North Hampton Public Library Full Calendar of Events
Looking for details on Youth Programs? Visit our youth pages, organized by age group!
Upcoming New and Exclusive Programs!
April 2025
Genealogy Club: Special Edition
Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00 PM
This month we’re thrilled to welcome local historian and speaker, Robert A. Southworth from the North Hampton Historical Society to join us for a very special edition meeting of our Genealogy Club in celebration of Library Outreach Day on April 9,2025! With his wealth of knowledge of our town’s history and the important families of the region he will be here to answer questions and discuss your current genealogical research!
The Genealogy Club meets every second Wednesday evening of the month at 6 PM. Led by staff member, Kiana, this group researches and discusses topics relating to all things genealogy. New members are always welcome to join!
We’re proud to have a strong community partnership with the North Hampton Historical Society, and frequently partner on programs! Make sure to take a look at their website and social media to learn more about what they have to offer!
Song of the Saco with John Perrault
Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00 PM
The Saco River rises in Crawford Notch, NH and runs—sometimes meanders—136 miles to Saco Bay—where it flows out and around Wood Island Light. (You know, that tiny speck of light Winslow Homer painted from his perch on Prout’s Neck.) Wood Island is just off the tip of East Point at Biddeford Pool, Maine. This presentation celebrates the Saco and all rivers that are the life blood of this land. A land under enormous stress due to development, pollution, and a warming climate tipping too close to the edge.
Author, poet, songwriter and balladeer, former Portsmouth Poet Laureate John Perrault reads, recites and sings poems and songs—from Wordsworth to Whitman, Dickinson to Dylan, and beyond—plus originals (e.g. “Saco River Song,” “Carbon the Garden,” “Walk by the River”) dedicated to the precious rivers and landscapes—material and spiritual—that water our lives.
John Perrault is author of Jefferson’s Dream (Hobblebush Books), Here Comes the Old Man Now (Oyster River Press), Ballad of Louis Wagner (Peter Randall Publisher), and most recently a chapbook, Season of Shagginess, from Finishing Line Press. A Pushcart Nominee, John has published in Christian Science Monitor, Commonweal, Comstock Review, Constellations, Mobius, The Journal of Social Change, Poet Lore and elsewhere. He has also recorded nine albums of original songs and ballads. John is a former Portsmouth, NH poet laureate. www.johnperrault.com
Open to all ages; geared towards adults
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
Eternal Reflections: Going Out Green presented by Lee Webster
Wednesday, April 16 at 4:00 PM
Learn about green burial and other natural end of life options
Join us for a transformative series of free library programs designed to explore the complex topic of death in a factual and compassionate environment. Led by industry professionals, these sessions aim to foster open discussions about end-of-life issues, grief, and the value of pre-planning, encouraging participants to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs and to learn about death care options.
Join us to learn more about the principles of sustainable funeral options and what we can each do to plan for a more affordable, meaningful, and planet-friendly exit.
Lee Webster is a nationally recognized public speaker and author of several books and articles on funeral reform, including home funerals and green burial.
Open to all ages; geared towards adults
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
Visiting Author Series: Thomas North: The Original Author of Shakespeare’s Plays by Dennis McCarthy
Thursday, April 24, 6:00 PM
Acclaimed researcher Dennis McCarthy presents the true story of Sir Thomas North, the scholarly knight whose thrilling and shocking life was later adapted into plays by Shakespeare.
📚 Join us for our Visiting Authors Series at the North Hampton Public Library! 📚
Come join us every month as we welcome local authors to the library to share their stories with our community!
🖋️ Meet Local Talent: Join our guest authors as they discuss their latest publications and share their creative journey with you.
📖 Dive into Great Stories: Whether you’re into heartfelt memoirs or thrilling mysteries, these authors have got stories that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
🛍️ Snag Your Next Page-Turner: Want to take a piece of the magic home? Grab a copy of the featured author’s book at the event, maybe even get it signed! Support local writers and score some awesome reads.
Open to all ages; geared towards adults and older teens
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
May 2025
Exhibit Reception: Debra Woodward
Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00 PM
NH native Debra Woodward has lived in North Hampton for over 30 years. She has been a painting and drawing student of Adeline Goldminc-Tronzo in Eliot, Maine since March 2021. She is immediate past Board Vice President at the Seacoast Artist Association in Exeter where she has also served as publicist as well as organizer of their monthly reception music. She was an exhibiting member there for several years.
You can read more about Debra, our May Artist of the Month at nhplib.org/events/exhibits/
Join us for a special birthday exhibit reception on Tuesday, May 13 at 6 PM and get to know the artist while enjoying light refreshments provided by our Friends of the Library!
Open to all ages; geared towards adults
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
Eternal Reflections: Green Burial in the Seacoast presented by Sarah Clark
Thursday, May 15 at 6:00 PM
Join us for a transformative series of free library programs designed to explore the complex topic of death in a factual and compassionate environment. Led by industry professionals, these sessions aim to foster open discussions about end-of-life issues, grief, and the value of pre-planning, encouraging participants to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs and to learn about death care options.
Come learn about natural (or green) burial, ask all your questions and hear about our efforts to start a natural burial cemetery in the Seacoast! Learn more and Lotus and Lavender Burial’s newsletter: www.lotusandlavenderburial.org.
Presented by Sarah Clark, Founder and Executive Director of Lotus and Lavender Burial, a nonprofit working to promote natural burial in the New Hampshire Seacoast.
Open to all ages; geared towards adults
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
Mighty Monarch Butterflies presented by Emily Wrubel & Judy Fink
Saturday, May 17 at 1:00 PM
Inspiring Conservation, One Flutter at a Time…
Join us at the North Hampton Public Library for an exclusive event, “Mighty Monarch Butterflies.” Delve into the captivating journey of Hillsborough, NH resident, Emily Wrubel, and her companion, Judy Fink, as they share their experience from their remarkable expedition to Mexico where they were able to witness firsthand the majestic monarch butterflies in their serene wintering grounds nestled high in the Transvolcanic Mountain Range.
Uncover the compelling motivations behind their expedition, gain profound insights into the remarkable long-distance voyages of these fascinating creatures, and explore actionable ways to contribute to the conservation of this delicate and endangered species. Immerse yourself in a tale of wonder, discovery, and conservation, as we unravel the mysteries of the monarch butterflies together.
This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Open to all ages!
Registration is required for this program.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Tour: From Sails to Atoms
Wednesday, May 21 at 10:00 AM
Join us for a special guided tour of the historic Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, led by Joe Gluckert, Historian at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. For over 200 years, the Yard has played a vital role in national defense, from building wooden sailing ships to servicing the Navy’s most advanced submarines. This exclusive tour offers a unique look at the shipyard’s contributions in times of war and peace from a military historian’s perspective.
Requirements:
- U.S. Citizens only (citizenship attestation required).
- A government-issued picture ID is required on the day of the visit.
- Driver’s licenses must be REAL ID compliant after May 6, 2025.
- Participants must be able to board the bus and navigate stairs; facilities are not handicap accessible.
Tour Details:
Transportation: Participants will travel by U.S. Navy bus from the USS ALBACORE Museum parking lot (569 Submarine Way, Portsmouth) to various stops within the Shipyard.
Registration Information:
- Advance registration is required.
- Full name and address must be submitted at the time of registration.
- The participant list will be submitted to Shipyard Security one week prior to the tour—no late additions will be allowed.
What to Bring & Wear:
- Comfortable walking shoes (required).
- Weather-appropriate attire (portions of the tour may be outdoors).
Reserve your spot today for this rare opportunity to explore the rich history of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard!
This program is hosted in partnership with the North Hampton Historical Society.
Open to all ages!
Registration is required for this program.
Healthy Ways to Manage Stress presented by Cornerstone VNA
Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 PM
We’re thrilled to welcome Cornerstone VNA’s Community Care Director, Katie Michaud for an insightful discussion on stress—its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies. In this informative session, Katie will explore the impact of stress on both physical and mental well-being, helping us recognize the warning signs and understand how stress can affect our daily lives.
She will also share practical approaches to managing stress through diet, nutrition, and various treatment options, providing valuable tips on making lifestyle adjustments that promote overall health and resilience. Whether you’re looking to improve your own stress management techniques or gain knowledge to support others, this session will offer expert guidance and actionable takeaways to enhance well-being.
Join us for this engaging and educational conversation, and take a step toward a healthier, more balanced life!
Open to all ages; geared towards adults
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
Visiting Author Series: Endangered Species: Chronicles of the Life of a New England Fisherman and the F/V Ellen Diane by David Goethel
Thursday, May 29, 6:00 PM
If David Goethel was a cat, he would be in the market for more lives. But David is a small boat fisherman, an endangered species, who works tirelessly for himself and others like him to survive.
📚 Join us for our Visiting Authors Series at the North Hampton Public Library! 📚
Come join us every month as we welcome local authors to the library to share their stories with our community!
🖋️ Meet Local Talent: Join our guest authors as they discuss their latest publications and share their creative journey with you.
📖 Dive into Great Stories: Whether you’re into heartfelt memoirs or thrilling mysteries, these authors have got stories that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
🛍️ Snag Your Next Page-Turner: Want to take a piece of the magic home? Grab a copy of the featured author’s book at the event, maybe even get it signed! Support local writers and score some awesome reads.
Open to all ages; geared towards adults
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
June 2025
The History of Emancipation & Juneteenth presented by historian & public speaker Christopher Daley
Thursday, June 19, 6:00 PM
Join returning presenter Christopher Daley for his program: The History of Emancipation & Juneteenth. This 90-minute presentation which begins with a short history of the Abolitionist movement from the 1830s through the Civil War. Then the discussion will turn to all the slavery connected causes of the Civil War and the growing hue and cry for the end of slavery. Additionally, the election of Abaraham Lincoln will be examined spotlighting his views on slavery and African Americans. Through the course of the talk, we will also see a revealing view on how his ideas and opinions evolved over time.
The second part of the presentation will look at some of the events that led up to The Emancipation Proclamation such as Freemont’s Emancipation, Hunter’s Emancipation, and the General Benjamin Butler’s orders on “Contraband of War.” Then, it will turn to the Emancipation Proclamation itself; the timing of it, the politics of it and who was actually freed by it.
Next we will talk about the gradual emancipation of slaves by Federal Troops as they conquered the different Confederate states, the end of the war and the movement of troops into Texas and the famous issuing of General Order No. 3 on June 19th, 1865 at Galveston Texas and how the news spread through Texas and the reaction of the slaves to tidings of freedom!
Finally, we’ll conclude with a discussion to showcase how Juneteenth went from a local Galveston celebration to a national holiday.
This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Open to all ages; geared towards adults and older teens
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
Eternal Reflections: Writing a Legacy Letter presented by Jay Sherwin
Saturday, June 21, 12:00 PM
Join us for a transformative series of free library programs designed to explore the complex topic of death in a factual and compassionate environment. Led by industry professionals, these sessions aim to foster open discussions about end-of-life issues, grief, and the value of pre-planning, encouraging participants to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs and to learn about death care options.
A legacy letter is a written document that allows people to share their life lessons, express their values and transmit their blessings to future generations. Writing a legacy letter is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for family, friends and other loved ones.
Jay Sherwin created the “Life Reflections Project” to educate people about legacy letters and ethical wills; he now teaches legacy writing and works with clients to help them draft or edit their own legacy documents.
Open to all ages; geared towards adults
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
Visiting Author Series: Hi Mom, I Love You: From Shame to Pride: My Journey of Self-Acceptance by John Robert
Tuesday, June 24, 6:00 PM
John Robert is a web developer turned artist after psychics predicted his creative destiny—a journey that led him to paint his pain and pride across 44 original artworks in this memoir.
Celebrate John’s art all month long!
In June, John will be our Artist of the Month. Visit the library anytime during June to see his evocative artwork—including pieces described in the book—on display.
📚 Join us for our Visiting Authors Series at the North Hampton Public Library! 📚
Come join us every month as we welcome local authors to the library to share their stories with our community!
🖋️ Meet Local Talent: Join our guest authors as they discuss their latest publications and share their creative journey with you.
📖 Dive into Great Stories: Whether you’re into heartfelt memoirs or thrilling mysteries, these authors have got stories that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
🛍️ Snag Your Next Page-Turner: Want to take a piece of the magic home? Grab a copy of the featured author’s book at the event, maybe even get it signed! Support local writers and score some awesome reads.
Open to all ages; geared towards adults
This program is free and open to the general public. Registration is not required.
July 2025
Visiting Author Series: The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen
Saturday, July 19, 1:00 PM
Award-winning author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen brings to life whimsical tales filled with humor and heart. Born in Portland, Maine, his childhood love for drawing aliens and robots evolved into a celebrated career crafting beloved children’s books like “The Circus Ship.” With inspirations ranging from Dr. Seuss to coastal Maine, his vibrant stories and meticulous illustrations continue to captivate young readers worldwide.
📚 Join us for our Visiting Authors Series at the North Hampton Public Library! 📚
Come join us every month as we welcome local authors to the library to share their stories with our community!
🖋️ Meet Local Talent: Join our guest authors as they discuss their latest publications and share their creative journey with you.
📖 Dive into Great Stories: Whether you’re into heartfelt memoirs or thrilling mysteries, these authors have got stories that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
🛍️ Snag Your Next Page-Turner: Want to take a piece of the magic home? Grab a copy of the featured author’s book at the event, maybe even get it signed! Support local writers and score some awesome reads.
Open to all ages; geared towards young children & families
This program is free and open to the general public. Seating is first-come-first-serve.
Registration is not required.