Community Literacy Programs & Library Events
From toddler story hours to senior technology workshops, our volunteer-led programs serve every age group and reading level in the Groveland community.
Tiny Readers Story Time (Ages 2–5)
Our flagship early childhood program runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the library's Maple Room. Certified early literacy specialists lead interactive read-aloud sessions incorporating finger plays, felt board storytelling, movement songs, and simple art projects that reinforce vocabulary acquisition and narrative sequencing. Each eight-week session follows a thematic arc, such as "Animals Around the World," "Seasons and Weather," or "Community Helpers," with carefully curated booklists that parents can continue at home. Research consistently demonstrates that children who participate in structured read-aloud programs before kindergarten enter school with vocabularies 30 percent larger than their non-participating peers. Our program currently enrolls approximately 45 families per session, with morning and afternoon cohorts available to accommodate different family schedules.
Chapter Champions Book Club (Ages 8–12)
A monthly book discussion group designed to develop critical reading skills and foster a lifelong love of literature among elementary and middle school students. Each month, participants receive a free copy of the selected title, funded entirely by Friends membership dues and local bookstore partnerships with Jabberwocky Bookshop in Newburyport. Discussions are facilitated by volunteer educators who guide students through themes of character development, historical context, author craft, and personal connection to the text. Past selections have included "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate, "Front Desk" by Kelly Yang, and "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen. The club meets the second Saturday of each month from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM and includes a themed snack prepared by our refreshments committee. No registration fee is required, and siblings are always welcome.
Senior Digital Literacy Workshop Series
An eight-week structured curriculum teaching essential computer and internet skills to adults aged sixty and older. Topics progress from basic mouse and keyboard operation through email composition, web browsing safety, identifying online scams, managing digital photographs, using telehealth platforms, accessing Social Security and Medicare portals, and connecting with family through video calls. Each participant is paired with a dedicated volunteer technology mentor for the duration of the series, ensuring personalized attention and comfortable pacing. Workshop cohorts are limited to twelve participants to maintain the one-on-two mentor ratio that our program evaluations have shown produces the highest confidence gains. Equipment is provided; participants who do not own a computer may borrow a Chromebook from our lending library for the duration of the course. Workshops run on Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Homework Help Center (Grades 3–12)
Free drop-in academic tutoring available Monday through Thursday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM during the school year, September through June. Our volunteer tutors include retired school teachers, honor roll college students from UMass Lowell and Northern Essex Community College, and working professionals who donate afternoon hours. Subjects covered include mathematics from basic arithmetic through pre-calculus, English language arts including essay structure and grammar review, general science, and standardized test preparation for MCAS, SAT, and ACT examinations. The center operates on a walk-in basis requiring no appointment or pre-registration, eliminating barriers to access. Students simply arrive with their assignments and are matched with an available tutor. In the 2025–2026 academic year, the Homework Help Center served 387 unique students across 2,140 individual tutoring sessions, with participant surveys reporting a 91 percent satisfaction rate and a measurable increase in classroom performance for 78 percent of regular attendees.
Author Visit & Literary Speaker Series
The Friends sponsor four to six visiting author events per year, bringing published writers from across New England and beyond to the Groveland Public Library for readings, signings, and audience discussions. Past guests have included local historians, Newbery and Caldecott honorees, investigative journalists, and debut novelists. Events are held in the library's Community Room, which seats up to 120 attendees, and are always free and open to the public. Following each presentation, attendees may purchase signed copies through our partnership with a regional independent bookstore, with a portion of proceeds benefiting library acquisitions. The speaker series also includes an annual Poetry Night each April in conjunction with National Poetry Month, featuring open-mic readings by community members alongside a featured published poet. These events consistently rank among the most attended and highest-rated programs in our annual community survey.
English Language Learner Conversation Circle
A weekly conversational English practice group for adult immigrants and non-native speakers, meeting every Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The program provides a supportive, low-pressure environment where participants practice everyday English communication including workplace vocabulary, medical appointment terminology, school enrollment paperwork, and civic participation language. Bilingual volunteer facilitators guide structured conversations, role-playing exercises, and vocabulary-building games. Supplementary reading materials at various proficiency levels are provided free of charge, and childcare is available in the adjacent playroom for participants with young children. The Conversation Circle serves approximately 25 to 30 regular participants representing twelve different first languages, creating a vibrant multicultural community within the library. Program completers have reported increased confidence in parent-teacher conferences, job interviews, and daily community interactions.
Signature Events & Seasonal Programs
Throughout the year, the Friends organize community-wide events that celebrate reading, learning, and neighborly connection.
Winter Reading Challenge
A community-wide reading challenge encouraging residents of all ages to read at least twelve books during the winter months. Participants log titles through our paper tracking cards or the online portal. Milestone prizes include bookmarks, tote bags, and gift certificates to local businesses. The 2026 challenge drew 482 registered readers who collectively logged 6,847 completed books, demonstrating that Groveland's literary spirit thrives even during the quietest season of the year.
The Great Groveland Book Sale
Our signature annual fundraiser transforms Groveland Town Hall into a bibliophile's paradise for three days. Over 12,000 donated volumes are meticulously sorted by genre and condition by our dedicated volunteer sorting committee, which begins preparation three months in advance. Hardcovers are priced at two dollars, paperbacks at one dollar, and children's books at fifty cents. A special collector's table features first editions, signed copies, and vintage volumes. Net proceeds typically range from $12,000 to $16,000 and fund approximately 40 percent of the Friends' annual programming budget.
Summer Reading Marathon
The cornerstone of our youth engagement calendar, the Summer Reading Marathon combats the well-documented "summer slide" in reading proficiency by incentivizing daily reading throughout school vacation. Children and teens track their reading minutes, earn rewards at progressive milestones, and participate in weekly themed events including outdoor author picnics, science demonstration shows, and creative writing workshops. Over 340 young readers participated in the 2026 program, collectively logging over 285,000 reading minutes across the summer break.
Ready to Participate?
All Friends programs are free and open to the public. No library card or membership is required to attend. We believe that access to literacy resources is a fundamental community right, not a privilege. Browse our event calendar, stop by the library, or contact us to learn more about any program.