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Message from the Director
Greetings!
October at Hoboken Public Library brings together creativity, curiosity, and community.
This month, I hope you’ll join us for a range of programs that celebrate the power of stories and imagination. From our Blind Date with a Banned Book event to the Candy Land Halloween Party, there are plenty of opportunities to learn, laugh, and connect. Our weekly favorites like Art with Liz, Math Circle, and Crafternoons continue to inspire and engage readers of all ages.
We’re also proud to celebrate Filipino American Heritage Month and Italian American Heritage Month. Explore our recommended reads and try Mango Languages, a free resource that lets you learn at your own pace from wherever you are.

I look forward to seeing you soon.
Regards,
Jennie Pu
Library Director
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Blind Date with a Banned Book
Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 PM
Main Library, Small Program Room
Celebrate banned books with a twist on dating… but this time, your match is a book! At this adults-only library event, you’ll browse “dating profiles” for challenged and banned books. Each profile will give you playful hints about a book’s personality, backstory, and even the reasons it has been censored or challenged. The catch? You won’t know the title or see the cover until you choose your match.
Once you’ve picked your “date,” unwrap your book and enjoy the surprise with a cup of coffee or tea from our cozy book café. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the history of banned books and why the freedom to read matters. Whether you leave with a lifelong favorite or simply enjoy a fun night of discovery, this event is all about celebrating stories that refuse to be silenced.
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Saturday, October 18 at 2 PM
Main Library, Large Program Room
The Grand Street Branch will be transformed into Candy Land as we celebrate Halloween! Come in costume and enjoy a special story time, treats, crafts, and games!
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Monday, October 27 at 4:00 PM
Main Library, Teen Zone
Join us for The Last Tribute: A “Hunger Games” Experience with the Educational Arts Team!
This tabletop role-playing game brings Panem to life through an unfolding, interactive story! There is no need to have read the books (but it might give you an edge). Your choices shape the outcome as the campaign continues week after week.
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Art with Liz
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
Main Library, Large Program Room AND YouTube
Join us for this week’s Art with Liz session, where we’ll explore the work of Brazilian artist Joseca Mokahesi Yanomami, whose drawings reflect the ancestral knowledge and shamanic traditions of the Yanomami people. After learning about his connection to nature and the spirit world, participants will create their own colored-pencil drawings inspired by the wonder and beauty of trees and forests — the perfect way to embrace the colors of autumn.
All materials are provided, and the class is open to all skill levels. Attend in person or join us live on Zoom and YouTube!
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Math Circle
Mondays AND Wednesdays at 5:45 PM
Main Library, 3rd Floor
Students in grades 4-5 are encouraged to register and can expect to play mathematical games, solve puzzles, and do hands-on activities. There are no entry requirements other than an interest in exploring a different side of math!
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Wednesdays & Fridays at 3:00 PM
The Learning Center
Meet HPL staff for fun, games, crafting and more. Some activities will include learning how to use our digital resources for homework help, research, movies and music. Bring your friends!
Programs at the Learning Center are for ages 6 and up! This is an open, drop-in program for children, teens and their caregivers.
Space is limited at our little library. Depending on the activity, supplies may be available to take-and-go.
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Sundays at 10:30 AM
Main Library, Children's Room
Join us for a delightful Sunday morning story time filled with enchanting tales that capture the whimsy and wonder of the Halloween season.
We'll explore stories that feature charming pumpkins and their adventures, perfect for igniting the imaginations of young readers. As we dive into these delightful tales, we'll also practice our counting skills!
Get ready for a celebration full of laughter, spooky surprises, and a whole lot of spooky fun!
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🌍 Learn a New Language with Mango!
Celebrate Italian American Heritage Month and Filipino American Heritage Month by learning a new language.
With over 70 languages to choose from, each course includes practical, conversation-based lessons you can do at your own pace.
| | | Filipino American Heritage Month Picks | | |
ADULT PICK

Accidents Happen
by F.H. Batacan
A gripping short story collection that delves into the darkest corners of human experience with sharp wit and haunting precision. Batacan explores the intersections of class, politics, and violence in Philippine life. From a driver entangled in a family’s tragedy to a WHO investigator confronting a world-ending discovery, each story vibrates with tension and insight. With the return of Father Saenz from her debut novel, Batacan cements her place as one of today’s most powerful voices in global crime fiction.
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YOUNG ADULT PICK
Midnights With You
by Clare Osongco
Seventeen-year-old Deedee dreams of freedom from her strict Filipino mother and the weight of her family’s past, but guilt keeps her rooted in place. One sleepless night changes everything when she begins secret driving lessons with Jay, the new boy next door who carries his own scars. As late-night lessons turn into something deeper, Deedee starts to believe happiness might be within reach. But when old traumas resurface, both must decide whether their shared pain will define them—or if they can chart their own course forward.
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KID PICK
The Takeout
by Tracy Badua
When a celebrity chef’s new restaurant copies her family’s recipes, Mila sets out to uncover the truth and protect her father’s Filipino-Indian food truck, The Banana Leaf. With help from her friend Ajay, she discovers that fighting back may require embracing the Filipino folk magic she’s long avoided. As she juggles family loyalty, friendship, and her desire to fit in, Mila learns that sometimes the right recipe blends tradition with something unexpected. This heartwarming story celebrates food, identity, and finding your place in the world.
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