Orangeville Public Library | Check It Out Newsletter | October 2026 | | |
Spooky Open Mic Spectacular
Sunday, October 25, 1 to 3 p.m.
Orangeville Public Library and the Headwaters Writers’ Guild present: Spooky Open Mic Spectacular! Join us for a fun and fright-filled afternoon featuring local authors and poets sharing their work.
Gather by the fireplace at the Mill Street Library to enjoy eerie tales, haunting poetry, and seasonal storytelling. Registration is not required for attendees -come and enjoy the stories!
Interested in speaking?
Please register in advance, as spaces are limited. Email hwg5.writers@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
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Ghostly Tales from Orangeville
Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m.
This Halloween season, come hear some of the strangest stories from Orangeville’s past. Join the Museum of Dufferin Archivist Laura Camilleri at the Mill Street Library for an hour of historic tales about ghosts, hauntings, strange happenings and misfortunes from right here in town.
No horror. No gore. No scary theatrics. Just fascinating stories from Orangeville’s history that might make you look at the town a little differently. Come for the stories. Stay for the history.
Please register in advance to let us know you plan to attend.
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Aly Nickling-Riddle
Sunday, October 18, 2 p.m.
Join author and homesteading educator Aly Nickling-Riddle for a presentation on homesteading. Maybe you’ve dreamed of wide-open land, fresh eggs in the morning, and a simpler life. But before you commit to this life-changing decision, you need to know the truth: homesteading is not for everyone.
Discover an honest, practical perspective on what it takes to build a more self-sufficient homesteading lifestyle - from planning and daily routines to the real challenges and rewards along the way.
Please register in advance.
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James O’Connor
Wednesday, November 4, 7 p.m.
November’s expert is award-winning photographer and filmmaker James O’Connor, who will explore the power of authentic storytelling in an AI-driven world and why honest, human stories matter.
James is co-founder and creative director of Ontario-based production company The Art of Storytelling. His work highlights athletes, communities, youth, and organizations through honest, engaging visual stories.
Please register in advance.
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Latin American Heritage Month Screening - Friday, October 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Mill Library. Celebrate Hispanic Latin American Heritage Month with a movie screening. Movie title coming soon! Presented in partnership with the Hispanic Canadian Heritage Alliance of Dufferin Peel and LATAFF - the Toronto Latin American Film Festival. Please register in advance.
Orange thREADs - Tuesday, October 20, 1 p.m., Mill Library. Join this friendly group for a book chat and to connect over your latest fibre arts project.
Author Spotlight - Meet author Andrew James on Wednesday, October 21, 7 p.m. at the Shelburne Public Library to discuss Presumptuous. Please register in advance.
After Hours Write Club - Every other Tuesday, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Mill Library. The After Hours Write Club is a writing workshop facilitated by local author Anthony Carnovale. Please register in advance to attend this program and don't forget to pack your writing supplies. See the website events calendar for dates.
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Friday, October 23 - Book Launch with Allison Bothley and Loud for Libraries
Join Orangeville writer Allison Bothley to celebrate the launch of Practice for Drowning, her debut poetry chapbook.
The evening will feature a reading from the collection and a conversation about Allison’s journey to publication, her writing practice, and the role libraries have played in her creative life. The program will conclude with Loud for Libraries, a community spoken-word session celebrating Ontario Public Library Week.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for cake, coffee, book sales, and signing. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. Please register in advance.
Interested in sharing an original poem or spoken-word piece about libraries? Apply in advance for one of eight three-minute reader spots in the Loud for Libraries session.
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Storytimes
Enjoy drop-in Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) Storytimes at both library locations. The fall session runs until November 27. See the events calendar on the library's website for more details.
From October 6 to 9, all storytimes will feature a special guest from the Hispanic Canadian Heritage Alliance of Dufferin Peel, who will join us for songs, movement, and shared stories.
Tuesdays - Everyone Storytime (5 and under) - 10:30 a.m. at the Alder Library.
Wednesdays - Baby Storytime (newborn to 18 months) - 1 p.m. in Storyland at the Mill Library.
Thursdays - Everyone Storytime (5 and under) - 10:30 a.m. in Storyland at the Mill Library.
Fridays - Baby Storytime (newborn to 18 months) - 10:30 a.m. at the Alder Library.
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Books and Loose Parts Storytime
Explore the amazing world of loose parts inspired by children's stories with The Sunflower School. For ages 18 months to 6 years with a parent/caregiver. This is a drop-in program on Wednesdays (October 7 and 21) at 10 a.m., Mill Street Library.
Loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways.
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After School Club - UkuLynda from The UKULADIES and UKULADDIES is joining us on Monday, October 26, 4:30 p.m., at the Mill Library for a fun, hands-on ukulele experience! By the end of the class, participants will have the basics they need to start playing the ukulele—no previous experience required. Get ready to learn simple chords, strumming techniques, and how to play along with a song. Registration is required to reserve a ukulele. Space is limited to 15, so register early to secure your spot. For children ages 7–12.
Teen Advisory Group - Meet Tanis at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 9 at the Alder Library. TAG provides an opportunity to earn community service hours at the library, meet new friends, and enjoy snacks.
Teen Chronicles - Join us on Friday, October 23 at 6 p.m. for a spooky edition of Teen Chronicles Book Club! Come to the Alder Library to chat about all the creepy, thrilling, mysterious, and supernatural books you've been reading, then stay for a special screening of Hocus Pocus at 7:00 p.m. Bring a friend, enjoy some yummy snacks and enter for a chance to win a door prize. Ages 13 to 17. Please register in advance.
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Makerspace Programs at Alder
The workshops are open to everyone 14+. Space is limited so please register in advance.
Tuesday, October 13, 6:30 p.m. - Laser Engraving 101
How does light manage to cut and engrave wood, acrylic and even metal? Join us for an introduction to laser engraving. Register - Limit of 6 participants
Thursday, October 22, 6:30 p.m. - Heat Press Everything
Learn how to use the Cricut and the Cricut Heat Press! The library will be providing the Heat Press Vinyl. Please bring shirts, sweaters, or other fabrics to put the vinyl onto. Registration opens October 8 - Limit of 6 participants.
Tuesday, October 27, 6:30 p.m. - All About Coasters
From wooden, to acrylic, to 3D printed, come visit the OPL Makerspace to discover how you can create a set of personalized coasters using the Makerspace equipment. Registration opens on October 13 - Limit of 6 participants.
| | | Books are just the beginning | | |
October is all about libraries! It's Canadian Library Month and Ontario Public Library Week is October 18 to 24. We invite you to celebrate with us. Be Loud for Libraries and drop by to discover all the new things that your library offers - books are just the beginning!
PIN Required for Libby - Starting October 1, patrons will need to enter their library card number and PIN when signing into Libby and the OverDrive digital library website. Please reach out to staff if you need to verify your PIN or account number.
New CBC Corner digital portal - Access some of your favourite digital content from CBC and CBC Radio-Canada, in one convenient place. Find trusted news, local stories, TV and radio shows, award-winning podcasts, and CBC Kids educational shows, games, and activities. Explore
The Town of Orangeville’s Small Business Enterprise Centre is hosting three new learning opportunities for small businesses – Selling on Amazon, Marketing Strategies for Artists, and Tax Planning for Small Businesses. Visit their website for more event information.
Thanksgiving hours - Both locations of the library will be open on Saturday, October 10. The Library is closed on Sunday, October 11 and Monday, October 12.
Library Board Meeting - The next meeting of the Library Board is on Wednesday, October 28, 5 p.m. at the Mill Library.
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