Library debuts new summer hours, July program lineup
ATHOL — The Athol Public Library's new operating hours took effect this month, alongside a busy slate of July programming ranging from an escape room to a community "duck" art contest, while a Franklin County Now report noted a multi-day closure on Chestnut Hill Road this week.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Athol Public Library's new hours began Wednesday, July 1, giving residents an updated schedule for weekday and evening visits — Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday until 8 p.m., and Friday until 1:30 p.m., with the library closed weekends and legal holidays.
Library staff have lined up several concrete events for the coming weeks. A "Cosplay Ducks!" submission contest runs from Tuesday, July 7 through Friday, July 31 at noon, inviting residents to enter decorated ducks. The library is also hosting a Beaded Bracelets craft session on Thursday, July 30 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., a "Can You Spot the AI?" program on Tuesday, July 7 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and a book discussion Thursday, July 16 at 5 p.m. focused on a title found in a local Little Free Library. A two-day escape room event, "Escape From the Terrible Thicket," is scheduled for July 22 and 23 with multiple sessions; registration is required.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Chestnut Hill Road closed days this week" — Franklin County Now reports that Chestnut Hill Avenue in Athol is closed this week between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. for work on the roadway, affecting local travel during those hours (read it at https://franklincountynow.com/news/216612-chestnut-hill-road-closed-days-this-week/).
"Denis Jean Brault" — Athol Daily News published an obituary for Denis Jean Brault, 77, of Kissimmee, Florida, who grew up in Athol before living in Virginia Beach and Pembroke Pines, Florida (read it at https://atholdailynews.com/2026/07/08/obit-denis-jean-brault-211822413/).
COMING UP
The Athol Public Library's "Can You Spot the AI?" program takes place Tuesday, July 7 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The library's Cosplay Ducks contest accepts entries through Friday, July 31 at noon. A book discussion is set for Thursday, July 16 at 5 p.m. The Escape Room event runs July 22 and 23 with multiple sessions, registration required. The Beaded Bracelets program is scheduled for Thursday, July 30 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.