For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA.

Schedule Update
The library will be closed July 2-4 for the Independence Day holiday weekend.

Summer Reading 2022: Read Beyond the Beaten Path
The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is Beyond the Beaten Path.

Registration opened June 23. Patrons can create an account on BookPoints (hpl.bookpoints.org) and register each reader in their household. There is a program for everyone.

Youth programs: Kids earn points by logging the number of minutes they read, completing fun activities and entering secret codes. Once they get enough points they earn a prize. There are three youth tracks in BookPoints: pre-readers, Marathon-Elmwood School readers and Hopkins School readers.

Young adult programs: This is suitable for middle school, high school and college-age young adults. Young adults will earn points by logging the number of books they read, completing different reading activities/challenges, entering secret codes given out by the librarians during library programs, or checking out different types of materials. As readers earn points, they will level up and be awarded tickets. At the end of the summer, the young adult librarian will draw winners and contact them to offer one of the grand prizes (gift cards to local restaurants and hangouts). Each reader who participates in the summer reading program will qualify for a summer reading prize.

Adult program: This is suggested for ages 18 and up. Adults can participate online or by paper. Paper reading logs are available at the main desk. Adults will earn points by logging the number of books they read, completing different reading activities/challenges (e.g. reading different genres/topics, going on hikes), entering secret codes given out by the librarians during library programs or checking out different types of materials. As readers earn points, they will level up and be awarded tickets. At the end of the summer, the adult librarian will draw winners and contact them to offer one of the prizes in the display case.

The BookPoints platform and summer reading prizes are generously funded by the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.

Our Coyote Neighbors
Thursday, June 30, 6-7:45 p.m.
John Maguranis, the Massachusetts representative for Project Coyote, will host a presentation and question and answer session about coyotes. Attendees will learn about coyotes’ behaviors and characteristics as well as how to live alongside these majestic, intelligent animals.

Ukulele with Julie Stepanek
Thursday, July 7, 11-11:45 a.m.
This program is for teens and adults. Julie Stepanek will demonstrate the fundamentals of playing the ukulele, a fun instrument that is easy to play. No experience is necessary. Ukuleles will be provided. Registration is required on the library website starting one week prior to the event.

Acrobatic Performance by Li Liu
Monday, July 11, 4-5 p.m.
Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics is a one-woman acrobatic performance. Li Liu performs hand balancing, plate spinning, ribbon dancing, diabolos and foot juggling. A limited number of volunteers will get to join her on stage to create an impromptu ribbon dance, and also to try their hand at plate spinning. Li’s ideal audience is literally all ages, from kids to parents to grandparents. Registration is required on the library website starting one week prior to the event.

Interactive Swordsmanship with Dan Burns
Tuesday, July 12, 3-4 p.m. (teens), 6-7 p.m. (adults)
Dan Burns will present an interactive swordsmanship demonstration. Attendees will learn about how to hold and duel with a sword, and then try a foam sword on a partner. There also will be a historical cutlass and pistol for viewing, and there will be talk of pirate history and the specifics of pirate weaponry. This program is part of the library’s Summer Reading Series, Off the Beaten Path. Space is limited, and registration is required.

Guided Trail Walk with HPL/Hopkinton Trails Club
Thursday, July 14, 6-7:30 p.m., Legacy Farms South
The Hopkinton Public Library and the Hopkinton Trails Club are combining for a summer series of easy guided trail walks in Hopkinton. Participants will experience the trails while learning about the green spaces in town. No walking or hiking experience is needed. Walks will last 1-2 hours and cover roughly 1.5-2 miles. Participants should bring water, wear sneakers or hiking shoes and wear bug spray. Walkers will gather at 6 p.m. at the designated trail parking area. Visit the library’s website calendar for more info.

Women in World Jazz Concert on the Common
Saturday, July 16, 2-3 p.m. 
Women of World Jazz presents an afternoon of jazz and history on the Town Common. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chair for maximum comfort. This event is sponsored by the Cultural Council.

Fairy Door Teen Program
Wednesday, July 20, 2-3 p.m.
Participants will make their own fairy door, which can be hung on a wall, placed on a tree or kept on a desk to add a bit of fairy magic to one’s life. All of the supplies will be provided.

Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, July 27, 1-6 p.m.
Those interested can register at the Red Cross website (rcblood.org/3AmuYsP) or call 508-497-9777 and the Reference Desk can help schedule an appointment.