For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA.

Alphabits
Wednesdays, 11-11:45 a.m.
Alphabits is a story time that supports foundational reading skills such as letter recognition and sound-symbol correspondence. Learning is supported through group discussion and play-based activities. This program is recommended for ages 3-6. Registration is required and opens one week prior to the events.

Open Video Game Play by One Up Games
Friday, Jan. 26, 1-4 p.m.
One Up Games will bring a variety of next-gen consoles and gaming monitors, including virtual reality devices, to the library for free open game play. The event has a 30-player capacity at one time. Players will rotate as time and availability allows. This offering is generously supported by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation. This program is for ages 8 and older.

Babytime
Most Fridays, 9:30-10 a.m.
This baby lap-sit story time for ages 0-18 months encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions with lively songs and rhymes, gentle tickles, bounces and body awareness. Registration for these programs opens one week prior.

Mobility and Stability
Saturday, Jan. 27, 11 a.m.-noon
Certified yoga and mindfulness instructor Ananya Kumar will present about the benefits of exercise as a habit to live a healthier and happier life. After the presentation, attendees will have the option to try out some exercises and stretches, all of which can be done while seated in a chair. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Mass. Audubon Presents Birds of Prey
Saturday, Jan. 27, 1-2 p.m.
Featuring live birds, this multimedia program explores what makes a bird of prey, the role they play in the environment, and how humans affect their ability to survive.
Audience members will be able to see the birds up close, handle touchable natural history artifacts, and ask an experienced naturalist questions. It is recommended for all ages. Due to limited space, registration is required. It is likely to fill up, so those interested are advised to register early.

Family Story Time
Saturday, Jan. 27, 3-3:30 p.m.
Kids (ages 0-5) and their caregivers are invited for an interactive story time full of songs, movement, books, fingerplays and more! Registration is required and starts one week before the event.

Challenges and Rewards of Being a Debut Author
Monday, Jan. 29, 7-8 p.m.
In this panel discussion held virtually, authors Lauren J. A. Bear, Rita Chang-Eppig and Nishita Parekh will talk all about getting into publishing — the pitfalls, challenges and roadblocks as well as the excitement, fulfillment and reader enthusiasm that make it all worthwhile. Attendees should bring questions, as this will be in a Q&A format.

Craft Lab
Monday, Jan. 29, 5:30-7 p.m.
In this program recommended for ages 6-12, children can drop by to craft, create and make. This hands-on, artistic exploration program is self-guided. The library will provide the materials, attendees bring the imagination.

Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Register on the Red Cross website at https://rcblood.org/3AmuYsP.

Lure and Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition and Modern Medicine
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2-3 p.m.
Launch your New Year healthy with Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric neuro-endocrinologist who has long been on the cutting edge of medicine and science, will help people launch their new year healthy in this virtual program.

Grade 3-5 Book Club
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 4:15-5 p.m.
Third, fourth and fifth graders are invited to join Ms. Carly to discuss books. There is no assigned book to read. Each meeting, kids can share about a book they have read or are currently reading. Participants will talk about their favorite genres, and kids will hear what other kids are reading.

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle
Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Participants are invited to bring their current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adults of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, needle felting, etc.) are more than welcome. This group meets on the second and last Wednesdays of each month.

Scrabble Club
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
The library will provide boards to play Scrabble, or attendees can bring their own. No registration is required.

50-Plus Job Seekers Networking Group
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
This Massachusetts Library Collaborative program meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month via Zoom. It’s targeted at those who are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for an “encore career.” This week’s program will focus on LinkedIn.

The Politics of a Divided America
Wednesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 1-2:30 p.m.
American society has faced many moments of political and social division, and our present politics seems especially divided — so much so that some even use the phrase “a second civil war” to characterize the depth of our disagreements. Dr. David Smailes of Framingham State University will examine how one American political thinker, Abraham Lincoln, wrestled with the political divisions of his time, and what we can learn from his experience about resolving these divisions in our time. Registration is required for this virtual four-part lecture and discussion series. Each week will focus on a new and timely topic. This series is presented by the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.