Join us this October as we celebrate Banned Book Week and TeenTober. Banned Book Week is celebrated from Oct. 5-11. The theme is “Censorship is so 1984. Read for Your Rights.” During this week, libraries across the country highlight books that have been challenged or banned due to their content, encouraging readers to explore diverse ideas and viewpoints. TeenTober is a special celebration throughout October dedicated to teen readers and their love of books. It is a month filled with exciting activities, book recommendations, and creative challenges designed just for teens to inspire a passion for reading and self-expression. Whether diving into spooky stories, thrilling adventures, or powerful coming-of-age tales, TeenTober encourages young readers to explore new genres and discover their next favorite book.
If you cannot make these programs due to a tight schedule, take advantage of Library Pop-In Programs at all library branches available to you whenever you visit the library. The Indianola Library will feature “Thinking Money for Kids” games for ages 6-11.
America 250 – To celebrate our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the library will featureinteresting facts about the signers of the Declaration of Independence on our Sunflower County Library Facebook page. The featured story for Oct. 3rd is Roger Sherman, Oct. 10th is Edward Rutledge, Oct. 17th is Benjamin Rush, Oct. 24th is George Ross and Oct. 31st is Caesar Rodney.
History Tidbit – Discover fascinating moments from the past! Check out the Sunflower County Library System Facebook page for October’s History Tidbit featuring the Spooky Tales of Sunflower and Washington counties.
The Social Hour – Join us for Bingo on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Indianola Library. What a wonderful way to meet new friends and keep your mind sharp! This program benefits our senior adults in the community.
Chair Aerobics – Get fit while you sit every 4th Thursday of each month from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Indianola Library. This program benefits adults.
Self-Paced Digital Literacy – Contact your local library to set up a session. This program benefits adults.
Storytime at the Library – Storytime is a wonderful way to introduce early literacy skills and the joy of reading. Join us for Storytime at the Library every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Indianola Library, featuring “Papa’s Coming Home” by Chasten Buttigieg on Oct. 7th, “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister on Oct. 14th, “Apples and Pumpkins” on Oct. 21st and “10 Trick-Or-Treaters” on Oct. 28th. Just drop in and enjoy! This program benefits ages 0-5.
Virtual Storytime – It is the perfect way to share stories together, no matter where you are. Join us for Virtual Storytime every Thursday. This week’s story is “Bamboozled” by Daivd Legge. To join, simply visit the Sunflower County Library YouTube channel. This program benefits ages 0-5.
The Great October Read-Off Reading Challenge – Oct. 1st to 31st. Join us this October as you dive into your favorite books by completing a reading challenge with your selected book. Return the completed reading challenge card when you return your borrowed book. The card will be placed in a Reading Challenge Collection Box and at the end of the month, a drawing will occur. The lucky winner will receive a small prize as a reward for participating. This month’s prize is a Library Bag filled with reading essentials: book light, magnetic bookmark, and a page magnifier – something nice to have while you enjoy your next book. Please ask at the library’s Circulation Desk for more details. All library branches will be offering the reading challenge. There wasn’t a winner for September. Don’t pass up on your lucky chance. This program is for people of all ages.
Butterfly Keychain Craft – Join us for a fun, hands on art activity using easy sewing skills to make a butterfly design for a keychain on Saturday, Oct. 4th, at 1 p.m. at the Indianola Library. This program benefits kids ages 6-11.
Harry Potter Book Talk – Join us for a Harry Potter Book Talk, where we will dive into the magic, mystery, and meaning behind J.K. Rowling’s world-famous series Oct. 6th at 4 p.m. at the Indianola Library. If you are a die-hard fan or simply curious about the hype, this event is for you!
World Space Week – Get ready to blast off into a week of cosmic fun and discovery of space facts. Start your exploration with us on Oct. 6th at the Moorhead Library, and on Oct. 7th and 9th at the Inverness Library. This program benefits kids ages 6-11.
Guess the Banned Book – Join us for Guess the Banned Book, a powerful and interactive display that turns banned and challenged books into literary mysteries! Stop by during library hours on Oct. 6th, 8th and 10th at the Drew Library and during library hours on Oct. 7th at the Indianola Library. This program benefits people of all ages.
Disappearing Snowman – Join us on Oct. 7th at 4 p.m. at the Indianola Library for this fun and frosty game where you get to guess the titles on books that have been challenged or banned over the years. Each correct guess keeps your snowman safe and smiling but every wrong letter makes a piece of the snowman disappear. This program benefits ages 6-11.
And Tango Makes Three Storytime & Craft – Join us on Oct. 9th at 4 p.m. at the Indianola Library. This event is perfect for anyone who loves a great story and fun crafts. It benefits children ages 0-5.
Halloween Hayride Storytime and Craft – Join us for a special reading of “Allie Gator’s Halloween Hayride” by Heather Alexander, a sweet and gentle Halloween story full of fun and friendship. Join us at 4 p.m. Oct. 13th at the Moorhead Library and on Oct. 14th at the Inverness Library. This program benefits ages 0-5.
Do It Yourself Button Making Craft – Celebrate TeenTober with a hands-on art session where you design and create custom buttons using the library’s button making machine. If you are a reader, an artist or just here for the good vibes, this is a great way to express yourself and take home something totally you. Join us at 4 p.m. on Oct. 15th at the Drew Library and on Oct. 16th at the Ruleville Library. This program benefits ages 12-18.
Halloween Crafting Station – Looking for a frightfully fun way to get into the Halloween spirit? Stop by your library’s Halloween Crafting Station, where creativity comes alive – with a spooky twist! Join us at 4 p.m. on Oct. 20th at the Moorhead Library and on Oct. 21st at the Inverness Library. This program benefits all ages.
Tiny Tot Toolbox – Join us at the Indianola Library on Oct. 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an Early Childhood Professional Development. This training, “Sparking Curiosity: AI Tools for Little Learners” supports those who work with our youngest learners, offering valuable training, fresh ideas, and networking opportunities. The program is brought to you by Mississippi Public Broadcasting and the Mississippi Library Commission. Contact the Indianola Library for registration information. Attendees can obtain 5 in-service hours or 0.5 CEU credits. The registration link is (https://form.jotform.com/251914426744157).
“How To” Series – Want FREE access to eBooks, audiobooks and binge passes – anytime, anywhere? Join us for How to Use Hoopla on Oct. 20th at 4 p.m. at the Indianola Library. This program benefits all ages.
Fire Prevention – Join us for essential tips and activities that teach how to stay safe during a fire emergency at 4 p.m. on Oct. 22nd at the Drew Library and on Oct. 23rd at the Ruleville Library. This program benefits all ages.
TeenTober: Invisible Ink – Celebrate TeenTober with a spooky smart activity that is equal parts science and creativity! Teens are invited to tap into their inner scientist with our Invisible Ink Craft! Join us at 4 p.m. on Oct. 27th at the Moorhead Library and on Oct. 28th at the Inverness Library.
Spooky Book Club – Do you love a good scare? A haunting mystery? Or just the thrill of a chilling tale? Join us at 12 noon on Oct. 29th at the Moorhead Library and on Oct. 30th at the Inverness Library. If it is a creepy classic, a modern horror, or a ghost story that gave you goosebumps, bring your title to the table and help others discover their next unforgettable read! This program benefits adults.
Cocktails and Culprits – Do you have what it takes to solve a chilling but family-friendly whodunit? Join us on Oct. 31st at 3:30 p.m. at the Indianola Library and get ready for secrets and suspense. This program benefits ages 12-18.
All programs are free and available to the public. For additional information or assistance with library services or resources, please contact Gail Brinston, Public Service Coordinator, at 662-887-1672 or bgbrinston@sunflower.lib.ms.us or visit our Events page on the Sunflower County Library website: (https://sunflower.lib.ms.us/).
