Pearle L. Crawford Library, 40 Schofield Ave., Dudley. To register for events or sign up for the newsletter, go to crawfordlibrary.org or call 508-949-8021.

Charlton Public Library, 40 Main St., Charlton. To register for events, go to charltonlibrary.org or call 508.248.0452. 

Gladys E. Kelly Public Library, 2 Lake Street, Webster. To register for events, go to gladyskellylibrary.org or call 508.949.3880.

CHARLTON

Month of November: Artist Nancy Rosenberg exhibition will be on display in the Community Room at the Charlton Public Library.

Saturday, November 7

9 am-3 pm: A blood drive honoring Charlton Town Moderator Kenny Laferriere, who died Sunday, Oct. 25, will be held at First Congregational Church, 135 Center Rd., Dudley. The drive will benefit Boston Children’s Hospital. At the Oct. 27 Charlton Select Board meeting, Acting Chair David Singer said about Laferriere, “He was just a good person, and he had an amazingly huge heart. He will be terribly missed in town.”

Thursday, November 12

6-7:30 pm: May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor: Hunger Games Trivia in Dexter Hall at the library. Throw your hat into the arena and volunteer to join them for an evening of Hunger Games Trivia. Celebrate the upcoming movie release of Sunrise on the Reaping with pub-style trivia featuring five rounds, each with a unique twist. Participants should expect questions based on both the films and books across the series. This program is best suited for teens ages 12+ and adults. Registration required through the library’s website. 

Saturday, November 14

1-2:15 pm: Introduction to Safe AI & Emerging Digital Threats. Cybersecurity professional Gene Kingsley will be in the Community Meeting Room at the Library to talk about using AI safely and protecting yourself from digital threats. This session will cover how to use AI tools securely while understanding new risks. Registration appreciated.

Tuesday, November 17

6:30-7:30 pm: Ballroom Dancing: Participants will dance the night away at the Library in this program in partnership with Bay Path Evening School. Join them in beautiful Dexter Hall for an enchanted evening of ballroom dancing. Everyone is welcome, come alone or bring a partner. No registration is required.

Wednesday, November 18

12:30-1:30 pm: Navigating the settings on iPhone and iPad. In this class held in the Community Room at the Library, explore the Settings app, and examine ways to adjust your devices to suit your individual needs. Learn to access important information about your devices, update the software, and customize important features like Do Not Disturb, Face ID, and notifications.

Saturday, November 21

5-6:30 pm: Annual Turkey Dinner at the Charlton City United Methodist Church, 74 Stafford St. On the menu will be their famous turkey dinner with all the fixings! Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas with pearl onions, stuffing, butternut squash, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls with butter, followed by homemade pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. Tickets are $15/adult; $8 children 6-12; free for children 5 and under. There is a $50 max per family. Always a sellout, make reservations for eat-in or take-out by calling 508.248.7379. Leave your name and number in case they need to reach you. The church is accessible for people with disabilities and ample parking is available.

Thursday, December 3

6-7:15 pm: The Fright Before Christmas with Jeff Belanger. In Dexter Hall at the Library. Remember the famous Christmas song lyrics, “There’ll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago”? So, what happened to the scary stories? Belanger brings the spooky back to the yuletide with this eerie holiday show. From the origins of the holiday to the monsters and ghosts that lurk in its shadows, Jeff will take you on a multi-media journey of this haunting holiday. Based on his “Creepy Christmas” PBS special and his best-selling book The Fright Before Christmas, this night may just save the holidays from ruin. This program is NOT for young children. Registration appreciated.

6-7:30 pm: Genealogy Speaker: Daughters of the American Revolution’s Genealogical Research System. The Charlton Library Genealogy Group is a friendly group of people who share an interest in genealogy. They meet on the first Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 in the Community Meeting Room. Meetings alternate between general discussion topics and guest presenters. The meetings are free and open to the public

DUDLEY

Saturday, November 7

10 am-12 pm: Pearle’s Picking Parlor Jam, a “mostly” Bluegrass-focused unplugged acoustic jam session in the Fels Room at the Pearle L. Crawford Library. This is the group that played at their 15-Year Celebration. All talent levels welcome, beginners and up! Don’t want to play? That’s ok - listeners are welcome too.

Sunday, November 8

1 pm: Doors open for Pocketbook Bingo, the Dudley Woman’s Club most popular fundraiser to be held at the PACC, 37 Harris St., Webster. Bingo starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 pp for this fun afternoon of Bingo with the chance to win 10 designer handbags. Lots of laughs, giveaways and raffles. The DWC’s voluntary Giving Project for this event is socks, hats and gloves for the Webster-Dudley Food Share. Tickets online at www.dudleywomansclub.org/pocketbookbingo 

Monday, November 9

4-5:30 pm: Pearle’s Genealogy Group. The Pearle is looking to regrow its genealogy group! Facilitated by Patricia M. St. Marie, professional genealogist.

6-7:30 pm: The Missing Piece Puzzle Race. Teams will compete against each other, with the ultimate goal of completing a puzzle faster than their opponents. Registration is required- only one person from each team should register. Teams can have up to six members, and the first to assemble the puzzle wins. At the Pearle.

Thursday, November 12

6-7 pm: Science Heroes – Digging it! Unearth your curiosity as we dig into the incredible science that’s all around us. If you didn’t already love science, you’ll really ‘dig it’ after experiencing Science Heroes! Learn about pressure and energy with the Toilet Tornado. Or how about the effects of angles and trajectory with the Hydro-Cannon? Like all Science Heroes programs, “Digging It!” features tons of audience interaction and opportunities for your children to volunteer.

Saturday, November 14

11 am-12 pm: A Perky Pairing: Tea & Chocolate: A fun, educational talk on the history and health benefits of tea and dark chocolate (cacao), with insights from Kim Larkin, chocolatier. We will discuss how to brew a proper cuppa, how tea varieties differ, and the tenets of the Cha/ Tea Ceremonies. Included are samplings of tea infusions paired with fine chocolates: a trivia quiz, fun poetry, and teapot displays. Larkin, owner of Klassic Kreations, is a licensed commercial chocolatier, holds certification from the Specialty Coffee Assoc. in Foundations and is a tea aficionado. In 2023, she completed her 200 hr. Kripalu School of Ayurveda Health Certification. Kim is a NAHA Certified Aromatherapist, a Usui Reiki Master, and has taught art to all ages for over 20 years. She is the author of “It’s Easy Being Queen (When you know your worth).” At the Pearle.

Monday, November 16

6-7 pm: Bedazzled Books with Happy Arts. Join this latest creative craze—book bedazzling! Happy Arts will guide you through the process of transforming an ordinary book into a sparkling, one-of-a-kind creation. All supplies provided – just bring a book, paperback or hardcover. Come get creative and add a little sparkle to your favorite read. Registration required at the Pearle.

Thursday, November 19

6-6:45 pm: Pokémon Club: Do you love everything Pokémon? Join this Pokémon Club at the Pearle where you can meet other Pokémon fans and trade cards if you want to. Best for ages 6 and up. No registration required. This is not a drop-off program.

6-7:30 pm: Threaded Together: Join the Pearle Crawford Library for a screening of their original film: Threaded Together: Mill Work and Life in Webster, MA, an original 40-minute film featuring stories and memories of working in the Webster mills from 1950-1975. A collaboration between the Gladys E. Kelly Public Library, Nichols College, Karen Warinsky, and the Webster Senior Center.

Friday, November 20

11-11:45 am: Mindful Movement with Buffy at the Pearle. Get moving together with certified health instructor Buffy in this fun, 45-minute family movement class. Through playful movement, stretching, and mindfulness activities, caregivers and children ages 3+ will enjoy time together while building healthy movement habits. Registration required as space is limited.

Monday, November 23

6-7 pm: “Cook the Book” Book Club-Texture Over Taste by Joshua Weissman. “Cook The Book” Book Club meets on the 4th Monday of every month at 6 pm at the Pearle. Pick one recipe from the book selected for the month - the dishes don’t have to be complicated or fancy. Any recipe from the book is fair game, except alcoholic beverages - sorry! Prepare the recipe at home and share it at the library. We cannot reheat or keep food warm, so consider this when choosing your recipe. You are responsible for bringing serving utensils. We will provide paper goods and utensils for eating.

Wednesday, November 25

2-3 pm: Peaceful Projects at the Pearle. Join Rileigh for a drop-in craft. Painting, slime making, doodling, and more. Every session will be a little different than the last. Best for ages 5-12. Registration requested. This is not a drop-off event.

Saturday, November 28

10 am-12 pm: Dudley Select Board Office Hours at the Pearle Crawford Library: Have a question, concern, or idea to share? Stop by for this informal opportunity to meet with members of the Board, ask questions, discuss town issues, and learn more about what’s happening in the community. No appointment necessary - residents are welcome to just drop in. There might even be refreshments!

WEBSTER

Saturday, November 7

All day: Tiny Art Show Canvas Pickup. Calling all art lovers! The Gladys E. Kelly Public Library is hosting a Tiny Art Show, showcasing miniature pieces of art from the community. All creators are invited to participate -- no matter age or skill level. Pick up your 3 in. x 3 in. canvas from the main Circulation Desk or the Children’s Desk. All mediums are strongly encouraged: if you want to submit a 3 in. x 3 in. photograph or a 3 in. sculpture that is welcome. Canvas Pick Up: November 2-21. Art submission deadline: Tuesday, November 24. Be sure to complete the submission form with your artwork. Artwork will be on display all of December. 

2-4 pm: Author reception: Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St., welcomes back Mass.-based author Suzanne Strempek Shea. Her new memoir Compositions, is an extraordinary memoir about her early years in a close-knit 1960s and ‘70s Polish-American grade school and community, a life that revolves in a circle of faith and family. Written in the author’s voice and point of view from her first eight years of school, the humorous and poignant essays show a past still fully present. The miracles that she prays for – a horse or at least a pony, her grandfather’s health – never take place, yet something no less beautiful does as she spins childhood in a kaleidoscope of observations and stories. This event is free and open to the public. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. To RSVP, call 508.848.6232 or email [email protected]. 

Tuesday, November 10

6-7:45 pm: Urumqi Road Film Screening presented by Amnesty International Local Group 356 in the Community Room at the Library. This film covers the 2022 protests in China against zero-Covid lockdowns documented by Chen PinLin, who is currently being detained by the Chinese government. Amnesty International has adopted his case as a human rights defender on the grounds of censorship and freedom of expression. Following the film, there will be time for discussion and Q&A with Suzanne E. Wright, China Coordination Group Chair, as well as other members of the local Amnesty group. AI Group #356 meets monthly at Booklovers’ Gourmet in Webster. For more information, call 508-949-6232.

Thursday, November 12

6:30-7:30 pm: Cat Moon Shadow Concert in the Nest at the Library. This is a heartfelt tribute to the iconic singer-songwriter Cat Stevens and is presented in an intimate, acoustic, singer-songwriter style. John Fuzek expertly connects with his audience, creating a musical journey through the timeless songs of Stevens. His voice is strikingly reminiscent of Cat in his prime and Fuzek pours raw emotion into each performance. The show, which includes a mix of beloved hits and hidden gems, lasts approximately two hours, offering an unforgettable experience of music and stories that pay tribute to the soul-stirring music of this legendary artist. Unfortunately, Cat Stevens canceled his October 2025 tour of the U.S. and there are no plans to reschedule. No registration required.

Saturday, November 14

2-4 pm: Author reception: Award-winning author Howard Mansfield, who writes about architecture, preservation, and history in his quest to understand the soul of American places, will be at Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St. He will sign and discuss his newest book Invisible Monuments: Tribute, Memory, and the Summoning of the Past. The event is free and open to the public. Signed copies will be available for purchase. For more information or to RSVP, call 508.949.6232.

Saturday, November 21

11-11:30 am: Pumpernickel Puppets presents: The Three Bill Goats Gruff/The Lion and the Mouse in the Community Room at the Library. Two classic tales make up this wonderful animal-inspired show. In this modern adaptation of the famous Norwegian folk tale, three quick-witted goats outsmart the green, snaggletooth troll that lives under the bridge. In “The Lion and the Mouse,” two unlikely friends – one very big and one very small – learn to help each other to solve their problems. Both tales are told with colorful friendly hand puppets, and feature lots of audience participation. Recommended for children three and over. No registration required.

Saturday November 21 and Sunday November 22

Nov. 21 9 am-4 pm, Nov. 22 10 am-4 pm. Worcester Mineral Gem Fossil & Jewelry Show. Vendors with hundreds of minerals, fossils, gems, and jewelry. Live demonstrations and interactive activities. There will be door prizes, raffles, and free grab bags for children. Bring your finds to the rock and mineral identification table. There will also be delicious food and beverage concessions. St. Joseph School, 50 Lincoln St. Tickets at the door: Adults $6; seniors and students $5; children 12 and under free; Scouts in uniform free. For more info, worcestermineralclub.org/

Monday, November 23

6-7 pm: Trivia Palooza 10 in the Community Room at the Library. Join Evan and his sister Carrie for General Knowledge Trivia. Assemble your team (up to 5 people) and put your thinking caps on. Registration is required. Please only register 1 person per team; you cannot complete the registration process online if you say there are more attendees. We do not need to know how many people are on your team, but the maximum is 5. The winning team gets a prize!

WEBSTER-DUDLEY

Need some extra help from Santa? Sign up for the Giving Tree during the first three weeks of November either in person Tues/Thurs 9-11 am and Thurs 4-7 pm at United Church of Christ, 4 Church St., Webster or by email: [email protected]. Sponsored by Threads of Hope at the church. For children 12 years old or younger who live with you and reside in Webster or Dudley. List three choices for gifts and one book when you email each child’s information or at registration. Required: 1) Proof of child’s age (birth certificate, passport or school registration and 2) Proof of Webster or Dudley residency. Both documents need to be attached to the email. There will be no exceptions to these two requirements. Like all of us, Santa is on a budget, too, so please no expensive toys such as video games. Pick up the gifts on Friday, Dec. 18 between 10 am and 7 pm at the church.

Wednesday, November 11

Webster-Dudley’s 21st annual Veterans Day Parade: Marching veterans should meet by 10:15 a.m. in the St. Louis School parking area located next to the gymnasium at the bottom of the entryway. Transportation by bus departs at 10:30 a.m. for the Municipal Complex in Dudley where participants will gather at the Veterans’ Court of Honor. The ceremonies will begin promptly at 11 a.m. and include a chaplains’ prayer, a three-shot valley, Taps, and remarks. After the Dudley ceremony, veterans will march in procession to the Webster Veterans’ Court of Honor for a similar presentation. The ceremonies are expected to conclude around 12:45 p.m.