IFL LIBRARY NEWS & UPDATES


October 2026 | Issue 33

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Island Free Library invites everyone to join us on Saturday, October 10th for an afternoon of learning, conversation and community with members of the Manissean Tribe.


The afternoon will include music, children’s history activities, a coloring table, community exhibits, and resource tables.


At 3:00 PM, Reverend Duncan Burns returns to continue the conversation started at his previous program, The Doctrine of Discovery, exploring its impact on the original inhabitants of North America, with particular attention to Block Island. He will be joined by Maryann Gobern Mathews of the Manissean Tribe, who will take part in the discussion and answer questions.


Please join us for an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect together.


THIS IS A FREE EVENT! ALL ARE WELCOME!

“Things which do not grow and change are dead things.”


-Louise Erdrich

UPCOMING EVENTS:

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” 

-Native American Proverb

"The Doctrine of Discovery, the Church and Block Island" with Reverend Duncan Burns and Maryann Gobern Mathews-PART II

Saturday, October 10 at 3PM


Join us at Island Free Library on October 10th at 3:00 PM for another powerful talk with Reverend Duncan Burns, who returns by popular request to share more of his knowledge and perspective.

His previous program sparked such strong interest that many asked for it to be repeated.

Come hear how the Doctrine of Discovery affected the original inhabitants of these lands, with a focus on Block Island in particular. We are also honored to welcome special guest Maryann Gobern Mathews of the Manissean Tribe.

This is a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect together.

FREE EVENT, ALL WELCOME!!

Pictured above is Maryann Gobern Mathews, representative of the Manissean Tribe.

FUN with Pumpkins

Friday, October 16th 3 - 4 pm

Join us at Island Free Library for another spooky-season favorite: pumpkin decorating fun! Whether you prefer paint, markers, or want to try decoupage with napkins, we’ll have all the materials you need to create your own one-of-a-kind pumpkin.


All ages are welcome!

“Our connection to the natural world is a reflection of our inner selves. Let us cultivate love and respect for both.”

-Sacheen Littlefeather (Apache)

FREE Spanish Classes Every Tuesday and Friday

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!

October 18th, SUNDAY 3PM

Friends of the Island Free Library present:


~TWO GUYS WALK INTO A THEATER~


Join us at the Island Free Library for a special Sunday afternoon where theater veterans Stephen Collins and Jerry Bisantz take you on a theatrical journey that examines the role of the American Male in scenes and songs from the Great American Theater. What is it like being a man in today’s world? What was it like in the past? From comic to poignant, this fast -paced evening is sure to entertain you, bringing back memories and looking into the future of the American Male.


“Mansplaining“ at its most entertaining… 



FREE EVENT, ALL WELCOME!

Friends of the Island Free Library Board Meeting:


October 13, Tuesday at 10am

upstairs on the second floor on the Library


 Come and see how you can be a friend to the library. All are welcome!

Weekly Writing Workshop:

Coffee and Drafts~

Saturdays at 10:30am-12pm


The library invites you to join Coffee and Drafts, a welcoming weekly writing workshop for writers at every stage.

Bring poetry, fiction, memoir, or a project still taking shape — or come simply to listen and gather inspiration. This is a supportive space for sharing ideas, offering thoughtful feedback and connecting with fellow writers in the community.

Everyone is welcome!

Join us every Saturday at 10:30 AM downstairs in Meeting Room A.

Tai Chi at the Island Free Library

Thursday, October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29


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!


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

“We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees. 

-Qwatsinas (Nuxalk Nation)

WEEKLY ADULT PROGRAM SCHEDULE

OCTOBER 2026


TUESDAY


October 6, 13, 20, 27


Tuesday Hours:

11:00 AM–7:00 PM



MEMOIR

October 13th & 27th

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

October 7, 14, 21, 28

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

October 1,8,15, 22, 29
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!

Island Free Library

BOOK GROUP:

Thursday, October 22nd

4:00–5:00 PM


I Who Have Never Known Men

by Jacqueline Harpman

Meet us either in the library (warm chairs, real faces) or on Zoom & your couch, zero judgment!

FRIDAY

October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

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

October 3, 10, 17 & 24

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!


Stitch Together

October 3rd

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

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

Everyone welcome!
 

WEEKLY CHILDREN'S 
PROGRAM SCHEDULE 
OCTOBER 2026
 

TUESDAY


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


Music Time with Ms. Carrie

October 6, 13, 20, 27

Every Tuesday morning

10:30–11:00 AM

(Ages 6 months-5 years)

Event takes place

downstairs in room A

Evening Storytime with

Ms. Morgan

October 13

5:15PM-6:15PM

Stories, music, bubbles

PJ's Encouraged

WEDNESDAY


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


Preschool Storytime with

Ms. Morgan

October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

10:30–11:30 AM

Stories, toys, bubbles

(Ages 3-5)

Event takes place

downstairs in room B

GAME TIME

October 7, 14, 21, 28


2:30–4:30 PM

Room A

( geared for 4th grade +)

THURSDAY

Thursday Hours:

10:00 AM–5:00 PM


Lapsit Storytime with

Ms. Morgan

October 1, 8, 22 & 29

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


Friday After School Fun

October 2, 9, 23, 30

2:30–3:30 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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