Welcome, and thank you for checking out the What.To.Do. Community Events Listing. We update this page weekly to provide Team Hanscom with fun and free opportunities to explore the area and connect with friends.

Have an event or activity suggestion to add? Submit it here!

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The Minuteman Library Network is a consortium of 41 libraries with 60 locations serving the communities of Metrowest Massachusetts. The members include 36 public and 5 college libraries in the Metrowest region of Massachusetts. Cards issued at one member library are valid for use at all other in-network libraries – if you got your card in Bedford, MA, it’ll also work at Cambridge, Newton, Waltham, and many more.

Check out some of our hand-picked events below and click the links to learn more.

 

Library Events (Kids)

Wednesday, August 26 
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Concord Public Library
 

Join for an informational session about ticks and mosquitos and how you can stay safe this summer. It is an all-ages, interactive talk with live bugs and demonstrations!

Wednesday, August 26 
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Concord Public Library
 

Drop by to craft, experiment, and create. Join us each week for hands-on artistic exploration. When weather permits, we will meet in the backyard. 

Thursday, August 27 
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Woburn Public Library
 

Join for a fun and delicious cooking class to create a classic Japanese lunch: bento boxes! This program is for ages 8-11. Registration is required.

Saturday, August 29 
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 
Watertown Public Library
 

Join a children's librarian for music and movement challenges! Participants will practice moving and making music in rhythm. For children ages 3-5. No registration. 

Wednesday, September 2 
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
Belmont Public Library
 

Somebody once told me that it's the 25th Anniversary of Shrek (2001). We're screening this beloved film to celebrate the first early-release day of the school year. You bring yourselves, we'll bring the snacks! This film is rated PG. 

Friday, September 4 
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
Bedford Public Library
 

Join for an afternoon making crafts like an adorable Pikachu Craft and other Pokemon magnets.  Best for children in Kindergarten - 5th grade with a caregiver, siblings are welcome. No need to register siblings if they are not crafting.

Friday, September 11 
4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 
Bedford Public Library
 

Children in Kindergarten - 5th grade can join us to paint a wooden horseshoe. Add some string and beads and turn it into a "wind chime." Younger siblings are welcome and can color a paper horseshoe, no need to register younger siblings. Registration for this event opens Tuesday, September 1 at 9:00 AM. 

Tuesday, September 15 
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
Belmont Public Library
 

This is a single, one-off session that will provide an overview of computer programming with Python. Students need no prior computer programming experience though basic computer experience is assumed. The popular Python programming language is used as an example. Included in this session are a number of simple but realistic examples in Python which the student views, runs, modifies and runs again. This session emphasizes student participation - learning by doing. During this session the student is shown IDLE, a simple but powerful Python programming development tool. 

Library Events (Teens)

Wednesday, August 26 
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
Woburn Public Library
 

You're invited to the Pixel Party, a new teen club to obsess over video games! This is a teen program open to students in 6-12 grade. Registration preferred, but not required.

Thursday, August 27 
6:30 pm. to 7:30 p.m. 
Newton Public Library
 

Celebrate the end of summer with party games and ice cream! We'll have small challenge games to complete using simple, everyday items. For those entering grades 6-12.

Friday, August 28 
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
Burlington Public Library
 

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for an after hours event at the library to celebrate the end of summer! Come hang out with your friends, try out a new board game or two, and play our Nintendo switch on the big screen. We will have pizza and beverages but our main event will be the GIANT CANDY BALL game that your completed summer reading gameboards help build! There will also be an opportunity to play hide and go seek in the empty library so please wear clothes/shoes you feel comfortable moving around in! 

Friday, August 28 
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
Concord Public Library
 

On the fourth Friday of each month, enjoy a selection of teas and discuss a blend of historical and contemporary fiction. For this month, we are discussing The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callihan. Copies of the selected book are available. Please feel free to bring in food related to the recipe theme, but do not feel obligated!  

  • 1:30 PM: Tea and Socializing begins 

  • 2 PM: Book Discussion begins 

Friday, August 28 
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
Lexington Public Library
 

Come in and hang out for our Friday afternoon movie viewing. Rated PG. Grades 6-12. 

Saturday, September 12 
12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. 
Belmont Public Library
 

This instructive writing lab for soon-to-be college applicants — and their parents! — helps students step beyond doubt or worry and toward possibility and progress. Students and parents should come ready with pen, paper, and imaginations. Registrations preferred, but walk-ins permitted if space is available. 

Library Events (Adults)

Tuesday, August 25 
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
Woburn Public Library
 

In this workshop, participants will learn and practice improvisation activities and techniques that will help to improve expressive language skills as well promote faster thinking and decrease stress. Participants in Adult improv workshops find that they laugh a lot and that getting in touch with their creative sides brings them peace and happiness. 

Friday, August 28 
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
Woburn Public Library
 

Join us for a fun and creative candle-making experience! In this beginner friendly workshop, participants will learn the basics of candle making while creating their own hand-poured soy candle to take home.  Registration is required. 

Saturday, August 29 
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
Dover Public Library
 

Have you ever wanted to carry a whole library in your pocket? Join us in the community room for a creative afternoon where we’ll transform ordinary metal tins into miniature bookcases. We’ll provide the tins, tiny books, and decorative supplies—you bring your imagination! Whether you want to recreate your own bookshelf or design a dream reading nook for your desk, this is your chance to build a unique, pocket-sized masterpiece. For adults, 18+. Registration required and opens Saturday, August 15.

Saturday, August 29 
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. 
Woburn Public Library
 

No matter your age, it’s never too early—or too late—to take control of your financial future. Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate today's changing economy, safeguard your family's financial future, and build a lasting, tax-advantaged retirement. 

Saturday, August 29 
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 
Cambridge Public Library (Main)
 

Learn how to use our Sony FX6 camera to film your own videos! In this session, you'll also practice lighting for film and editing a short video using provided footage. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

Learn to Podcast 

Saturday, August 29 
11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 
Framingham Public Library
 

Interested in podcasting? Find out what you need to get started—from concept and equipment to recording and editing—with the professionals at Access Framingham (AFTV). Then learn where to share your podcast to reach the right audience. Bring your questions to this hands-on, interactive session to find out all you need to start podcasting. Space is limited. Registration is required. 

Tuesday, September 1 
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
Lexington Public Library
 

In this talk, Dr. Haixun Wang will explain, in everyday language, how memory, imagination, and creativity may be connected. People often create new ideas by recognizing patterns in past experiences and applying them in new situations. Modern AI systems attempt something similar, but they still struggle to produce stories and ideas with the depth, flexibility, and originality of human creativity. No technical background is required. The talk is intended for anyone interested in how AI works and how it may shape the future of human creativity. 

Thursday, September 3 
6:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. 
Burlington Public Library
 

Drop-in for an evening of strategic tabletop fun at the Burlington Public Library Board Game Group. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a curious newcomer, we welcome those age 16+ to get hooked on the amazing hobby of tabletop board games. 

6:30PM - Formal Start Time (the room will be open starting at 6PM if you'd like to set up a larger game) 

There will be a bunch of tables and a bunch of games ready for groups to enjoy!  Typically one or two groups will play a "heavier", more complex title while another couple of tables will enjoy easy to learn party games and classics.