What’s happening in October at the Shelter Island Library

Construction Update

Thank you to all our patrons who were inconvenienced with the recent “parking lot drama” and other construction-related issues. It’s been a challenging time and we appreciate everyone’s patience and good humor.

The elevator installation is nearly complete, appliances are being delivered and we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the fireplace which will have pride of place in the adult reading room. The flagstone patio has been installed and beautifully complements the surrounding stonework. If you had a “hard hat” tour earlier this spring or summer, it may be time to return and see how everything is coming together. If you haven’t had a tour, just check in with Terry Lucas to see about getting an after-hours walk-through of the site. (Closed-toe shoes, please.)

Adult Program Highlights

There’s still time to hone your eBay skills with Mike and Sue Ivankovich. The final program (eBay 301) entitled “Selling More Items in Less Time,” will be held Sept. 30 at noon on Zoom. Sign up on the library’s website.

Banned Books Week starts Oct. 5 which is a great time to see which of your favorite books and classics have been challenged over the years. There’s a display in the trailer of some surprising titles to check out and read.

There’s no shortage of seasonally-themed programs in October. To start, here’s something to ponder: did Harry Houdini really contact our world from the afterlife? Learn all about the mystery surrounding him on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Later in the month, join Katherine for an amazing sweater pumpkin craft on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the trailer.

Amidst all of October’s spooky stuff, there are several important health and wellness programs. On Thursday, Oct. 15 at 12 p.m., learn all about ADHD. Then explore new radiation treatments for osteoarthritis on Wednesday, Oct. 21, also at noon. And on Monday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. Burner Law will be discussing Aging in Place at Home. All three programs will be presented via Zoom.

Curious about Medicare, how to sign up, what its benefits cover or any other question? Starting on Oct. 21, attorney Tom McCann will be offering one-on-one informational sessions to help you or a family member navigate this important program. Please sign up at the library to schedule an appointment and complete a brief form.

Join expert birder Diane Taggart at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 for a Zoom discussion of local birds that may already be in your garden and what you can do to attract more species.

October’s Collection Highlights include some appropriately spooky-themed books for your enjoyment. Pick up “A Time of Witches” by Madeline Martin (fiction), “Kingdom of Devils,” by Katherine Grandjean (nonfiction) or “Writers and Liars” by Carol Goodnan (large print fiction) for some great pre-Halloween reading.

Friends of the Library Week is October 18-24 and it’s a time to thank our loyal Friends group for the support that makes so many of our programs possible. Properly thank them by taking out an annual membership in the organization by going to shelterislandpubliclibrary.org. 

Children/Young Adult Programs Highlights

Wednesday, October 1 kicks-off the month’s Children’s, Tweens and Teens Dungeons & Dragons groups. Join Dms Henry and Eli for all the strategy and fun. Please see Jane in Youth Services for more information.

Guess the Candy Corn at the Estimation Station from Oct. 9 through 23. The patron with the closest count will win a very sweet prize!

Saturday Story Thyme for little ones continues at the Sylvester Manor Farm Stand on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10:30. Finally, enjoy all the flavors of the season with our Pumpkin Spice Cookie Take & Make. Pick up a kit on Wednesday, Oct. 14, follow the easy recipe and enjoy the aromas and tastes of autumn.