Events
The Acton Library provides educational programs for all ages. Our events are free and open to the public. Some programs have age recommendations. Please look at the event calendar to see if you need to register for a seat.
- Master the Art of Preserving Your Harvest
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 6:00—7:30 PMGrady RoomThomas RoomPreserve the taste of the season all year round with our "Preserving the Harvest" workshop! Get ready to say goodbye to wasted produce and hello to a pantry full of delicious, homemade preserves! In this class, we'll teach you the ins and outs of pickling, canning, freezing, and drying so you can turn your bountiful harvest into long-lasting, flavorful treats. From cucumbers to tomatoes, and herbs to fruits, we'll show you how to keep your harvest fresh and delicious. In this hands-on workshop, we'll cover: Pros and cons of each preservation method Variety of veggies, fruits, and herbs that are commonly grown at home and found at local farm stands & farmers' markets Demonstrations on how to naturally make pickles, sauerkraut, or kimchi Standards of cleanliness and equipment necessary for each method Quick methods for those short on time When and where to pick and buy produce Techniques for preserving texture and taste Hanging to dry in open air, building a solar dehydrator, and using a store-bought food dehydrator Take-away recipes and links to resources Don't let your hard work go to waste, reserve your spot now and join us in this class to give you the confidence and skills you need to enjoy your harvest all year round. Presented by Mark Gostkiewicz of Tri Gable Lea Farm LLC. Register online between 6/23/2025 10:00 AM and 7/22/2025 6:00 PM.
- Mystery Book Club
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:00—2:00 PMGrady RoomThis group meets the fourth Wednesday of the month in the library. This month's book is In the Middle of the Night by Riley Sager.
- Acton Compassion-Knits
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 3:30—4:30 PMFriend's Conference RoomThis group, led by Acton Public Library staff members, will knit and/or crochet items to be donated to a cause. Needles, yarn & patterns will be provided for charity projects. You may also bring your own supplies to work on a project of your own.
- OUTREACH: Tech Time_ Estuary
Monday, July 28, 2025 10:15 AM—1:30 PMEstuaryOff Site Tech Assistance with Brian at the Estuary of Old Saybrook. Book him at yourestuary.org
- Meet-up Mondays
Monday, July 28, 2025 1:00—2:30 PMGrady RoomThomas RoomMeet up with your friends or make new ones. Play one of our games (Rummikub, Mexican Train, Scrabble, Cribbage & more) or bring your own (Mahjong?). Coloring & puzzles too! Light refreshments will be served. Register online between 6/28/2025 10:00 AM and 7/28/2025 1:30 PM.
- Lunch Bunch
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 11:30 AM—12:30 PMGrady RoomStaff LoungeThomas RoomFree Lunches for Kids (Ages 2–18) Tuesdays & Wednesdays, July 8 - 30, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Join us at the Acton Public Library in Old Saybrook for the "LUNCH BUNCH" Summer Food Program! This free lunch program provides nutritious meals to children and teens (ages 2–18) in the community. Come enjoy a delicious, free lunch and meet new friends this summer. No registration required – just stop by and enjoy! This program was made possible by the Old Saybrook Public Health Nursing Board and meals were donated by local restaurants.
- Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 11:30 AM—12:30 PMGrady RoomStaff LoungeFree Lunches for Kids (Ages 2–18) Tuesdays & Wednesdays, July 8 - 30, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Join us at the Acton Public Library in Old Saybrook for the "LUNCH BUNCH" Summer Food Program! This free lunch program provides nutritious meals to children and teens (ages 2–18) in the community. Come enjoy a delicious, free lunch and meet new friends this summer. No registration required – just stop by and enjoy! This program was made possible by the Old Saybrook Public Health Nursing Board and meals were donated by local restaurants.
- YA : D&D Summer Slam 2.0- #1 Pt 2 for 14+
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 5:00—7:45 PMThomas Room YA : D&D Summer Slam 2.0- #1 Pt 1 for 14+ This twice monthly summer session is for sword slingers, spell casters and adventurers 14+ years old. Party limited to 6 Players- We will take a classic or recent D&D 5e/ 2025 module and split game time into 2 sessions Pts 1 and 2 One adventure in July and a new one in August. This is a great space for new DM's or DM's in training . Want to run on of the sessions?! Contact our Librarian, Dungeon Master, Brian, for details Register online between 6/4/2025 9:00 AM and 7/23/2025 3:45 PM.
- YA : Drop-In Games Day
Thursday, July 24, 2025 12:00—1:30 PMThomas RoomYA :Drop in Game Day _ D.I.G. Day New Summer Hours - 12 noon to 1:30 Join us this afternoon for some new and favorite tabletop or video games. Free and open to all, Ages 10-18. ages 10-11 Must be accompanied by an Adult
- YA: Dungeons and Dragons Club
Friday, July 25, 2025 11:00 AM—1:00 PMThomas RoomTVD&D club returns for the Summer! Dungeons and Dragons - While our weekly campaign is on hold, Our regular adventurers took some side quests... Come join us for all things D&D. Want to make a new character? Discuss Best Tips for DMing? Run a One Shot? Learn about running your own homebrew campaign? Access our growing reference Library of texts and tomes? Drop ins of New/Returning players are always welcome. Ages 10 + Under 12 requires Adult supervision on site Register online between 4/5/2025 9:00 AM and 7/25/2025 2:30 PM.
- Storytime
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 10:30—11:30 AMChildren's RoomGrady RoomThomas Room🎶Duunnn dunnn...duuuunnn duun...🎶🎶 It's Shark WEEK! Are you brave enough to dip your toe into shark storytime? Don't worry, our sharks are ready to learn, just like you! Story time for all! Children and caregivers are welcome to join us for stories, fingerplays, bounces, and so much more. Enjoy free play after the stories and songs! What to expect: *large, open room space with windows *room is arranged with chairs around a large playmat, facing the reading chair, and tables are behind the reader that hold a felt board and covered boxes with items for free play *hour starts with music and movement activities, followed by sitting for the stories (typically 2-3), then ends with more music, singing, and movement activities, including bubbles *free play begins after the bubbles *quiet music is played during free play Free and open to all. Registration is preferred, but not required.I Registration now closed.
- Lunch Bunch
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 11:30 AM—12:30 PMGrady RoomStaff LoungeThomas RoomFree Lunches for Kids (Ages 2–18) Tuesdays & Wednesdays, July 8 - 30, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Join us at the Acton Public Library in Old Saybrook for the "LUNCH BUNCH" Summer Food Program! This free lunch program provides nutritious meals to children and teens (ages 2–18) in the community. Come enjoy a delicious, free lunch and meet new friends this summer. No registration required – just stop by and enjoy! This program was made possible by the Old Saybrook Public Health Nursing Board and meals were donated by local restaurants.
- Imaginary Tails with Izzy
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 11:15 AM—12:15 PMChildren's RoomCome read your favorite book with Izzy, our friendly certified reading dog! Sign up at the Children's Desk for 10-minute reading spots. Izzy, is a 2 year-old Golden Retirever that loves belly rubs and snuggles. Izzy greets new friends with a gentle sniff and is a great listener! She can't wait to hear all the stories that library kids and their grown ups will read to her! Izzy's human grown-ups, Liz & Jody Moss are excited to sit with Izzy and listen to stories too!
- Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 11:30 AM—12:30 PMGrady RoomStaff LoungeFree Lunches for Kids (Ages 2–18) Tuesdays & Wednesdays, July 8 - 30, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Join us at the Acton Public Library in Old Saybrook for the "LUNCH BUNCH" Summer Food Program! This free lunch program provides nutritious meals to children and teens (ages 2–18) in the community. Come enjoy a delicious, free lunch and meet new friends this summer. No registration required – just stop by and enjoy! This program was made possible by the Old Saybrook Public Health Nursing Board and meals were donated by local restaurants.
- Grab & Go Crafts
Friday, July 25, 2025 12:00 AM—11:59 PMChildren's RoomStop by the library each week to pick up one of Miss Rebecca's Grab & Go craft kits. Available while supplies last.
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