October 2025 Happenings @ the APL!
Books, movies, games, & SO MUCH MORE. YOUR library has something for everyone!
Letter from the Director
     Happy October! The library came through September's back-to-school rush unfazed and ready for what comes next. This year fall brings fewer programs and more staff meetings as we continue to prepare for the December flooring replacement. 
     The Reference Department is training two new staff members who will be working on the second floor nights and weekends going forward. Theo and Michelle can't wait to meet you so don't hesitate to stop by and talk to them about their library work. Like the rest of the staff, they're eager to help you!
     The changes happening here at the library mean we were not able to create an event around Banned Books Week and Freedom to Read Day. Instead, we are sharing all of the information we have (that's what we're BEST at) so that YOU can learn and share how important the freedom to read is. The library will be full of information and displays on banned and challenged books, as well the reasons behind these challenges. At this time of year, we like to remind library visitors that the Attleboro Library's Collection Policy is found online, as is the Materials Reconsideration Form. The talented team of librarians here at the APL spend considerable time choosing the titles that appear on the shelves and they welcome your suggestions and questions. We take the commitment to providing access to unbiased information seriously and are grateful that this community does as well.
     To end this letter on a celebratory note, the Friends urge everyone to save the date Saturday, November 15th for their Annual Book Sale. If you've been to the book sale before you know this is a great, big, book loving party and you're all invited. It's a fun filled Saturday so please make a plan to be here and bring your wallet in support of the Library!
Amy Rhilinger
just finished reading The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram
 
Bite by Bite: Celebrating Community by Breaking Bread
Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees
Bite by Bite by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, the 2025 Community Read title, was chosen for its broad appeal to both reluctant readers and avid book lovers. In this collection of short essays, the author shares vivid memories tied to a variety of foods, their origins, their preparations, and the people the foods were shared with. This title sets the perfect table for creative expression of personal identity and beloved cultural traditions. Guest speakers, workshops, and events held in partnership with local organizations will give community members the opportunity to connect with one another at a shared table.
Family Foodie Bingo
Thursday, October 9, 6-7pm
We will play as many games of traditional BINGO as we can and all of our prizes will be FOOD themed (with a few books added for good measure.) This program is being held in honor of this year's Attleboro Community Read title, Bite by Bite by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. 
Open to ages 5+, anyone under the age of 10 must be with an adult. Register HERE
"Menu of Me" Collage Making
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6-7pm
Youth in 5th-12th grades are invited to attend this Attleboro Community Read inspired session of Craft Club! During the program we will use magazines and other materials to create a "menu" all about us! Space is limited, so register HERE.
Hebron Food Pantry READS!
October 20, 6:30-7:30pm
The mission of Hebron Food Pantry is to aid in the elimination of hunger in the Greater Attleboro area by providing nutritious food, advancing independence and offering hope. Hebron board president Heather Porecca will share a scrumptious story and a fun activity related to food. Appropriate for families with children 5 years old and up.
How to Compost with Kathi Gariepy
Thursday, October 23, 6pm | For All Ages
One of the questions we all have to reckon with is, what happens to the leftovers and the scraps once we've consumed all this amazing food? Join Master Gardener and President of the Attleboro Garden Club Kathi Gariepy for this timely and important talk all about composting. Registration suggested, but drop-ins welcome!
ADULTS
Below is a sampling of this month's events. All library programs can be found on the Events calendar!
Censorship is so 1984: Read for your RIghts
From October 5 to 11, 2025, libraries, schools, bookstores, and readers across the country will mark Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the freedom to read and a stand against efforts to suppress literary works. This year’s theme—“Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.”—reminds us of how dangerously close recent censorship efforts mirror the dystopian extremes in George Orwell’s 1984. Why does this matter to you?
  • Defending voices and stories: When books are banned, marginal or uncomfortable perspectives are often the first to disappear. Banned Books Week advocates for space where all stories can live.
  • Protecting free expression: The ability to read broadly—and even to read what others find objectionable—is central to a healthy democracy.
  • Preventing precedents: Each book ban or censorship policy sets a precedent that may be extended later. Resistance matters early.
In 2025, as censorship attempts grow bolder and more organized, Banned Books Week is not just a symbolic week on the calendar—it’s a call to defend the very foundations of free expression. As we draw nearer to October 5–11, we encourage you to find a way to participate: read, host, talk, protest, or simply post. The right to read—and to choose what stories we encounter—may feel personal, but when it is protected, it strengthens us all.
 
Library Hours
Monday 8:30am-8:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am-8:30pm
Thursday 12:30-8:30pm
Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm
Closed Sundays
The library
will be closed
Monday, October 13
for
Indigenous Peoples' Day
National Grid
Connect to Caring
October 8
11:30am-3:30pm
Customer Advocates will be available to discuss your energy bill and help find assistance, including:
• Discount Rate
• Payment Plans
• Budget Plan
• Arrears Management Program (AMP) 
No appointment needed, but please bring the following if you have them:
SNAP, MassHealth, SSI or
WIC, benefit card and/or
program acceptance letter.
Greenhouse Writers Virtual Workshop
October 16- November 6
6:30-8pm
This 4 week, guided writing intensive includes inspirational prompts, writing, reading & supportive feedback. Join Elizabeth & Lucinda from Greenhouse Writers for this opportunity to exercise your creativity. Space is limited to 10 people who can commit to all 4 sessions. This program was sponsored by the Attleboro Cultural Council and the Friends of APL.
Register HERE!
 Exploring the World of Tarot
October 9, 16 & 30
6:30-8pm
In this first workshop of the 3 part series, we will demystify the origins of tarot and dispel myths about the cards. You’ll learn about the structure of a tarot deck and variations on the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck. We’ll also start reading intuitively to hit the ground running. Your own deck is not needed. There will be plenty of cards to use and decks to look at during the workshops.
Register HERE!
CHILDREN
 Below is a sampling of this month's events. All library programs can be found on the Events calendar!
STEM Week is October 20-24, 2025
STEM Week is coming to Massachusetts, and the APL is excited to help families join the fun! STEM—short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is all around us, and there are lots of easy ways to explore it at home. 
To start, families with children ages 3–9 can stop by the Children's Room desk during STEM Week to pick up a free kit filled with fun, hands-on activities. We'll also have handouts with daily STEM ideas you can try at home each day of the week!
Explore with Picture Perfect STEM--Check out one of these kits from the collection! They pair science with storytime using 30 engaging picture books and nonfiction titles. They’re designed to make STEM concepts easy to understand and fun to explore.
Want to dig deeper? Lesson plan manuals are available from the Learning Resource Collection for families who want to take their learning further.
Alien Escape
Mystery Room
Monday, Oct. 6, 6-7pm
Presented by Big Ryan: You have just 1 hour before the aliens discover you’ve broken free! Be the first team to finish and save everyone!
Space is limited so register your group to reserve your spot!
Trick or Reading!
Saturday, October 18 
9am-4pm
Friday, October 31
9am-4pm
Celebrate Halloween in library style! Visit the Children's Room and pick out a free book! We will be giving away 1 free book to every child ages birth-8th
grade.
Pumpkin Painting
Saturday, October 18
10am-1pm
Pumpkins and supplies will be provided. All ages are welcome to come paint a pumpkin, then take it home with you in time for Halloween. Please register for the time that you plan to attend - walk-ins will be accepted on the day of as long as we have supplies.
TEENS
Below is a sampling of this month's events. All library programs can be found on the Events calendar!
Bite Sized Book Reviews!
In honor of this years’ Community Read, check out these “bite sized” book reviews of food themed books for middle and high school aged readers!
Roll with It by Jamie Sumner is a heartwarming story about Ellie, a girl with cerebral palsy, overcoming challenges and chasing her dreams of becoming a baker. Uplifting and inspiring! -APL Staff
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo is a beautiful story which combines perseverance, growth, cultural identity, and of course, delicious recipes in a beautiful mix of vibrant storytelling. Emoni's story as she navigates through life and jumps through hurdles was truly inspiring. A compelling read, and a wonderful, heartwarming tale with awesome food!  -APL Teen Volunteer
Tasty: A History of Yummy Experiments by Victoria Grace Elliot is a simple to understand, beautifully illustrated children’s book for cooking. It's easy to comprehend language and condensed recipes help to teach children (and adults) about the history of food in a unique way. -APL Teen Volunteer
The APL’s volunteers & staff loved these titles and we hope you will too! If you are looking for more suggestions, check out these as well!
Food-related stories by Gaby Melian
A phở love story by Loan Le
Hungry hearts : 13 tales of food & love by Elsie Chapman
Dungeons and Dragons
Saturday, October 18, 2-4pm
Youth in 5th-12th grades are welcome to join a one time Dungeons & Dragons session! During the afternoon youth will create characters, explore imaginary worlds, and work together to overcome challenges—all levels of experience are welcome! Registration is required.
Kindness Club
Wednesday, October 22, 3:30-4:30pm
Students in 5th-12th grades are welcome to join library staff and representatives of the Olivia Knighton Foundation for a meeting of the Kindness Club! Each month kids will work on mini-projects that help to spread kindness in the community. Registration is required. 
FRIENDS OF ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Friends of APL Book Sale SAVE THE DATE
The Friends of the Attleboro Public Library Book Sale is Saturday, November 15 from 9am to 2pm at the library. Browse a large assortment of gently used adult and children’s paperback and hardcover books, puzzles, games and movies. 
Most items  priced .50 - $1. Cash, Cards and Checks accepted.
Proceeds from the sale benefit the APL by bringing hotspots, museum passes, special guest speakers, and the Summer Reading Program to Attleboro.
BOOKS and SO MUCH more!
Reading is Magical!
As we welcome fall, I recommend snuggling in with a magical read. Magical realism is a genre of fiction where the story takes place in a realistic setting, but includes fantastical elements such as time travel, super powers, and magic. A personal favorite is The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune. As the weather cools off, snuggle up with a cozy blanket, a steaming mug of tea, and get lost in your next favorite read.
 
Stephanie Halcomb is the Adult Reader Services Librarian at the APL, and she wants to help you find your next favorite book. If you want to chat about your current reads or would like a book recommendation, stop by the Reference desk, or email her.
The book of lost hours : a novel by Hayley Gelfuso
The magician of tiger castle by Louis Sachar
A witch's guide to magical innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Disc Golf Kits Available for Checkout!
We can not wait for the Jewelry City Disc Golf Course to open on October 25th! The course is located at Highland Park on Rathbun Willard Drive. If you or your friends are also excited to play, get ready to check out a beginner disc golf kit from the Circulation Desk. 
Where My Ghouls At?
Horror movie fans, scream season starts now! Dive into Kanopy’s Fright Fest—where cult classics, creepy thrillers, and horror hits await. Stream if you dare: attleboro.kanopy.com! Want to watch movies the old-fashioned way? DVDs and Blu-rays are available on the library's third floor Horror movies will be front and center for the month of October!
Heritage Gardens: Cranberries for Fall and More!
Visit the Heritage Museums Visit Heritage Gardens in Sandwich, MA for some wonderful Fall programs. You can enter the cranberry sauce contest, and learn about plants perfect for your autumn garden. Explore reproductions of Indigenous Peoples’ gardens to celebrate their rich culture this month. The discounted pass for up to 6 individuals at 50% off is made possible by the Friends of APL. Reserve up to 90 days in advance by visiting the library’s website or calling 508-222-0157.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Watch for the Spotted Lantern Fly
Spotted lanternfly is a pest that attacks grapevines, maple trees, and many other plants. It can interfere with outdoor recreation due to the swarming of adult SLF in late summer and fall. The insects themselves do not bite or sting - they are a nuisance because they gather in large numbers in areas where people are, and cover anything they are on with a sticky, sugary waste product known as honeydew. Learn more HERE.
  
MORE Local Events
Girl Scout Open House, Saturday, Oct. 4, 1-4pm, Anderson House
Vaccine Clinic, City Hall, Oct. 17, 8:30-11:30am
Art Lovers Book Club: The Rembrandt Heist, Saturday, Oct. 18, 1-3pm, AAM
Zoo Boo Spectacular @ Capron Park Zoo, Oct. 18 & 19, 10am-3pm 
The Literacy Center's Amazing Race, Oct. 19, 9am-1pm
Project Connect's Arts & Crafts Fundraiser, Oct. 25, 10am-1pm
 
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Attleboro Public Library
74 North Main St
Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703
(508) 222-0157
attleborolibrary.org