This writing group offers prompts, writing time, support, and resources to hone your craft.

Writers in all genres are welcome. Drop in! 

Work on any creative project and meet other makers in your community. We will provide basic art supplies for all to use, and you are welcome to bring your own supplies or projects.

All are welcome; no registration required.

Spend an afternoon with the beloved French Chef through a performance by Delvena Theatre Company.

Learn about Child's life and how she became a well known culinary legend as you view "Julia" on the set of The French Chef in this amusing performance. After the show, the cast will open up for a discussion.

Guests will also have the opportunity to gather recipes from our community recipe swap. Please click here to learn more about participating in the recipe swap.

During this ZOOM program, bestselling author Tess Gerritsen will discuss her new book, The Spy Coast, in conversation with author Paul Doiron. In this novel, a retired CIA operative in small-town Maine tackles the ghosts of her past in this fresh take on the spy thriller.

Registration is required for this program. Please click here to register on ZOOM.

Join us for popular movies during our Friday film series!

November 3: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (2023, PG-13, 2hr 43min)

November 17: Barbie (2023, PG-13, 1hr 54min)

Water & movie snacks will be served.

Registration is not required, drop in!

Wednesday Night Book Club will meet at the library on Wednesday, November 1 at 6:45pm to discuss The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb.

Literary Luncheon will meet at the library on Tuesday, November 21 at 11am to discuss Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez.

Book clubs are open to all and titles are available for check out at the library.

The Patton Homestead Book Club is currently seeking new members! Join us this month as we read The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. Copies of this title are available at the library.

This book club meets in the Local History Room at the Hamilton-Wenham Library from October to March.

We are hosting our 15th NaNoWriMo! Every November, people all over the world attempt to write a 50,000-word novel by November 30. Join us for write-ins where you can work on your novel and meet fellow local novelists. Please click here to learn more about all of our NaNoWriMo happenings.

• First Day Frenzy Opening Write-In: Wednesday, November 1, 10:00am – 7:45pm
• An all-day first day kickoff for National Novel Writing hosted by the library.
• All Day Write-Ins: Saturdays, November 4, 18, & 25, 10:00am-3:45pm
• Weekend write-ins are your chance to meet local fellow novelists and write like crazy. Brainstorm, socialize, and boost your word count!
• Wednesday Night Zoom: Wednesdays, November 8, 15, & 29, 6:00-7:45pm
• Each Zoom session is designed for remote writing with fellow writers.

Cultivate your writing skills and CREATE! Winners & Honorable Mention prizes will be awarded to recipients in each age group: ages 5-6 / ages 7-9 / ages 10-12. Every entry that follows the guidelines will receive a prize! Start writing your original story and submit it by Sunday, November 26, 2023 to kidsroom@hwlibrary.org



Please click here for full rules & guidelines.

Let's get creative! Join Ms. Eva for a themed story and activities that practice process art methods! The Process Art Workshop is designed for children ages 2 - 6 years old and their adult. Older children are welcome.



Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Put your imagination and building skills to the test at this self-directed drop-in program. All ages are welcome with a caregiver; no registration needed.

Join Karin Gertsch as she reads her children's book about a unique chicken, Flora, and the adventure she embarks upon. Children will be delighted by the hand-crocheted, life-size hen that accompanies this fun and interactive story time. Designed for ages 3 and up. No registration needed.

Kids today are the innovators of tomorrow! Experiment, build and explore at this STEAM-related program that will spark interest and engage creativity.  This program is limited to children ages 6-12 ONLY.  Registration is required. Please click here to register for each session you wish to attend.

Join us for a morning of sensory exploration and fun at this self-directed drop-in play program. Sensory play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem-solving and creativity. Designed for ages 2 and up with a caregiver. No registration needed.

Join award-winning teacher and storyteller, Susie Maguire, for a fast-paced, highly interactive look at the fascinating world of poop, both animal and human! Children will be amazed as they learn about the serious science of poop and pooping, with the perfect combination of fun, fabulous, fantastic facts you won't want to miss!

This program is open to children ages 4 - 9 years old. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Keeva and her trainer visit the library to help children practice reading! Therapy dogs provide a calm and non-judgmental environment that's perfect for practicing read-aloud skills. Reading time slots are 10 minutes in length. Open to children in Grades K-3. Registration is required. 

The date of this program is pending. For updates & registration, please click here to visit our calendar.

Home Delivery is now available in both Hamilton and Wenham! If you are unable to visit the library due to limited mobility, illness, or disability, you may request to have library materials brought to your residence.

To request this service and see if you are eligible, please contact the Library’s Assistant Director, Jane Wolff at jwolff@hwlibrary.org or (978)468-5577, x616.

This service is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

The Hamilton-Wenham Public Library's new Strategic Plan was accepted by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Library's Board of Trustees in 2023. It serves as a guide for planning library services for the next five years. Please click here to read the strategic plan as well as the Library's mission and values.

Please give us your BOOKS, CDs and DVDs in good condition to sell at our book sales. Donations are limited to 4 bags at a time. If you have a donation larger than 4 bags please email the Friends at fohwpl@gmail.com.

Jessie Palm, Social Worker for the Eastern Essex Regional Public Health Coalition, will hold open office hours at the library every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. All are welcome to seek support, information or resource referrals in a confidential setting. No appointment necessary.