News & Events for Adults
October 2026 |
|
|
 |
The 11 Coolest Things You Didn’t Know You Can Borrow From Your LibraryThink your Library is just for books? Discover the 11 coolest things you can borrow from OPL, from metal detectors and hotspots to passes and gadgets.
Tell me about the coolest things I can check out |
|
|
 |
Fall Book Sale
Whether you're searching for bestselling fiction, children's favorites, cookbooks, mysteries, or unexpected gems, you'll find plenty to browse at the Friends Book Sale. Best of all, proceeds support the Friends of the Oconomowoc Public Library and their efforts to enhance Library programs and services.
Become a Friends member at the door and shop the Friday presale! Sale HoursFriday, October 9
- 4–6 pm (Friends Members Only)
- 6–8 pm (Open to Everyone)
Saturday, October 10 Sunday, October 11 |
| Help Make the Friends Book Sale a Success!
The Friends of the Oconomowoc Public Library are looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming Book Sale. Whether you can spare a few hours sorting books, assisting shoppers, or helping with setup and cleanup, your time makes a difference. Volunteering is a great way to support the Library, meet fellow book lovers, and help raise funds for programs and services that benefit our community.
Interested in lending a hand? Sign up for a volunteer shift here! Thank you for supporting the Friends and helping make the Book Sale a success! |
|
|
Regular Hours
Labor Day–Memorial Day The Library will be closed on Friday, November 6, for staff training. |
|
|
| Join the Friends of the Library!The Friends of the Oconomowoc Public Library is a nonprofit group created to support the mission of the Oconomowoc Public Library by raising funds for the Library for special programs and purposes including Explore Passes, Loki’s care, and so much more.
Annual membership fees help support the Friends fundraising efforts and give members early access to book sales. Join the Friends Now! |
|
|
Programs & Events
Library programs, events, and activities are free and open to the public, but some may require registration. A waiting list is available if registration is full. View the full calendar, or keep reading for this month's Adult events! |
|
|
October Reading Challenge
Begins Thursday, October 1 Read 10 hours to earn a Beardie Buck good for $1 toward the purchase of a Friends Book Sale item! Visit the New Children’s Shelf to pick up your log, track your reading, and return the completed log to the desk within the first week of November. |
|
|
What’s Hot & What’s Not: What Sells? Where to Sell it? What’s it Worth?
Thursday, October 1 • 6:30–7:30 pm
Thinking about parting with furniture, china, or other household items? Join WellRive Move Management for a fun, informative seminar on what sells, what doesn’t, and how to make smart resale decisions. Learn how condition, age, brand, and market trends affect value, and when donating may be the better choice. Registration is required.
Register for What's Hot & What's Not |
|
|
Versiti Blood Drive
Friday, October 2 • 9 am–1:30 pm
Donate blood and receive $5 off general admission to the China Lights Exhibit at Boerner Botanical Gardens! Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
Schedule my appointment
|
|
|
The Great Awakening: Painters in America - Winslow Homer
Tuesday, October 6 • 6–8 pm Join local art historian Prof. Karri Fritz-Klaus for a look at Winslow Homer, one of America’s greatest painters. Explore his iconic seascapes and powerful portrayals of people confronting the forces of nature. Registration is preferred. Upcoming lectures: Registration is encouraged.
Register for Winslow Homer Art History Lecture |
|
|
Embracing the Sacredness of Life and Death with Kathy Ginn
Wednesday, October 21 • 6–7 pm Explore aging, end-of-life care, grief, and living with greater intention. Learn how reflecting on mortality can help you focus on what matters most and live more fully each day with community care doula Kathy Ginn. Registration is preferred.
Register for Embracing the Sacredness of Life and Death
|
|
|
Red Cross Blood Drive
Friday, October 23 • 9 am–3 pm
Help save lives in our community. Donors who give at Red Cross blood drives between October 19 and November 22 will receive a $10 gift card by email and 200 bonus Donor Rewards points. Call (800) RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to schedule your appointment.
Schedule my appointment |
|
|
Confidence & Conversation Club
Tuesday, October 27 • 3:30–5 pm
The Confidence & Conversation Club is an inclusive, community-centered program where teens and adults of all abilities enjoy light movement, independent reading, and supportive group sharing. Each session builds confidence, communication skills, and meaningful connection in a warm, welcoming environment where every voice matters. Ages 15 & up. Registration is required.
This program is in partnership with Journey21.
Register for Confidence & Conversation Club |
|
|
|
Writing Group
Monday, October 5 • 6–7:45 pm
Be inspired and put your own stories into words in a supportive and inclusive environment. Bring your notebook or laptop and develop your writing practice. Tea provided, and feel free to bring a snack to share. |
|
|
Diamond Drop-in
Wednesday, October 7 • 12:30–2:30 pm
Wednesday, October 21 • 12:30–2:30 pm Enjoy diamond painting fun and conversation! Bring your own project to work on or choose one provided by Library. Project design choices are first come, first served. |
|
|
Fiber Arts Circle
Thursday, October 8 • 6–8 pm
Thursday, October 22 • 6–8 pm Bring your project and make new friends! All fiber arts are welcome–crochet, knit, cross-stitch, weaving, latch-hooking, and more!
|
|
|
Papercraft Party
Monday, October 12 • 6–8 pm Looking for a cool card or bookmark idea? Come to our monthly Papercraft Party! Use our stash of high‑quality papers and supplies to design your own creations. We’ve got everything you need—but bring your own materials if you want to make something extra unique! |
|
|
Watercolor Wonders
Wednesday, October 14 • 6–8 pm
Thursday, October 15 • 9–11 am Learn to paint with watercolors with step-by-step instructions. This month: Autumn Leaves.
Register for Watercolor Wonders! |
|
|
Drawing & Doodles
Wednesday, October 21 • 6–8 pm
Thursday, October 22 • 9–11 am Practice your drawing skills or relax with meditative doodling with step by step instructions. Registration is required.
Register for Drawing & Doodles |
|
|
Canvas Creations
Wednesday, October 28 • 6–8 pm
Thursday, October 29 • 9–11 am Learn to paint with acrylics with step-by-step instructions. This month: This month: Autumn Trees.
Register for Canvas Creations! |
|
|
|
"Book Club" Book Club
Thursday, October 8 • 1–2 pm This month's book: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
A thrilling blend of historical fiction and mystery, The Alice Network follows a former female spy haunted by her wartime past and a young American determined to uncover the fate of her missing cousin. Set against the backdrop of two world wars, the novel explores friendship, resilience, and the extraordinary women history almost forgot. Registration is required.
Register for "Book Club" Book Club |
|
|
Thriller Book Club
Monday, October 19 • 6–7 pm This month's book: Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
A suspenseful mystery about Mallory Quinn, a woman fresh out of rehab who takes a nanny job for a young boy named Teddy. When Teddy’s drawings turn disturbingly sinister and appear to depict a long-forgotten murder, Mallory investigates the mystery while confronting her own past. Blending supernatural chills with heart and suspense, the novel follows her race to uncover the truth before it’s too late. |
|
|
America 250 Book Club
Wednesday, October 26 • 6–7 pm This month's book: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Published in 1939, The Grapes of Wrath is a powerful story about the Joad family. Driven from their Oklahoma farm by severe drought and bank foreclosures during the Dust Bowl, they pack an old truck and head west to California seeking work, land, and human dignity.
|
|
|
Email Newsletters
Sign up to receive age-specific book lists, news, and event emails. Sign Me Up!
|
|
|
|
