IFL LIBRARY NEWS & UPDATES


November 2026 | Issue 34


November at the Island Free Library offers plenty of opportunities to learn, explore and connect.

Join us for a look at Block Island in the 1950s with historian Ben Hruska,

take a part in an informative workshop of rare and collectible books with Ray Rickman, as well as an outdoor adventures for our youngest explorers with naturalist Kim Gaffett.

Our regular programs continue through the month, including FREE Spanish classes, Tai Chi, memoir writing, Storytimes, Mah Jongg and more.

We look forward seeing you at the library!

Island Free Library will be closed Wednesday, November 11th

in observance of Veterans Day

UPCOMING EVENTS:

"The Value of the Book" with Ray Rickman

Saturday, November 7th -1:30pm


Join us at the Island Free Library for “The Value of the Book,” a welcoming workshop with Mr. Rickman, a rare-book dealer and former bookstore owner. Drawing on years of experience, he’ll share what can make a book valuable and which types of books tend to attract collectors. Bring a book you’re curious about for a free evaluation, and enjoy an engaging conversation about the stories, history, and treasures found in books.

FREE EVENT, ALL WELCOME!

Tai Chi at the Island Free Library

Thursday, November 19th


Join us Thursday mornings for some easy body movements downstairs in room A from

10am- 10:30 am with Tom Hobin.

Tai chi is a gentle, flowing practice that combines movement, balance, and relaxation. It’s often described as meditation in motion, making it a great way to build strength, ease stress, and feel more centered.

Free event, all welcome!

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

— Frederick Douglass 

Block Island in Hibernation: Remembering the 1950's

with Dr. Ben Hruska

Tuesday, November 10th at 5:30 pm


Join Dr. Hruska at Island Free Library for a look back at Block Island in the 1950s. What did visitors see or imagine for the island, and what was life really like for its roughly 500 year-round residents?

The talk will feature a sneak peek at Harvard's 1952 design study, memories of Hurricane Carol in 1954, and stories of the Telephone Exchange and party line on Dodge Street, next door to the Darius Inn.

We’ll save time at the end for you to share your memories of this remarkable decade.

Free event! All welcome!

Healthy Kids with Kim Gaffett

Friday, November 20th 10:30am-11am


Join us at the library on November 20th for an outdoor adventure with Kim Gaffett, an OVF Naturalist and TNC staff member. Kim is a go-to resource for all things nature and birds related; she’ll lead our youngest explorers on a beach walk to discover and collect natural treasures. Come ready to explore! Boots encouraged! All welcome!

“People don’t realize how a man’s whole life can be changed by one book.”

— Malcolm X 

Book Bingo

November 21st, 1pm-2pm


Join us for an all time favorite! All welcome!

FREE Spanish Classes

Every Tuesday and Friday afternoon

Join us at the Island Free Library in our computer room every Tuesday 5 - 6pm for Conversational Spanish or/and

Friday 4pm-5pm for Spanish for Beginners.

It's a friendly way to learn, connect and practice at your own pace.

All Welcome!

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

— Maya Angelou 

“A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.”

— Rachel Anders

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ISLAND FREE LIBRARY CALENDAR


We do our best to include upcoming programs here, but additional events are added throughout the month.

For the most up-to-date schedule, visit our online calendar:


islandfreelibrary.org/events
Copy_of_ISLAND_FREE_LIBRARY_p1.jpg

WEEKLY ADULT PROGRAM SCHEDULE

NOVEMBER 2026


TUESDAY


November 3, 10, 17, 24


Tuesday Hours:

11:00 AM–7:00 PM



MEMOIR

November 10th & 24th

2:00–3:00 PM

bi-monthly Tuesday Memoir Writing Group, call for Zoom link... bring a sample of your writing to share!


Conversational Spanish


Every Tuesday

5:00–6:00 PM

This is an amazing opportunity to practice conversational Spanish with a native speaker and peers.

Walking in place

Every Tuesday

3:30-4:30 PM

Join us for a low-impact cardio workout in a fun friendly environment.

Free! All Welcome!


WEDNESDAY



November 4, 18, 25

WEDNESDAY Hours:

10:00 AM–5:00 PM



Digital Drop By


Every Wednesday

2:00–3:00 PM

Digital Drop By


Bring us your basic technology questions! Whether you need help with your laptop, smartphone, software, email or storage cleanup, library apps, or accessing digital resources—including ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines—we're here to help.


Please note: We do not repair computers or other devices.

Stitch Together

Every Wednesday

5 – 7pm

Bring what you are working on (sewing, crocheting, knitting) and come join us for crafts and conversation.

Everyone welcome!


THURSDAY

November 5,12,19
THURSDAY Hours:

10:00 am - 5:00 pm


Tai Chi with Tom Hobin

10 - 10:30 am

All Welcome, downstairs in room A.

Walking in Place

Every Thursday

3:30 - 4:30 PM

Join us downstairs in room B for low impact cardio workout in a fun friendly environment,

Everyone welcome!

FRIDAY

November 6, 13, 20

FRIDAY Hours:

10:00 AM–5:00 PM



SPANISH 
FOR BEGINNERS


4 - 5 pm

An introductory Spanish class for adults.

Come learn the alphabet, numbers, basic colors and everyday phrases. A native speaker will teach and help you improve your Spanish! 
All welcome!

SATURDAY

November 7, 14, 21 & 28

SATURDAY Hours:

10:00 AM–3:00 PM


Mah Jongg

Every Saturday morning


10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Mah Jongg is a classic tile game—part strategy, part pattern-spotting, all social fun.

All levels welcome—come play!

Beginners also welcome!
 

WEEKLY CHILDREN'S 
PROGRAM SCHEDULE 
NOVEMBER 2026
 

TUESDAY


Tuesday Hours:
11: 00 am- 7:00 pm


Music Time with Ms. Carrie

November 17, 24

Tuesday morning

10:30–11:00 AM

(Ages 6 months-5 years)

Event takes place

downstairs in room A

Evening Storytime with

Ms. Morgan

November 17

5:15PM-6:15PM

Stories, music, bubbles

PJ's Encouraged

WEDNESDAY


Wednesday Hours:
10: 00 am- 5:00 pm


Preschool Storytime with

Ms. Morgan

November 4, 18, 25

10:30–11:30 AM

Stories, toys, bubbles

(Ages 3-5)

Event takes place

downstairs in room B

THURSDAY

Thursday Hours:

10:00 AM–5:00 PM


Lapsit Storytime with

Ms. Morgan

November 5, 12, 19

10:30–11:30 AM

Music, free play, bubbles

(Ages 0-2)

Event takes place

downstairs in room B

FRIDAY

FRIDAY Hours:
10 am-5pm


Bilingual Storytime

November 6

1:15pm-2:15pm

Join us in room B, all welcome!

Friday After School Fun

November 6

2:30–4:30 PM

(geared for elementary kids)

Join us in the kids'

room on the ground floor for activities, games, snacks and crafts.


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