Milne Mail: David & Joyce Milne Public Library, Weekly Newsletter
Friday, October 16, 2026

Hello, and Happy Friday!

Celebrating Our Friends of the Library

Next week is National Friends of Libraries Week, and we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate and thank our incredible Friends of the Library for all they do for the David & Joyce Milne Public Library.

So much of what makes our library special is possible because of the Friends. All of their work directly supports the library's programs, services, spaces, and little extras that make such a difference to our community. From the Thingdom and staff professional development to free coffee and tea, teen after-school snacks, ALL of our programs, the seed library, our upcoming Studio1095, and so much more - the Friends of the Library funding helps us turn our ideas and dreams into reality.

I have worked in and been connected with many libraries throughout my career, and I can honestly say that I have never encountered another Friends organization quite like the one we have here in Williamstown. They are an extraordinary network of people working together to support the library. From the beloved Chapter Two bookstore, to the volunteers who sort and triage the incredible number of donated books in the back of the library, to the Friends Board and everyone who gives their time, energy, and expertise - there is an incredible amount of care behind everything they do.


They work so seamlessly with the library and with one another, and their commitment, organization, generosity, and care are truly exceptional!

On behalf of the entire library staff: thank you. We couldn’t do what we do without you!

Want to get involved? We encourage you to learn more about the Friends of the Library, become a member, volunteer, and discover all the ways you can support their work. Visit Friends of the Milne Public Library to learn more.


- Angela Zimmermann, Library Director

Announcements:

Join us Thursday, October 29th for an afternoon/evening of exploring, creating, and celebrating this long-awaited new space. Take a tour, try your hand at a variety of hands-on activities, see demonstrations, and discover all the ways you can use Studio1095.


Whether you're an experienced maker, a creative hobbyist, or simply curious about what you can do here, come explore Studio1095 and see what's possible!


Snacks and refreshments will be served in the Community Room. All ages are welcome.


Thank you to the Friends of the Library for funding and supporting this initiative.

Learn More

   Coming Up Soon:

Adults

Community Shredding Event

Saturday, October 17th

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

More Info

Tweens & Teens

Friendship Bracelets

Saturday, October 17th 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

More Info

Adults

Tango Lessons w/ David Gorson & Bonnie Ernst

Tuesday, October 20th

6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

More Info

Adults

Gentle Yoga w/ Mary Edgerton

Every Thursday

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

More Info

Adults

Mindfulness w/ JC Hotchkiss

Every Thursday

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

More Info

Everyone

Halloween Costume Swap

Saturday, October 24th

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

More Info
View Full Events Calendar

Help us Fill our Zero Waste Boxes

We have a *NEW* bucket for returning thermometers and thermostats with mercury in them. (It looks exactly like the battery buckets, so please be sure to check the labeling before depositing your items)!


Additionally, some box categories seem to be more popular than others, or the waste material simply takes up more space. The Plastic Packaging and All Your Waste boxes are sent back the most frequently, with the Shipping Materials, E-Waste, and Break Room boxes coming in third. 

Some, however have not filled completely in part because the items collected are so small - primarily Pens, Pencils and Markers, Art Supplies and Bottle Caps.


So - we need your help! Please collect your plastic and metal caps, old paintbrushes, empty pens and broken pencils so we can fill up these boxes, return them and give the items new life.  


For more info, please go to the Terracycle blog, grab a brochure, or talk to Kira at the library.

Community Shredding Event

Protect your privacy and safely dispose of sensitive documents at the library’s Community Shred Event happening Saturday, October 17th at 10:00 a.m.


Bring old tax returns, credit card receipts, bank statements, and other confidential papers to be securely shredded on-site. It’s an easy and convenient way to clear out clutter while helping protect yourself from identity theft and learning more about the importance of secure document destruction.

Learn More
More Info

A Quiet Afternoon of Beading 🎨

Do you have a best friend you want to make a matching bracelet with?


Tweens and teens can drop-in Saturday, October 17th at 1:00 p.m. to make friendship bracelts!


We will have the supplies on hand to make friendship bracelets for yourself or spell out a special message for your friends.  

Swap Your Old Costume for a New One! 🎃

Are you ready for Halloween? Join us Saturday, October 24th at 11:00 a.m. for an all-ages costume swap, with (BONUS!) treats and crafts. 


We'll be collecting donations in the Children's Room starting October 10th. Please make sure your donated items are clean and in good repair. Small accessories should be in bags or otherwise secured.


Please note: This event is open to all. You don't have to donate in order to participate! You don't have to take anything if you donate!  Items left over may be donated to other community organizations.

More Info

Understanding Artificial Intelligence 📱

The rapid development of artificial intelligence is a top news story these days, as A.I. is predicted to have a huge impact on our lives in the very near future. How beneficial or detrimental will it be? To help our community better understand this new technology, we are hosting several talks about A.I. this Fall by various experts.


Learn more about our upcoming talks about A.I. by clicking the links below. Our October 27th talk requires registration:


Tuesday, October 27th: Virtual Talk: Understanding A.I. and Misinformation (Sign-Ups Required)

Tuesday, November 17th: In-Person Talk: How to Find Great Information in the Age of A.I.


You can learn more and explore resources by using the link below to read the blog post.

Blog Post

New Items

Kids


Dog Circus Block Party (the Barking Puppy #2): Book 2 by Lori Lobenstine
Fatal Glitch: Let's Play a Game by Erin Entrada Kelly
The Vicious Cycle: A Story of Healing by Kyle Lukoff
Donutrina in the Nutcracker Sweet: (A Christmas Picture Book about Ballet, Dancing, Confidence, and Being Yourself for Kids Ages 4-8) by Helen Yoon

Teens


You Only Live Twice by Autumn Allen
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly
The Secret to Belonging by Megan E. Freeman
Imposter by Cait Levin

Adults


The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Building 903 by Lois Lowry
The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict by Priya Parker
The Dying Light: A Detective Matthew Venn Novel by Ann Cleeves
View All New Items
View New eBooks
NextReads Newsletters
View New eAudio
White Table Clock and Books on Bookshelf

Storytimes

Baby & Toddler: Mondays at 10:30 a.m.

Songs and stories aimed at babies and toddlers, but older kids are welcome too.


Pre-K: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

We'll be reading lots of picture books for the pre-K age group; any age kids are welcome to join.

Chapter Two Books

October Hours

Wed.   11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thu.    11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Fri.      11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sat.     11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sun.    11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Mon.   11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tues.   CLOSED

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David and Joyce Milne Public Library
1095 Main Street, Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267
413-458-5369

https://milnelibrary.org/