conversation with a stranger? How do you catch the interest of that other person? Join resident career coach Ed Lawrence to discuss networking conversations and practice the art of concise introductions.

The Job Search Prep Program is a six-week program to help you get ready to find your next job. Beginning March 26, we meet each Thursday evening from 7–8:30PM in the Technology Learning Center at the Main Library. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! Come to any one or all of our sessions.

Adult Paint Night thumbnail Photo

Adult Paint Night

Come join instructor Ashwini Chitnavis as she joyfully leads this adult-only paint night! No experience is necessary; supplies and instruction are provided.
Registration required. Registration opens April 1, 2026.  Register: bit.ly/FPLadultpaint26

Walk-in Career Services with Resident Career Coach Ed Lawrence thumbnail Photo

Walk-in Career Services with Resident Career Coach Ed Lawrence

Have career-related questions? Need help with a resume? Maybe you want to practice your interview skills. Stop by our Walk-in Career Services and meet with resident career coach Ed Lawrence for expert advice.

Find Ed every Tuesday evening from 6–8PM at the Main Library in the former Homework Center on the first floor. No appointment necessary and always free!

Spanish Classes thumbnail Photo

Spanish Classes

Designed for people interested in improving their Spanish as a second language. All classes include pronunciation, writing exercises, basic communication skills, and simple conversations. These are beginner level classes with Spanish immersion. Registration is for the entire course: Every Tuesday at 7PM from January 13 - May 19. 

*REGISTRATION IS FULL*

Main Library Yarn Social Hour thumbnail Photo

Main Library Yarn Social Hour

Join us for a yarn social hour for knitting, crocheting, and yarn crafting at the Main Library, McAuliffe Branch, or both!

At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM. At the McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM.

This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.

Job Search Prep Program: Modern Resumes thumbnail Photo

Job Search Prep Program: Modern Resumes

What’s the purpose of the resume? What are the rules to follow? How do you make your resume standout from all the others? What does ATS mean anyway? Join Certified Professional Resume Writer Ed Lawrence to discuss all things resume and the fine art of self-promotion.

The Job Search Prep Program is a six-week program to help you get ready to find your next job. Beginning March 26, we meet each Thursday evening from 7–8:30PM in the Technology Learning Center at the Main Library. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! Come to any one or all of our sessions.

Change in Bloom: Making Mixed Media Zines thumbnail Photo

Change in Bloom: Making Mixed Media Zines

Spring is the season of growth and new energy. Bring your spring colors to life on the page with writing and art! We will be making Zines, small handmade books that combine words and images. Using poetry, watercolor, and collage, we will explore themes of movement and change. You will finish the workshop with an original zine to take home. No writing or art experience required! * Las profes hablan español

Registration Required. Registration opens April 1, 2026. Register here: bit.ly/FPLinbloom26

About our instructors:

  • Robin Danzak has always been passionate about making and sharing art, most recently focusing on pottery, printmaking, and zines that integrate her own mixed-media images and text. Check out Robin's work at dharmazines.org. Robin is a professor at Emerson College, where she teaches courses in language, literacy, and arts in health. She has taught Spanish and English to adults and in the K-12 system. Outside of teaching and artmaking, Robin enjoys moving through nature on foot, bike, or snowshoes!
  • Audra Mackey Beal is passionate about writing, art, and writing about art. Her primary forms are poetry and pottery. She is also interested in the intersection between the arts, healing, and social change. When she is not writing or working with clay, she is typically walking in the woods, teaching, or doing community organizing and disability rights work. 
     
Mandarin Storytime with BrightUpKids thumbnail Photo

Mandarin Storytime with BrightUpKids

非常适合母语人士和初学者,通过生动的故事和精美的绘本,带您领略汉语之美。每周相约,与我们一同开启语言、文化与创意的新奇旅程!适合3-5岁儿童!

由于恰逢周末假日,原定于5月23日在McAuliffe 分管举行的普通话故事活动将被取消。

McAuliffe Branch: 周六下午 3 点 1 月 24 日、2 月 21 日、3 月 21、日 4 月 18 日、5 月 23 日、6 月 20 日

Main Library: 周六下午 3 点 1 月 10 日、2 月 7 日、3 月 7、日 4 月 4 日、5 月 9 日、6 月 6 日

 

Perfect for both native speakers and beginners, it introduces the beauty of Mandarin through lively storytelling and picture books. Join us each week for a new adventure in language, culture, and creativity! Ages 3-5!

Storytime on May 23rd at McAuliffe Branch is cancelled due to the holiday weekend

McAuliffe Branch: Saturdays at 3pm: 1/24, 2/21, 3/21, 4/18, 5/23, 6/20

Main Library: Saturdays at 3pm: 1/10, 2/7, 3/7, 4/4, 5/9, 6/6

Walk-in Career Services with Resident Career Coach Ed Lawrence thumbnail Photo

Walk-in Career Services with Resident Career Coach Ed Lawrence

Have career-related questions? Need help with a resume? Maybe you want to practice your interview skills. Stop by our Walk-in Career Services and meet with resident career coach Ed Lawrence for expert advice.

Find Ed every Tuesday evening from 6–8PM at the Main Library in the former Homework Center on the first floor. No appointment necessary and always free!

Spanish Classes thumbnail Photo

Spanish Classes

Designed for people interested in improving their Spanish as a second language. All classes include pronunciation, writing exercises, basic communication skills, and simple conversations. These are beginner level classes with Spanish immersion. Registration is for the entire course: Every Tuesday at 7PM from January 13 - May 19. 

*REGISTRATION IS FULL*

Main Library Yarn Social Hour thumbnail Photo

Main Library Yarn Social Hour

Join us for a yarn social hour for knitting, crocheting, and yarn crafting at the Main Library, McAuliffe Branch, or both!

At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM. At the McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM.

This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.

Library of Things Show & Tell thumbnail Photo

Library of Things Show & Tell

Have you ever wanted to try something without committing to the purchase? Are you looking for a new hobby but don't know where to start? Come check out the Library of Things collection! We’ll have all the “things” out for you to explore! There will be demonstrations and lots of things set up for people to try!

Hot Takes: The Unhoneymooners by  Christinia Lauren thumbnail Photo

Hot Takes: The Unhoneymooners by Christinia Lauren

Hot Takes: Romance Book Discussion at the Main Library meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month. This discussion group will delve into the world of romance through genres such as contemporary fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and more! We welcome all tastes and experiences in our judgement free zone. Register here for email updates: https://bit.ly/FPL-Hot-Takes

April Read: The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
"Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man."

Kids Afternoon Painting Workshop with Julie Harrold thumbnail Photo

Kids Afternoon Painting Workshop with Julie Harrold

Join Art Educator Julie Harrold in an instructional step by step painting of a bird with cherry blossoms! Participants will learn to see shapes and utilize blending and layering techniques.  Painting done on an 11x14 canvas board with acrylic paint.  No painting experience necessary, dress for mess! Get a ticket from the Children’s Desk within 30 minutes of the program to secure your spot. Space is limited. Ages 8-12

Mah Jongg thumbnail Photo

Mah Jongg

Open to experienced players with a National Mah Jongg League card.

Documentaries in Dialogue: Feeding Tomorrow (2024, PG, 1h20m) thumbnail Photo

Documentaries in Dialogue: Feeding Tomorrow (2024, PG, 1h20m)

Join us in discussion after watching Feeding Tomorrow; A documentary that explores solutions for a more just, sustainable, and regenerative food system while offering actionable insights for better environmental and human health. With a special guest from Black Earth Compost joining the conversation.

Job Search Prep Program: Establishing Rapport with Interviewers thumbnail Photo

Job Search Prep Program: Establishing Rapport with Interviewers

They like your resume and invited you to interview for the role. You’re nervous. How best to prepare? How do you calm your nerves? We hear likability is key, so how do you get them to like you? Join resident Certified Interview Coach Ed Lawrence to discuss interviewing and to practice the fine art of building rapport with the interviewer.

The Job Search Prep Program is a six-week program to help you get ready to find your next job. Beginning March 26, we meet each Thursday evening from 7–8:30PM in the Technology Learning Center at the Main Library. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! Come to any one or all of our sessions.

D.E.A.R. Day thumbnail Photo

D.E.A.R. Day

Drop Everything And Read! Explore our book discussions, swap bookmarks, or just grab a warm beverage and settle in with a good book! Today we make time to read!

Monday Matinee: Song Sung Blue thumbnail Photo

Monday Matinee: Song Sung Blue

“Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.”  (2025, PG-13, 2h 13m)

Art Journal Jam for Adults thumbnail Photo

Art Journal Jam for Adults

Bring your own art journal and prepare to get messy! Join us for this casual, unstructured session exploring the possibilities of art journals. No experience required. Some supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite medium to work in. Space is limited. Registration required.

Walk-in Career Services with Resident Career Coach Ed Lawrence thumbnail Photo

Walk-in Career Services with Resident Career Coach Ed Lawrence

Have career-related questions? Need help with a resume? Maybe you want to practice your interview skills. Stop by our Walk-in Career Services and meet with resident career coach Ed Lawrence for expert advice.

Find Ed every Tuesday evening from 6–8PM at the Main Library in the former Homework Center on the first floor. No appointment necessary and always free!

Spanish Classes thumbnail Photo

Spanish Classes

Designed for people interested in improving their Spanish as a second language. All classes include pronunciation, writing exercises, basic communication skills, and simple conversations. These are beginner level classes with Spanish immersion. Registration is for the entire course: Every Tuesday at 7PM from January 13 - May 19. 

*REGISTRATION IS FULL*

Main Library Yarn Social Hour thumbnail Photo

Main Library Yarn Social Hour

Join us for a yarn social hour for knitting, crocheting, and yarn crafting at the Main Library, McAuliffe Branch, or both!

At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM. At the McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM.

This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.

Job Search Prep Program: Negotiating Salary & Benefits thumbnail Photo

Job Search Prep Program: Negotiating Salary & Benefits

Congratulations! You just  landed a job! Have you discussed salary yet? How about the benefits? You think salary negotiation is one of the scariest situations you’ll ever face. Let us calm your fear. They said they want you. Now is the time to tell them what you want. Join resident career coach Ed Lawrence to discuss the fine field of salary and benefits.

The Job Search Prep Program is a six-week program to help you get ready to find your next job. Beginning March 26, we meet each Thursday evening from 7–8:30PM in the Technology Learning Center at the Main Library. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! Come to any one or all of our sessions.

Kids Chess Club thumbnail Photo

Kids Chess Club

This Chess Club is an informal group welcoming everyone from new players to junior chess masters! Chess boards are provided, but you can bring your own. Staff are available to help with questions, but will not be teaching chess. For Elementary and Middle School students.

1st Tuesday of every Month, 5PM | MAIN, HOMEWORK CENTER

3rd Tuesday of every Month, 5PM | MCAULIFFE, COMMUNITY ROOM

Spanish Classes thumbnail Photo

Spanish Classes

Designed for people interested in improving their Spanish as a second language. All classes include pronunciation, writing exercises, basic communication skills, and simple conversations. These are beginner level classes with Spanish immersion. Registration is for the entire course: Every Tuesday at 7PM from January 13 - May 19. 

*REGISTRATION IS FULL*

Main Library Book Discussion: North Woods by Daniel Mason thumbnail Photo

Main Library Book Discussion: North Woods by Daniel Mason

May Book: North Woods by Daniel Mason

  • "A sweeping novel about a single house in the woods of New England, told through the lives of those who inhabit it across the centuries—a daring, moving tale of memory and fate from the Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of The Piano Tuner and The Winter Soldier. 

    When a pair of young lovers abscond from a Puritan colony, little do they know that their humble cabin in the woods will become home to an extraordinary succession of inhabitants . An English soldier, destined for glory, abandons the battlefields of the New World to devote himself to apples. A pair of spinster twins survive war and famine, only to succumb to envy and desire. A crime reporter unearths a mass grave, but finds the ancient trees refuse to give up their secrets. A lovelorn painter, a conman, a stalking panther, a lusty beetle; as each one confronts the mysteries of the north woods, they come to realize that the dark, raucous, beautiful past is very much alive.

    ​Traversing cycles of history, nature, and even literature, North Woods shows the myriad, magical ways in which we’re connected to our environment and to one another, across time, language and space. Written along with the seasons and divided into the twelve months of the year, it is an unforgettable novel about secrets and fates that asks the timeless how do we live on, even after we’re gone?"

 

The Main Library Book Discussion meets on the first Tuesday of each month. Books chosen are generally literary fiction or narrative nonfiction. Participants take turns leading the discussion. This discussion currently meets online via Zoom. Register here: https://bit.ly/fpl-adultbookdiscussion

Main Library Yarn Social Hour thumbnail Photo

Main Library Yarn Social Hour

Join us for a yarn social hour for knitting, crocheting, and yarn crafting at the Main Library, McAuliffe Branch, or both!

At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM. At the McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM.

This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.

Alphabet Soup: Queer Teen Hangout thumbnail Photo

Alphabet Soup: Queer Teen Hangout

A twice monthly meeting for LGBTQIA+ and allied teens to hang out and do crafts. On the first Thursday, we’ll be at the Main Library, and on the third Thursday, we’ll meet at the McAuliffe Branch.

Grades 6-12

Mandarin Storytime with BrightUpKids thumbnail Photo

Mandarin Storytime with BrightUpKids

非常适合母语人士和初学者,通过生动的故事和精美的绘本,带您领略汉语之美。每周相约,与我们一同开启语言、文化与创意的新奇旅程!适合3-5岁儿童!

由于恰逢周末假日,原定于5月23日在McAuliffe 分管举行的普通话故事活动将被取消。

McAuliffe Branch: 周六下午 3 点 1 月 24 日、2 月 21 日、3 月 21、日 4 月 18 日、5 月 23 日、6 月 20 日

Main Library: 周六下午 3 点 1 月 10 日、2 月 7 日、3 月 7、日 4 月 4 日、5 月 9 日、6 月 6 日

 

Perfect for both native speakers and beginners, it introduces the beauty of Mandarin through lively storytelling and picture books. Join us each week for a new adventure in language, culture, and creativity! Ages 3-5!

Storytime on May 23rd at McAuliffe Branch is cancelled due to the holiday weekend

McAuliffe Branch: Saturdays at 3pm: 1/24, 2/21, 3/21, 4/18, 5/23, 6/20

Main Library: Saturdays at 3pm: 1/10, 2/7, 3/7, 4/4, 5/9, 6/6

Spanish Classes thumbnail Photo

Spanish Classes

Designed for people interested in improving their Spanish as a second language. All classes include pronunciation, writing exercises, basic communication skills, and simple conversations. These are beginner level classes with Spanish immersion. Registration is for the entire course: Every Tuesday at 7PM from January 13 - May 19. 

*REGISTRATION IS FULL*

Sci-Fi Book Discussion: Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky thumbnail Photo

Sci-Fi Book Discussion: Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky

May 13: Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky

  • "Professor Arton Daghdev has always wanted to study alien life in person. But when his political activism sees him exiled to the planet Kiln, condemned to work under an unfamiliar sky until he dies, his idealistic wish becomes a terrible reality.

    Kiln boasts a ravenous, chaotic ecosystem. Its monstrous alien life means Arton will risk death on a daily basis – if the camp’s oppressive regime doesn’t kill him first. But, if he survives, Kiln’s lost civilization holds a wondrous, terrible secret. It will redefine life and intelligence as he knows it – and might just set him free."

The Sci-Fi Book Discussion reads and discusses both classic and contemporary science fiction, covering subgenres such as speculative fiction, alternate history, and apocalyptic. This discussion meets the second Wednesday of the month, from 7-8 pm. This group is hybrid, meeting at the Main Library and streaming to Zoom. Register here: https://bit.ly/fpl-scifidiscussion

Spanish Classes thumbnail Photo

Spanish Classes

Designed for people interested in improving their Spanish as a second language. All classes include pronunciation, writing exercises, basic communication skills, and simple conversations. These are beginner level classes with Spanish immersion. Registration is for the entire course: Every Tuesday at 7PM from January 13 - May 19. 

*REGISTRATION IS FULL*

Hot Takes: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz thumbnail Photo

Hot Takes: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

May read: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

  • "She traded curses for carnations. But old magic dies hard...

    Guy Shadowfade is dead, and Violet Thistlethwaite is out of a job. After a lifetime as the dark sorcerer's right-hand witch, she's ready to turn over a new leaf. And this time, she wants to sprout peonies instead of poison.

    The quiet town of Dragon's Rest seems like the perfect place to start over. Violet opens a flower shop, swears off dark magic, and does her best to be...good. Even if her reputation - and her mildly homicidal, sentient houseplant - make that tricky.

    Her vibrant bouquets soon charm the locals, but nothing she does seems to impress the grumpy (and infuriatingly gorgeous) Nathaniel Marsh, the alchemist she's forced to share a greenhouse with.

    But when a strange blight begins to rot the roots of Dragon's Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together - through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings - to save the town.

    And as old secrets start to surface, Violet can't help but does a former villain like her truly deserve a happily-ever-after?"

 

Hot Takes: Romance Book Discussion at the Main Library meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month. This discussion group will delve into the world of romance through genres such as contemporary fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and more! We welcome all tastes and experiences in our judgement free zone. Register here for email updates: https://bit.ly/FPL-Hot-Takes

Mah Jongg thumbnail Photo

Mah Jongg

Open to experienced players with a National Mah Jongg League card.