Announcements
The Library will be CLOSED on Monday, October 12th in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Have a safe holiday!
Habitat for Humanity will be here October 19th from 9:30-11:30 am to provide information and applications for 3 new affordable homeownership opportunities in Sanford. Habitat homebuyers receive an affordable mortgage with monthly payments capped at no more than 29% of household income (including taxes and insurance).
Applications are due October 30th so this is a perfect time to stop by and speak to them about the opportunity to become homeowners.
October Special Programs
Pets Unlonely: A Celebration of Life Through Art October 8th at 2 pm. Have you lost a pet? Join us for a community workshop that builds human connection through creativity, strengthening the positive bond between people and their beloved pets. Together, we memorialize your pet's life by transforming grief into fond memories with a creative experience.
How to Get Your Canadian Citizenship with Green & Spiegel October 21st at 5:30 pm. Join us in the community room for an informative session with the Toronto immigration law firm Green & Spiegel to learn about the Canadian citizenship process, eligibility requirements, and what to expect along the way.
Craft Swap October 24th from 9 -2 pm in the community room. What is a craft swap you ask? People bring in their unused craft supplies during the week of October 17-22nd. On Saturday, October 24th anyone can come and pick what they'd like. Swappers get first pick on Saturday from 9-10 am. All others are welcome between 10-2 pm. Feel free to call with any questions.
With the holidays just around the corner, it's the perfect time to try a new craft!
(If you are donating yarn, please be sure that they are full skeins.)
From the Director
Dear friends,
Each October, libraries across the country recognize Banned Books Week to raise awareness about censorship and the freedom to read. Every year, I brace myself for the new numbers. This year, they are especially stark.
In 2025, attempts were made to censor 4,235 unique titles which is more than 15 times the annual average from 2001–2020. What I found most disturbing was that nearly 92% of these censorship attempts came from government decision-makers and pressure groups. Fewer than 3% came from individual parents, and roughly 1% from individual library users.
At Springvale Public Library, we stand by everyone’s right to choose what to read—or not to read.
A book does not have to be right for every reader to belong on the shelf. Reading is a choice we make for ourselves—not for others.
Many readers. Many choices. That is the freedom to read.
Warmly,
Lesley Unger ~ Library Director
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