Library Hours:

Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with extended hours on Tuesday until 7 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Check our website for the most up-to-date information and to register for programs: https://baconfreelibrary.org

Children’s Programs

All Together Preschool Storytime - Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

We’ll be outdoors, weather permitting. Bring along a blanket to get comfy. Note: if the weather is wet or below 55 degrees, we’ll move this storytime indoors. The historic nature of our building limits accessibility. This program is also offered in an accessible location at the Morse Institute Library (check their website for dates, times, and more information).

Lapsit Storytime - Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

Stories, bounces, and songs for babies 0-24 months and their grownups! This program is held indoors. The historic nature of our building limits accessibility. This program is also offered in an accessible location at the Morse Institute Library (check their website for dates, times, and more information).

Jammin with You - Fridays, Oct. 3 & 17 at 10:30 a.m.

Be prepared to laugh, dance, sing, and jam your way through 30 minutes of non-stop family fun! We’ll be outdoors, weather permitting. Bring along a blanket to get comfy.

Note: if the weather is wet, this program will be rescheduled.

Read to a Dog - Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 - 11:15 a.m.

Kids can build confidence and practice their reading skills by reading out loud to a registered therapy dog. Children ages 5 and older can sign up for a 15-minute reading session with Sophie, a gentle golden retriever who loves belly rubs, stories, and cuddles. Registration is required for each child attending.

Preschool Pumpkin Party - Friday, Oct. 31 at 10:30 a.m.

Join us for some fall fun! We’ll have a variety of craft stations, sensory bins, and fine motor activities, all involving pumpkins. Recommended for ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Wear clothes and shoes that can get a little messy! This program will be held outdoors. Due to limited supplies, registration is required. Please register separately for each child attending.

Adult Programs

No Safety for Us: the internment of Native Americans on Deer Island - Saturday, Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. in the Natick Historical Society

Join Shawn Quigley from the National Park Service to discuss the internment of Native Americans on Deer Island during King Philip’s War. Shawn’s program will explore the historic use of the Boston Harbor Islands, their role as an internment camp for Native Americans from praying towns, and stories of survival and reliance from those imprisoned on Deer Island. Registration is required. 

The Allure of Vampires with Dr. Bill Thierfelder - Virtual program,Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. on Zoom

Vampire stories have captivated people for centuries. But why have the tales of the undead endured? What makes them so appealing in the modern day?  This program explores the ongoing allure of these powerful creatures. Register for the Zoom link.

Jane Austen’s Sanditon: From Unfinished Swan Song to British Costume Drama - Virtual program, Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m.

Join author, former UK resident, and Anglophile Claire Evans for a look at Austen’s final, unfinished manuscript and its path from family heirloom to a fully imagined costume drama, airing on PBS. Learn about the real-life people and locations that informed Austen’s last work before her untimely death at age 41, as well as how the seeds of her ideas came to life on the small screen. Register for the Zoom link.

Human-ish with Justin Gregg - virtual program, Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. on Zoom

Why do we apologize to our cats, feel guilty throwing away childhood toys, or find ourselves bonding with our robot vacuum?  Scientist and bestselling author Justin Gregg reveals how one of humanity’s oldest psychological quirks secretly influences nearly every decision we make. Drawing on cutting-edge research from his new book Human-ish, Justin explores our universal tendency to see human-like qualities in everything around us and shows how understanding this bias can transform our relationships with animals, technology, and each other. Register for the Zoom link. 

Adult Book & Film Clubs

Registration required for all clubs; please visit our website for details https://baconfreelibrary.org/clubs-programs/

Mystery Book Club - Thursday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. on Zoom: Little Comfort by Edwin Hill.

History Book Club - Thursday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. on Zoom: The Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby.

Environmental Book Club - Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. on Zoom: The Urban Naturalist: how to make the city your scientific playground by Menno Schilthuizen.

Nonfiction Book Club - Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. on Zoom: Susan, Linda, Nina, & Cokie: the extraordinary story of the founding mothers of NPR by Lisa Napoli

Tuesday Book Club - Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the library: North Woods by Daniel Mason.

Cinephile Mondays - last Monday of the month at 4 p.m. on Zoom; watch and discuss films. Check the BFL website for the film of the month and to register.

Museum Passes

The Bacon Free Library and Morse Institute Library offer passes for free or reduced-admission to 30 local museums. Check one out and plan your next day trip!