Events Calendar / McAuliffe Branch
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
Queer Reads: Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
The Queer Reads Book Discussion celebrates queer authors, books, and themes. This discussion meets in person every third Tuesday of the month at the McAuliffe Branch. Register here: https://bit.ly/fpl-queerbookdiscussion
June 16th: Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
- Set in the contemporary Paris of American expatraites, liasons, and violence, a young man finds himself caught between desire and conventional morality. James Baldwin's brilliant narrative delves into the mystery of loving with a sharp, probing imagination, and he creates a moving, highly controversial story of death and passion that reveals the unspoken complexities of the heart.
McAuliffe Matinee: The Birdcage
A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's right-wing, conservative parents.
(1996 | 1h 57m | R | CC)
Watch the trailer here.
McAuliffe Branch 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 McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM. At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM.
This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.
Craft Ladies: Faux Stained Glass Pictures
We will be making faux stained glass pictures using picture frames, permanent markers and foil. Supplies and space are limited. Registration is required and opens on June 1st.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/FPL-Glass
[Craft Ladies will be on hiatus in July. They will return on August 19.]
McAuliffe Book Discussion (Morning): The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia
The McAuliffe Branch hosts two book discussion groups to discuss various fiction and nonfiction, as well as contemporary and classic literature. You can join us anytime to discuss one particular book or become a regular. Register here: https://bit.ly/mca-bookdiscussions
June 18th: The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia
- From the day that old Nana Reja found a baby abandoned under a bridge, the life of a small Mexican town forever changed. Disfigured and covered in a blanket of bees, little Simonopio is for some locals the stuff of superstition, a child kissed by the devil. But he is welcomed by landowners Francisco and Beatriz Morales, who adopt him and care for him as if he were their own. As he grows up, Simonopio becomes a cause for wonder to the Morales family, because when the uncannily gifted child closes his eyes, he can see what no one else can—visions of all that’s yet to come, both beautiful and dangerous. Followed by his protective swarm of bees and living to deliver his adoptive family from threats—both human and those of nature—Simonopio’s purpose in Linares will, in time, be divined.
Musicals at McAuliffe: Cabaret
A Kit Kat Klub entertainer in Weimar Republic era Berlin romances two men while the Nazi Party rises to power around them. (1972 | 2h 4m | PG | CC)
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
Veterans At Ease Coffee Hour
Join us and your local, fellow veterans on the 3rd Friday of each month for free coffee and light refreshments.
This program is a collaboration between the Framingham Public Library and the City of Framingham Veterans Services.
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
OUT Metrowest: Fuse Bead Social
Join us and OUT Metrowest for a Fuse Bead Social! Make flags, rainbows, patterns, and more to show your pride!
All Ages
D&D Campaign: The Quest
Welcome to Tor, a land of ancient magic, sleepy towns, and whispered legends. Life has always been simple—until now.
Strange things have been happening across the realm:
• Travelers speak of creatures never before seen, roaming the forests and skies…
• Entire villages report strange curses, spreading like wildfire without explanation…
• And in the darkest corners of the land, the dead are beginning to rise.
In the bustling town of Greybend, four strangers meet in a tavern for their very first mission.
Their task? Help sweet Old Lady Nessa with a rat problem in her cellar.
But what begins as a small job quickly spirals into something far greater—and far more dangerous—than anyone could have expected.
“The Quest” is a Dungeons & Dragons jump-in adventure perfect for new players and experienced adventurers alike. Dive into an epic story full of mystery, magic, monsters, and more!
All materials provided—just show up on time, ready to play! No experience needed. Just bring your imagination and your sense of adventure.
Dare to take the first step? The world of Tor awaits.
Registration required, space is limited: https://forms.gle/ZKApL7TwCwHr8YKV7
Grades 6-12
Puzzle Swap: McAuliffe Branch
What to do with jigsaw puzzles you’ve completed? Swap them! Bring your puzzles to exchange with others. No puzzle to swap? Come anyway; there are always extras for you to take. All ages and levels welcome.
Make it Tuesday: Tree of Life Wreaths
This month, bring a touch of the outdoors inside! Join us as we create a rustic Tree of Life wall hanging. Using a combination of natural twine and preserved moss, we’ll create a textured wall hanging that celebrates the spirit of nature and looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. It’s the perfect earthy accent for any wall. Supplies are limited.
McAuliffe Branch 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 McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM. At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM.
This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.
Summer Reading Kickoff
Our 2026 Summer Reading program kicks off with our annual Truck Day event at McAuliffe! Stop by the Main or McAuliffe Branch Library to register and get your free Summer Reading t-shirt. Then get started reading! For each book you read, enter it into our Summer Reading raffle for a chance to win an end-of-summer prize.
McAuliffe Branch 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 McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM. At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM.
This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.
Story Circle – Recipes, Roots & Traditions
Safiyat Hamiss of Tasty Harvests will guide this community storytelling session focused on the recipes, food traditions, and cultural roots that inspire our gardening journeys. Participants will gather in a welcoming circle to share stories, recipes, and memories connected to food and culture. Community guest speaker Samela will join the conversation, offering cultural insight and helping create space for shared learning and connection. This session deepens the series by centering culture, voice, and community—no gardening experience required.
McAuliffe Matinee: Johnny Tremain (1957)
Johnny Tremain is drawn into the Revolutionary War, and becomes a patriot fighting to free the colonies from England. Along the way he learns about life and about himself.
(1957 | NR | 1h 20m)
McAuliffe Branch 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 McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM. At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM.
This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.
Board Game Night
Bring your friends or meet new ones at this evening of board game fun! Try one of the Library's selection of board games, we’ll teach you the rules, no experience needed. Or, bring your own and teach us something new! Relax, connect, and play at your own pace. All are welcome.
Music Bingo
Love music? Love prizes? Join us for Music Bingo! It’s just like the classic game, but we’ve swapped the numbers for your favorite hits and hidden gems. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just looking for a new favorite playlist, come hang out, socialize, and compete for a prize. Don't know the song? No problem! Shazam is welcome and encouraged.
McAuliffe Book Discussion (Evening): The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama
The McAuliffe Branch hosts two book discussion groups to discuss various fiction and nonfiction, as well as contemporary and classic literature. You can join us anytime to discuss one particular book or become a regular. Register here: https://bit.ly/mca-bookdiscussions
July 14: The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama
- A 20-year-old Chinese painter named Stephen is sent to his family's summer home in a Japanese coastal village to recover from a bout with tuberculosis. Here he is cared for by Matsu, a reticent housekeeper and a master gardener. Over the course of a remarkable year, Stephen learns Matsu's secret and gains not only physical strength, but also profound spiritual insight. Matsu is a samurai of the soul, a man devoted to doing good and finding beauty in a cruel and arbitrary world, and Stephen is a noble student, learning to appreciate Matsu's generous and nurturing way of life and to love Matsu's soul-mate, gentle Sachi, a woman afflicted with leprosy.
McAuliffe Matinee: The Patriot (2000)
Peaceful farmer Benjamin Martin is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution when a sadistic British officer murders his son. (2000 | R | 2h 45m)
McAuliffe Branch 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 McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM. At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM.
This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.
McAuliffe Book Discussion (Morning): Over My Dead Body by Greg Melville
The McAuliffe Branch hosts two book discussion groups to discuss various fiction and nonfiction, as well as contemporary and classic literature. You can join us anytime to discuss one particular book or become a regular. Register here: https://bit.ly/mca-bookdiscussions
July 16th: Over My Dead Body: Unearthing the Hidden History of America’s Cemeteries by Greg Melville
- The summer before his senior year in college, Greg Melville worked at the cemetery in his hometown, and thanks to hour upon hour of pushing a mower over the grassy acres, he came to realize what a rich story the place told of his town and its history. Thus was born Melville’s lifelong curiosity with how, where, and why we bury and commemorate our dead.
Melville’s Over My Dead Body is a lively (pun intended) and wide-ranging history of cemeteries, places that have mirrored the passing eras in history but have also shaped it. Cemeteries have given birth to landscape architecture and famous parks, as well as influenced architectural styles. They’ve inspired and motivated some of our greatest poets and authors—Emerson, Whitman, Dickinson. They’ve been used as political tools to shift the country’s discourse and as important symbols of the United States' ambition and reach.
But they are changing and fading. Embalming and burial is incredibly toxic, and while cremations have just recently surpassed burials in popularity, they’re not great for the environment either. Over My Dead Body explores everything—history, sustainability, land use, and more—and what it really means to memorialize.
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
Veterans At Ease Coffee Hour
Join us and your local, fellow veterans on the 3rd Friday of each month for free coffee and light refreshments.
This program is a collaboration between the Framingham Public Library and the City of Framingham Veterans Services.
Battletech: Alpha Strike
Learn and play a fast-paced, miniatures-based role playing game! Whether you’re new to table top role playing games (TTRPG’s), or you’ve played a ton of them, BattleTech: Alpha Strike is a fun time.
Program will be first come first served, and once it fills up, that’s that. If you'd like to sign up for reminder emails, please fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/xpEmpRM6erAC5eij6
Grades 6-12
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
Queer Reads: Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews
The Queer Reads Book Discussion celebrates queer authors, books, and themes. This discussion meets in person every third Tuesday of the month at the McAuliffe Branch. Register here: https://bit.ly/fpl-queerbookdiscussion
July 21st: Don't Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews
- High school senior Andrew Perrault finds refuge in the twisted fairytales that he writes for the only person who can ground him to reality―Thomas Rye, the boy with perpetually ink-stained hands and hair like autumn leaves. And with his twin sister, Dove, inexplicably keeping him at a cold distance upon their return to Wickwood Academy, Andrew finds himself leaning on his friend even more.
But something strange is going on with Thomas. His abusive parents have mysteriously vanished, and he arrives at school with blood on his sleeve. Thomas won't say a word about it, and shuts down whenever Andrew tries to ask him questions. Stranger still, Thomas is haunted by something, and he seems to have lost interest in his artwork―whimsically macabre sketches of the monsters from Andrew's wicked stories.
Desperate to figure out what's wrong with his friend, Andrew follows Thomas into the off-limits forest one night and catches him fighting a nightmarish monster―Thomas's drawings have come to life and are killing anyone close to him. To make sure no one else dies, the boys battle the monsters every night. But as their obsession with each other grows stronger, so do the monsters, and Andrew begins to fear that the only way to stop the creatures might be to destroy their creator...
McAuliffe Branch 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 McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM. At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM.
This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.
Craft Supply Swap
Do some of your craft supplies need a new home? Would you like free supplies to try something new? Bring supplies to donate and swap them for new ones!
Please bring your donated items to the library between July 13-21.
FPL Jazz: Alison Keslow
Don’t miss the next jazz concert in our series featuring jazz bassist Alison Keslow! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. In the event of rain, the concert will move indoors.
Puzzle Swap: McAuliffe Branch
What to do with jigsaw puzzles you’ve completed? Swap them! Bring your puzzles to exchange with others. No puzzle to swap? Come anyway; there are always extras for you to take. All ages and levels welcome.
Felted Carnivorous Plant w/ Pop Up Art School
Using colorful wool and a special barbed needle you will sculpt a fun green carnivorous plant complete with fangs and a bright red tongue, all rooted in a real terra-cotta pot!
Registration strongly recommended: https://framinghamlibrary.short.gy/Felted-Plant
Grades 7-12 (must be at least 13 years old)
Make it Tuesday: Cat Grass Heads
Looking for a fun, low-stress way to add some greenery to your space and provide a treat your furry friend at the same time? Come get your hands dirty at the McAuliffe Branch Library.
We’ll use thin cloth, soil, and pet-safe cat grass seed to sculpt a quirky grass head creation. After some water and sun you’ll get a wild head of green hair that you can style, trim, or let your cat happily munch on! Supplies provided.
McAuliffe Branch 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 McAuliffe Branch, meet Wednesday evenings at 6PM. At the Main Library, meet Wednesday mornings at 10AM and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10AM.
This is not a learn to knit or crochet program, but we can offer pointers and tips.