Ventress Memorial Library15 Library Plaza
Marshfield, MA 02050
781-834-5535ventresslibrary.org
Ventress Voice Â· December 2025 · Vol 8.12
Season's Greetings
Season’s Greetings from the Ventress Memorial Library!
 
The holidays invite reflection, and this season reminds us just how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive community. We are truly filled with gratitude. Thank you for helping make our library a warm, vibrant, and welcoming place all year long. We are grateful for our patrons and hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday with family and friends.
 
As the holidays approach, don’t forget to borrow extra books, movies, or audiobooks to enjoy during your celebrations!
 
Holiday Hours
  • December 24, 2025: Closing at 2:30 p.m.
  • December 25, 2025: Closed
  • December 31, 2025: Closing at 6 p.m.
  • January 1, 2026: Closed
Happy Holidays!
We look forward to serving you in the new year.
 
 
 
A Circle of Friends
    
 
December is upon us, and the Friends wish to continue stocking the children’s room with new toys and educational materials. Last year, an Amazon Wish List was created so that people could have the desired items shipped directly to the library. The Friends started things off with the purchase of an adorable and sturdy play kitchen; what a thrill it was to see children checking the refrigerator and using the stove! Puzzles, toys, and sorting/matching activities flowed into the children’s space, and the children loved it. Caregivers were tickled pink and our children’s librarian, Wendy, was grateful, noting that exploration and play are key in a child’s development.  
 
But so much more can be done! Let’s bring dolls, tools, dinosaurs, dentist kits, baby toys, cars and trucks, and so much more into our children’s lives. Can we keep our community’s generosity flowing? Please join us in donating to the children’s program and collection rooms this December. Just in time for the holidays, you can make a tax-deductible gift to the children of Marshfield. It’s easy. Check out the Children’s Room Amazon Wishlist, and remember to set the shipping address to the library: 15 Library Plaza, Marshfield, MA, 02050.
 
Thank you for your support of the Children’s Room/Library. The children of Marshfield will be jumping for joy!
 
December Auction Table
Buy It Now: A truly eclectic selection of gift-caliber materials suitable for every occasion. All you have to do is pay and take your selection home with you!
 
Happy Holidays to all from the Friends!
 
 
 
 

New & Upcoming Titles
Don't know what to read next? Check out these new and soon to be released books. See a cover you like? Click an image to read the synopsis and reserve your copy. We also have NextReads newsletters that you can subscribe to. Find out the latest fiction, nonfiction, and more. Sign up to get our New Books Newsletter delivered to your inbox!
 The Award by Matthew PearlHouse of Day, House of Night by Olga TokarczukThe Orchard by Peter HellerThe Birdwatchers by Jacquelyn MitchardThe Heir Apparent by Rebecca ArmitageWhen the Fireflies Dance by Aisha HassanBefore I Forget by Tory Henwood HoenThe American Revolution: An Intimate History by Geoffrey C. WardNations Apart: How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America by Colin WoodardThe Breath of the Gods: The History and Future of the Wind by Simon WinchesterWe Did Ok, Kid: A Memoir by Anthony HopkinsBecoming an Artist: How to Make Art Like a Human by Embracing Failure, Discovering Your Creative Voice & Finding Joy in the Process by Scott Christian SavaGreat Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them by Susannah FullertonThe Worst Day: A Plane Crash, a Train Wreck, and Remarkable Acts of Heroism in Washington, DC by Bruce Goldfarb
 
 
 
View all of our upcoming
programs here!
We offer book groups, game meetups, arts & crafts workshops, concerts, and more! Events are free and open to the public. View our Event Calendar for the most up to date information.
 
Featured Adult Programs


 
History and Nature Presentation
December 1st, 6:30pm
 
Learn about the role that the North and South Rivers have played in the history of Marshfield, Duxbury, and Scituate with this exciting presentation from the North and South Rivers Watershed Association.
An Austen Afternoon!
Saturday, December 6th, 1-3 p.m.
 
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth with a delightful evening of tea, trivia, puzzles, and more. Watch Northanger Abbey, one of Austen's lesser-known works! Registration recommended but not required.
Midday Mindfulness
Wednesdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Don't wait until the New Year to start a healthy, stress-reducing habit! Take a pause during your day to practice a brief meditation or breathing exercise, then try your hand at a mindful art activity. Suitable for all skill levels. Come for the whole hour or stop by during your lunch break!
Gift Guidance
Tuesday, December 9th, 10-12 a.m.
Wednesday, December 10th, 5-7 p.m.
Saturday, December 20th, 9-11 a.m.

Are you looking for a book gift for a friend or family member? We can help! Stop by the reference desk and tell us about your gift recipient -- we will find you the perfect gift for any reader!
 
If you can't make it to one of the in-person times, feel free to email a request to ssmee@marshfield.ocln.org
 
Fiber Arts Drop In
Monday, December 15th, 6-7:30 p.m.

Do you love to knit, crochet, embroider, etc.? Would you like to learn but are intimidated to try on your own? Our monthly Fiber Arts Drop In is for you! Meet other crafters and learn some new skills in a friendly, casual environment! Bring your own project (we will have limited supplies on hand for beginners who want to learn to knit).
 
Cocoa and Crafts
Saturday, December 20th, 1-3 p.m.

Take a break from the holiday bustle and join us for a casual afternoon of cocoa and crafting. Bring your own crafts or try one of ours. We will have materials on hand for making some festive holiday decorations.
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab
Contemporary Book Group
Wednesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m.
 
Monthly meeting of the Contemporary Book Group Wednesday, October 8th at 7pm in the Library Plaza Program Room. Discussing The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.
A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them by Timothy Egan
Nonfiction Book Group
Wednesday, December 17th, 6:30 p.m.

Nonfiction enthusiasts are welcome to join us in-person from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Library Plaza Program Room for a lively book discussion. Copies of each month's selection are available to borrow at the Check Out Desk starting the day of the previous book club. New members are always welcome!
Featured Kids Programs

Hands on Stuffy Vet Clinic

Monday December 29th, 10 a.m.

Bring your favorite stuffy!

Do animals get earaches? Sore throats? Stomach aches? Who helps them if they can’t talk? Dr. Rosie will engage kids in an interactive reading. Following the reading will be a hands-on activity where kids (and their grownups) diagnose and treat a stuffy. Each participant will receive a mini vet kit and diagnostic/treatment sheet to take home. This event is best for children ages 4-8 and their caregiver. Due to space limitations, we ask that only one caregiver accompany each family. This is not a drop off event, caregiver must stay with child. Registration required!
 
Read to a Dog
Saturday December 6th & 20th, 10:00 a.m. 
Children of all ages are invited to stop by to read to one of our dog friends from Cohasset Working Dogs. Our furry friend will be here for 45 minutes. Please check in with Miss Wendy when you get here to get your name on the reading list. Children must be supervised at all times.
 
Toddler and Preschool Storytimes
Mondays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
 
Join Miss Wendy Mondays at 9:30 am for toddler storytime (13 months- 2 years) and 11:00 am for Preschool Storytime (3-5 years).
 
Winter Open Art
Wednesday December 3, 2pm
 
Join us for some chilly fun! We will have different crafts and items for creating. This program is intended for children of all ages. Children must be supervised by their caregivers at all times. No registration required. While supplies last.
 
Homeschool Hangout 
Tuesday, December 16th, 10:00 a.m.
New this school year! Our homeschooling friends and their caregivers are invited to meet up and hang out. We will provide space and passive activities. This is the perfect chance to meet up with other homeschool groups and make new friends. This is a one hour program. Children must be supervised by their caregiver at all times. 
 
Drop in Arts and Crafts
Wednesday, December 10th, 10:00 a.m.
 
Children will create fun process art, or simple child led crafts alongside their caregivers. This event is best for children ages 2 to PK, though younger and older siblings are always welcome. This program will sometimes get messy! No registration required.
Dance & Sing
Tuesday, December 9th, 10 a.m.

Join Miss Wendy for a half hour of songs and movement! This event is best for children ages 2 - 5 years old and their caregivers. No registration required. 
 
Glimmering Gratitudes
Tuesday, December 30th, 10:00 a.m.
 
Join Miss Wendy and Miss Jen in spreading New Year joy to those around us! We will have cards and a simple craft to share your gratitude with others! Friends of all ages are welcome to join us. Children must be supervised at all times. Drop in for a little bit or stay for the whole thing. While supplies last.
 
New Releases
 
In a reading slump? The Teen Zone just might have the cure. Stop in to check out our collection of new titles! 
 
Teen Events
The Teen Zone and teen programs are open to folks ages 12-18. The Wave Makerspace is open to anyone by appointment - sign up for a Wave Makerspace appointment!
 
Anime Club
December 13, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just beginning your anime adventure, come hang out with fellow anime and manga fans! We'll watch anime, chat about current reads, and eat snacks!


 
Felt Ornament
Wednesday, December 10th, 1:00-2:30 PM
 
Enjoy the holidays by creating your own hand sewed felt ornament! Attendees will be taught the simple blanket stitch to create their adorable ornament. All skill levels are welcome. Registration is required.
Quiet Study
Thursday, December 11th, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
 
If you're looking for a place for last minute studying look no further. The Teen Zone will be available for quiet studying from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Several study rooms have been pre-booked for groups that wish to study together.
 
Teen Miniatures Club
Thursdays, 5:00 p.m.
 
Reminder: No Miniatures meeting on 12/25 or 1/1 for Christmas and New Year.
 
Have you seen people playing tabletop RPGs or other games with figurines or terrain? Have you ever thought that it might be fun to do that but you just don't know how to get started? 
Are you between the ages of 12-18?
Come check out the Teen Miniature Club! We'll be building, painting, and even playing games with miniatures. 
 
"Once every few years, when the moon is just right, when the perfect scent of fungus is on the wind, when the moss grows on the east face of the rocks, when there are just enough goblins around, that means it's time for... THE GREAT GOBLIN ARGLE-BARGLE!"
 
If you have any questions, feel free to email Tom, the Reference Assistant, at twhite@marshfield.ocln.org
Super Smash Bros Tournament
December 29, 1:00-2:00 pm
 
Come test your skills in a Super Smash Brothers Tournament hosted by the Teen Zone! Snacks and drinks will be provided.