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York Public Library is CLOSED to the public on Friday, March 13
for a Staff In-Service Day. | |
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The calendar days are inching toward spring. And yet. ❄️
Mini-Golf was a great success! More than 450 people came out to golf on February 6-7. Smiles were plentiful, creativity was on full display, and we raised over $15,000 for Library programs and materials! Huge congratulations to to our Clubhouse Night Tournament winners: it was a tie between the teams "Big Putts" and "Diva Divots." Here is a lovely photo of them fighting over the trophy, which is now in the shop being engraved to reflect our 2026 Tournament winners! See more photos of our magical mini-golf weekend here and here. Our endless thanks to the community groups, sponsors, volunteers, and golfers who made the weekend so special!
We have a busy month ahead. Let's start with some more wonderful news: Marina Mails has joined our team as Assistant Director!
Our "Prom Closet" is in full swing! We have collected dozens of beautiful prom dresses of all sizes - our thanks to those who have donated like-new—or in some cases brand new— dresses! Spread the word amongst any prom-bound high schoolers in your circles that York Public Library is the place to get gorgeous prom dresses for free. Prom should be fun, not expensive! Find them in the Libary's lower lobby.
The Digital Learning Lab has completed a series on robotics for Grades 4-6, which culminated in a high stakes robot soccer game—and we're happy to announce another round of Beginning Vex Robotics starting March 20 for Grades 2-3! Sign up your youngster today!
Lastly, some business and housekeeping items: Beginning March 17, you will need a PIN to log in to your Minerva account. Instructions can be found below. And our Book Nook is now receiveing donations again—with some restrictions to help us keep our wonderful Book Nook in order.
Happy reading!
-YPL
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Meet Marina Mails, our New Assistant Director! |
We are delighted to welcome Marina Mails as York Public Library’s new Assistant Director! Marina is no stranger to YPL, being a cardholder since 2019 and serving on the Library’s Board since 2022—so she’s already part of the team. We’re thrilled that she is now joining the staff in this new role.
Marina brings extensive experience in nonprofit management and a lifelong love of libraries. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Wake Forest University and a Master’s in Counseling from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Marina has lived in many parts of the country and made York her home in 2019, quickly becoming an active member of the community. Outside the library, she can be found baking, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors. She’s also an avid reader who especially enjoys books by women authors, including Barbara Kingsolver and Emily Henry.
“I’m very happy to be joining the staff of the library,” Marina says—and we’re very happy to have her! If you see Marina around the library, please be sure to say hello! |
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Coming March 17: PINs for Accessing Online Library Accounts |
York Public Library is part of the Minerva Library Consortium, and all Minerva libraries will soon begin using 4-digit PINs to help protect individual library accounts and prepare for upcoming catalog system upgrades. Starting March 17, you will log in to your online account using your library card number and a 4-digit PIN. You’ll use this PIN when placing holds, checking due dates, or managing your account.
How to set your PIN: Beginning March 17, visit the catalog or your account login page and click “Create/Reset PIN.” Follow the prompts to choose a 4-digit PIN. An email address is required to set it up online. No email? No problem—stop by the Main Circulation Desk and a staff member can help you add a PIN of your choice to your account. For now, you will not need your PIN to access databases or eBooks. Please note: Once a PIN is set, library staff cannot see it. If you forget it, we can help you reset a new one. Questions? Ask a librarian—we’re happy to help!
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New in the Children's Collection: Healing Kits |
Big changes can be hard. We’re here to help! Youth Services is proud to introduce four new Healing Kits designed to support your family through life's challenging transitions. The Loss of a Pet, Loss of a Loved One, Separation Anxiety, and Welcoming New Baby kits are packed with resources like picture books with discussion prompts, an emotions flip chart, and activities to help your family process these topics together. If you are you going through one of these big changes, stop by Youth Services.
These kits are made possible with the generous support of Altrusa International of the Seacoast. Thank you, Altrusa! |
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Watch This: The Librarians is Free to Stream Online for a Limited Time on PBS!
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The Librarians, a PBS Independent Lens documentary, is available to watch online for a limted time. About the film: Librarians across the U.S. examine how restrictions on library content are shaping communities. When lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content. Drawing on historical context, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life. Run Time: 1:25:10
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Book Nook Donations Update |
After a brief closure as we figured out some storage solutions, we are accepting book donations once again! As you consider any spring cleaning projects, please keep the following new guidelines in mind so that we can maintain a clean and organized Book Nook:
We can only accept new and used books that are clean and in good condition, as determined by a volunteer or library staff member. We ask that you limit donations to only one bag or box per week. Please do not leave donations outside, in the lobby, or in the book drop. We kindly ask that any items not accepted for donation be taken with you when you leave.
As always, we cannot accept: DVDs, audiobooks, encyclopedias, textbooks, books that are moldy or dirty, fiction books older than 20 years, or nonfiction books older than 10 years. Thank you for your understanding! |
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2026 Climate Series Tides of Change: Our Coast, Our Future
| Our fifth annual Climate Series, Tides of Change: Our Coast, Our Future, is a partnership with York Ready for Climate Action and York Land Trust. |
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Microplastics: Tiny Pieces, Big Impact with Blue Ocean Society
Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00 PM @ Community Room
The number of consumer and commercial products with intentionally added microplastics is massive: cosmetics, detergents, paints, medicines, nappies, pesticides – the list goes on. Over time, these tiny particles end up flooding into our environment. Explore the hidden world of microplastics—tiny pieces of plastic that are polluting our oceans, beaches, and waterways. This engaging presentation introduces participants to the concept of microplastics, their entry into the environment, and the growing concern they pose for marine ecosystems, wildlife, and humans.
Sea Change: Bounty in the Gulf of Maine (NOVA Documentary Screening)
Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 AM @ Community Room In Part 1: Bounty in the Gulf of Maine, discover the Gulf of Maine and how its bounty was forever changed by a global appetite for fish. 53 minutes.
Sea Change: Peril in the Gulf Of Maine (NOVA Documentary Screening) Saturday, April 4 at 11:00 AM @ Community Room
In Part 2: Peril in the Gulf of Maine, dive into Cashes Ledge with scientists as they race to discover if this remote and relatively pristine part of the Gulf of Maine is vulnerable to rapid warming. 53 minutes. |
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More Events |
Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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The 1642 Abraham Preble Garrison, Excavated 2021-2022
Friday, March 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM @ Community Room
The Abraham Preble Site in York Maine began as a family homestead in 1642 and was later fortified to serve as a militia garrison and place-of-refuge during King William’s War (1688-1697), a destructive frontier conflict that pitted the English Colonists against the native Wabnaki and their French allies. Join us for this historical presentation about the Phase III Data Recovery of the Abraham Preble Garrison on York Street, excavated in 2021-2022. Tables of artifacts from the dig will be on display.
Monthly Cookbook Club
Wednesday, March 18 at 12:00 @ Community Room Join us for YPL’s Cookbook Book Club! York Public Library boasts a deliciously diverse collection of cookbooks. Each month we’ll dive into one of them and bring its recipes to life! March's Cookbook: Piecemeal. Please register in advance, and be sure to visit the Main Circulation Desk to indicate which recipe you'll be cooking wth a provided sticky note!
Paint & Sip: Pop Art Pet Portrait (21+)
Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 @ Craft Area / Makers' Den (Lower Level)
Using a photograph of your own pet, we will guide you in creating a colorful, fun and unique portrait. Send a picture to ajohnson@yorkpubliclibrary.org of a well-lit head shot of your pet when you register (no later than March 10) and we will provide an accurate drawing on a prepared canvas to get you started. It is recommended that participants wear old clothing or an apron. Refreshments will be provided. This is a 21+ program. Space is limited. Registration is required.
The Fashions of Downton Abbey Wednesday, March 25 at 4:00 PM @ Community Room
Are you a fan of Downton Abbey? Would you love to know more about the fashions of the period? Join presenter Karen Antonowicz for an informative presentation about the lives and fashions of the residents of Downton Abbey. Travel with us through time while we explore the styles of 1912, represented in Season 1 of Downton Abbey, through the 1920s, when major changes occurred both in fashion and in society.
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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: Unlock the Hidden Power of Dreams with Sleep Expert Michelle Carr
Wednesday, March 11 at 2:00 PM @ Online Learn how to harness your dreams to improve your sleep and health with dream engineer Dr. Michelle Carr. In Nightmare Obscura, Dr. Carr unlocks the science behind the sleeping body. (Library Speakers Consortium)
Virtual Author Talk: Book Portals and Journeys of Literary Magic with Kate Quinn
Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 PM @ Online You’re invited to join us for a virtual conversation with acclaimed author Kate Quinn about her latest fantastical work, The Astral Library, which poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to The Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures. (Library Speakers Consortium)
Virtual Author Talk: America’s Failed Response to the Opioid Crisis with Author Shoshana Walter
Tuesday, March 24 at 2:00 @ Online Join us for a special conversation between award-winning journalist Shoshana Walter and bestselling and award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver as they chat about Walter’s book Rehab: An American Scandal. (Library Speakers Consortium)
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ANNUAL STUDENT ART SHOW
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION
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Wednesday, April 1 from 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Students, their families and the community are invited to come together to meet the York public school art teachers, view the student art on display, and celebrate the talent of youth in York.
YMS & YHS - Upper Level VES & CRES - Lower Level
All are welcome to attend, no registration necessary. |
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Children's News and 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, March 7 at 10:30 AM @ Children's Room
Join some of our canine crew for cuddles and comfort. We’ll also have some other calming activities in our cozy sunroom corner. Pop by and see which pup is visiting the Library this month! They are great listeners. Snuggle up or read to them. No registration and open to all ages.
Storytime at York Land Trust Thursday, March 12 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.
Spring with White Pine Programs
Saturday, March 28 from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM @ Children's Room Discover the wonders of nature in spring with White Pine Programs! Learn about animal and plant behavior in spring and all the amazing things that emerge when the weather starts to get warmer! This program will run indoors and outdoors so come prepared dressed to spend some time outside. Suggested ages 6 - 9 with a caregiver. Siblings are welcome. Registration preferred and drop-ins acceptable |
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Beginning Vex Robotics: a 5-Week Series for 2nd and 3rd Graders
Fridays (3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17) at 3:30 PM Welcome to Vex Robotics! This 5-week program series will have us build our own robots, practice using the VexIQ code interface to connect a controller, and play some robot soccer! This program is for 2nd and 3rd grade and registration is required.
COMING UP!
Create Your Own Podcast: a 5-Week Series for 3rd and 4th Graders Mondays (4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1) at 3:30 PM
Ever wanted to start your own show? Join us for a hands-on crash course in podcasting! In this session, you will: brainstorm topics and learn how to plan your podcast; get hands-on experience with a 4-mic mixing board; use AI to compose your own theme music and wacky sound effects; and learn the ropes of GarageBand to polish your episode. By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills to make your voice heard! This program is for 3rd and 4th grade and registration is required.
York Public Library's Digital Learning Lab is grant-funded through The American Library Association's Libraries Transforming Communities initiative. The lab is meant to be an inclusive space, so if you have any individual needs, accommodations, or accessibility issues, please let us know and your requests will be treated with privacy and respect.
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Teen News and Events | Click the links below for more information. Youth events do not require registration unless otherwise indicated.
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Dress to Impress: Announcing YPL's Prom Closet |
Our Prom Closet is OFFICIALLY OPEN! Teens looking for formal wear can stop into the library during open hours to check out what we've got. We have over 70 dresses, many brand new with tags! Several button down shirts, some handbags/clutches, shoes, and other accessories are in the closet as well. Visit the Prom Closet in the downstairs lobby of the library. Questions? Please email Danie.
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LibQuest Grades 5+
February 1 - March 31 Join a team or create your own in this interactive library challenge! Teams of adventurers earn points by completing activities and moving their team forward on their journey. The more points you earn, the farther your team travels and the more prizes you can win. Ask for details in the Teen Space!
Teen Advisory Board Grades 7+
Thursday, March 12 at 6:00 - 6:45 PM @ Teen Space
Attention all teens! Do you have ideas for programs and events at the library and want to help implement them? Do you want to influence the Young Adult collection at the library? Do you want to meet new people? If you answered yes to any of these questions, join the Teen Advisory Board! Optional sign up HERE.
Pi(e) Day Trivia Grades 5+
Monday, March 16 at 3:00 PM @ Teen Space Think you know pi(e)? Test your knowledge (by yourself or with a team) at our Pi(e) Trivia Challenge while enjoying some pie in the hangout room!
Teen Paint Night Grades 6+ Monday, March 23 at 5:00 PM @ Teen Space
Join us for a fun night of painting and hot cocoa! No prior art experience is needed, and all supplies will be provided. Follow along as we paint the Northern Lights together, or veer off and make your own masterpiece. |
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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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