Unless otherwise noted, the following programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.
Director’s Corner: Governor Healey recently signed the $63 billion FY2027 state budget with more than $53 million to support libraries across the Commonwealth through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
In its FY2027 Legislative Agenda, the MBLC prioritized a 5% increase to State Aid to Public Libraries (budget line 7000-9501) which is direct local aid to libraries. This line received an increase of 2% for FY2027.
The MBLC also requested a 3% rise in all other budget lines. Except for the MBLC agency line (budget line 7000-9101), all lines received increases.
“At a time when library budgets are stretched thin because of federal uncertainty and pressure on local municipalities’ budgets, stable state funding means libraries can ensure that every person who lives in Massachusetts has access to collections, programs, and resources that support their personal, professional, and economic growth. We appreciate the increased funding from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature and look forward to the impact it will have across the Commonwealth,” said MBLC Director Maureen Amyot.
Summer Reading is for all ages! We are excited to announce our 2026 Summer Reading theme: Plant a Seed, Read! Our program kicks off Monday June 22nd at 10:00 a.m. Please go ahead and register now.
- Children’s Summer Reading (ages 0-10)
- Teen Summer Reading (ages 11-18)
- Adult Summer Reading (ages 19+)
Questions about the children’s or Teen Summer Reading program? Please email us at youthservices@westfordma.gov.
Questions about the Adult Summer Reading program? Please email us at reference@westfordma.gov
Thanks to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Westford Recreation Department, the Kurt Kelly Memorial Foundation, and to our wonderful Friends of the J. V. Fletcher Library for funding our Summer Reading programs!
Adult Programs
Adult Nonfiction Book Club: Tuesday, August 4th, 6:30 p.m.
We will discuss, Is a River Alive, by Robert Macfarlane. Copies are available at Main Desk. The e-book and audiobook are available to download from Libby and Overdrive. No registration required. Drop-ins are welcome! Email Bari Pender at bpender@westfordma.gov for more information!
Adult Book Club – Thursday, Thursday, August 13th, 6:30 p.m.
We’ll discuss Mona’s Eyes by Thomas Schlesser. Copies are available at the Main Desk. The e-book and audiobook are available to download from Libby/Overdrive and Hoopla. Join a lively group of readers to discuss fiction and nonfiction titles (we alternate each month)! Email Kristina Leedberg at kleedberg@westfordma.gov for more information.
VIRTUAL-The History of Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market: Tuesday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. Millions visit Faneuil Hall (opened 1742) and Quincy Market (opened 1826) each year — drawn by the food, the shops, and the rich sense of history. But behind the brick and granite walls are stories that most visitors (and even many locals) have never heard. Led by Susan Mara Bregman, author of the new book, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library in collaboration with the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library. Registration is required.
Staff Recommends: Land: a Novel by Maggie O’Farrell “In 1865, surveyor Tomás and his ten-year-old son Liam travel a remote Atlantic peninsula as part of the British Ordnance Survey’s effort to map Ireland after the Great Hunger. Determined to preserve evidence of the famine’s devastation in his work, Tomás becomes psychologically altered after a disturbing encounter in a woodland copse. As British officers approach expecting the survey’s completion, Liam must confront his father’s unraveling and attempt to guide them home.”
Youth Services Programs
YA Tent at Twilight Painting with Julie Harrold: Monday, August 3 at 4 – 5 p.m., Roudenbush, 3rd floor. Join Art Educator Julie Harrold in a fun step by step Summer themed painting! Participants will learn how to create depth using tonal value, and brush usage for blending and adding fun details. Acrylic paint on 11×14 canvas board. Please wear painting clothes. For ages 11-18. Registration is required.
Cardboard Build: Let’s Make Flowers: Thursday, August 6th 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Roudenbush, 3rd floor Let’s build with cardboard! Join us for a fun cardboard build as we create beautiful flowers from the recycled cardboard that we receive from our library book deliveries! We’ll have safe cardboard cutting tools and cool screws to attach the cardboard together. Please wear an old T-shirt or bring along a smock, as we will paint our one-of-a-kind flowers. For ages 5 and up. Registration is required. Questions? Please email us at youthservices@westfordma.gov
Toe Jam Puppet Band’s Variety Show: Monday, August 10th 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Abbot Elementary Schoo’s Front Lawn, 25 Depot Street
Join us for a delightful children’s music concert featuring The Toe Jam Puppet Band! Their fun show is packed with original music and giant bubbles! The Toe Jam Puppet Band will have the whole family singing, dancing, and laughing together. Bring your low camp chairs/blankets and something to eat and enjoy this high-energy concert. There’s plenty of room to spread out on the field. If the weather is inclement, we’ll move inside to the Gymnasium. Registration is required. Questions? Please email us at youthservices@westfordma.gov
Farm Tales Storytime: Tuesday, August 11th, 10:30 — 11:15 a.m. Westford Recreation Department at Roudenbush – 3rd floor. Join Miss Julia and Miss Hannah for fun farm-themed stories, songs, and more! This storytime is geared for children ages 2-5. Registration is recommended to receive reminder emails and updates in case of program changes.
Bicycle Safety Storytime: Thursday, August 13th 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Westford Recreation Department at Roudenbush – 3rd floor. Join us for this special storytime on bicycle safety. We will read picture books about bicycles, then meet with Deborah Kreithen from the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School—A Program of MassDOT, to talk with us about bicycle safety for children. This storytime is designed for children ages 3 to 6. Registration is recommended to receive reminder emails and updates in case of program changes.
Stuffie Sleepover: Thursday, August 13th 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. 515 Groton Road Bring your stuffies over to the Children’s Room and let them roam the library overnight! Don’t forget to make them a name tag when you drop them off. There will be lots of fun adventures in store for them! We’ll make sure to tuck them in for a good night’s sleep afterward. Pictures of what they got up to will be posted on our Children’s Instagram, @jvfletcherkids. Questions? Please email us at youthservices@westfordma.gov You can pick them up on Friday, August 14th, starting at 1:00 p.m.
If you have questions or need assistance, please call us at 978-399-2300 or send us an email at westfordlibrary@westfordma.gov
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