March 2025
Maker Space Drop-in for Adults
The Medford Public Library hosts an evening drop-in time in the Maker Space for adults. Stop by and work on your own project or ask the library's in-house expert about how to use the space and equipment. General safety badging is available on Drop-In days as well. No registration is required.
Find out more »A History of Guinness Beer
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring the online program, "A History of Guinness Beer," with Mike Reardon, a Guinness Brewery Ambassador. Reardon is a highly trained beer expert and storyteller who captivates Guinness lovers and audiences with the beer, culinary, and cultural history of this popular Irish beer. Register using the link on the library's online calendar.
Find out more »April 2025
Reading Buddies
The Medford Public Library invites kids to drop in for its weekly Reading Buddies program. Come practice your reading skills by reading aloud to teen volunteers. Reading Buddies will be available for 30-minute increments and happy to listen to you read whatever book(s) you'd like. Buddies will offer an encouraging ear and will only jump in to help if asked for it. Registration is not required. Please note that you may need to wait for a Buddy on busy afternoons.…
Find out more »Teen Maker Night
The Medford Public Library presents its monthly Teen Maker Night. Create, break and build things in the Maker Space. The event is for teens in middle school and high school to learn and create. There are no assigned projects in this program; it is designed for you to come in to explore and experiment with different making tools. RSVP through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Knit and/or Crochet Night
An informal group of knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists meets in the Local History Room of the library on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Bring a project to work on and have friends nearby to ask questions when you need help. All experience levels and ages are invited to attend.
Find out more »A House Restored: Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial
The Medford Historical Society & Museum presents a talk at the library by Lee McColgan on his book, "A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial." Old houses share their secrets only if they survive. Trading the corporate ladder for a stepladder, McColgan commits to preserving the ramshackle Loring House, built in 1702 in Pembroke, Mass., using period materials and methods and on a holiday deadline. But his enchantment withers as he discovers the massive…
Find out more »Exhibition Opening: Pollen (Returns)
This month's art exhibition at the Medford Public Library is "Pollen (Returns)," featuring the work of 23 members of the nonprofit arts organization ArtsMedford. The juried show explores the themes of growth, renewal, and the vibrancy of the spring season. The exhibition will be on display in the library's second-floor gallery through April 28 during regular library hours. In addition, a reception with the participating artists will be held at the library on Thursday, April 10, from 6:30 to 8:30…
Find out more »MakerSpace Sewing Badge Class
The Medford Public Library invites you to join Molly Dunn, resident sewing expert, for a 101 level class to get you certified to use the MakerSpace sewing machines. MakerSpace badging classes are for ages 16 and over. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Teen Creative Writing: World Building
The Medford Public Library presents a Teen Creative Writing session focusing on world building. Teens in middle school and high school are invited to create characters, build new worlds, write short stories, try new styles, play games, and more. Meets in the Tech Lab. Sign-up is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Quiet MakerSpace Drop-in
The Medford Public Library presents a Quiet Drop-in at the MakerSpace. Stop by and work on your personal projects in a quieter environment. An in-house expert will be available to answer questions about how to use the space and equipment. If you're neurodivergent, struggle with loud environments, or just need to focus on your project in a quiet coworking space, this program is for you. There will be soft instrumental background music, and the door will be partially closed to…
Find out more »An Evening with Poet Terry E. Carter
The Medford Public Library invites you to celebrate National Poetry Month with an evening with Terry E. Carter, who was the city's inaugural Poet Laureate from 2021 to 2023. Carter has been developing his craft for decades and has published six books of poetry, with a seventh book in the works. He is a classically-trained poet whose influences range from Shakespeare to the Harlem Renaissance. He is also a professional editor who has helped other writers craft everything from "how-to"…
Find out more »Unbox Book Club for Teens
The Medford Public Library holds another session of the Unbox Book Club, its drop-in club for teens in grades 8 and up. Talk about all things books while unboxing the newest books in the Teen Section. You’ll get first dibs on a book before it goes on the shelves. No registration required.
Find out more »Art Smart for School-Aged Children
The Medford Public Library presents Art Smart, a program designed for school-aged children ages 5 and up. Come learn a new way to craft, paint, build and design as the class explores the world of arts and crafts with a cool new project. This is a drop-in program — no registration needed.
Find out more »3D Printed Lithophanes Workshop
The Medford Public Library invites you to learn how to the 3D printers in its Tech Lab by creating a custom memento to hang in your window. No badge needed; this class will count as a 3D Printer Badge Class. Come prepared with a digital photo file of your choice. This program is for adults and teens age 16 and over. Register through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Monday Morning Mysteries: The Stranger Diaries
The Medford Public Library's Monday Morning Mysteries group meets to discuss "The Stranger Diaries" by Elly Griffiths. Books will be available approximately four weeks in advance. Call the library at 781-395-7950 to have a copy put on hold for you. RSVP for today's meeting through the library's online calendar. The title for next month's meeting, on May 5, will be "Down the River Unto the Sea" by Walter Mosley.
Find out more »Teen Maker Monday
The Medford Public Library presents its Maker Monday workshop for teens in middle school and high school in the Maker Space. Learn and create with STEAM projects that everyone completes together. All materials provided. Sign-up is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Family 3D Printing Workshop
The Medford Public Library hosts a Family 3D Printing Workshop for kids ages 8 to 12 and an adult. Learn about the 3D printing process, then test out the library’s 3D printers in the Tech Lab to make something of your own. An adult is required to attend so kids can continue the 3D printing fun at home. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »MakerSpace Drop-in for Adults
The Medford Public Library hosts an evening drop-in time in the MakerSpace for adults. Stop by and work on your own project or ask the library's in-house expert about how to use the space and equipment. General safety badging is available on Drop-In days as well. No registration is required.
Find out more »Reading Buddies
The Medford Public Library invites kids to drop in for its weekly Reading Buddies program. Come practice your reading skills by reading aloud to teen volunteers. Reading Buddies will be available for 30-minute increments and happy to listen to you read whatever book(s) you'd like. Buddies will offer an encouraging ear and will only jump in to help if asked for it. Registration is not required. Please note that you may need to wait for a Buddy on busy afternoons.…
Find out more »Grade 1 Book Club: Hey, Wall
The Medford Public Library’s First Grade Book Club meets to discuss "Hey, Wall" by Susan Verde. Discussion is accompanied by a small craft or activity related to the book. Please note that this club is only for children in first grade. Registration is required through the library's online calendar. Books will be available at the library about one month in advance.
Find out more »Fiber Crafts Drop-In
The Medford Public Library invites you to stop by the Maker Space and work on your personal fiber craft projects, whether you crochet, knit, weave, spin, needle felt, or work with fiber in another way. All skill levels welcome. The library's in-house expert will be available to answer questions. No registration required. A Fiber Crafts Drop-in will be offered again at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13.
Find out more »Tuesday Night Book Group: Lessons in Chemistry
The Medford Public Library's Tuesday Night Book Group meets to discuss "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus. Books will be available approximately four weeks in advance. Register using the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Tween Graphic Novel Book Club: Magical Boy, v1
The Medford Public Library's Tween Graphic Novel Book Club for readers ages 10 to 14 meets to discuss "Magical Boy, v1" by The Kao. Pick up a copy of the book at the Children’s Desk or in the Teen Room. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »MakerSpace Cricut Badge Class
The Medford Public Library invites you to a 101 level class to get you certified to use the Cricut cutting machine in the MakerSpace. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Matt Heaton Singalong
Join the hilarious and awesome Matt Heaton for his monthly singalong at the library. Get your toes tappin’ and your wombat dance ready! This program is designed for ages 0 to 3 but is fun for all!
Find out more »Family Maker Night
The Medford Public Library invites kids ages 8 to 12, accompanied by an adult, to come to the Maker Space and test out something new or work on a project of your own. A staff member will be on hand to help but it is YOUR design time. Come for the whole time or just stay for a little. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Artist Reception: Pollen (Returns) Exhibition
ArtsMedford presents a reception with the 23 member artists whose work is featured all this month in the exhibition "Pollen (Returns)" at the library. The juried show explores the themes of growth, renewal, and the vibrancy of the spring season. The exhibition will be on display in the library's second-floor gallery through April 28 during regular library hours. ArtsMedford nurtures creativity, supports artists and the arts, and works to reflect the diverse community of Medford.
Find out more »Virtual Adventure Travel with Peter Mandel
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring "Going to Extremes," an online presentation by adventure travel journalist Peter Mandel. Follow Mandel as he hunts his stories and photos in the world's far corners, including Antarctica, India, Egypt, Patagonia, the fjords of Norway, the mountain pathways of Japan, and the deserts of Africa. He'll show slides of his most extreme travel experiences — surviving a coup in Ecuador, visiting a "city" of penguins at the South Pole, fishing for piranha on Brazil’s…
Find out more »The Intersection of Climate Action and Romance Novels
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online panel discussion, "The Intersection of Climate Action and Romance Novels," with authors Nikki Payne, Tara L. Roí. and L.E. Sterling. Have you ever wondered how authors weave very important topics, such as environmental issues, into their books so that we learn about something while also enjoying a "light" read? The panelists will discuss how genre fiction, specifically romance, can have an impact on climate action. They'll discuss their books, research, and hopes…
Find out more »Coffee and Books
The Medford Public Library hosts its second Friday "Coffee and Books" session with director Barbara Kerr. Join Barbara in Bonsignore Hall for coffee and a discussion of new and interesting books. No assigned reading or registration required; just drop in.
Find out more »Teen Home School Maker Club
The Medford Public Library invites home schooled tweens and teens ages 11 and up to its Home School Maker Club. Learn to make something new every month in the Maker Space. All materials provided. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Chameleon
Chameleon, the Medford Public Library’s drop-in groups for LGBTQIAP+ youth and allies in grades 6 to 12, meets in the Youth Services Program Room. Come hang out, do crafts, and play games in a safe, open, and welcoming space. No one is required to disclose any aspect of their identity in order to be part of the groups. No registration required.
Find out more »MakerSpace Drop-in for Adults
The Medford Public Library hosts a late afternoon drop-in time in the MakerSpace specifically for adults. Stop by and work on your own project or ask the library's in-house expert about how to use the space and equipment. General safety badging is available on Drop-In days as well. No registration is required.
Find out more »Live Action Clue: Medford History Edition
The Medford Public Library invites you to take part in a live-action game of Clue, the Medford History Edition, an after-hours event designed for adult teams. There has been a murder in the library! Your team will act as the detective and determine who, how, and where this dastardly crime was committed. Players will be on teams of five -- you can register as a team or an individual and the library will place you. Older youth who have experience…
Find out more »Beginner Sewing
The Medford Public Library is offering an adult Beginner Sewing class designed for absolute beginners who have never used a sewing machine before. Learn straight stitch, backstitch, and zig-zag stitch on a Brother sewing machine, and leave with a completed project. This class also qualifies you for a Sewing Badge, certifying you to sew in the Maker Space. Register through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »MakerSpace Drop-in for Adults
The Medford Public Library hosts a Saturday drop-in time in the MakerSpace specifically for adults. Stop by and work on your own project or ask the library's in-house expert about how to use the space and equipment. No registration is required.
Find out more »That is NOT a Good Idea: Storytelling and Puppets
The Medford Public Library presents an afternoon of fun with Mo Willems' book "That is NOT a Good Idea!" Participants will be reading the story together, making puppets, and doing other storytelling activities with this engaging book. This program is for kids ages 3 to 7. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »African Art Lecture Series: Likeness and Beyond
The Medford Public Library continues its second Sunday series of online lectures meant as an introduction to African Art, its variety of forms, the depth of its history, and how it became an important player first in Western culture and continues to be important in a global world. Today's session is "Likeness and Beyond: Portraiture in Iconic African Art." Register using the link that appears on the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Books With Bailey
The Medford Public Library presents another edition of Books With Bailey, a trained service dog who loves listening to books! If you are learning to read and want to build your confidence, come read to Bailey. Pick your favorite book and sign up for a 15-minute reading spot to hang out with the coolest dog who just needs to hear you read. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Reading Buddies
The Medford Public Library invites kids to drop in for its weekly Reading Buddies program. Come practice your reading skills by reading aloud to teen volunteers. Reading Buddies will be available for 30-minute increments and happy to listen to you read whatever book(s) you'd like. Buddies will offer an encouraging ear and will only jump in to help if asked for it. Registration is not required. Please note that you may need to wait for a Buddy on busy afternoons.…
Find out more »MakerSpace Visual Arts Drop-in
The Medford Public Library offers a Visual Arts Drop-in for adults in the MakerSpace. If you love to draw, sketch, paint, collage, or create visual art in another way, this program is for you. All skill levels welcome. An in-house expert will be available to answer questions. No registration required. Another Visual Arts Drop-in will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13.
Find out more »Dance Caliente Hustle/Disco Workshop
The Medford Public Library invites you to join Eileen Herman-Haase and Raul Nieves of Dance Caliente as they dance you through the steps to the line dances the Hustle and Disco. Register through the library's online calendar. Dance Caliente will return to the library for a class on the Rumba on Wednesday, May 28. Supported in part by a Medford Arts Council grant.
Find out more »Art Smart for School-Aged Children
The Medford Public Library presents Art Smart, a program designed for school-aged children ages 5 and up. Come learn a new way to craft, paint, build and design as the class explores the world of arts and crafts with a cool new project. This is a drop-in program — no registration needed.
Find out more »Women’s Fiction Book Recommendations
Love women’s fiction but aren't sure what to read next? The Medford Public Library invites you to join bestselling author Kristan Higgins for an online program of pure book recommendations – the best of women’s fiction out there. Higgins is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 20 novels, which have been translated into 19 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. The mother of two adults and also a smitten grandmother, Higgins…
Find out more »Teen Fandom Craft Night
The Medford Public Library is hosting a Fandom Craft Night for teens in middle school and high school. Make friendship bracelets, bookmarks, and more to celebrate the fandoms you're a part of. The library will have items that celebrate Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Percy Jackson, Tiwlight, Olivia Rodrigo, and more. All materials will be provided. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »LGBTQ+ Book Group: A Minor Chorus
The Medford Public Library's LGBTQ+ Book Group meets to discuss "A Minor Chorus" by Billy-Ray Belcourt . Books will be available approximately four weeks in advance. Call the library at 781-395-7950 to have a copy put on hold for you. RSVP for the book group meeting through the library's online calendar. All are welcome to read and discuss literary and nonfiction works by and about the LGBTQ+ community, from classic to contemporary titles.
Find out more »Film Screening: Concord’s Secret History
With the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution happening this year, don’t you want to learn all of the history they didn’t tell you? Head to the Medford Public Library for a screening of the new documentary, "Concord's Secret History." The film reveals a long-suppressed secret, set in Concord, where the first shots were fired in the Revolution on April 19, 1775. While Concord is often celebrated for its role in the fight for freedom, few are aware of the…
Find out more »Kids Home School Maker Club
The Medford Public Library invites home schooled kids ages 8 to 12 to its Home School Maker Club. Learn and make something new each session. Meets in the Maker Space. All materials provided. RSVP through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Beginner Crochet
The Medford Public Library is offering a Beginner Crochet Class designed for absolute beginners who have never picked up a crochet hook before, or for beginners who tried to learn but didn't make any progress. Learn to chain, single crochet, and double crochet, and finish your first crochet project. Register through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Teen Junk Journaling Workshop
The Medford Public Library hosts a Junk Journaling Workshop for teens in middle school and high school. All materials will be provided. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Family Paint Night
The Medford Public Library is hosting a family paint night for kids age 6 and up. Kids and their grown-ups will follow along with a beginner-friendly video tutorial and create a duo (or group) of paintings to bring home and treasure forever. This month, participants will be painting cute owls. All supplies are provided by the library. All skill levels welcome. Register though the library's online calendar. Presented with support from a Medford Arts Council grant.
Find out more »Social MakerSpace Drop-in
The Medford Public Library presents another Social MakerSpace Drop-in for adults. Want to chat with other makers in the Medford community? Stop by the MakerSpace and work on your personal projects in a social environment. The library's in-house expert will be available to answer questions about how to use the space and equipment. Next month's Social MakerSpace Drop-in will be held on Tuesday, May 20.
Find out more »Swiftie Dance Party
Bust out your favorite Taylor Swift-inspired (or just plain sparkly) outfit and head to the Medford Public Library for a Swiftie Dance Party. This is an all-ages, family friendly dance party, so bring the littlest Swifties along to shake, shake, shake to a selection of Taylor's kid-friendly hits.
Find out more »Teen Henna
The Medford Public Library invites teens in middle school and high school to have henna applied to their hands by a professional artist. These tattoos will remain for approximately one week. Space is limited. Registration is required through the library's online calendar. Also required is a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian. Permission slips will be available April 1 in the Teen Section and online at medfordlibrary.org. Signed slips can be passed in early or brought to the…
Find out more »Teen Mini Chalkboard Lettering
The Medford Public Library presents a workshop on mini chalkboard lettering for teens in middle school and high school. Learn the art of hand lettering and create a mini lettered chalkboard sign to take home. All materials provided. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Family Peeps Diorama Making
The Medford Public Library presents its annual Family Peeps Diorama Making session for kids ages 8 to 12 with their grown-ups. Kids and grown-ups are encouraged to work together to create the perfect diorama using marshmallow Peeps and the provided craft supplies. Registration is required through the library's online calendar. The Peeps Diorama Making session for teens will be held tonight from 6 to 8 p.m.
Find out more »Jigsaw Puzzle Jewelry Workshop
The Medford Public Library presents a Jigsaw Puzzle Jewelry workshop for adults. Learn how to repurpose jigsaw puzzle pieces to make your own upcycled jewelry. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Reading with Ryan for Emerging Readers
The Medford Public Library presents another edition of "Reading with Ryan" for emerging readers. Ryan loves when people read to him. If you are learning to read and want to build your confidence, come read to Ryan. Pick your favorite book and schedule a 15-minute reading spot to hang out with the coolest dog who just NEEDS to hear you read. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Teen Peeps Diorama Contest
Teens in middle school and high school are invited to enter the Medford Public Library's always fun Peeps Diorama Contest. You'll have two hours to re-create your favorite pop culture moment with Peeps. All supplies (including Peeps) will be provided, but you are welcome to bring any extra supplies that you would like to use. After the event, all dioramas will go on display in the Teen Section so people can vote for their favorites. After one week, the winner…
Find out more »Poetry Club with Vijaya Sundaram
The Medford Public Library invites you to its monthly Poetry Club meeting led by Vijaya Sundaram, the City of Medford's poet laureate. The group reads and discusses the work of great poets, while crafting and performing participants' own work. Take the mic and shine a light on the issues that matter most to you, with passion, lyricism, and force. Please RSVP through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »MakerSpace Drop-in for Adults
The Medford Public Library hosts a late afternoon drop-in time in the MakerSpace specifically for adults. Stop by and work on your own project or ask the library's in-house expert about how to use the space and equipment. General safety badging is available on Drop-In days as well. No registration is required.
Find out more »Hand-Sewn Memo Books
The Medford Public Library is offering a workshop for adults on how to make hand-sewn memo books. Create your own memo book with a custom decorated cover. Registration is required through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Grades 2-3 Book Club: Julia on the Go! Swimming into Trouble
The Medford Public Library's book club for second- and third-graders meets to discuss "Julia on the Go! Swimming into Trouble" by Angela Ahn. Register through the library's online calendar, then visit the library to pick up a copy of the book. Please note: This club is only for children in second or third grade.
Find out more »Play Dough Club (Ages 2-5)
The Medford Public Library hosts its monthly Play Dough Club for ages 2 to 5. Why play dough? Playing with play dough helps young kids develop their hand-eye coordination, creativity, and fine-motor and literacy skills. And sharing tools and colors of dough helps littles with their social skills, too. The library will provide the dough and tools; all you need to bring is your imagination. Registration is not required. All ages are welcome to join, but this program is best…
Find out more »MakerSpace Drop-in for Adults
The Medford Public Library hosts an evening drop-in time in the MakerSpace for adults. Stop by and work on your own project or ask the library's in-house expert about how to use the space and equipment. General safety badging is available on Drop-In days as well. No registration is required.
Find out more »No More Curse! A History of the Red Sox
The Medford Public Library is co-sponsoring an online program, "No More Curse! A History of the Red Sox" with author and historian David Kruh. Based on his research for his musical "The Curse is Reversed!" (originally titled "The Curse of the Bambino" when it premiered in 2001), Kruh will take you to the roots of Boston baseball, when, just like today, the team captured the hearts of the people of Boston. He'll look back at the real story behind Harry…
Find out more »Reading Buddies
The Medford Public Library invites kids to drop in for its weekly Reading Buddies program. Come practice your reading skills by reading aloud to teen volunteers. Reading Buddies will be available for 30-minute increments and happy to listen to you read whatever book(s) you'd like. Buddies will offer an encouraging ear and will only jump in to help if asked for it. Registration is not required. Please note that you may need to wait for a Buddy on busy afternoons.…
Find out more »Advanced Crochet Club for Teens
The Medford Public Library hosts its Advanced Crochet Club for teens in middle school and high school. This club is open to teens who already know the basics of crocheting: slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, etc. If you don't recognize or know how to do those stitches, try the library's Beginners Teen Crochet Club that meets on the second Thursday of the month. Registration is required for this meeting through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »Writers’ Workshop
The Medford Public Library hosts the monthly meeting of its Writers’ Workshop. New members are always welcome to join the group, meet fellow writers and get feedback on your work. The group usually meets on the last Wednesday of the month. If you have questions about the group, please contact organizer David Chia at duuchia@gmail.com.
Find out more »The History of Medford Public Library
Did you know that this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Medford Public Library? What better time to hear the stories, secrets and history of this community cornerstone in this tell-all talk by library director Barbara Kerr, who recently celebrated 40 years at the institution. Register through the library's online calendar.
Find out more »May 2025
Unbox Book Club for Teens
The Medford Public Library holds monthly Unbox Book Club session for teens in grades 8 and up. Talk about all things books while unboxing the newest books in the Teen Section. You’ll get first dibs on a book before it goes on the shelves. No registration required; just drop in.
Find out more »Coffee and Books
The Medford Public Library hosts its second Friday "Coffee and Books" session with director Barbara Kerr. Join Barbara in Bonsignore Hall for coffee and a discussion of new and interesting books. No assigned reading or registration required; just drop in.
Find out more »Fiber Crafts Drop-In
The Medford Public Library invites you to stop by the Maker Space and work on your personal fiber craft projects, whether you crochet, knit, weave, spin, needle felt, or work with fiber in another way. All skill levels welcome. The library's in-house expert will be available to answer questions. No registration required.
Find out more »