Westwood Public Library Events

Monday Matinee Movie: The Housemaid

Join us for matinee movies all summer long based on some our favorite books! Our August selection is The Housemaid (2025). Pick up a copy of the book before or after the movie and see which you like more! Millie is a struggling woman who is relieved to get a fresh start as a housemaid to Nina and Andrew, an upscale, wealthy couple. She soon learns that the family's secrets are far more dangerous than her own. Rating: R Runtime: 2 hours, 11 minutes

Weekly Drop-In Series

Join us for drop-in activities at the Islington Branch each week. We'll have activities for all ages and interests based on a rotation of themes. Available while supplies last.

Express and Destress

Unwind, create, and recharge in this mindfulness art workshop. Sign up for one or both sessions! For grades 6 - 12.

Countdown to Kindergarten

Attention rising Westwood Kindergarteners ! Get ready for school with a fun afternoon at the library with Westwood Librarians and the Early Childhood Department. Listen to a story, visit a series of learning stations, meet other kindergarteners and more! Registration required. Please only sign up for one date! Registration opens on July 1.

Westwood Quilters

Come on the fourth Monday of each month to sit, sew, and share quilting ideas. All skill levels welcome. Work on your current project and join the group. Email Mary for more information:  marys252711@gmail.com

Chess Club for Adults!

Interested in playing chess with other players, learning to play, or improve your game? Whether you're a beginner, need a refresher on the game, or you're a master player, this is opportunity to enjoy the game! Bring your own board and pieces, or use the chess sets and timers the library will provide!  The Chess Club is designed for adults and will feature a skilled volunteer to facilitate.  No registration.

Conquer a Classic: The Count of Monte Cristo

This summer, we will try our first ever slow read of this enduring adventure novel. Published in 1844, the novel follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is falsely imprisoned, escapes, acquires a fortune, and seeks revenge on those who betrayed him, exploring themes of justice, vengeance, and redemption. We will divide the discussion of this 1200 page novel into two meetings at the beginning and end of the summer. Along the way, there will be a structured reading plan offered (see below) and regular email updates! Please Register to join our mailing list.  1st Meeting Monday, June 22!  Covering Chapters 1-40 Final Meeting: Monday, August 24! Covering Chapters 41-117 12 Week Reading Schedule  * Suggested, not required! I thought it would be fun to break up the book into our own version of serialization. I wanted to cover the Summer, so this runs June 1-August 16. Feel free to use this is as a guide or read faster or slower to your liking.    (May 29) Week 1 : Chapters 1-10 (Roman Numerals I-X)  (June 7) Week 2 : Chapters 11-20 (XI-XX) (June 14) Week 3 : Chapters 21-33) (XXI-XXXIII) (June 21) Week 4 : Chapters 33-40) (XXXIV-XL)  1st Meeting Monday, June 22!  Covering Chapters 1-40 (June 28) Week 5: Chapters 41-49) (XLI_XLIX) (July 5) Week 6: Chapters 50-59 (L-LIX) (July 12) Week 7: Chapters 60-70 (LX-LXXX) (July 19) Week 8: Chapters 71-79 (LXXI-LXXIX) (July 26) Week 9: Chapters 80-89 (LXXX-LXXXIX) (August 2) Week 10: Chapters 90-100 (XC-C) (August 9) Week 11: Chapters 101-110 (CI-CX) (August 16) Week 12: Chapters 111-117 (CXI-CXVII) Final Meeting: Monday, August 24! Covering Chapters 41-117

Ukulele Play-Along Sessions!

Come join the Woodsies Ukulele group for a fun afternoon of playing ukulele.  All ages and abilities are welcome.  If you've played for a while, or can only play a C chord, come join in!  The group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.  If you have questions, or need more information please email:   westwoodukulele-playalong@ yahoo.com

Switch It Up!

Do you dream of conquering the Rainbow Road? Do you need to know more about Super Smash Bros? Do you just want to learn more about playing Switch in a low-stress environment surrounded by your library friends? Then Switch it up is for you.  For rising Kindergartners-5th Grade

Picnic Basket Book Club

Come to the library to lounge on picnic blankets, eat snacks, and talk about books! We'll spend the first half chatting and then have time to quietly read together. Take this opportunity to add a day to your summer reading progress AND complete a special bonus activity and earn a treasure chest prize for attending a library program! Bring the current book you're reading with you or pick out a new book from the stacks while you're here. For grades 6 - 12.

True Crime Documentary - "Beware the Slenderman"

Join us for a screening and discussion of Beware the Slenderman  (2016 - Rated TV-14) before our August book club meeting!  The mythos of a faceless, digital-age bogeyman known as Slenderman was created on the Internet, but his influence was felt in the real world when two 12-year-old girls lured their friend into the woods for a brutal murder.

True Crime Book Club

Have you already binged every documentary available & listened to all the podcasts on your phone? Want to learn about some obscure criminal cases and the psychology behind crime? Then you should join us on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Islington Branch for True Crime Book Club . Check out our website or stop by the library to see what book we're reading this month!

Open Mah Jongg

If you like to play American Mah Jongg, join our open play group on Wednesday evenings! Bring your Mah Jongg set if you own one, or check one out at the Information Service desk, located on the second floor of the library. The library's Mah Jongg sets are for in-library use only.  No registration required. These sessions are intended for players who are familiar with American Mah Jongg as play instruction is not provided. Games are nonbetting as gambling is not allowed in the library.  Supplies for this program are made possible by the Friends of the Westwood Library and a generous donation.

Sit N Knit

Join us for a morning of knitting, crocheting, needlepointing, cross stitching or hand quilting at the Branch.

Thurston Welcome Club: 6th Grade Meet Up

Westwood Library welcomes incoming sixth graders to come play lawn games on Deerfield (weather permitting) and check out our Fri-Yay setup in our Community Room (video games included!)! Come and socialize with other new middle schoolers and their families and see all the fun games that the library has to offer. For incoming 6th graders and their families

Encanto: Interactive Movie

Do you talk about Bruno? No? What about sing and interact with a movie about Bruno? Yes!!! Join us for a fun night with the family Madrigal where singing, dancing, and interacting with the film is encouraged. All ages welcome. Pajamas welcome!

Friday Morning Book Club

Outdoor Movie: Shrek

Hey now, you're an all star! Come to the library for an After Hours outdoor screening of Shrek (PG). Please bring a blanket and or chairs to get comfortable! Popcorn and water will be provided.

Weekly Drop-In Series

Join us for drop-in activities at the Islington Branch each week. We'll have activities for all ages and interests based on a rotation of themes. Available while supplies last.

Local History Research Assistance

WPL Reference Librarian, Vicki, will be at the Information Service desk for assistance with local history questions the first Tuesday of the month  between 10:00 - 11:00 AM and the second Thursday of the month  between 6:00 -7:00 PM.  If you would like to schedule a half hour appointment for research assistance during those times, or at another time, please email  vandrilenas@minlib.net   or call 781.320.1045.  Drop-ins will be accommodated as time allows.

Historical Fiction Book Group

Join us at the Islington Branch Library to discuss a wide range of Historical novels.

Westwood Writers' Circle

Looking for accountability with your writing project? Want to connect with other writers? Join the Westwood Writers' Circle for a monthly evening of writing, workshopping, and community with other writers. Tea provided. Feel free to bring the project you're already working on, or to start a new one! Our structure may change month-to-month, but the typical meeting layout is: 6:30- 6:45 tea + chatting 6:45- 7:00 workshop #1 7:00- 7:15 workshop #2 7:15- 8:15 writing time 8:15- 8:30 wrap-up/debrief  If you have any questions, or if you're interested in having your writing workshopped, please reach out to jhorwitz@minlib.net.

Night Knitting

Join us for an evening of knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, cross stitching, or hand quilting at the Branch.    Yarn and needles are available for new knitters. Come learn, enjoy, and chat with other knitting lovers and learners.

Practical Magic Movie and Book Bedazzling night

Join us for a fun and witchy night of book bedazzling (or your craft of choice) as we watch Practical Magic just in time for the release of the sequel on Sept 11. Bring your own book or purchase one from our Friends of the Library Book Nook. We will have book bedazzling supplies and popcorn for snack breaks.

Open Mah Jongg

If you like to play American Mah Jongg, join our open play group on Wednesday evenings! Bring your Mah Jongg set if you own one, or check one out at the Information Service desk, located on the second floor of the library. The library's Mah Jongg sets are for in-library use only.  No registration required. Bring your friends who are able to play or are happy to sit and watch.  These sessions are intended for players who are familiar with American Mah Jongg as play instruction is not provided. Games are nonbetting as gambling is not allowed in the library.  Supplies for this program are made possible by the Friends of the Westwood Library and a generous donation.

Sit N Knit

Join us for a morning of knitting, crocheting, needlepointing, cross stitching or hand quilting at the Branch.

Workday Wellness: Ergonomic Tips and Tricks for Working From Home

Learn what an optimal work from home setup looks like even if you don't have an office, why there's no such thing as perfect posture, and how to reduce neck and low back pain from long hours of sitting. Plus, get some easy exercises to break up prolonged sitting! Julianne Beck, PT, DPT, OCS is a physical therapist and owner of Tidal Physical Therapy & Wellness in Dedham. She specializes in orthopedic and pelvic health for women across their lifespan, helping to remove the guesswork so that women can move confidently and feel their best.

Library Closed for Labor Day

Library Closed for Labor Day

Library Closed for Labor Day

*YAB (Youth Advisory Board)

Do you want to have a say in what the library offers? Join us on the second Wednesday of the month to help to revamp the Teen Department at the Westwood Public Library! Hear about how to help with programs and share your thoughts, gain some leadership skills, and earn volunteer hours. For grades 6 - 12. For more information, please email Frazier Arets at farets@minlib.net.

Islington Branch Book Club

Friends, books and conversation!  Join us to discuss books new and old.  Email cconnors@minlib.net with questions.

Open Mah Jongg

If you like to play American Mah Jongg, join our open play group on Wednesday evenings! Bring your Mah Jongg set if you own one, or check one out at the Information Service desk, located on the second floor of the library. The library's Mah Jongg sets are for in-library use only.  No registration required. Bring your friends who are able to play or are happy to sit and watch.  These sessions are intended for players who are familiar with American Mah Jongg as play instruction is not provided. Games are nonbetting as gambling is not allowed in the library.  Supplies for this program are made possible by the Friends of the Westwood Library and a generous donation.

Sit N Knit

Join us for a morning of knitting, crocheting, needlepointing, cross stitching or hand quilting at the Branch.

Pause for Paws

The Branch is excited to welcome Gigi to meet and greet patrons of all ages! No registration is required, so stop by anytime during the hour!

Local History Research Assistance

WPL Reference Librarian, Vicki, will be at the Information Service desk for assistance with local history questions the first Tuesday of the month  between 10:00 - 11:00 AM and the second Thursday of the month  between 6:00 -7:00 PM.  If you would like to schedule a half hour appointment for research assistance during those times, or at another time, please email  vandrilenas@minlib.net   or call 781.320.1045.  Drop-ins will be accommodated as time allows.

Author Talk: Parenting Anxiety with Dr. Meredith Elkins

How do you support an anxious kid without feeding the anxiety? Join us for an evening with Dr. Meredith Elkins, Harvard Medical School faculty, Co-Director of the McLean Anxiety Mastery Program at McLean Hospital, and author of  Parenting Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids.  Dr. Elkins will share practical, compassionate strategies for supporting anxious kids without reinforcing anxiety, and for finding grace and balance amidst the pressures of modern parenting. Bring your questions, and leave with strategies you can apply right away.

Weekly Drop-In Series

Join us for drop-in activities at the Islington Branch each week. We'll have activities for all ages and interests based on a rotation of themes. Available while supplies last.

Read Next Kit: Campus Novels

Sharpen your pencils and meet us in the quad to pick up our newest Read Next Kit: Campus Novels! Each bag will contain three different takes on the classic campus novel, as well as some goodies to enhance your reading experience.  Register for your bag today, then stop by the library to pick it up from the circulation desk starting Monday, September 14. Wondering what books are included? We could tell you, but then it wouldn't be a surprise!  Please note, we will hold your Read Next Kit for two weeks before passing it on to the next person on the waitlist.

Planning for What's Next- Helping Families Navigate Life's Most Important Financial & Personal Decisions

Life rarely moves in a straight line. Retirement, the loss of a spouse, caring for aging parents, receiving an inheritance, selling a business, changing careers, or simply entering a new stage of life can bring complex decisions and unexpected changes. This educational presentation led by Scott Cicerone of Centinel Financial Group will explore the financial and personal choices that often accompany life's major transitions. We'll discuss practical strategies to help individuals and families prepare for change, avoid common mistakes, and make decisions with greater clarity and confidence!

Soulspun Kitchen with Author Erin E. Moulton

Community and church cookbooks are treasures that give us a glimpse of female groups encapsulated in a place and time. Besides delicious treats, these recipe books can be a springboard to historical and genealogical adventure. Join Erin E. Moulton as we traipse over recipes for Ghorabie, Pacific Slope Punch, and Maple Creams in search of clues to unlock the stories of those gone by. Attendees are encouraged to bring a cherished cookbook or recipe to share with the group. Erin explores more “recipes from the dead” on her Soulspun Kitchen Substack . Erin E. Moulton writes books and tracks dead people. As a genealogical researcher, she has explored the lives of the departed for over 14 years. Erin is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the New Hampshire Society of Genealogists. She holds a B.A. from Emerson College, an M.F.A. from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. She is an award-winning author of middle grade and young adult books. When she isn’t tracking down just the right word or just the right clue, she can be spotted sleuthing New England’s burying places. You can find her online at www.erinemoulton.com .

Cribbage

Join us to play this unique and addictive card game, where players score points by collecting different combinations of cards and the score is kept by putting small pegs in holes in a board. For Beginners and Intermediate players, both boards and cards will be provided.

Open Mah Jongg

If you like to play American Mah Jongg, join our open play group on Wednesday evenings! Bring your Mah Jongg set if you own one, or check one out at the Information Service desk, located on the second floor of the library. The library's Mah Jongg sets are for in-library use only.  No registration required. Bring your friends who are able to play or are happy to sit and watch.  These sessions are intended for players who are familiar with American Mah Jongg as play instruction is not provided. Games are nonbetting as gambling is not allowed in the library.  Supplies for this program are made possible by the Friends of the Westwood Library and a generous donation.

Sit N Knit

Join us for a morning of knitting, crocheting, needlepointing, cross stitching or hand quilting at the Branch.

Great Decisions

Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Participants read the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watch the videos and meet with members of their community to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today.  Participants will meet the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30PM. Sessions will run from September - December 2026. This months topic of discussion will be Ukraine and the Future of European Security . If you have any questions, please email Rosie at rsmith.wwd@miblib.net