Adult Newsletter - October 2025
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Library Closed - Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day

The Library will be closed on Monday, October 13 in observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day.
 
 
 
   
Celebrate Diwali with Hoopla

On October 20, celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights! Although originating in India,
Diwali is celebrated by many people all over the world. Hoopla, one of the Library's digital material services, has put together a curated collection of books, music, and movies all about the holiday! Check it out here with your Weston library card.
 

Volunteers Needed for the Friends Book Sale!

The Friends of the Weston Public Library's Book Sale is coming soon and they need volunteers! If you'd like to help with setup (Nov. 4-6), the sale (Nov. 7-9), or the breakdown (Nov. 10), please fill out the form linked below. We will send follow up emails related to scheduling and task assignments as we get closer to the sale. Thank you! 
 
Click here to sign up!
 
Donations - Last Day to Donate is Oct. 20

The Library is accepting donations of the following, in good condition and for all ages: books, DVDs/Blu-rays, and music CDs. Donations may be delivered during all open hours, but large donations must be coordinated ahead of delivery. Boxes/bags of material should be easily lifted by one person. We are not accepting the following: materials in poor condition, magazines, textbooks, encyclopedia, reference sets, or VHS/audio tapes. 
 
Please note that the last day to donate materials for the Friends' Book Sale is October 20. After that date, we will no longer accept donations until mid-November to allow us time to organize for the sale. Thank you!

Collection Reorganization and New Spaces

The Library has completed the first phase of moving our adult fiction, young adult, and special collections to build our new Adult Cozy Reading and Young Adult spaces! We hope you enjoy the new arrangement and expect more updates to these spaces in the coming months. We will be looking to enhance them with new furniture, amenities, and collections! More to come!
 

Discover the Power of Coding with Fiero Code
 
Are you ready to unlock the world of coding? Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Fiero Code is here to help! As a free online coding resource, available with your Weston Public Library card, Fiero Code offers an interactive, self-paced way to learn how to code—no experience required.
 
It's a fun and engaging platform designed for learners of all ages, but especially great for kids and teens who want to explore programming. With step-by-step lessons, hands-on projects, and exciting challenges, Fiero Code makes learning to code accessible and rewarding.
 
Ready to begin? Click here to sign up!
 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Virtual Gallery and Art Tour with Riva Blumenfeld: Amy Sherald (ZOOM)
Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00pm 
 
AMY SHERALD
 
Amy Sherald’s contemplative subjects appear most concerned with their own interiority, prioritizing their own peace and self-realization over how others might perceive them.  Her project highlights what she has called the “wonder of what it is to be a Black American,” rendering a rich and unconstrained Black world in vibrant Technicolor.

Registration is required. Click here to register. Zoom information will be in the confirmation and reminder emails.
 
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.

Accordion Album: Make It at the Library
Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30pm
 
Come craft with us on our last Make It at the Library session this year!
 
Create a 5x7" accordion album that you can use for photos, sketching, journaling, or gift-giving. 
 
Supplies include pre-cut pH-neutral boards, acid-free blank pages, decorative papers, and ribbon.
 
Registration is required. Click here!
 
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.

Frances Palmer Author Talk
Saturday, October 25 at 2:00pm
 
The Friends of the Weston Library are excited to welcome Weston's Own Frances Palmer for a discussion of her new book Life with Flowers!
 
Filled with the author’s stunning photography, Life with Flowers is an invitation to both her garden, where we learn all about the planting and arranging of flowers, and her artistic process, showing us how she thinks about flowers, seasons, the land, beauty, form, and everything else that goes into her creative life.
 
Join us in the Library's Community Room for what is sure to be a lively discussion. Registration is required to ensure you get a seat. Click here!
 
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library. 
 
VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS

Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States with Smithsonian Educators (VIRTUAL)
Thursday, October 2 at 2:00pm
 
A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration
 
Join us in conversation with Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key as they discuss Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, as well as their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States.
 
The stories in Nuestra América cover each figure's cultural background and childhood, and their accomplishments or contributions to American history. A glossary of terms and discussion question-filled reading guide, created by the National Museum of the American Latino, encourages further research and exploration. The museum has featured twenty-three of these stories in its exhibition ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States, the first exhibition to feature U.S. Latino history at the national level.
 
Featuring beautifully illustrated portraits by Gloria Félix, this is a book that children (and adults) will page through and learn from again and again. A must have for every school and home library to help students understand the American story!
 
Register today to learn more about the rich history of Nuestra América! 

10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy with Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times Bestselling and Award-Winning Author of Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone Series (VIRTUAL)
Thursday, October 9 at 7:00pm
 
Since publishing in 2015, Leigh Bardugo’s highly popular Six of Crows has taken the world of YA literature by storm–and it’s not hard to see why. The complex fantasy setting, thoughtfully-structured magic system, and deliciously morally gray characters all collide in a world you won’t want to leave and you don’t have to! Join us as we pick the brain of the New York Times bestselling author herself, celebrating the release of her Six of Crows (The Dregs Edition).
 
In celebration of its decade-old status, the duology will be rereleased in special Dregs Edition paperback copies featuring beautiful new cover art by Harol Bustos, black stained edges, and updated maps. Whether you’re a new reader or a loyal fan, register today to take part in the adventure!

Finding My Way with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, Bestselling Author and Education Activist (VIRTUAL)
Wednesday, October 22 at 7:00pm
 
You are invited to be one of the first to hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai about her astonishing memoir, Finding My Way. Malala reintroduces herself to the world, sharing how she navigated life as someone whose darkest moments threatened to define her narrative—while seeking the freedom to find out who she truly is.
 
Thrust onto the public stage at fifteen years old after the Taliban’s brutal attack on her life, Malala Yousafzai quickly became an international icon known for bravery and resilience. But away from the cameras and crowds, she spent years struggling to find her place in an unfamiliar world. Finding My Way is a story of friendship and first love, of anxiety and self-discovery, of trying to stay true to yourself when everyone wants to tell you who you are. In it, Malala traces her path from high school loner to reckless college student to a young woman at peace with her past. Through candid, often messy moments like nearly failing exams, getting ghosted, and meeting the love of her life, Malala reminds us that real role models aren’t perfect—they’re human.

Finding My Way is a vulnerable, surprising memoir that buzzes with authenticity, sharp humor, and tenderness. It is an intimate look at the life of a young woman taking charge of her destiny and is a deeply personal testament to the strength it takes to be unapologetically yourself. Register now for a conversation you cannot miss!
 
Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons with Historical Fiction Queen Philippa Gregory, Bestselling Author of The Other Boleyn Girl and Leading Voice in Historical Fiction
Wednesday, October 29 at 2pm
 
Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory returns to the infamous Tudor court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. We invite you to sit down with us for an intriguing conversation with Gregory about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor. 
 
Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.
 
For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything. 
 
With a rich tapestry of new historical insights and lyrical language honed over decades of writing, Gregory's return to the Tudors is a new definition of this most fascinating era. As the world becomes more extreme and unpredictable, Jane’s story of survival and ingenuity offers a compelling parallel, serving as both a powerful historical narrative and an echo of the challenges we face. This is a riveting tale of loyalty and betrayal, ambition and love—one that should not be missed by readers this fall.
 
Register today for this exciting glimpse into the perilous 16th century royal court!
 
RECURRING EVENTS/CLUBS

New Yorker Roundtable
Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28
 
Meetings are hybrid, in-person at the Library, and online via Zoom.
 
Join the Friends of the Library New Yorker Group to discuss articles from the current issue on politics, current events, literature, and more.
 
The New Yorker is available online with your Weston Public Library card. Click HERE to access it digitally.
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.
Cookbook Club
Monday, October 20 at 12pm

The Weston Public Library Cookbook Club is an opportunity for those who love cooking to share favorite recipes and try new recipes with neighbors and friends! Make your favorite dish to share and bring the recipe! October's theme: Comfort Food. 
 
Looking for favorite recipes from previous meetings? You can check out all of the recipes HERE.
 
Click here to register.  This group meets monthly in the Community Room.

Sip + Stitch
Thursday, October 9 at 7pm

Come spend an evening with friends and neighbors and share your projects. We can share our progress on old projects and the new ones we are starting!
 
This club is perfect for beginners and seasoned experts alike, and is not limited to stitching: any needle craft is welcome! It's always an enjoyable evening with warm company.
 
Click here to register. This group meets monthly in the Community Room.
Book Discussions
 
Thursday, October 9, 10:30am
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  
Wednesday, October 15, 7:30pm (Zoom)
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
 
 
To reserve a copy of the book or for the Zoom link, please email kbennett@westonct.gov. 
 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.
 
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

Online Room Reservation System

The Library's online room reservation system allows patrons to see the availability of and reserve a Conference Room or the Community Room. To access the system, click here!
 
Please note that we no longer take reservations over the phone; use the online system or print a physical application to make a reservation. To access the printable application and policy, click here.
 
Weston Public Library's Book Match

We'd love to help you find your next favorite book or author! Fill out our online form and in a few days we'll email you a list of suggestions. This service is designed for adult borrowers of the Weston Public Library. For youth suggestions, please contact our Children and Teen Librarian. 

Local History Resources
 
Learn more about the rich history of Weston through the library's Local History Resources including digitized versions of The Chronicle Quarterly, the Weston Forum, and more! 
 
Click here for access.  
 
 

Prepare for Your Next Big Trip with Transparent Language Online
 
Learn over 110 languages from all over the world, including indigenous languages from the Americas, English as a Second Language, and Irish Gaelic!
 
Sign up through the library website.
 
 

Homebound Delivery Service
 
Weston residents who are temporarily or permanently homebound due to health or disability issues or COVID concerns are eligible for the Library's free homebound delivery service.
 
Call the library at 203-222-2665 or email westonlibrary@westonct.gov for more information. 
 

Consumer Reports Online Access

Did you know that you can access current and back issues of this popular magazine for FREE? Through the state library's ResearchIT resource, you can read, download, and print individual sections including the popular Buyer's Guides.
 
Check it out here!

LIBRARIAN PICKS
October Releases
 
What new releases are librarians most looking forward to in October? Check out the selection below from Weston's Adult Services Librarian, Anne.
 
Avoid the rush and place your holds early at www.westonpubliclibrary.org.
 

Bog Queen by Anna North  An American forensic anthropologist is called to investigate a body found in a bog and is is drawn into a mystery from the distant past, called to understand and avenge the death of an Iron Age woman more like her than she knows. Along the way she must contend with peat-cutters who want to profit from the bog and activists who demand that the land be left undisturbed.
 
Minor Black Figures by Brandon Taylor  New York simmers with heat and unrest as Wyeth, a painter, finds himself at an impasse in his own work in this vividly etched portrait, both sweeping and tender, of friendship, creativity, belief, and the deep connections among them.
 
Venetian Vespers by John Banville  Struggling writer Evelyn Dolman faces eerie disappearances and sinister events at a decaying palazzo in 1899 Venice, as his marriage to disinherited heiress Laura and the treachery of Count Barbarigo plunge him into a nightmarish web of mystery and doubt.
 
The Devil is a Southpaw by Brandon Hobson  Haunted by jealousy and past trauma, Milton Muleborn recounts his volatile friendship with gifted Cherokee artist Matthew Echota, blending dark humor, unreliable memory, and surreal reflections on their shared time in a brutal juvenile detention center and the enduring scars it left behind.
 
Wreck by Catherine Newman  In Western Massachusetts, Rocky juggles family life with her husband, adult children and aging father, until her fixation on a local accident and an ominous medical concern stirs up anxieties that threaten to upend her fragile sense of normalcy.
 
Weston Public Library
56 Norfield Road, Weston, Connecticut 06883
203-222-2665

https://www.westonpubliclibrary.org/