The Acton Memorial Library closed early on Tuesday, March 10, for an after-hours, 21+ event. Like all library programs, the Bridgerton Ball was free to attend, but it was clear that many guests had invested heavily in their dazzling attire. Folks entered with a flourish, dressed in coattails and top hats, lace, ruffles and gloves, feathers and fascinators, sequins and gems, taffeta and tiaras. The venue itself was also decked out in bunting, fanciful floral arrangements, garland, ribbons, and fine linen.
Library staff handed out dance cards to slide onto wrists with the time of the guests’ English country dance lesson, 6:30, 7:00 or 7:30. Before making their way up the grand staircase bedecked with blooms and vines to the “dance floor,” folks were encouraged to visit the wisteria-draped photo booth to capture images of themselves in their finery. True West provided libations at the circulation desk transformed into a cash bar. In addition to beer and wine, the drink menu included the mocktails, “The Diamond of the Season” and “Lady Whistledown.”
Live music by violinist Karen Burciaga and pianist Jean Monroe accompanied the revelers as they learned to do-si-do, chassé, promenade, swing, bow, and curtsy, with dance master Brad Sayler. The dance lesson covered the steps of several traditional dances: the Black Nag, the Hole in the Wall, and the Barley Mow. After the series of lessons, the dance floor was opened up for free dancing, and couples continued to kick up their heels.
In the downtime before or after their timed lesson, guests were free to mingle and enjoy several other activities set up around the library. Jane Austen films playing in the Meeting Room, tiny canvas still life painting in the study area, and charades over by the audiobooks. Those choosing to paint a floral arrangement could opt to leave their canvas for display during April’s Tiny Art Show. Tiny Art Painting Kits are still available to take home and paint, but the canvas and easel need to be returned by March 31st for display in the Tiny Art Show.
Although fancy, formal dress was not required, those who did come in their finest had the chance to be named “Diamond of the Season” by Lady Whistledown. Toward the end of the evening, one blushing guest, who had sewn her own exquisitely embellished gown, was chosen the most eligible young person among the society of ball attendees. A bouquet was handed to her, and she delighted in the many compliments and congratulations offered by all those gathered. The evening ended with the Grand March folk dance.
The popularity of adult after-hours library events became clear following the first of its kind hosted in Acton, Books and Brews, which drew more than 200 people in October 2024. Since then, the library has hosted a murder mystery in November 2025, and an annual haunted library event for youth near Halloween. An adult line dancing social hour has also been hosted on Monday evenings in the month of March, with the final session taking place on March 30.
Alissa Nicol manages to attend many of these community events and cover them for the Acton Exchange.
