Exeter Public Library Newsletter April 20 - 25, 2026 |
Exeter Public Library Newsletter April 20 - 25, 2026 |
|
|
|
 |
Children can sign up for Gamers Guild to try games like Super Smash Bros.! |
|
|
|
|
|
Exeter Public Library Long Range Plan Surveys
|
|
|
These surveys for adults and teens are anonymous and will be used for the 2026-2031 Exeter Public Library Long-Range Plan. Your voice really matters in planning what the library will look like in the next five years! All opinions are appreciated, even if you have never visited the library.
Click the button below to view the survey page on the library's website. Questions? Please call the library at 603-772-3101 or email exeterpl.ref@gmail.com. |
| Long Range Plan Surveys
|
|
|
|
 |
| THIS WEEK'S EVENTS |
| Blue = Adults
Green = Teens
Red = Children's
Purple = Friends of EPL Maroon = 250th Celebration | |
|
Monday, April 20
ALL WEEK Birthday Scavenger Hunt ALL DAY Teen Gaming
10 AM Reading Classics Book Group 1 PM Taiwanese Mah Jongg
3:30 PM Teen Writing Group 3:30 PM Nifty Knitting (Ages 8-12)
5 PM Taiwanese Mah Jongg 5:30 PM Pinochle Group
6 PM Knitting Group 6:30 PM US @ 250: The Big Watch |
| Tuesday, April 21
10 AM All Ages Story Time 1 PM Movie Showing: Special Screening of The Librarians
2 PM 2 over 1 Bridge Lesson 3 PM Teens Paint Rocks
3:30 PM Art Club (Ages 8-12) 5:30 PM The Wandering Cook
6:30 PM Friends of EPL Meeting | |
Wednesday, April 22 ALL DAY Teen Gaming
10 AM Ages 3+ Story Time
12:30 PM Spanish Table
1 PM American Mah Jongg 3:30 PM LEGO Free Build (Ages 5-12) |
| Thursday, April 23
10 AM All Ages Story Time 10 AM American Standard Bridge
3:30 PM Teen Anime Club 4 PM D&D: Red Herrings (Ages 8-12)
4:30 PM Japanese Table 5:30 PM French Table
6 PM DAR Governor Weare Presentation | |
Friday, April 24
9 AM - 4 PM Children's Open Art
3 PM Refreshing Fridays |
| Saturday, April 25
10 AM Italian Table 11 AM Drumming with Randy Armstrong |
|
 |
|  |
Join the Friends | Interested in making new connections? Looking for volunteer opportunities? Consider joining the Friends of Exeter Public Library.
To join, contact friendsofexeterpubliclibrary@gmail.com or through their Facebook page @FriendsofExeterPublicLibrary. | |
 |
April Artist Nicole Ellis |
|
 |
Consider donating non-perishable food items to support St. Vincent de Paul of Exeter or usable eyeglasses to help Lions Club International. Exeter Rotary Club is also accepting donations for old hearing aids. Donations will be used to help others at the Rotary Hearing Clinic in the Dominican Republic.
Donate your soda tabs to help the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth. Items can be placed in the boxes on the table next to the Adult Information Desk. |
|
 |
Enjoy pizza and support your library! Dine at the Community Oven in Hampton from 4 PM - 9 PM on Monday, April 27, and the Friends of Exeter Public Library will receive 20% of all dine in and take-out food sales – excluding orders made via a delivery app. |
|  |
A Digital Radon Detector is now available to be checked out for 14 days at the library. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, and the only way to know your home's radon level is to test. Please click the button below to learn more. |
| Radon Resources
| |
 |
Check out the library's newest collection: Playaways! These devices make listening to audiobooks even easier. All you need is the preloaded device and a pair of headphones to listen to your book. The collection includes Adult fiction and nonfiction, plus a few Children's titles. Borrow one from the New Shelf today! |
|
 |
Exeter water restrictions remain in effect. |
| Learn More at Exeternh.gov
| |
|
 |
Peter Vorkink, Chair of the Religion Department, Emeritus, at Phillips Exeter Academy, will lead a discussion on Franz Kafka's short stories "The Hunter Gracchus" and "The Judgment" on Monday, April 20. Copies are available to be picked up at the Adult Information Desk. New members welcome! |
|
 |
Join us for a screening of The Librarians on Tuesday, April 21 at 1 PM, presented by the library and NHPBS. There will be a discussion with Library Director Julia Lanter after the screening. |
|
 | A no food cooking class. Come talk and learn about food from different cultures, techniques, and share recipes.
| |
 |
Drumming has a long tradition in healing rituals around the world and has been used as a method of therapy to improve and increase muscle memory and motor skills.
Join us for this vibrant, rhythmic experience that engages, uplifts, and brings people together. Presented by Annie’s Angels and featuring guitarist, multi-Instrumentalist and world fusion music pioneer Randy Armstrong. Interested in this program? Please call 603-772-3101 or visit the Adult Information Desk to register. |
|
 |
Join the Seacoast Storytellers in Study Room 3 of the library on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:30 PM. All storytellers and story listeners are welcome! |
|
 |
Join us at the Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, May 2 from 10 AM - 2 PM to browse and shop the wares offered by local crafters and artists. Be sure to participate in the Friends of the Library raffle for the chance to win special prizes! |
|
 | Blood Drive at the Library
Friday, May 22, 10 AM to 3 PM Schedule your appointment by clicking the button below and enter EXETERLIBRARY or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
If you are an eligible type O, B- or A- donor, consider a Power Red donation – red blood cells are the most needed blood component. Save time on the day of your appointment by completing RapidPass at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass. |
| Blood Drive Appointment Page
| |
 |
We’re proud to host a livestream of TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures on
Saturday, June 13, 2026.
This daylong symposium features 15+ brand-new TED Talks focused on the evolution and
future of democracy, streaming live from Philadelphia during America’s 250th anniversary.
Join us for big ideas, thoughtful conversation, and a shared civic moment. | |
 |
Author Brit Bennett will have a reading and book signing at the Goel Center for Theater and Dance at Phillips Exeter Academy on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 PM. |
|
 |
The party event of the year for Seniors (or us over 50, to be precise)! Get fancy, come as you are – but make sure you come to the Senior Soiree at the Rockingham Ballroom, presented by Exeter Parks & Recreation. To register, visit the Exeter Multigenerational Community Center during business hours, call 603-773-6151, or click the button below. |
| Senior Soiree Registration
| |
|
|
|
U.S. Independence 250th Celebration
|
|
|
 |
Exeter Town Hall 9 Front Street, Exeter, NH |
Join the Exeter 250 Celebration Commission and community leaders and members as we raise the America 250 flag in front of Town Hall. Special guests include students from Exeter High School, Main Street School, and Scout Color Guard. The 250 flag will fly throughout 2026 in celebration of America's 250 years of Independence. |
| |
 |
Join the library for an exclusive showing of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution followed by a discussion with local Phillips Exeter Academy Instructor, Courtney Marshall.
This event is made possible by New Hampshire Humanities, in partnership with NHPBS, with additional support provided by Cogswell Benevolent Trust. By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
Can't make it to the library? A complimentary online event will take place on Friday, June 26 at 5 PM. Please click the button below for more information. |
| US @ 250 Online Event
|
|
 |
The Exeter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Exeter Public Library present “Gov. Weare of Hampton Falls,” a free lecture by scholars Brian Burford and Rodney Obien at the library. |
Learn about Governor Meshech Weare, the most powerful person in the State of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War. Free mini transcription workshop to follow! |
|
|
 |
Arbor Day Celebration | Saturday, April 25 at 11 AM |
Raynes Barn 61 Newfields Road Exeter, NH |
Featuring elm tree history, a Mast Tree Riot presentation, a children's scavenger hunt, barn tours, and refreshments! |
| |
 |
The spring concert series matinees will be on Saturday, May 2nd at Exeter High School and Sunday, May 3rd at Christ Church Exeter at 3 PM.
“Sing Democracy 250” will commemorate the nation’s anniversary with a program of works by American composers. The concert showcases two major works in their New Hampshire premieres—Us by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm and Redeem the Dream by Brandon A. Boyd, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. |
| Sing Democracy 250
|
|
 |
Nations Apart Book Discussion | Thursday, May 7
at 10 AM | Exeter Public Library, 4 Chestnut Street |
The library will host a book discussion group on Nations Apart: How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America at 10 AM with special guest Joe Pace, Executive Director of the American Independence Center. |
|
|
 |
Dare to Read with Colin Woodard | Thursday, May 7
at 7 PM | Exeter Town Hall, 9 Front Street |
Join celebrated author Colin Woodard to discuss his groundbreaking work on how the regional political cultures of the United States pull us apart – and how we might pull together again. Books are now available at Water Street Bookstore and Exeter Public Library. |
| |
 |
Exeter Town Hall 9 Front Street, Exeter, NH |
Exeter Area General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Exeter Public Library, and Sheryl Faye present Abigail Adams – Liberty & Legacy.
Abigail Adams was a fearless political thinker, advocate for women’s rights, and moral compass during the American Revolution and the birth of a nation. This performance will bring to life a beloved historical figure and educate all who attend. |
|
 |
Join the Exeter 250 Celebration Commission at the June 29th Exeter Brass Band Concert for free popsicles and patriotic giveaways.
Exeter Brass Band concerts: Monday nights in July at the Bandstand, Downtown Exeter. See this Exeter institution each summer on Monday evenings at the Bandstand, intersection of Front and Water Streets. An Exeter tradition since 1847. |
|
|
| Teen Activities Join us for All Day Gaming on Mondays and Wednesdays, Teen Writing Group on Mondays at 3:30 PM, a new event every Tuesday at 3 PM, Anime Club on Thursdays at 3:30 PM, and Refreshing Fridays every Friday at 3 PM. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Teen Book Groups
| Teens can join Book Group by picking up a book to borrow from the Adult Information Desk. The next group will meet on Saturday, May 9. |
|
|
 |
6th Grade at 9 AM | Never Caught: The Story of Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve |
| |
 |
7th Grade at 10 AM | Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen |
| |
 |
8th Grade at 11 AM | The Fifth of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre by Ann Rinaldi |
|
 |
High School at 12 PM | Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson |
|
|
| New Hampshire Teen Book Awards | April is the time for teens to vote for their favorite books of the year. Let a librarian know if you voted to get a prize! |
|
|
|
|
|
Stop by or call the Children's Room at 603-772-6036 to register for our clubs, including Art Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Gamers Guild, Music Makers, Nifty Knitting, and our book clubs!
|
|
|
Monday, April 20
| Nifty Knitting: Ages 8-12 meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 3:30 - 5 PM. Children are welcome to join Nifty Knitting! You can join as a beginner or an experienced knitter! Learn how to knit coasters, coin purses, or work on your own project surrounded by other fiber artists!
|
|
|
Tuesday, April 21 |
Art Club: Ages 8-12 meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 3:30 - 5 PM. Art Club will focus on exploring different art mediums and learning how to have fun while creating art! |
|
|
Wednesday, April 22
| LEGO Free Build: Falls on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 3:30 - 5 PM. Children aged 5-12 can join the Children’s Room for LEGO Free Build with our buckets of building blocks!
For children under 5, there are DUPLO’s available! |
|
|
Thursday, April 23 |
Dungeons & Dragons: Red Herrings (Ages 8-12) will meet on Thursday, April 23 from 4 - 6 PM.
Children can sign-up for D&D to work together as a team to complete quests, slay monsters, and achieve personal and group goals within the game. Through gameplay, players develop skills such as mathematics, teamwork, strategy, diplomacy, and multi-tasking. |
|
|
| April Vacation Week | April 27 - May 2 |
|
|
|
|
| Children's Book Groups | Stop by the library to borrow your book group read! The groups will meet at 9:30 AM. |
|
|
Graphic Novel Book Club (Ages 6-8)
| Wednesday, May 6 |  |
The First Case by Felix Gumpaw |
|
Graphic Novel Book Club (Ages 9-11)
| Wednesday, April 29 |  |
One Trick Pony by Nathan Hale |
|
|
|
|
Movie Scene
|  | Tuesdays at 1 PM |
Tuesday movies start at 1 PM. Enjoy a movie on the big screen! Click below to see what's playing next. |
| |
|
 |
Nonfiction Book Group | May 6 at 6:30
The group is reading The Art of War by Sun Tzu. |
| |
 |
Evening Book Group | May 13 at 6:30
The group is reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. |
|
 |
Morning Book Group | May 20 at 10
The group is reading Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne. |
|
|
|
|
Want to learn how to play a game? Want to make new connections in town? Join any of the many gaming groups at the library!
Groups are open to all experience levels – beginners to experts. There is someone willing to teach at each group. |
|
|
|
|
Interested in teaching a language? We are always looking for teachers or native speakers willing to start a language table. If you're interested, email exeterplprograms@gmail.com.
|
|
|
|
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Exeter
| 53 Lincoln Street Providing food and emergency assistance to residents of Exeter, Stratham, Newfields, Brentwood, Kensington, and East Kingston. |
|
|
Lamprey Health Care has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul of Exeter to make weekly visits to the Community Assistance Center at 53 Lincoln Street on Fridays from 9 AM - 12 PM. Walk-in registration – no appointment needed!
Click the button below for more information about Lamprey's Mobile Health Services and to view the van schedule. |
| Mobile Health Services Schedule
|
| St. Vincent de Paul Exeter Website
|
|
|
| Keep in Touch with Your Community! |
|
|
Email Alerts from Town of Exeter, NH
For more information and to sign up, click the button below. |
| Email Alerts Sign Up
|
|
|
|
* All programs at the library are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. *
|
|
|
|
CONTACT US |
4 Chestnut Street | Exeter, NH 03833
www.exeterpl.org
Main Phone: 603-772-3101
Children's Room: 603-772-6036 |
|
| Donate
|
|
|
