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Library Closures
The Library will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026.
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Banned Books Week
October 4 - 10, 2026
Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.
Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
Learn More
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Banned Books Gallery Display
October 1st - October 31st
Founded in 1982, Banned Books Week highlights titles that have been banned or challenged in libraries, schools, and bookstores. During the month of October, visit the Waterville Public Library to learn more about books that have been challenged or banned in the past, as well as the books that currently top ALA’s Top 11 Banned Books list. Visit our gallery to interact with our two exhibits or see highlighted books on displays throughout the library.
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Origami Crow Scavenger Hunt
October 1st - October 31st
Join us for a Caw-some Crow-tober with our Origami Scavenger Hunt! Running throughout the month of October, we promise you’ll have a murderously good time. Prizes can be redeemed at the Circulation desk and the Children's desk. Keep an eye out for the mischievous Sapphire Crow to earn a special prize!
All ages welcome.
Open to any and all visitors!
Printable Flyer
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Free Books for New Babies
The Book Fairy Pantry Project is starting a new children's literacy program and the Waterville Public Library is a recipient! New and gently used board books will be at the Children's desk for families with new babies to take, free of charge. The basket may look small, but the books will be restocked regularly.
Many thanks to Jeanine Deas, children's book author and helper for delivering this wonderful basket to us.
"Founded by children's advocate Pam Leo, the Book Fairy Pantry Project is a grassroots family literacy movement dedicated to preventing early childhood illiteracy, particularly among babies and young children in under-resourced families. Its approach is beautifully simple: meet families where they are and put books directly into their hands."
Learn about the Book Fairy Pantry Project
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Nosh & Knock Off Update
The wildly popular Nosh & Knock Off will not take place in 2026. It is expected to return in 2027!
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The Library is Hiring!
The Library is looking for a few new part-time employees! We are seeking to fill part-time Library Assistant and part-time Maintenance Associate positions. We invite you to explore joining our awesome team!
Maintenance Technician (20 hours)
Library Assistant (8-15 hours)
Learn More
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Freshly Gleaned Produce!
Enjoy FREE, fresh, and local produce spontaneously from now throughout the harvesting season! Different assortments, such as ginger, potatoes, cucumbers, and squash, all gleaned from local farms and delivered to us by the Central Maine Gleaners Group throughout the late summer and early fall. Keep an eye on our social media for updates on produce availability as we rarely know what is coming ahead of time.
Learn More
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ComicsPlus offers unlimited access to over 20,000 digital comics, graphic novels, and manga. No holds or wait list required!
Every title is available to everyone with a library card 24/7 on either a computer, tablet, or phone. Check it out now to see all your favorite publishers: Dark Horse, IDW, Tokyopop, and more!
Learn More
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Pawsome Tales
Thursday, October 1
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Children can drop in and take turns reading their favorite book with a trained therapy dog from Love on a Leash, providing a fun, low-stress way to help children who struggle with literacy.
No appointment necessary! This event is free and open to the public.
Learn more about Love on a Leash: https://www.loveonaleash.org/kennebec-valley/
Printable Flyer
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Family Storytime: Harvest Stories
Saturday, October 10
10:30 - 11:15 am
As we settle into autumn proper, Mrs. Liz will be reading stories about fall and the harvest season.
The target audience is 5-8 years of age, but ALL are welcome! Free and open to the public.
Learn More
Printable Flyer
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Mid-Week Matinee
Wednesday, October 14
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Families are invited to visit the library one Wednesday afternoon a month for a Mid-Week Matinee! For this, the spookiest of months, we're showing
"The Addams Family" (2019, PG).
A light snack will be provided.
Children ages 7 & younger must stay with an 18+ adult at all times.
Printable Flyer
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NEW PROGRAM!
Bad Art Club
Friday, October 16
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Adults and teens are invited to the Waterville Public Library for Bad Art Club! Meeting on the third Friday of each month, Bad Art Club offers the opportunity to try new things and be creative without the pressure of making something "good", or worrying about how art is "supposed" to look. Give yourself permission to make something imperfect, and just enjoy yourself.
Printable Flyer
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Cyber Security:
AI Scams
Friday, October 16
2:00 - 3:30pm
As the technology behind AI grows and spreads, scammers are inventing new ways to use AI to defraud ordinary people. Learn how to identify and protect yourself again AI based frauds and scams in this workshop presented by Maine Cyber Range.
No registration required.
Printable Flyer
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Nightmare on Main Street
Saturday, October 24
4:00-6:00 pm
Come downtown for family fun for Halloween! Main Street will be closed to traffic and all are welcome. Wear a costume, carve a pumpkin, watch a movie, and more!
Learn More
Printable Flyer
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Halloween in your Library!
Saturday, October 31
All day
People of all ages, come on down to the Library for a sweet treat and a chance to show off your costume or Halloween garb. Staff will be dressed up. We would love to see you!
| | | | | A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett | | Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World by John Blair | | The Heart of the Nhaga by Lee Young-Do | |
Career Help
Weekly on Mondays
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Need help finding a job? Free help is available! A consultant from the Northern Kennebec Valley CareerCenter is at the Waterville Public Library every Monday to assist with your job search needs.
No registration is required. Free and open to the public.
Printable Flyer
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Threads & Tales
Weekly on Tuesdays
5:00 - 6:30 pm
Crochet, cross-stitch, sewing, quilting, embroidery, needlepoint, etc. - all crafts and all abilities are welcome. Work on your latest project, try something new, share patterns, or check out the Library's crafting resources. This is a relaxed and informal group, you do not have to attend every session.
Free and open to the public.
Printable Flyer
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Free Writing Support
Select Thursdays 3:00 - 5:00 pm
& Saturdays 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Get free help with your writing at the Waterville Public Library! Trained Colby Farnham Writers’ Center tutors can assist at any stage of the writing process:
October
Thursdays: 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29
Saturdays: 10/17, 10/24, 10/31
Call, email, or visit the library to book an appointment!
Free & open to the public.
Learn More
Printable Flyer
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NEW DAY! Grab & Go Craft
First Friday of each month
We're switching things up! Grab & Go kits for Adults and Teens will now be available only on the first Friday of each month as part of Downtown Waterville's First Friday activities! Pick them up at Waterville Public Library, as always. Kits will be ready between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm, available for as long as supplies last.
October's project is a Fall Crow Plushie! Each kit will contain the supplies and instructions for the current craft or activity.
Because October is a five-Friday Month, Assorted Kits will be available on the final Friday, too!
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NEW DAYS! Cozy Tea Kits
Second & fourth Fridays
We're switching things up! Cozy Reads Tea Kits are now on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. At the Circulation Desk in the main lobby, pick up envelopes with packets of different teas with information about the tea's history, along with a companion reading recommendation!
October's teas will be Orange Cinnamon Spice on October 9 and S'Mores Herbal on October 23, available for as long as supplies last. Kits will be ready between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm on Friday.
The companion book that we've paired with these teas will be announced on Facebook and Bluesky!
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Teen Tabletop
Weekly on Saturdays
12:30 - 2:30 pm
We will be playing a wide variety of TTRPGs and board games, and every week will feature a different game, world, and vibe! No prior experience is necessary. Explore new games with us each week, or simply show up for the ones that sound fun to you. Open to ages 11-18, all materials will be provided.
Printable Flyer
Learn More
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Waterville StoryWalks®
The Waterville StoryWalks® will be updated in September! North Street Community Connector Trail will host Hector Fox and the Giant Quest by Astrid Sheckels.
As part of the Beautiful Blackbird Children's Book Festival, Reed Field will be hosting Saturday by Oge Mora. Come to Family Storytime on September 12 to hear this and other Festival books read aloud.
Thank you for walking with us!
Learn More
Printable Flyer
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Crafternoons
Weekly on Tuesdays
2:30 - 4:00 pm
Crafternoons are fun weekly crafts for young children and their families! Drop by the Children’s Room to make the craft with help from library staff!
No registration is required.
Learn More
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Homeschool Hub
Weekly on Thursdays
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Homeschool Hub is back for a fresh school year! Homeschool students who are pre-school through elementary grade levels* are invited to come to the library for fun and activities.
10-01: Autumn STEM Activity
10-08: Game Day Scary Bingo
10-15: LEGOS™ with Friends
10-22: 4-H Animal Tracks with Alisha T.
10-30: Spooky Read-alouds with Mrs. Liz
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Book Bites
Weekly on Thursdays
7:00 pm
Discover your child's next favorite read via a video recording on our Facebook page! Mrs. Liz reads an excerpt from one book from the New Chapter Book or New Non-Fiction shelves, and the recording is posted on our Facebook page!
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Rhymetime
Weekly on Fridays
10:30 - 11:00 am
Come to the Children's Department for songs and stories for babies, toddlers, and their families!
In October 2026:
10-02: Letter "D"
10-09: Letter "E"
10-16: Letter "F"
10-22: Letter "G"
10-22: Letter "H"
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Annual Fund Appeal
If your circumstances permit, please donate to the Waterville Public Library. Gifts to the Library empower people and strengthen our community.
There are many ways to give. You can donate online, at the Library with cash or a check, or mail donations to the Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street, Waterville, ME 04901. Please make checks payable to Waterville Public Library. The Library also welcomes gifts of stock and securities transfers. Every donation helps the Waterville Public Library amplify and support the well-being of individuals and the community.
Thank you for supporting the Waterville Public Library and partnering with us to help make the world a better place for all.
Learn More
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Library Hours
Monday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday, 10:00 am-7:00 pm
Wednesday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Thursday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
| |  | | | Waterville Public Library | 73 Elm Street | Waterville, ME 04901 US | | | | |
