Dear friends,
 
Happy November! We are entering prime Cozying-up-with-a-Good-Book Season and we hope you're finding time to give yourself a mental break amid the chaos by way of a great book. What have you read recently that's provided you with a needed escape?   
 
Last month, we asked to see your best shelves, and you delivered! Take a look at a few of our favorites! 

Next up, we want to see your furry friends! Dogs have been getting treats during curbside pickup (and been very disappointed when we are between boxes of cookies) but we'd love to see those who stay at home, or other animals who might not travel. We are a pet-loving staff (you may remember our pet pandemic interviews from earlier this year), and while we can't spend all day cuddling with puppies, we're always happy to see one when one comes by! Send us some pictures, or tag us on social media with photos of your pets!
In this Issue
What's Happening at YPL
New in Kids & Young Adults
Whatcha Readin'?
Digital Gems
Current Hours & In-Person Services
York Public Library Association News
What's Happening at YPL
The 2020 Elections: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
with Alan Gitelson 
November 10 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
There is no question that in 2020 we have witnessed one of the most contentious and challenging elections in U.S. history. What will be the outcome on November 3 (assuming we know)? How will the outcome impact U.S. domestic and foreign policy? How has the Trump presidency impacted the political and governmental culture of our nation? These questions and others will be discussed by Gitelson, followed by what we anticipate will be an engaging question and answer period.
 
This event is held online via Zoom; click here to register.
 
Alan R. Gitelson holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University, and is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Loyola University in Chicago. He is the author of numerous professional articles and conference papers on political parties, campaigns and elections, and political socialization. His books include American Government: Myth & Reality (Oxford University Press), Political Parties: Stability & Change (Houghton Mifflin Publications), and American Elections: The Rules Matter (Pearson Publishers). 
 
Remembering Malaga in 2020: Race and Eugenics in Maine's History and Future
Thursday, November 19 @ 7:00 PM 
Malaga Island, in Phippsburg, Maine, was once home to a mixed-race fishing community from the mid-1800s until 1912, when, following complaints that the poor conditions of the Islanders' homes would affect summer tourism, Governor Frederick Plaisted took action. The state conducted assessments of the structures in addition to the physical, mental, and financial condition of each inhabitant. The Governor ultimately evicted 47 citizens from the island and committed 8 to the newly established Maine School for the Feeble-Minded in New Gloucester (now Pineland). The state then exhumed their buried dead and relocated them to Pineland grounds.
 
Join Dr. Hannah Marcus, Assistant Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University, for a discussion about Malaga Island and Maine’s complicated history with race, eugenics, and xenophobia. How can we reckon our legacy with the future we want to create here in Maine?  Dr. Marcus's presentation will be followed by a conversation about how science directs our social narrative and how history remembers it. Questions for discussion are encouraged. 
 
This event is held online via Zoom: click here to register. 
 
More about Malaga Island can be found on Maine Coast Heritage's website. 
 
 
 
Virtual Meditation
November 4 & 18 @ 4:00pm
Tune in to weekly meditations with area practitioners (almost) 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 and more information about our practitioners by clicking here. 
 
Book Nook Updates
For the fans of our wonderful Book Nook, it is now open for browsing! When you come in for a browsing or computer appointment, make sure to stop by and take a look at the wonderful titles available for purchase.
 
For those of you who have been holding bags of books, waiting until we are ready for donations--your time has come. Due to the demand on staff and volunteers, all donations must be made by appointment. Donations left at other times will be discarded. 
 
To make an appointment or for questions, please call 207-363-2818 or email info@yorkpubliclibrary.org
 
More Upcoming Programs
Stay tuned for upcoming programs and events, and remember to check out our  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.
New in Kids & Young Adults
WE SEE YOU, NEW PARENTS!
Introducing: Virtual Parent Cafés
November 5, 12 & 19
December 3, 10 & 17
@ 1:00 PM
Join York Public Library and Patrice Leary-Forrey from Kids Free to Grow in our Zoom Room to connect with other parents who are caring for and nurturing newborns and toddlers. We can chat about child development, community support, or any other parenting issues you might have on your mind. Even in COVID-times we can stay connected as a community.
Bring a friend!
 
Click here to join any Virtual Parent Café on Zoom. 
 
Download the event flyer here.
 
Read More from YA and Children's  

Catch up on all the latest from our Youth Librarians in this month's YA Newsletter and Children's Newsletter. 
 
 
 
Whatcha Readin'?
Read Woke
For the month of November: Native 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! Share your thoughts with us at info@yorkpubliclibrary.org. 
What We're Reading:
Katie, Youth Services Librarian
 
A lighter read for the Halloween season. The Auditors of Reality conduct an audit of Death’s essential job functions, and unanimously determine that Death just doesn’t measure up. Forced into early retirement, Death has some much deserved time off. Find out what happens when Death DOESN’T come for you…or anyone else. 
What They're Reading:
Julia, 5th Grader
 
"The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck is adventurous and I'm really enjoying reading it. It was given to me by one of the librarians." She's also enjoying Rump by Liesel Shurtliff. "Rump is funny, mysterious and very intriguing. It is the "true" story of Rumpelstiltskin. It is really fun."
 
 
Jackson, 11 month old

While he enjoys books as much by taste as by story, this one captured his interest for just enough time to let his mom clean up the snack he threw all over the floor.
Digital Gems
Bon Appétit 
Bon Appétit focuses on what's "now" in the world of food, drink, and entertaining, while still giving readers valuable cooking tools, tips, and most of all, recipes. This food lifestyle publication looks at life through the lens of food & cooking in, dining out, travel, entertainment, shopping, and design. Check out Bon Appétit and more than 3,000 other popular publications from around the world on RBdigital at yorkme.rbdigital.com
 
 
Germs, Germs, Germs

With the third wave of COVID-19 on its way to us, we thought a reminder of the true spreading power of germs would be a good refresher for everyone. This YouTube clip is our favorite, for the great visual representation of how germs show up everywhere. Appropriate and fun viewing for all ages!
Podcast Junkies 
We love podcasts - and here are some of our favorites. What ones do you listen to?  
  • Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
  • American Girls 
  • Forever 35
  • Pop Culture Happy Hour
  • One Bad Mother
No idea what a podcast is? Find out more information here!
Current Hours & In-Person Services
 
Curbside Pickup hours:
Tuesday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday  4 – 7 p.m. (park and enter lobby)
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.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. NEW!
 
Visits are limited to 30 minutes. 
 
NOVEMBER HOURS
 
The Library is closed:
 Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans Day
Wednesday November 25 closing at 2pm
Thursday, November 26 - Friday, November 27 for Thanksgiving.
 
York Public Library Association News
 
 so let the world go but 
hold fast to joy. 
 
-May Sarton, Selected Poems
 
 
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP APPEAL
 
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.  Make a secure donation online now.
 
Welcome Aboard, new Trustees!
From the publishing world to trial law to traveling the globe, we are pleased to welcome three new members to our Board of Library Trustees: Will Ethridge, Dan Bancroft, and Julie Steedman. These talented individuals share a love for York and a love of YPL. Will, Dan, and Julie join our other Board members: Bob Luttman, Shea Adelson, Rick DiDonato, Jen Ring, Barbara Chase, Britton Ryan Garon, Nancy Garrick, Mary Marshall, and Rebecca Valentine.
 
With a rotating Board of Trustees, the Library seeks to represent the community when guiding its strategic vision forward from year to year. 
 
Click here to meet our motivated and ardent Board members.
YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
   
15 Long Sands Road | York, Maine 03909
 207-363-2818 | info@yorkpubliclibrary.org
yorkpubliclibrary.org