Library eNewsletter | October 2026 | | | |
Let Books Be
Protect the Freedom to Read
Since 1982, Banned Books Week has shone a light on attempts to censor books in libraries, schools, and bookstores across the nation. As we face a continued escalation in book challenges, the 2026 event serves as a vital reminder of the importance of protecting the right to read.
This year’s theme—“Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read”—calls on all of us to stand up for open access to diverse stories, perspectives, and ideas. The American Library Association (ALA) offers free resources and information for anyone interested in exploring the history of censorship and learning how to take action.
Join Saratoga Springs Public Library in celebrating your freedom to read during Banned Books Week (October 4–10) by attending one or both of these special programs:
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
Books unite us and help us understand the world around us. Visit Saratoga Springs Public Library next week, browse our Banned Books display, discover a new favorite, and show your support for intellectual freedom!
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Saratoga Book Festival
Join us October 1 - 4, 2026
The Friends of Saratoga Springs Public Library's annual Saratoga Book Festival is officially underway and runs this weekend, October 1-4.
Join fellow book lovers throughout the community for four days packed with literary events, author encounters, and engaging conversations. This year’s festival features:
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Keynote Author Presentations highlighting best-selling and award-winning authors
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Book Chats diving into the latest and most anticipated releases in literature
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Panel Discussions exploring timely topics and literary trends
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Book Signings where you can meet authors and get your favorite books personalized
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Literary Marketplace to discover local authors, press publishers, and literary organizations
And so much more!
Whether you're looking to meet a favorite author or discover your next great read, there is something for everyone.
👉 Click here to view the full Saratoga Book Festival schedule and plan your visit!
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SaratogaREADS!
Announcing Our 2027 Community Read!
Thank you to everyone who cast a ballot over the past two weeks for our next community-wide read! After counting votes across five outstanding choices, we are thrilled to announce our official SaratogaREADS! 2027 selection:
🌲 The God of the Woods by Liz Moore 🌲
About the Book:
Set in the Adirondack wilderness in August 1975, this atmospheric literary thriller begins when a teenager vanishes from her summer camp. But Barbara Van Laar isn't just any camper—she is the daughter of the wealthy family that owns the camp and employs much of the local community. As state police and local residents search the woods, long-held secrets emerge, compounding the mystery: fourteen years earlier, Barbara’s older brother also vanished from the very same estate, never to be found. Rich in regional atmosphere and suspense, The God of the Woods explores class, family secrets, and the secrets hidden within the forest.
What's Next?
Our library team is already hard at work planning an exciting month of thematic programming, book discussions, and capstone events around this compelling Adirondack-set novel. We will also be announcing our official SaratogaREADS! Junior companion book selection soon!
SaratogaREADS! Programming will run from February 15 – March 15, 2027. Keep an eye on our social media pages and visit SaratogaREADS.com for upcoming schedule releases, book hold details, and community updates!
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New & Exciting Additions
to the Treehouse Room
Next time you visit our Treehouse Room early literacy play space, you might spot some fun new features to explore! Thanks to a special memorial donation from the Nolan Family, the library has introduced brand-new interactive play elements designed to inspire learning and imagination:
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Community Helpers Dress-Up: Children can now dress up as their favorite community helpers! Costume play not only engages young imaginations, but it also helps expand vocabulary and encourages collaborative play with peers.
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Special Mail Delivery: In memory of library patron and postal employee Shawn Nolan, children can now "deliver mail" to the Treehouse Room or straight to the Children's Desk!
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Tips for Parents: We’ve added new parent tips throughout the space to offer quick, practical ideas for engaging children during play and building essential early literacy skills.
We are deeply grateful to Shawn Nolan and his family for these wonderful additions to our space, and hope they are enjoyed by our young patrons and families for years to come. Stop by the Treehouse Room during your next visit to play, learn, and grow together!
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The Great Give Back
Donate Your Halloween Costumes!
As part of The Great Give Back—a statewide day of public library community service—we are collecting gently used Halloween costumes for the Franklin Community Center! Donations will benefit families attending the Halloween party for Project Lift, a free, local after-school prevention program serving district elementary schools and 6th graders.
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What We Need: Clean, gently used costumes in all sizes (kids through teens).
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Special Need: We are especially seeking larger adult sizes for teenagers to wear!
Drop off your donations in the Children’s Room through October 21st and help local kids and teens enjoy a fun, memorable Halloween!
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Write a Spooktacular Story
Thursday, October 1-21 | The Children's Room | Grades K-6
Kids, get into the Halloween spirit! Do you love spooky stories? Do you enjoy writing and drawing? Help us decorate the library this October by creating your very own spooky story!
Stop by the Children's Desk during the month of October to pick up a handout with fun writing prompts to spark your imagination. Drop off your finished story and illustrations anytime during the month, and we’ll display them around the library for everyone to read. Plus, every participant will receive a small spooky prize!
Grab a handout at your next visit and show off your scary-good creativity!
👉 No registration required
| | The Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series is a presented in partnership with The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitors Center. | | |
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture:
The Surrender of General Burgoyne
Thursday, October 8 | 12 - 1 p.m.
H. Dutcher Community Room
The Battles of Saratoga were a pivotal turning point in world history. In 1777, the young American Continental Army defended the Hudson Valley against invading British and German forces near Stillwater, New York—ultimately leading to General Burgoyne’s surrender on October 17, 1777.
Join us for a fascinating look back at the Saratoga campaign with James Parillo, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Dressed as an 18th-century soldier, Parillo will unpack why the American Army was victorious and dispel common myths surrounding the events before and after the battles. Attend in-person or virtually!
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Book Edge Painting Workshop
Thursday, October 8 | 6 - 8 p.m.
H. Dutcher Community Room
Transform a favorite read into a custom piece of art! Join Edgy Pages for a hands-on book edge painting workshop. Bring a book from your personal collection, and all the necessary painting materials—including paints, stencils, and clamps—will be provided.
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
| Important Note: When registering, please specify in the notes field which book you plan to bring and any design ideas you have in mind so Edgy Pages can prepare custom stencils for everyone! | | |
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Scam & Identity Theft Protection
Monday, October 19 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
H. Dutcher Community Room
Stay one step ahead of fraud and keep your personal information safe! Join Kim Maercklein from the New York State Division of Consumer Protection for an essential, empowering session designed to help you navigate today's increasingly complex scam landscape.
In this practical presentation, you will learn how to:
- Recognize the warning signs of common scams and fraud tactics.
- Understand how identity theft happens and protect your finances.
- Know what steps to take—and who to contact—if your information is compromised.
Gain actionable strategies, valuable recovery resources, and the confidence to protect yourself and your loved ones.
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
ACOTAR 6 Release Party
Tuesday, October 27 | 6 - 8 p.m.
H. Dutcher Community Room
Calling all Romantasy fans! Come celebrate the launch day of A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 6: A Court of Splintered Harmony with fellow readers and fantasy lovers! Join us for a fun-filled gathering featuring:
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Themed Crafts & Activities: Immerse yourself in the world of Prythian with creative projects and games.
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Snacks & Refreshments: Enjoy themed treats while chatting about your favorite characters and theories.
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Fresh Copies to Borrow: Be among the first to check out a brand-new copy of A Court of Splintered Harmony!
Cosplay and dressing up in your best High Fae attire is welcome, but not required! Plus, learn more about our monthly Romantasy Book Group, Fables & Fantasies, and connect with your local reading community.
Also, look for our Romantasy display in early October and enter for your chance to win two tickets to Northshire's October 26th Release Party at Universal Preservation Hall (UPH).
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
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What's Happening at Your Library
Get Your Program Guide for September & October 2026
Our Program Guide for September and October is available online and in-house. Saratoga Springs Public Library prints limited quantities of the guide, which covers two months of programming at a time. This option is for those who wish to have a physical document highlighting our offerings. If you are comfortable with an online format, we encourage you to help us conserve resources by choosing that option, and visiting our online link to the Guide or our Events Calendar at www.sspl.org. There, you will find additional programming details, and if required, have the ability to register.
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Diving into Digital Services
Read or Listen Online
Did you know that your Saratoga Springs Public Library Card gives you free access to a plethora of downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, and even comics? If you haven't already, visit this link to get started with SALON, Libby, Hoopla, or Comics Plus.
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Current Library Hours & Services
The library is open seven days a week and indoor seating is available. Current hours of operation are:
Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: Noon - 5 PM
UPCOMING HOLIDAY HOURS
Indigenous People's Day - Monday, October 12 - LIBRARY OPEN 9AM - 5PM
Read our Land Acknowledgement Statement here, and stop by our Indigenous Peoples Day display on the 1st Floor the second week of October where you can enter to win the beautiful beaded bookmark in the picture above.
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How to Find Out About
Programs at Your Library
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