Ashland Library Launches Summer Reading Challenge, Family Events

A quiet stretch for town government gave way to a busy slate of library programming and upcoming board meetings, with the town's Adult Summer Reading Challenge and family events at the Ashland Public Library headlining the week ahead.

TOWN HALL

The town's official homepage highlighted the rollout of a new licensing and permitting portal, OpenGov, which residents and business owners can now use for permit applications, according to the town website. Several boards have meetings on the calendar in the coming days, including the Finance Committee, Conservation Commission, Board of Health, Library Board of Trustees, Upper Charles Trail Committee, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

The Ashland Public Library kicked off its Adult Summer Reading Challenge 2026, an online program running in multi-day segments throughout July, per the library's calendar. Family programming is also on tap: an "Elephant & Piggie Ice Cream Party" for families and a VEX IQ Robotics session for grades 2-6 are both scheduled for Saturday, July 18, and a virtual talk titled "The Hollywood Blockbuster — How Steven Spielberg & George Lucas Changed The Movies" was offered July 17. The library also has Take & Make Kits available for families beginning July 20.

COMING UP

- Monday, July 20: Finance Committee Meeting (Zoom); Conservation Commission Meeting (Hybrid); Take & Make Kits for families available at the library through July 21. - Tuesday, July 21: Board of Health Meeting (Hybrid); Library Board of Trustees Meeting (Hybrid). - Thursday, July 23: Upper Charles Trail Committee (Hybrid); Planning Board Meeting (Hybrid). - Monday, July 27: Conservation Commission (Zoom). - Tuesday, July 28: Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.