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Upcoming Closures:
Thursday, January 1: Closed (New Year's Day) Monday, January 19: Closed (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) |
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Winter Reading 2026 Cozy up this season for another winter of reading! Sign up online or with the Beanstack app, or pickup a reading log tracker at the library. The Beanstack challenge will go live on January 5th and be available until March 10. All books or minutes, as well as activities, earn raffle tickets towards a grand prize for each age group. Relax with a warm drink, put your feet up, and READ with KPL. Beanstack can be found by clicking here or visiting our website homepage. |
In Review: Cottage Core High Tea
Thank you to everyone who attended our annual high tea program! The hall was packed with partiers and tea-lovers who all came together to enjoy the cozy woodland decor, stories, and socialize. Our staff love putting together this program every year to celebrate during these short winter days with our wonderful community, who truly make this event special. We were sorry the Odds Bodkin couldn't make it and wish him a speedy recovery. Even recorded, his story-telling is singular and we hope to make plans with him when he is well again. Don't forget to join us for our New Year's celebration for kids & families on 12/31 at 11am! We boogie in the New Year with games, music, light lunch and crafting activities! |
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Laura Knoy: The Shopkeeper of Alsace
Saturday, January 17, 11:00 AM
Ruth Huntress Auditorium
Join us for a book talk with award-winning journalist, New Hampshire local, and NHPR veteran Laura Knoy to talk about her debut novel: The Shopkeeper of Alsace, published in early November, 2025.Her novel follows Sarah, a Polish immigrant in France, and the dramatic family saga that unfolds with the beginnings of WWII. "From the Great War in Poland to the long-contested borders of Alsace to the remote refuge Sarah finds in the Cévennes mountains, The Shopkeeper of Alsace is an uplifting tale of family, love, resilience, and one unstoppable woman. Perfect for fans of We Were the Lucky Ones, The Nightingale, and The Alice Network, this dramatic debut brings to life a little-known corner of wartime history—and an inspiring real-life heroine you’ll cheer for."
Laura Knoy founded New Hampshire’s most widely respected and recognized public radio program, “The Exchange,” which she hosted for 25 years. Laura has also worked at the national level; newscasting, hosting and reporting for NPR. We are excited to have her visit and discuss her new novel. Make sure to register and save yourself a seat!
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Film Screening: Here Am I, Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels
Monday, January 19, 5:30 PM
Heberton Hall
The City of Keene Human Rights Committee is screening Here Am I, Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jonathan's death in August of 1965. The screening will be followed by a "talk back" and Q&A session with producers and directors Lawrence Benaquist and William Sullivan.
About the Jonathan Daniels and the film: “One of the most heroic Christian deeds of which I have heard in my entire ministry and career for civil rights was performed by Jonathan Daniels." - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King In the spring of 1965, Keene native Jonathan Myrick Daniels, a 26-year-old Episcopal seminarian, became one of the many young Americans who answered the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to help register African-American voters in Alabama. By the following August, Daniels was dead, shot by a sheriff’s deputy. His last act was pulling a young black woman out of the line of fire. Here Am I, Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels is an outstanding and inspiring documentary narrated by acclaimed actor Sam Waterston. Scripted largely in Daniels’ own written words, it features stirring television footage and interviews with leaders from the civil rights era. Released 1999. 57 minutes
This program is free and open to the public.
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Bookbinding Adult Craft
Thursday, January 8, 6:00 PM
Kay Fox Room
Learn to design and create your own bound journal! Registration is required.
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KPL Fiction and Memoir Writers Group
Thursdays, 6:00 PM
Miller-Vincent Room
Have you always wanted to write a novel, short story, or memoir? Our writers' group welcomes new members. The group provides prose fiction writers with a friendly and supportive environment to share their work. Participants learn from critiquing others and receive feedback on their submissions. This Writers' Group meets virtually and in person at the library. You can join from home or in person in our meeting room. This event is for everyone! The event will be captioned. If you require another access service to participate or have any questions about accessibility fully, please get in touch with Amy Kraemer at 603-352-0157 or akraemer@keenenh.gov. To ensure the best experience, please try to contact us at your earliest convenience.
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Book Crush - A Romance Reader Group: Dragons
Wednesday, January 7, 6:00 PM
Miller-Vincent Room
Do you love love stories? Join us for Book Crush, a non-traditional book club for romance readers! Every month will have a theme related to romance tropes, conventions, and subgenres. Choose your own book to fit the theme, share your pick with other readers, and discover new titles to try! January's theme is Dragons. Have questions or suggestions? Want book recommendations for upcoming themes? Email pgoodreau@keenenh.gov.
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Infinite Worlds Book Club: Fairies
Thursday, January 22, 6:00 PM
Booras Room
Welcome to Infinite Worlds, a non-traditional book club for adults focusing on speculative fiction! Each month we will have a set theme within which our members will select their own book to read. At our monthly meetings we will each share about our reads and discuss the topics and tropes that came up within the theme. Join a book club where you pick the book you read. Members are encouraged to pack a dinner to munch during discussion, and the library will provide dessert. From sci-fi to fantasy, dystopias to alternate histories, there are infinite worlds to explore! Register today to ensure we have enough supplies.
January's Theme: Fairies
We're looking at stories featuring fairies or the fey! From pretty little pixies to tricksters of mythology and everywhere in between. A few recommended titles are: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas, Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Fairies by Heather Fawcett, and Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Contact kmcstravick@keenenh.gov with any questions, requests, dietary restrictions, or for online attendance.
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Reel Night Out: Drop the Ball
Wednesdays, 6:00PM
Ruth Huntress Auditorium
Join us for a weekly movie night and fresh popcorn! This month we're screening sports movies! Cheer for the underdog, laugh, and cry with these exciting options. The line-up is:
January 7: Remember the Titans (2000)
In 1971, Virginia high-school football was everything to the people of Alexandria, but when the school board was forced to integrate an all-Black school with an all-white one, the foundation of football's tradition was put to the test.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst, Craig Kirkwood. Walt Disney Pictures, PG, 2000, 114 minutes.
January 14: Bull Durham (1988)
A minor-league catcher and a baseball groupie team to help a talented young pitcher make it to the big leagues, and fall in love in the process.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Trey Wilson, Robert Wuhl. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc, R, 1988, 106 minutes.
January 21: Caddyshack (1980)
At an exclusive country club where golf is a way of life, the status quo is shaken up by a rich put-down artist, an aggressive gopher, and class warfare between the caddies and the wealthy club patrons.
Starring: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Bill Murray, Michael O'Keefe. Warner Bros., R, 1980, 99 minutes.
January 28: Friday Night Lights (2004)
Based on H.G. Bissinger's book, which profiled the economically depressed town of Odessa, Texas and their heroic high school football team, The Permian High Panthers.
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez. Universal Pictures, PG-13, 2004, 104 minutes.
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Cookies, Coloring, and Conversation for Adults
Thursdays, 1:30 PM
Heberton Hall
Join the crowd of adult coloring fans and find out why adults are going back to coloring. Grab a friend, sit back, and have a good time. We will provide refreshments, coloring books, and colored pencils; you bring a good conversation with your friends and fellow coloring fans.
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Teddy Bear Sleepover
Friday, January 23, 4:00 PM
Storyroom
It is that time of year again. Time for your beloved animal friend to party! Bring your beloved stuffie to our annual Teddy Bear Sleepover. Make your friend a fleece sleeping bag so they are nice and snuggly then join us around the campfire and listen to stories. Tuck your friends in for the night. Come back Saturday morning at 10:30 for a light breakfast. We will share a video of all your friends wild adventures in the library. You won't believe what they can get up to.
Spots are limited, please register online to save a spot.
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Teddy Bear Sleep Over Breakfast
Saturday, January 24, 10:30 AM
Heberton Hall
Come pick up your stuffie and join us for a light breakfast. And of course enjoy seeing all the mischief your stuffie friends got up to in the middle of the night! When they should have been sleeping!!!!
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NEW! Mystery Lovers Book Club
Friday, January 16, 4:30 PM
Storyroom
Love the thrill of the chase? Join our brand-new middle grade book club (recommended for readers age 8 - 12). We will meet monthly to discuss a selection of mystery reads, along with snacks and a mystery-themed activity.
For our first meeting, please come prepared to discuss a recent mystery you've read, or maybe an old favorite you haven't been able to stop thinking about. We want to hear about it! This meeting will help us all get to know each other, and learn what types of mysteries we love to read, as well as choosing a book for the February meeting.
All questions can be directed to Scout Mercer: smercer@keenenh.gov 603-352-0157
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Kids STEAM: Snow Globes
Thursday, January 8, 3:30 PM
Kay Fox Room
Trap winter in a jar, by creating your own snow globe. Registration is required. Ages 5 - 12
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Kids Comic Club with Special Guests!
Friday, January 9, 4:30PM
Kay Fox Room
For comic fans ages 8-12! We'll meet once a month to create together, discuss great graphic novels, and watch interviews and tutorials from our favorite artists. All skill levels are welcome, and materials will be provided! Meetings will be held on the second Friday of each month.
This month, creators Lee Durfey-Lavoie and Veronica Agarwal will be joining us for a virtual Q&A and presentation about how they make graphic novels! The team behind JUST ROLL WITH IT will explain their process, from scripting to cover art. Registration is appreciated. Questions or Concerns call the library 603.352.0157.
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Kids STEAM: Make Your Own Board Game
Thursday, January 22, 3:30 PM
Kay Fox Room
Using a huge selection of board game pieces and craft supplies, create your own custom board game to play with your friends and family! Registration is required. Ages 5 - 12
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Library Build a Rama
Mondays, 4:00 PM
Youth Department
Calling all builders! Come build with LEGO® bricks, we have a huge variety of bricks to encourage your imagination to go wild. Our Build-a-Rama club is open to kids of all ages.
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Book Time with Babies & Toddlers
Thursdays, starting January 15, 10:30 AM
Storyroom
We'll share books, rhymes, music, fun fingerplays, puppets, and get-up-and-move activities specially designed for infants and toddlers. At the end of the program, there will be a playtime when parents and caregivers share books, puzzles, or other early literacy activities with their toddlers.
This 6 week series ends the week of February 17th. When you sign up for one class, you will automatically be registered for each session in the series.
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Musical Storytime w Kim Wallach
Wednesday, January 14, 10:30 AM
Storyroom
Preschool storytimes are geared towards pre-kindergarteners ages 3 to 5, who can sit and listen to short stories and participate in simple songs and rhymes. Storytime will always include read-aloud stories and fingerplays and may include poems, music, dramatic play, and crafts. This time we are joined by our friend Kim Wallach for musical fun for all.
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Preschool Storytime
Wednesdays, starting January 22, 10:30 AM
Storyroom
Preschool storytimes are geared towards pre-kindergarteners ages 3 to 5, who can sit and listen to short stories and participate in simple songs and rhymes. Storytime will always include read-aloud stories and fingerplays and may include poems, music, dramatic play, and crafts. This is a 6-week series, which ends the week of February 16th. When you sign up for one class, you will automatically be registered for each class in the series.
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Teen Lock-In: Escape Rooms the Third
Friday, January 30, 6:00 PM
Heberton Hall
Hey Middle and High Schoolers! Join us for a new, unique take on escape rooms with our BREAK-IN BOXES! Compete in teams to problem solve puzzles, crack codes, and break into your box! Fight through three rounds, themed around Stranger Things, Frankenstein, and comics—quickest team wins a prize!
To help us prepare for the program, please reserve your space by registering for the event in advance. Participants under 18 are also required to have a permission slip signed by their parent or guardian to attend, which can be picked up in either the Youth Department or Teen Space, or downloaded here.
Sign-in begins in the atrium at 6:00 PM and no one will be allowed to enter or exit the library after 6:30 PM. Pick-up begins at 9:00 PM and teens under 18 must be signed out in Heberton Hall before leaving the library. Any questions? Email Eleanor Green at EGreen@KeeneNH.gov!
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Teen Crafternoon: Perler Beads
Monday, January 12, 3:30 PM
Timken Teen Space
Hey middle and high schoolers! Join us this month for a crafternoon where we'll design 3D art with perler beads! Bring your creativity and just add heat this month!
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Teen Sit & Scribble
Wednesday, January 14, 5:30 PM
Booras Room
Are you a teen aged 12-19 looking for a group of writers to share with and learn from? Join our teen writing group, whether you’re crafting a novel, a comic, or even an exciting piece of fan fiction! This a place safe from judgment, where you can bounce ideas off each other, share your stories, and dedicate time each month to be creative.
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Keene Pride Youth Book Club: Too Bright to See
Tuesday, January 20, 5:30 PM
Eppes Room
Teens and Tweens! Join us for our discussion of Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff. There will be snacks, crafts, and the chance to talk all about this month's pick! All LGBTQ+ youth and allied youth are welcome, no matter if you read the whole book or a single page. If you need a copy of this month's pick, reach out to EGreen@KeeneNH.gov or Youth@KeenePride.org!
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D&D & Teens
Saturday, January 24, 12:00 PM
Kay Fox Room
Hey teens and tweens! Join DMs Teddy and Eleanor for an exciting D&D oneshot adventure! Materials will be provided such as dice and note-taking items will be provided. We ask that you either come with a level-five character fully created, or use one of our pre-made character sheets. Email egreen@keenenh.gov with any questions.
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Teen Gaming Drop-In
Thursdays, 3:00 PM
Timken Teen Space
Teens and tweens in middle and high school are welcome to game together every Thursday after school in the Teen Space! Check out our Nintendo Switch and play Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Mario Kart, or a variety of other games. You're also welcome to break out one of our many board games, or you can even bring one of your own games to share (must be rated Teen or below)! Come play, collaborate, compete, and have FUN gaming @ the Library.
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