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Holiday Closures:
Tuesday, Nov. 11 CLOSED for Veterans Day Wednesday, Nov. 26 EARLY CLOSE at 2 PM
Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28 CLOSED for Thanksgiving Holiday
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Jack-o'-lanterns have made their exit, and twinkle lights are waiting in the wings. As one season fades into another, YPL is buzzing with new programs, creative projects, and plenty of reasons to stop by and stay awhile.
We estimate 112 people found their Halloween costumes at YPL this year in our Annual Costume Swap! That's 112 costumes that didn't need to be purchased here in York! Thanks to everyone who donated or "shopped" our closet this year.
Isn't our email header this month amazing? It was made by a student enrolled in our first Digital Learning Lab series which focused on the digital drawing app, ProCreate. Our next program series focuses on digital bookmaking for first and second graders using Book Creator, a digital tool that lets users easily create, publish, and share interactive books. It’s especially popular in schools, libraries, and creative projects because it’s simple to use and works across devices. See an example here and enroll your first or second grader here.
Check out our recycling themed display upstairs this month! A stunning new art exhibit goes up this week in the Upper Level, and former broadcast journalist Bob Sheppard, son of Tuskegee Airman James Sheppard, will give a talk on his father's experiences in World War II as part of the the famed 332nd Fighter Group. Our grand piano will get some use thanks to pianist Linda Drew, and the York Land Trust will lead us in an educational work day on library grounds.
Hope you can join us!
-YPL
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Many people are surprised to learn that the Library is not a Town department. We receive town funding that is voted on each year by York residents, but the Town of York provides approximately 70% of our operational funding. The rest comes directly from the generosity of community members like you. 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.
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. Your donation in any amount is truly appreciated. Thank you.
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New Exhibit: Speaking for the Trees Works by Victoria and Lawrence Elbroch
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This collaborative show celebrates a lifelong relationship and shared awe for ancient trees. Working side by side, Victoria Elbroch sketches plein air while Lawrence Elbroch photographs from the same vantage. Their works, later merged in studio, blur the line between drawing and photo—inviting you to look closer. Trees, for them, are more than subjects; they are symbols of wisdom, resilience, and ecological wonder. Come explore their layered perspectives on beauty, memory, and the vital role trees play in our changing world.
A reception with the artists is scheduled for Monday, November 10th from 5-7pm in the Upper Level. |
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Shop our MERCH! |
Check it out! Find our new T-shirts (available in adult and youth sizes), water bottles, Envirotote 100% recycled bags, bumper stickers, and notecards by the circulation desk. All proceeds benefit the programs, materials, and resources you love at YPL!
Cash, check, card, and Apple / Google pay accepted. |
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Thank you, SoMe Brewing! ⛳ |
Sarah Rowland, the Manager for York's SoMe Brewing Co. stopped by last month to drop off the proceeds of their 7th Annual Charity Golf Outing. Over $2,000 was raised to support the library on September 17th, when golfers hit the beautiful green at Cape Neddick Country Club to golf for their community! Thank you, SoMe! Cheers to you and your golfers for your generosity! 🍻 You make a difference! |
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SPEAKING OF GOLF...
Make a Golf Hole for Mini-Golf at the Library 2026! |
READ THE GREEN! We're already dreaming of our 3rd Annual Mini-Golf at the Library event taking place February 6 - 7. Each year, we invite community groups — such as nonprofits, schools, town agencies, and others — to decorate (create the obstacles for) one of eighteen miniature golf holes. We are blown away by the creativity and craftsmanship we see each year on the course. It's part of what makes MINI-GOLF so fun! Not to mention, it's a chance for the groups and organizations of our town to be represented at a unique community event attended by hundreds of people.
Last year, Center for Active Living turned their golf hole into a horse race track; York Land Trust made a miniature York River; White Pine Programs made a nature-based obstacle course with various natural elements; and Altrusa of the Seacoast had a "Cat in the Hat" theme complete with Thing 1, Thing 2, and the beloved cat himself.
Join us! If your group would like to take part in this one-of-a-kind event, email Jane for more information at: jshoffman@yorkpubliclibrary.org.
Does your business want to be involved? Ask us about sponsorship opportunities! |
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Featured Events
| Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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Alzheimer's Education Series: Managing Money/Exploring Care & Support Options Wednesday, November 5 at 4:45 PM @ Community Room
This fourth and final session will help caregivers understand the cost of caregiving and the benefits of early planning, teaching them how to start a conversation about finances, assess financial and legal needs, avoid financial abuse and fraud, and find support.
Medicare Counseling Appointments Available Thursdays through 12/7 at 5:00 PM @ Study Room
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
Medicare 2026: Overview & Updates Monday, November 10 at 1:00 PM @ Community Room
Join presenter Brianna Henward for an educational presentation about the basics of Medicare and the updates taking place in 2026.
Art Reception: Speaking for the Trees: Works by Victoria and Lawrence Elbroch Monday, November 10 at 5:00 PM @ Upper Level
Please join the York Public Library for an Art Exhibit Reception with artists Victoria Elbroch and Lawrence Elbroch. Their work will be on display at the library from November 3rd through December 27th.
The Tuskegee Airmen: World War II Thursday, November 13 at 5:30 PM @ Community Room
James Sheppard was one of a small group of men with ties to Maine and NH who served during World War ll with the fighter squadron known as the Tuskegee Airmen, the famed 332nd Fighter Group.
Music Hour at the Library with Pianist Linda Drew Friday, November 14 at 4:00 PM @ Upper Level
Come enjoy some lovely piano music at your library while you read, do puzzles, peruse the shelves for a new book, meet with friends, or just sit and enjoy an hour of music filling the upper level of the library.
Invasive Species Clean-Up and ID with York Land Trust (at YPL) Monday, November 17 at 9:00 AM @ YPL Parking Lot
Join York Land Trust at York Public Library property and learn to confidently identify multiple aggressive invasive plant species.
Death Cafe Monday, November 17 at 10:00 AM @ Community Room
A Death Cafe is a group-guided open conversation about death (with sweets!). There is no agenda, objectives, or themes.
Ongoing Programs
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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Hannaford Community Bag Program |
The York Public Library Association has been selected as the nonprofit beneficiary of reusable bag sales for the month of November at York Hannaford! When you purchase a reusable Community Bag for $2.50, $1 will be donated to the Library. As the holiday season approaches and we prepare for all the holiday cooking that comes with it, we hope you'll consider purchasing a reusable bag for a good cause. |
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Author Talks and Book Discussions
| Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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Virtual Author Talk: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity with Award-Winning Journalist Joseph Lee
Wednesday, November 5 at 2:00 PM @ online Join journalist and author Joseph Lee for an online conversation about his stirring memoir, Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity. In it, he explores Indigenous identity in proximity to land that serves as an iconic vacationing spot for the wealthy–the “island paradise” Martha’s Vineyard. (Library Speakers Consortium)
Virtual Author Talk: The Search for Truth and the Persistence of Love Across Time with Novelist Amanda Peters
Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 PM @ online Join us in an online conversation with acclaimed writer Amanda Peters as we discuss her instant bestselling novel, The Berry Pickers, as well as her tender short fiction collection, Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories. Influenced by Peters’ own Mi’kmaq heritage, The Berry Pickers is a riveting exploration of family, grief, and the bonds we share. (Library Speakers Consortium)
Virtual Author Talk: Unlock the Secret Language of Connection with Supercommunicator Charles Duhigg
Tuesday, November 18 at 2:00 PM @ online Charles Duhigg, author of the bestselling books The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better, presents the ultimate guide on how to communicate and connect with anyone in his latest work, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. (Library Speakers Consortium)
Ahead of the Reading Curve Book Chat
Wednesday, November 19 at 11:00 AM @ Wheeler Room Connect with fellow book lovers to chat about newly released or soon-to-be-published titles.
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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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Storytime at York Land Trust
Thursday, November 13 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.
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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Click the links below for more information. Youth events do not require registration unless otherwise indicated. |
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Tile Mosaics for Teens
Monday, November 3 at 5:30 PM @ Teen Space Turn old tiles into cool custom frames—stop by the Teen Space after school and get crafty! This program is for 7th - 12th grade.
Bead Buddy Keychains Wednesday, November 12 at 3:00 PM @ Teen Space
Make a tiny beaded bestie today after school in the Teen Space—perfect for your backpack or keychain! This program is for 7th - 12th grade.
Board Game Night - Teen Edition Monday, November 17 at 5:30 PM @ Teen Space
Grab your crew and hit the Teen Space for some epic board game battles! This program is for 7th - 12th grade.
Backpack First Aid Kits...AGAIN! Monday, November 24 at 3:00 PM @ Teen Space
You can never be too prepared! Back by popular demand we’re doing another round of Backpack First Aid Kits, for anyone who missed the event in October. 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. |
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COMING SOON: Festival of Lights
Festival of Lights Storytime
Tuesday, December 2 at 10:30 AM
Anything But Gingerbread Houses (5th - 12th grade) Wednesday, December 3 at 3:30 PM
Hold the gingerbread! For this year’s Festival of Lights event, teens are putting a sweet twist on tradition with “Anything But Gingerbread Houses.” Instead of classic cookie cottages, teens will construct candy-coated masterpieces from anything but gingerbread. For grades 5 and up. Registration required.
Baby and Toddler Festival of Lights Storytime Friday, December 5 at 10:30 AM
Festival of Lights Craft
Saturday, December 6 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM All ages are welcome to drop by the Children's Room to make and take a fun holiday craft! No registration required.
Learn more about Festival of Lights here. |
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It can't be shared too often. |
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides judgment-free support to anyone facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, problems with substance use, or just feelings of loneliness.
You can connect with the 988 Lifeline by texting or calling 988, or chatting with us at 988lifeline.org. Skilled, compassionate counselors are available 24/7 to listen, provide support, and share resources to assist you or loved ones. |
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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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