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Woburn Public Library Youth Services Newsletter - October 2023

Schools and Libraries

October 3, 2023

From: Woburn Public Library

In-Person Event Guidelines:

In the interest of social distancing, space is limited and registration is required for most children’s events.  Registration links for our programs are located on the library's Events Calendar (https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/events-calendar/) .

Masks are no longer required in the library. However, masks are encouraged in the Children's Room, especially for those who are unvaccinated, have a weakened immune system, or live with a highly vulnerable person.
General Announcements

Woburn Public Library logo

Library Closures

Please note that the library will be closed on October 9th in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Children's Events

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Rockabye Beats

Monday October 2nd
10:30 am - 11:00 am

Come join Rockabye Beats for an interactive, musical program experience!  We'll sing, play, explore instruments, dance, pretend, learn a little Spanish, and show off our goofy side.  It's a chance for children to have fun and get a little loco!

This program is for ages 0-5, but siblings are always welcome.

Thom Child and Family Services logo

Baby Infant Massage Group with Early Intervention

Tuesdays
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Join us for a special infant massage group for babies 0-15 months led by early intervention specialists.  Caregivers will learn infant massage techniques that can support your baby’s overall development.  Caregivers are welcome to participate by massaging or observing.  Each week, specialists will discuss the benefits that come along with infant massage by focusing on different areas of the body, including legs/feet, tummy/chest, arms/hands, back and face strokes.  Grapeseed oil is used for massage and will be provided.  Caregivers should bring blankets and are welcome to bring a pillow/boppy as well.

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Story Crafternoon

Tuesdays (October 3rd & 10th)
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Join Miss Sam for songs, stories, and a simple craft. This program is recommended for ages 3-6, but siblings are always welcome!

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Creativity Corner

Wednesdays (October 4th & 18th)
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Stop by the Craft Room and get creative with our craft supplies!  This event is first come, first served, as space allows.  For grades 5 and under.

Puppeteer Leigh Baltzer smiles surrounded by four puppets.

Puppet Storytime with Leigh Baltzer

Wednesday October 4th (5:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
Tuesday October 17th (3:30 pm - 4:00 pm)
** Through Me To You Puppetry (https://www.throughmetoyou.com/)
invites you to join Newton and the gang for some storytime fun!  Newton and his puppet friends take turns reading stories and singing songs with the kids.  At the end of the show, the kids are invited to say hi to Newton.

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Baby Lapsit with Bouncing Beans

Thursday October 5th
11:00 am - 11:30 am
Children learn through play!  This baby group (recommended for children birth to 12 months) will provide your child the opportunity to practice skills in different positions, and to build upon sensory-motor, communication, attention, and social skills.  Infant massage, simple sign language, and a familiar routine will be introduced.

Bouncing Beans facilitates developmental playgroups where children and caregivers can learn and grow.  Our playgroups are designed by a pediatric occupational therapist, and in addition to fun activities, general tips to build upon skills will be shared. Children are accompanied by a caregiver.

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Moving to the Music

Thursday October 5th
5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Bring your imaginations to the library for an evening session of dance, music, and dramatic play led by Miss Kat!

Best for ages 3-7. Siblings are welcome.

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Parent and Tween Crafting Night

Thursday October 5th
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Come join us on Thursday night for an adult and tween (ages 8-11) craft.  Tweens are invited to bring an adult of their choice to make a craft together.  Each month will be a different craft - check back on our ** Events Calendar (https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/events-calendar/)
for updates!

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Toddler Playtime

Fridays (October 6th & 20th)
11:00 am - 11:45 am
Bring your toddlers to the library to play, read books, color, and socialize with other families. Best for ages 1-3.  No registration required - drop in and hang out with us!

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Read to a Therapy Dog

Fridays October 6th & 13th (4:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
Saturday October 28th (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

Young readers are invited to spend 10 minutes reading aloud to dogs from the Therapy Dogs International Program.  Registration is not required for this event - 10 minute time-slots with a dog will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.  We will try to accommodate as many children as we can without overwhelming the dogs.  Siblings and parents are welcome to join.

You can find general information on therapy dogs from the Cummings Veterinary Medicine Magazine at the following link: ** The Benefits of Reading to Dogs (http://sites.tufts.edu/vetmag/fall-2017/the-benefits-of-reading-to-dogs/)
.  For more details about each participating dog and their handlers, please see the individual event pages on our ** Events Calendar (https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/events-calendar/)
.

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Statewide Banned Books Read-In

Saturday October 7th
(All Day)

In Massachusetts, free people read freely!  Head to the library for Let Freedom Read, a statewide read-in to celebrate the freedom to read.  Everyone is welcome to find a good read at the library and join the celebration.  Digital participation is also welcome!  Download an eBook or audiobook through OverDrive or Hoopla and post pictures to social media with the hashtag #LetFreedomRead.

Fuel up for the read-in with delicious pastries and coffee generously donated by Caffè Nero of Woburn!

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T's Taekwondo for Kids

Saturdays (October 7th, 14th, 28th)
9:30 am - 10:00 amJoin us for a traditional Taekwondo class teaching focus, discipline, physical and mental fortitude, and above all: compassion.  This martial arts class will teach basic self-defense techniques, proper form, and even a bit about Korean culture.  Respect is at the forefront of our classes as we develop students who respond and speak to each other respectfully at all times.

This program is no-contact and is for ages 6-11.

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Sensory-Friendly Storytime

Saturdays (October 7th & 21st)
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Join Miss Sam for 30 minutes of gentle songs and stories followed by sensory playtime.  Fidgeting and roaming are welcome.

This storytime is for everyone, but is particularly designed for neurodiverse children: children who are autistic, have sensory processing challenges, ADHD, or have difficulty sitting through our other storytimes.  Book choices geared toward preschool interest level.  Siblings are welcome.

This program is for ages 3-7.

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Lego Build Time

Wednesdays (October 11th & 25th)
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Stop by the Craft Room and see what you can create with our Legos!  If you like, your amazing creation can be displayed in the library until the next Lego Build time.

For grades 5 and under.

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PJ Storytime

Wednesdays (October 11th & 25th)
5:30 pm - 6:15 pm

Get a jump start on bedtime!  Join Miss Kristine for songs, movement activities, and stories.

Best for ages 5 and under.  Siblings are welcome.

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Baby Lapsit with Miss Kristine

Thursdays (October 12th, 19th, 26th)
11:00 am - 11:30 am

Sing, play and bounce with your baby to gentle rhymes and stories with Miss Kristine.

Best for 12 months and under.

Trays of cooked insects available for sale.

Edible Insects (Kids' Session)

Thursday October 12th
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Eating bugs?  It's not as strange as it sounds.  In many countries, people love eating insects.  Insects are healthy, rich in protein, and contain many vital nutrients - in fact, consuming them can cure some nutrient deficiencies.  Turning to a diet of insects may even help save the world!

To learn more fun facts, join us for an Edible Insects program!  Kids (and adults) will have the chance to try some edible bugs at the end of the program if they're brave enough!

For ages 7-11.  A separate session for teens will be offered from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Please note: people with shellfish allergies can potentially be allergic to edible insects.

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Toddler Time with Bouncing Beans

Friday October 13th
11:00 am - 11:30 am
This toddler playgroup is designed by an occupational therapist and includes movement-based activities, sensory play/art, and stories.  Kids will have the opportunity to learn the group routine, practice transitions, and build upon attention.  General tips about developmental skills for this age range will be shared with caregivers throughout the session.

Best for ages 1-3.  Siblings are welcome.

Presenter Ray LaChance

Web of Life: Northeast Indigenous Cultures (Kids' Session)

Saturday October 14th
2:00 pm - 3:15 pmIt is important to emphasize that all the territory we know of as Massachusetts was once the territory of many villages, clans, and tribes of the great Algonquin Nation.  They were and in many cases still are the stewards of Earth Mother.  The presentation will include a brief history of Woburn and the connection with the indigenous people of this land.  It will also include an appreciation for the Medicine Wheel/Web of Life, and its connection to Earth, Air, Water, and Fire (the sun).  The presentation will include a participatory honoring dance, stomp dance, and games centered on the theme Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  There will be a Native flute solo (sunrise song), storytelling of “Turtle Island” and the participants will be able to make an Indigenous necklace.  There will also be a special Smudging Ceremony for a tree.

Presented by Ray LaChance (Nouba Tewk Tomakwa)

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Sing, Move, and a Story with Family Access

Monday October 16th
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Join Community Connections for singing, movement and a shared story!  Let's get your little one's fine motor, gross motor, language and early literacy skills going.  ** Register here through Family ACCESS. (https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9tLaOHHGdki8ubtOlAVcA8NC46CiC5lLs-_QuGoy-KpUNk9BM0lOUElOVVVYSkUyR0hUWDRINlZWVS4u)

For children 0 - 5 with a parent/caregiver.  Siblings are always welcome.

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Messy Art

Wednesday October 18th
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Join us for a fun afternoon of painting in the craft room without having to worry about the clean-up!  Every month we paint with something new.  The paint we will be using is washable, but be sure to wear something you don't mind getting messy in.

This program is for ages 5-11.

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Family STEM Night

Wednesday October 18th
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Join us for a special evening of STEM activities (science, technology, engineering, and math)!  Kids and caregivers will work together and experiment in a variety of fun and educational activities.  Try out our various coding robots, build something new, and explore with STEM!

This program is for ages 5-11 with a caregiver.

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Zombie Barbies

Thursday October 19th
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Barbie is getting a Halloween makeover!  Join us for the ultimate spooky craft as we use paint, sharpies and more to transform gorgeous Barbies into terrifying zombies!  Barbies and supplies will be provided.  Please wear clothes you don't mind getting messy.  This program is for ages 7-11 and registration is required.

Presenter shows a tarantula to a child.

Creepy Crawlies for Kids

Saturday October 21st
Session 1 (2:00 pm - 2:30 pm)
Session 2 (3:00 pm - 3:30 pm)

How do you move if you don’t have legs?  How do you hiss without using your mouth?  Can you eat using a built-in straw?  Join us at our Creepy Crawlies program to learn the answers to these questions and meet some live creepy critters from our wild and wacky world of animals!

Presented by Joy from the Joys of Nature.  This program is for all ages.

*This program will be offered in two sessions.  Please register for only ONE session.*

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Magic 101 for Tweens

Monday October 23rd
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Magic is real, and it's all around us!  Join professional magician Evan Northrup to learn a top hat's worth of
tricks to amaze your friends and family.

This session is for tweens ages 8-11.

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Tween Lounge

Tuesday October 24th
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Come hang out in the Storytime and Craft room to enjoy a variety of video games, card and board games, activities, and snacks!

This program is for tweens ages 8-11 only.

A grinning Jack O'Lantern

Pumpkinpalooza

Wednesday October 25th
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join us for our 2023 Pumpkinpalooza celebration!  Carve or decorate a pumpkin at home and bring it to the library - we will provide LED lights to illuminate your masterpieces.  Enjoy trick-or-treating, games, snacks, photo ops, and more!  Costumes are encouraged!

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Story Tots

Friday October 27th
11:00 am - 11:30 am
Join Miss Janice for a storytime just for toddlers.  There will be stories, movement, music, and age-appropriate activities!  Best for ages 1-3.  Siblings are welcome.

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Trivia Bowl

Friday October 27th
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Join Miss Lobna for a Trivia Bowl!  Come test your knowledge and compete with your friends.  Bring your brain power and see who comes out on top!

This program is for ages 7-11 only.

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Spanish Fun Program

Monday October 30th
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Whether you're interested in learning Spanish or you're already fluent, you will enjoy this fun, bilingual program!  Miss Esther will lead you through vocabulary-building activities, music, and games. Best for ages 5 and under.  Siblings are welcome.  Registration is required.

Si ya hablas español o si quieres aprender una lengua nueva, puedes participar en esta hora de cuentos bilingüe con Señorita Esther!  Para niños de 1 a 5 años.  Requiere registro.

Cover image for School of Monsters: Pete's Big Feet. A blue humanoid monster with fur and a pointed tail smiles at the camera. He is wearing red overalls and glasses. He has very large feet.

Rookie Book Club

Monday October 23rd
6:00 pm - 6:45 pm

Join Miss Janice for our beginning readers' book club!  October's book is Pete's Big Feet by Sally Rippin with art by Chris Kennett.  Children should read the book before the club meeting.  Children who are not reading independently yet can have the book read to them.  We will talk about the story and do some related activities.  Copies of the book will be available at the Children’s Room desk.

This book club is for children who are at least 5 years old and in Kindergarten or 1st grade.

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Bookworms Book Club

Thursday October 26th
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Join Miss Sam for a special book club for 2nd and 3rd graders!  Each month we will read a different chapter book or graphic novel.  During the meeting, we will talk about the story and do some fun activities. We'll vote for upcoming titles at the end of each meeting, and copies of each month's book will be available at the Children’s Room desk.

For our our first meeting, please bring one of your own favorite books to talk about with the group!

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Tween Book Club

Monday October 30th
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Join Ms. Jacki to explore different genres with good conversation and an accompanying craft!

This book club is for children in grades 4 - 6.

Teen Events

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Teen Chess Club

Tuesdays (October 3rd, 17th, 31st)
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Want to learn to play chess?  Know the basics, but want improve your skills?  Already know how to play, but have no one to play with?  Stop by Chess Club, Tuesdays at 5:30 in the Makerspace!  No registration required and boards provided.  All skill levels welcome!

Teen Chess Club is for students in 6-12 grade.

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One Up Games for Teens

Wednesdays (October 4th & 18th)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Join us on your half day for open gameplay with One Up Games!  Our friends at One Up Games will be bringing a variety of gaming platforms and an unlimited collection of games, as well as Oculus virtual reality, to the library for you to play with your friends.  Drop in at any time; no registration required.

This event is for students in 6-12 grade.

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Teen Dungeons and Dragons: Dragon Heist

Thursdays (October 5th & 12th)
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Our grand Waterdeep: Dragon Heist adventure continues, and it isn't too late to join our band of adventurers!  This is an adventure designed to take your characters from level 1-5.

New to D&D?  That's ok; whether you have only played a few times or have never rolled a 20-sided dice before, this is a supportive environment to learn the rules and have fun.

Teen D&D will run every Thursday; we hope you are able to make the majority of the meetings.

Register ONCE for all sessions in the month of July.

Miniature crafted books (Harry Potter, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn) attached to necklace chains.

Teen Crafternoon: Mini Banned Books

Friday October 6th
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

It's Banned Book Week!  Express the freedom to read by making itty bitty mini books that you can turn into keychains, earrings, necklaces, magnets, or anything else!  We will have images of the most challenged or banned books available, but if there's a book cover you really want, let us know in your registration form.

Teen Crafternoons are for students in 6-12th grade.

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Statewide Banned Books Read-In

Saturday October 7th
(All Day)
In Massachusetts, free people read freely!  Head to the library for Let Freedom Read, a statewide read-in to celebrate the freedom to read.  Everyone is welcome to find a good read at the library and join the celebration.  Digital participation is also welcome!  Download an eBook or audiobook through OverDrive or Hoopla and post pictures to social media with the hashtag #LetFreedomRead.

Fuel up for the read-in with delicious pastries and coffee generously donated by Caffè Nero of Woburn!

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T's Taekwondo for Teens and Adults

Saturdays (October 7th, 14th, 28th)
10:00 am - 10:30 am

Join us for traditional Taekwondo classes teaching focus, discipline, physical and mental fortitude, and above all: compassion.  The martial arts are open to all people.  In class we will learn basic self defense techniques, proper form, and even a bit about Korean culture.  Respect is at the forefront of our classes as we develop students who respond and speak to each other respectfully at all times.

Sessions are open to all regardless of physical ability, and can be adapted as needed for disabilities.  This is a no-contact class for ages 12 and up.

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Teen Movie Night: Hocus Pocus 2

Wednesday October 11th
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Join us for a screening of Hocus Pocus 2 in the Teen Room.  No registration required.

Synopsis: Two young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on the world.  (2022, Rated: PG)

Trays of cooked insects available for sale.

Edible Insects (Teen Session)

Thursday October 12th
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Eating bugs?  It's not as strange as it sounds.  In many countries, people love eating insects.  Insects are healthy, rich in protein, and contain many vital nutrients - in fact, consuming them can cure some nutrient deficiencies.  Turning to a diet of insects may even help save the world!

To learn more fun facts, join us for an Edible Insects program!  Teens will have the chance to try some edible bugs at the end of the program if they're brave enough!

For teens in grades 6-12.  Please note: people with shellfish allergies can potentially be allergic to edible insects.

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Teen Crafternoon

Friday October 13th
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

With Halloween looming around the corner, join us in the Makerspace to create your own fantastic, colorful disguise!  Glitter, feathers, sequins, and other supplies will be provided to decorate a variety of mask shapes.  If you are attending the Bloodwood Masquerade Murder Mystery Party the following week, this is the perfect opportunity to create your costume.  You do not have to be participating in the Bloodwood Masquerade Murder Mystery Party to come create a mask, though - all are welcome!

Teen Crafternoons are for students in 6-12th grade.  Please register to ensure we have enough supplies for everyone.

Presenter Ray LaChance

Web of Life: Northeast Indigenous Cultures (Teen & Adult Session)

Saturday October 14th
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

It is important to emphasize that all the territory we know of as Massachusetts was once the territory of many villages, clans, and tribes of the great Algonquin Nation.  They were and in many cases still are the stewards of Earth Mother.  The presentation will include a brief history of Woburn and the connection with the indigenous people of this land.  It will also include an appreciation for the Medicine Wheel/Web of Life, and its connection to Earth, Air, Water, and Fire (the sun).  The presentation will include a participatory honoring dance, stomp dance, and games centered on the theme Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  There will be a Native flute solo (sunrise song), storytelling of “Turtle Island” and the participants will be able to make an Indigenous necklace.

Presented by Ray LaChance (Nouba Tewk Tomakwa)

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Teen Advisory Board

Monday September 16th
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Help decide what happens at YOUR library!  Do you have concerns, comments, or ideas for Teen events and programming?  Join the monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting to have your voice heard and earn community service hours!  Snacks will be provided.

TAB is for students entering 7-12 grade.

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The Bloodwood Masquerade Murder: A Murder Mystery Party

Thursday October 19th
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The Teen Advisory Board invites you to a night of murder, mystery, and mayhem!  A mysterious, unmarked envelope has appeared in your mailbox.  It is an invitation to the Mayor of Bloodworth Falls' grand Masquerade Ball at old Bloodworth Castle.  This event has been sold out for months, as all the residents of Bloodworth Falls want to know why the Mayor would put effort into doing something positive in this hopeless town of doom and gloom.  Clearly someone wants you there, but you don't know who or why.  Do you dare attend the Masquerade at Bloodworth Castle?

Once registered for the murder mystery party, you will be contacted by the library to choose a character; please be sure to use an email other than your school email and make sure you receive & reply to that email.  We highly encourage you to dress as your character!  Let Erin the Teen Librarian know if you run into any trouble at [email protected].

This event was organized by the Teen Advisory Board.  To learn more about TAB and how you can get more involved with the library, contact Erin the Teen Librarian.

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Teen Crafternoon: Zombie Barbies

Friday October 20th
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Barbie is getting a Halloween makeover!  Join us for the ultimate spooky craft as we use paint, sharpies and more to transform gorgeous Barbies into terrifying zombies!  Barbies and supplies will be provided.  Please wear clothes you don't mind getting messy.

This program is for students in grades 6-12.

Horned owl perched in a tree.

Creepy Crawlies and Other Creatures of the Night

Saturday October 21st
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

At Halloween, we often think about many creepy creatures in the animal world, including many that are active at night.  From animals that look creepy, like spiders and bats, to those that just sound creepy, many of these creatures are important predators that help us under the cover of darkness.  Come learn about some of the amazing talents of some of our creepy animal friends and what you can do to help them help us!  And of course, don’t miss meeting some live creepy creatures!

Presented by Joy from the Joys of Nature.

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Magic 101 for Teens

Monday October 23rd
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Magic is real and it's all around us!  Join professional magician Evan Northrup to learn a top hat's worth of
tricks to amaze your friends and family.

This session is for teens ages 12-18.

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Teen Improv Workshop

Tuesday October 24th
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Why let the adults have all the fun?  Our popular Improv Workshop is now for teens!

In this workshop, participants will learn and practice improvisation activities and techniques that will help to improve expressive language skills as well promote faster thinking and decrease stress.  Research has shown that learning improv can help to “retrain” the brain to actively listen, communicate more effectively, be more open to ideas, and work collaboratively.  Plus, because improv is a lot of fun, it is a great stress-reliever as well.

Presented by Meredith Charles, proprietor of ** Drama out of the Box (https://www.dramaoutofthebox.com/)
.  No experience necessary.  For students in grades 6-12.

A grinning Jack O'Lantern

Pumpkinpalooza

Wednesday October 25th
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for our 2023 Pumpkinpalooza celebration!  Carve or decorate a pumpkin at home and bring it to the library - we will provide LED lights to illuminate your masterpieces.  Enjoy trick-or-treating, games, snacks, photo ops, and more!  Costumes are encouraged!

Cover image for Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall. Four girls in matching outfits wtih a variety of skin tones and hair textures stand facing away from the viewer. The foremost girl, who has long black hair and light skin, is looking towards the viewer with a concerned expression. Behind the girls is a full moon. The three background girls are casting the shadows of wolves against the moon. The title (Squad) is rent by claw marks.

Iris Book Club

Monday October 30th
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm