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Holiday Closures:
Wednesday, Dec. 24 EARLY CLOSE at 2 PM Thursday, Dec. 25 - CLOSED Wednesday, Dec. 31 EARLY CLOSE at 2 PM
Thursday, Jan. 1 - CLOSED | |
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Happy December, friends!
Today is Giving Tuesday! We'd like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have made Supporting Membership donations this year. Thank you! We are not a Town department and we rely on Membership donations and other support for approximately 30% of our annual operating budget—in addition to all capital expenses. If supporting YPL has been on your to-do list, Giving Tuesday is the perfect moment to check it off as you head into the holiday season. Thank you for being part of the magic, and for helping us create it every day!
We're wrapping up the year with plenty of good cheer in the form of great reads, programs, and happenings. Whether you’re seeking a cozy book to curl up with, a quiet place to recharge, or festive events to spark joy this season, we’ve got you covered with holiday crafts, book displays, materials, live music, and other programs for all ages. Grab a hot beverage and read all about it!
Happy Holidays,
-YPL
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This Giving Tuesday, consider supporting York Public Library—because where else can you borrow a bestseller (or a ukulele), print your boarding pass, attend free concerts, and get book recommendations from someone who actually read the book? As an independent nonprofit (not a town department!), we rely on support from our community to keep York library services strong and accessible to all. We thank you for your support!
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Check This Out: Gingerbread House Kits |
Did you know that with your library card, you can check out a Gingerbread House Kit? The kit contains 2 silicone molds, 1 spatula, an icing bottle with tip assembly, and a recipe personally selected by our resident baker and certified amaaaazing cook, Adult Services Librarian Michele Bertolini. Make memories this holiday season with this convenient and festive bundle!
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Now at YPL: Yoto Audio Players! 🎧 |
Thanks to generous funding from Altrusa International of the Seacoast, the Library is excited to add Yoto Mini players and a growing collection of Yoto Story Cards to our Youth Services offerings! Families can now check out these screen-free audio devices packed with stories, music, and learning adventures—perfect for holiday road trips, quiet time, or sparking imagination anywhere. Stop by the Children’s Room to explore the new collection! Miss Barb explains it all here.
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New: Chess Club! |
Join us Monday evenings in the Wheeler Room for YPL’s new Chess Club, open to adults and teens of all skill levels. Bring your own chess board or use one of the library’s sets—we have a few available to share. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics, sharpen your strategy, or enjoy friendly games with fellow chess enthusiasts, all are welcome. |
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The Holidays are Coming to the Book Nook! ❄️ |
Beginning Friday, December 5, pick up holiday titles, popular hardback novels of all genres, puzzles, YA & children's books, all priced to make your pocketbook rejoice! |
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Featured Events
| Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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Medicare Counseling Appointments
Available Thursdays through 12/18 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 12/18 Presented by the Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Support Your Immune System Naturally During Cold and Flu Season
Friday, December 5 at 1:30 PM @ Wheeler Room As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to nurture your immune system from the inside out. Join Dr. Sarah Waterhouse, a naturopathic doctor, for an educational talk on holistic ways to support your body’s natural defenses through the winter season.
Music Hour at the Library with Pianist Linda Drew
Friday, December 5 at 4:00 PM @ Upper Level Enjoy a sizeable sprinkling of inspiring holiday music, stylistic advent meditations, Christmas jazz, rags and blues along with some traditional tunes from the 20th century.
Artificial Intelligence Series #1: Getting Started with Chatbots to Help with Everyday Tasks Tuesday, December 9 at 2:00 PM @ Community Room
Are you curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft Co-pilot, and Google Gemini? Learn how AI can help you with everyday tasks like finding a quick answer, understanding something new, writing a thank you card, explaining the rules of a game, making grocery lists, and more!
Crafting with Lynn: Gnome Ornament Felting Wednesday, December 10 at 5:00 PM @ Fireplace
Come craft by the fireplace with Lynn! We will be needle felting mini-gnome ornaments.
“A Night at the Opera - in the Afternoon" with the Avalyn Reed Trio Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Noon @ Upper Level
Operatic libretti are full of conniving villains, comic relief and true love. Avalyn celebrates the beautiful melodies of some of the most famous operas, as well as some lesser-known ones. Through their humorous commentary and the beautiful blending of two clarinets and a bassoon, you will be sent out humming and smiling!
Ahead of the Reading Curve Book Chat Wednesday, December 17 at 11:00 AM @ Wheeler Room
Connect with fellow book lovers to chat about newly released or soon-to-be-published titles.
NEW! Monthly Cookbook Club Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Noon @ Community Room
Save the date! York Public Library boasts a deliciously diverse collection of cookbooks. Each month in our Cookbook Club, we’ll dive into one of them and bring its recipes to life! Every registrant selects a recipe from the month’s selected book, prepares it at home, and brings it to share with the group. It’s part tasting, part show-and-tell, and all about good food and laughs. Come hungry for food and conversation! January's book is on display at the Circulation Desk next to Minnie! |
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Ongoing Programs
Speaking for the Trees Works by Victoria and Lawrence Elbroch
Through December 27 during open hours
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.
NEW: Chess Club
Mondays at 5:15 PM @ Wheeler Room
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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Virtual Author Talk: Scheming Wives and High-Stakes Hilarity with Author Sue Hincenbergs Tuesday, December 2 at 2:00 PM @ online
When the only thing standing between three best friends and a sunny beachfront retirement condo are their husbands, what ensues is a diabolical plan. Buckle up for a wild ride and join us as we sit down for an online chat with debut author Sue Hincenbergs to discuss her novel The Retirement Plan. (Library Speakers Consortium)
Ahead of the Reading Curve Book Chat Wednesday, December 17 at 11:00 AM @ Wheeler Room
Connect with fellow book lovers to chat about newly released or soon-to-be-published titles.
Virtual Author Talk: The Creative and Compassionate Art of Seeing Others Deeply with David Brooks Tuesday, January 13 at 2:00 PM @ online
Join us for an online discussion with prominent cultural writer and bestselling author David Brooks on his book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply, in which he helps us pose essential questions: If you want to know a person, what kind of attention should you cast on them? What kind of conversations should you have? What parts of a person’s story should you pay attention to? How to Know a Person helps readers become more understanding and considerate toward others, and to find the joy that comes from being seen. (Library Speakers Consortium)
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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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Festival of Lights Holiday Storytime
Tuesday, December 2 at 10:30 AM @ Children's Room Join Ms. Barb for fun holiday stories at her Preschool Storytime. After the stories, we will make a craft to take home. Suggested for ages 3 - 5, with a caregiver. This is a drop-in program.
Festival of Lights Baby and Toddler Storytime Friday, December 5 at 10:30 AM @ Children's Room
Ms. Katie will have some fun holiday rhymes and a story to share during her Baby and Toddler storytime, followed by social playtime. We'll work on developing social, literacy and motor skills in this program series designed for babies and toddlers (birth - 2), with their caregivers. This is a drop-in program and open to all.
Canine Cuddles Saturday, December 6 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.
Festival of Lights Craft Saturday, December 6 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM @ Children's Room
All ages are welcome to drop by the Children's Room to make and take a fun holiday craft!
Storytime at York Land Trust Thursday, December 11 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.
"Noon" Year's Eve Party Wednesday, December 31 at 11:00 AM @ Children's Room
5-4-3-2-1, Happy New Year! Midnight is past our bedtime, so we’re counting down to noon instead. Ring in the “noon” year with us during this special event. We’ll count down to 12:00 (noon) together! No registration and open to all ages. |
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Click the links below for more information. Youth events do not require registration unless otherwise indicated. |
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Anything but Gingerbread Houses
Wednesday, December 3 at 3:30 PM @ Teen Space 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.
Book Cover Bling
Monday, December 29 at 5:30 PM @ Teen Space Do you love books and bling? Join our Teen Book Cover Bling program and turn your favorite reads into one-of-a-kind masterpieces! Join us on 12/29 from 5:30 pm-6:45 pm and make your books shine! Open to grades 7–12. All materials provided or bring your own book.
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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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