Dear friends,
 
October is a time for change: the leaves, our wardrobes, traffic on Route 1…. Speaking of wardrobes, you may have noticed the Library has had some recent changes to its own look. We have a new website, a new URL (web address), a new logo (shout out to Creative Concepts, Inc. down the street for their beautiful design), and new email addresses. We even have a new tagline--words to live by--as we continually strive to be the best library we can be for our community: Enriching Lives. Inspiring Minds. Creating Community. 
 
Change can be hard, especially during times of uncertainty, but it can also be inspiring. We can grow through this complex time, we can innovate and expand our understanding of the world, and we can become our best shelves.
 
Best Shelves? What nonsense is this? 
 
As librarians, we reserve the right to sneak in a good pun whenever we can, but Best Shelves is our fun challenge to you, our patrons: take a photo of your bookshelf, with or without library books, and send it to us at info@yorkpubliclibrary.org. We want to see what your reading space looks like at home! Tune in next month to see some of our favorites highlighted here. 
 
Be well, stay safe, and happy reading!
 
P.S. Curious about changes to our service hours or reopening? We are cautiously looking forward, but at present, given the increased rate of virus transmission in York county, we’re holding steady and doing what we can as well and as safely as possible. We appreciate your support.
 
What's Going On?
Virtual Author Talk: Sandell Morse and
L. Annette Binder
October 1 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
York resident Sandell Morse will discuss her acclaimed book The Spiral Shell: a French Village Reveals its Secrets of Jewish Resistance in World War II. She will be in conversation with L. Annette Binder, award-winning short story writer and author of The Vanishing Sky, a novel inspired by her family’s experiences in Germany during the Second World War.
 
This is a virtual event. To register, click here. 
 
 
 
Transforming Perspectives of Disability with Cindy Clough
October 22 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
This session will provide participants with a transformative perspective of disability that promotes the humanity, dignity, and civil rights of those who live with disabilities. In an effort to debunk myths surrounding disability, the discussion will include an active examination of the historical and contemporary representation of disability across multiple public platforms. Participants will differentiate between traditional medicalized perspectives of disability and social perspectives that focus on advocacy, activism, and inclusivity.
 
This is a virtual event. To register, click here.
Make a Plan to Vote!
October 29th is the final day to request an absentee ballot for the 2020 Presidential Election. Make sure your voice is heard by submitting your ballot or showing up at the polls November 3rd. For more information about registering, voting absentee, voting in person, candidate positions, and so much more, check out the site for the League of Women Voters. The State has also put together an online tool to help you track your absentee ballot. Click here if you'd like to know more. 
 
Having trouble making sense of the facts during election season? Check out two great resources put together by librarians at the University of New England and Bowdoin College.
Virtual Meditation
October 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 4:00pm
Tune in to weekly meditations with area practitioners every Wednesday at 4 p.m. To join a meditation, click here ahead of the session to participate via zoom. Miss a class? Check out recordings of past sessions by clicking here. 
 
Meet our newest meditation leader, Sarah Gaetano. Sarah has been learning, teaching and exploring meditation and mindfulness practices for the past 6 years. She studied at Thich Nhat Hanh’s Blue Cliff Monastery, works with meditation teachers around the United States and is a certified Usui Reiki practitioner. She also works as an advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Sarah believes that a consistent meditation practice that allows for stillness and connection to our breath is what will sustain the life force within us all.
 
More Upcoming Programs
Stay tuned for upcoming programs and events, and remember you can check out our new  Events page any time for all the latest happenings at YPL. Have an idea for a program? Email us at info@yorkpubliclibrary.org to share thoughts and suggestions.
 
 
Kids These Days
TeenTober!
It’s TeenTober time! We have assembled free grab and go activity bags for young adults in 5th – 12th grade. TeenTober grab bags will be available mid-October during library appointments, curbside, or at the school libraries.
 
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Are you participating in our "1000 Books Before Kindergarten" program? Are you looking for some new titles to switch up your reading? Just ask our talented Youth Service Librarians for some custom book picks. Click here for more information.
Whatcha Readin'?
Read Woke
For the month of October: Hispanic American Voices 
To find a great read, peruse the Challenge resources on Beanstack; look through the curated collections on Hoopla; and check out YPL's book lists, too. Read at your own pace and take on the monthly challenges in any order you like. We welcome the participation of all ages, and we encourage you to discuss the books you read with those around you, including us! You can share your thoughts with us at info@yorkpubliclibrary.org. 
What We're Reading:
Sophie, Assistant Director
 
"I'm deep into the third book of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall Trilogy about the court of Henry VIII from the viewpoint of Thomas Cromwell, his advisor, whose quick ascension into power has made him valuable friends and dangerous enemies. Her historical accuracy has been astounding, and while I may know how it ends, I can't wait to see how she gets there."
Michelle, Executive Director

“This is a very visual novel with a strong sense of ‘place.’ It’s descriptive such that I could picture everything as it was unfolding. The characters are well-drawn and the narrative so intriguing I couldn’t wait to pick the book back up again! The novel is Emily Brontë (dark, eerie) crossed with Isabel Allende (magical realism) with a smidge of H.P. Lovecraft (old school horror) thrown in for good measure. Bonus: it’s currently in development as a dramatic series for HULU. And I. CAN’T. WAIT.”
What They're Reading:
Teddy, 6-Year-Old 
 
"My beginning reader is loving the Poppleton series by Cynthia Rylant and Mark Teague. We've been through the seasons and on many adventures, and we're looking forward to what comes next." 
 
Greg, High School Teacher

"Each of the short stories in this collection challenged me to think more deeply about concepts such as free will and destiny while still inviting me into engrossing worlds worth exploring."
Digital Gems
Family Handyman Magazine
When it comes to home improvement, you need information you can trust. Inside each issue of Family Handyman, you’ll find see-and-solve expert repair techniques, a variety of projects for every room and step-by-step, do-it-yourself photos. Check out Family Handyman and more than 3,000 other popular publications from around the world on RBdigital at yorkme.rbdigital.com
 
 
Mask Memes and More
We've been so pleased by all our library visitors adhering to the proper masking procedures outlined by Governor Mills. Even the dogs know what to do! 
 
Have you found a beautiful mask that you love? Perhaps you've been making them at home or buying the disposable ones, but if you want to find some literary themed masks there are plenty of great options. We're loving the list put together by the team at Book Riot, found here.
App-solutely Fabulous 
Love 'em or hate 'em, smartphones are keeping our lives afloat right now. Here are a few apps your librarians use every day to keep us connected, informed, and moderately sane.
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Instagram
  • GoogleMaps
  • Words with Friends
  • Spotify
Annual Membership Appeal
October is Membership Month at York
Public Library! 

Watch for our letter in the mail (remit envelope included) to make your annual membership gift. You'll see our banner over York Street, too. Membership contributions support The York Public Library Association (YPLA), the non-profit entity that owns and governs the library and protects its future. 
 
The Town provides a strong basic operating budget, but it does not cover capital expenses or the increased costs associated with becoming the library we aspire to be—the library that better serves the needs of area residents, even during—or rather, especially during—a pandemic. Can't wait for your Membership letter? Make a secure donation online now. 
 
Current Hours & In-Person Services
 
Curbside Pickup hours:
Tuesday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday  4 – 7 p.m. 
Thursday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 
Browsing and Computer Appointments
Tuesday  2:15 – 5 p.m.
Wednesday  11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday  2:15 – 5 p.m.
Friday  2:15 – 5 p.m.
 
Visits are limited to 30 minutes. 
 
YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
   
15 Long Sands Road | York, Maine 03909
 207-363-2818 | info@yorkpubliclibrary.org
yorkpubliclibrary.org