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The Library is closed on Monday, October 13 for Indigenous Peoples' Day.
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Fall has been a whirlwind, and it continues!🍂
But first - did you catch our Bancroft Memorial Lecture with Pulitzer Prize finalist Colin Woodard? If not, catch it here. With 75 people on the waitlist, we decided to livestream the event on our YouTube channel, in our first ever live YouTube broadcast. Thanks to Devin's tech skills, it all went off without a hitch. *Holds for applause.* Thank you to all who joined us in person or online. It was a wonderful event and Dan Bancroft would have loved it, we are certain.
In other news: It's almost Banned Book Week! We also welcomed a new team member, Amanda, who is taking over Adult Programs. All of our weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly programs that took a summer break are back. It's Membership Month! And we know you've been thinking about Halloween costumes - so it's the perfect time to remind you that our Costume Closet is up and running, right up until Halloween.
Stay warm, stay kind, and stay spooky, friends--
- YPL
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OCTOBER IS MEMBERSHIP MONTH!
Are you a Supporting Member of York Public Library yet?
While the Town of York provides approximately 70% of our operational funding, the rest comes directly from the generosity of community members. It’s your support that helps keep the Library vibrant, welcoming, and full of opportunities for everyone.
When you become a Supporting Member of the York Public Library Association, you’re doing more than supporting a beloved community resource—you’re joining a circle of neighbors who believe in the power of ideas, access, and lifelong learning.
NEW: As a Supporting Member, you’ll enjoy benefits that bring you closer to the Library, including special updates and opportunities to engage with the Library and its vision. Most importantly, your support helps ensure the Library continues to thrive for generations to come. Join us—and be part of something truly meaningful.
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| Donate Now
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| Explore Membership Benefits
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Celebrate Banned Books Week with YPL October 5 - 11 |
Censorship Is So 1984 -- Read for Your Rights! With the escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country, George Orwell’s cautionary tale 1984 serves a prescient warning about the dangers of censorship. This year’s Banned Books Week theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, and that we must defend our rights.
At YPL, we're celebrating with a new Banned Books display and some very cool swag that's yours to keep! Get your "Censorship is so 1984" buttons, bookmarks, and wristbands in the Upper Level.
FURTHER READING: The Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024 and a message from this year's Honorary Chair of Banned Books Week 2025 legendary actor, author, and activist George Takei.
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Welcome, Amanda! |
We are delighted to introduce Amanda Johnson, our new Adult Programming Librarian! Amanda's background as an event manager comes in handy in her new role as our primary adult program planner. She loves reading, needlepoint, sewing hats, baking, and being outside with her family – especially at the beach and on the ski slopes! She grew up on Nantucket and has spent time in Arizona, San Francisco, Santa Fe, and Portsmouth, eventually landing in Kittery, Maine, where she has lived since 2003. |
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Statement from the Board of Trustees Regarding Our Teen Room |
Recently, some members of the community voiced their opposition to the use of colorful flags in the YPL Teen Room intended to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community and other groups. The opposition was the subject of two recent articles in the local publication, The York Weekly. York Public Library’s Board prepared this statement in response, which is posted in full on our Facebook page and website.
"The York Public Library Board of Trustees affirms our full support for our Executive Director, Michelle Sampson, and the library staff, in upholding the mission and values of the Library.
Public libraries exist to provide access to a wide range of information, ideas, and viewpoints. Displays and collections are curated to reflect the diversity of our community, our country, and the world, and to support the freedom of individuals to explore, learn, and decide for themselves.
"We recognize that from time to time, library materials, displays, or decorations may include themes that some individuals disagree with. Disagreement, however, is not a basis for censorship. As Trustees, we stand firmly behind the principles of intellectual freedom, as affirmed by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. Removing or restricting materials because of personal objections would compromise the integrity of the library’s role as a trusted, inclusive public institution." Read the complete statement here.
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Featured Events
| Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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Home Fire Safety & Hands Only CPR
Tuesday, October 7 at 10:00 AM @ Community Room This 2-part class teaches Home Fire Safety Tips and the Lifesaving Chest Compressions of CPR. This program is cosponsored by York Public Library and York Community Service Association.
Alzheimer's Education Series: Building Foundations of Caregiving/Supporting Independence Wednesday, October 8 at 4:45 PM @ Community Room
York Public Library and the Alzheimer's Association: Maine Chapter are pleased to co-sponsor this four-part series on Alzheimer's disease. This second session in the series, Building Foundations of Caregiving/Supporting Independence, explores the role of caregiver and changes they may experience, building a support team, and managing caregiver stress. Series dates: 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, and 11/5. Read more about the series here.
Medicare Counseling Appointments - Thursdays through 12/7
Thursday, October 9 at 5:00 PM @ Study Room Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15th, 2025. Meet with a certified State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Counselor for free, confidential, and unbiased support. By appointment only: call 207-396-6524. Offered Thursdays through 12/7 (No appointments 11/27) Presented by the Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Alzheimer's Education Series: Communicating Effectively/Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 4:45 PM @ Community Room The third session in our Alzheimer's Education Series, Communicating Effectively/Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors teaches how dementia affects communication and includes tips for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals. Presented in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association.
What’s Going On Down There? Urinary Incontinence & Pelvic Prolapse
Monday, October 27 at 12:00 PM @ Community Room
Join Dr. Ashley Hilton, a urogynecologist at York Hospital Gynecology & Women's Health Services for an informative session designed to educate and empower women who may be struggling with pelvic health concerns. This is your chance to learn the facts, explore new treatment options, and discover how to regain control and improve your pelvic health — without embarrassment. Light lunch provided. Register on Eventbrite.
Ahead of the Reading Curve
Wednesday, October 29 at 11:00 AM @ Wheeler Room Connect with fellow book lovers to chat about newly released or soon-to-be-published titles. Choose a book from our collection of advance reader copies (available behind the Circulation Desk) or bring along any recent read. Share your favorite new book, discover fresh recommendations, and enjoy lively conversation.
Ongoing Programs
Creative Joy: Works by Dustan Knight
Through October 31 in the Library's Upper Level
Morning Yoga Wednesdays at 10:15 AM @ Community Room - Registration required
Week in Review Discussion Group
Fridays at 3:00 PM @ Wheeler Room
Wake Up to the Wisdom of Poetry First Saturday of the Month at 10:00 AM @ Wheeler Room
Walking Club
Mondays at 11:00 AM @ Meet in Lobby
Crafting Group Second and fourth Thursday of the month at 10:00 AM @ Wheeler Room
Alzheimer's Support Group
Third Saturday of the Month at 10:00 AM @ Wheeler Room
Writing Group Third and Fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM @ Wheeler Room
Italian Conversation Group
First Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM @ Wheeler Room |
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Author Talks and Book Discussions
| Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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Children's Events | Click the links below for more information. Children's events do not require registration unless otherwise indicated. |
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Canine Cuddles
Saturday, October 4 at 10:30 AM @ Children's Room Storytime Area Join some of our canine crew for cuddles and comfort. We’ll also have some other calming activities in our cozy sunroom corner.
Firefighter Storytime Saturday, October 7 at 10:30 AM @ Children's Room Storytime Area
We’re learning fire safety tips for Fire Prevention month! Meet a York firefighter, see the fire truck, and enjoy a special storytime. This drop-in program is open to all ages.
Storytime at York Land Trust Thursday, October 9 at 10:30 AM @ York Land Trust
Join Barb at York Land Trust headquarters for stories, songs and an activity. Located at 1 Long Neck Marsh Road in York. Please register. |
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D I G I T A L L E A R N I N G L A B
| York Public Library's Digital Learning Lab is grant-funded through The American Library Association's Libraries Transforming Communities initiative. Registration is required.
Open Draw with ProCreate - 3rd and 4th Grade (4 Sessions)
Mondays, October 6, 13, 27 & November 3 at 3:30 PM @ Community Room Come visit our open drawing time at the Digital Learning Lab! We will have iPads, Apple pencils, prompts, and time to share our work. New to ProCreate? No problem! Library staff will be there to walk you through the basics.
Book Creator - 1st and 2nd Grade (4 Sessions)
Tuesdays, November 4, 18, 25 and December 2 at 3:45 PM @ Community Room Tap into your inner author! First and Second graders are invited to join Ms. Jo In the YPL Digital Learning Lab to write and illustrate a book using the Book Creator app. Once completed, their beautiful books will be shared digitally with the family. This workshop will span four 45-minute sessions. |
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Teen Events | Click the links below for more information. Youth events do not require registration unless otherwise indicated. |
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Monster Mittens Wednesday, October 8 at 3:00 PM @ Teen Space
We’re upcycling old mittens into mitten monsters. You’ll be completely smitten with these adorable pocket companions. It will be glove at first sight. Stop by after school in the teen space to make one. This program is for 7th - 12th grade.
Backpack First Aid Kits Wednesday, October 15 at 3:00 PM @ Teen Space
Accidents happen! Don’t get stuck without a band-aid. Be prepared and make a mini first aid kit for your backpack. This program is for 5th - 12th grade!
Watercolor Spiderwebs Wednesday, October 29 at 3:00 PM @ Teen Space
Spin some artistic magic! Craft watercolor spiderwebs in the Teen Space after school today. This program is for 7th - 12th grade. |
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Support York Public Library! |
The Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization - not a town department. Public funding provides a basic operating budget for the library, but we but we rely on contributions from individuals and businesses for 30% of our operational funding every year. If you enjoy the library and all that it has to offer, consider a donation today. Thank you!
Learn more about our funding
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YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS
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LIBRARY HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday Closed
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