In celebration of the green building practices used during the library’s renovation and expansion project and Earth Day, The Friends of the Grafton Public Library encourage everyone in town to participate in this year’s Community Read. Stop by the Grafton Public Library (35 Grafton Common) to pick up a copy of the adult, young adult and / or children’s Community Read titles.

The adult title is The Overstory by Richard Powers, the young adult title is Code Blue by Marissa Slaven, and the children’s titles are The Curious Garden by Peter Brown; The Trouble with Dragons by Deb Gliori and The Tree Lady by Joseph H. Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurry. Please register for programs online at: graftonlibrary.org/events, visit the Community Read website at www.graftonlibrary.org/communityread or call the Library at 508-839-4649. If you have any questions about how to read or listen to the digital titles, how to get a physical copy of the book or how participate in the events, contact the Grafton Public Library at: [email protected]

Programs for Adults:

Community Read Book Discussion: The Overstory by Richard Powers - Thursday, April 28, 7:00-9:00pm. The Friends of the Library Community Read discussion of the book The Overstory by Richard Powers, will be held at the library. The book is available at the library in regular print hardcover and oversized paperback, digital media player and as an audio on CD, so stop by the library to pick up a physical copy.  It is also available as an eBook and eAudio through Overdrive / Libby. “A novel of activism and natural-world power presents interlocking fables about nine remarkable strangers who are summoned in different ways by trees for an ultimate, brutal stand to save the continent’s few remaining acres of virgin forest.” This program is for adults.

There will be several opportunities to discuss the book on the following dates:

“Reads Well with Others” Book Group - Monday, April 25 at 7:30pm

Community Read Book Discussion: The Overstory by Richard Powers - Thursday, April 28 7:00-9:00pm

Other Community Read Events:

Grafton Clean-Up Day Sponsored by the Grafton Garden Club, Saturday, April 23 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Meet on the Grafton Common. For more information, contact Helen Blazis, Grafton Garden Club Chair, at [email protected].

Inspirational Book Group - Tuesday, April 26, at 7:30pm. The Inspirational book group will discuss Saving Us : a climate scientist’s case for hope and healing in a divided world by Kaharine Hayhoe. “Called “one of the nation’s most effective communicators on climate change” by The New York Times, Katharine Hayhoe knows how to navigate all sides of the conversation on our changing planet. A Canadian climate scientist living in Texas, she negotiates distrust of data, indifference to imminent threats, and resistance to proposed solutions with ease. Over the past fifteen years Hayhoe has found that the most important thing we can do to address climate change is talk about it—and she wants to teach you how.” Copies will be available in regular print and audio on CD, so stop by the library to pick up a physical copy.  It is also available as an eBook on Overdrive / Libby. This program is for adults.

Blackstone River Watershed Association Annual Meeting  - Wednesday, May 18 at 6:30pm.

Programs for Children:

Bookworms Book Club Kindergarten – 1st Grade - Thursday, April 28 5:30-6:00pm. Join Ms. Kristin for a fun book discussion for kids in kindergarten and first grade. Copies of the book, The Curious Garden, by Peter Brown, will be available for pick up at the library. It is also available as an audiobook on CD, a film, an eBook on Overdrive / Libby and an eFilm and eAudio on Hoopla. “Liam discovers a hidden garden and with careful tending spreads color throughout the gray city.” Registration is required.

Bookworms Book Club 2nd- 3rd Grade - Monday, April 28 6:15-6:45pm. Join Ms. Kristin for a fun book discussion for kids in second and third grade. Copies of the book, The Trouble with Dragons, by Debi Gliori, will be available for pick up at the library.  “When dragons cut down too many trees, blow out too much hot air, and do other environmental damage, the future looks grim, but other animals advise them on how to mend their ways and save the planet.” Registration is required.

Bookworms Book Club 4th – 5th Grade - Thursday, April 28 7:00-7:30pm. Join Ms. Kristin for a fun book discussion for kids in fourth and fifth grade. Copies of the book, The Tree Lady : the true story of how one tree-loving woman changed a city forever by Joseph H. Hopkins and illustrated by Jill McElmurry, will be available for pick up at the library. It is also available as an eBook on Overdrive / Libby. “Learn about Katherine Olivia Sessions who brought trees to San Diego and created what eventually became Balboa Park.” Registration is required.

For more information about any of the Grafton Friends of the Library Community Read, please contact the library at [email protected] or call the library at 508-839-4649.