More than any other time of year, October, a passageway to Autumn, feeds all our senses: cooler weather; colorful leaves, pumpkins, apples, clear blue skies; the aroma of dried leaves, chimney smoke, and pumpkin spice; the taste of apple cider, apple butter, and pumpkin spice; the rustle of dry leaves being driven by the wind and the crackle of campfires. Take the time to savor these experiences with your children.
*****ALL ROANOKE VALLEY LIBRARIES (BOTETOURT COUNTY, ROANOKE CITY AND COUNTY, AND SALEM) WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, FOR SYSTEMWIDE STAFF TRAINING. *****
October Events for Kids
Friday, October 9, 3:30 p.m.. Grades 1-5. Polka Dot Pumpkins. Learn about Japanese sculptor Yayoi Kusama, and then use paper to create 3D pumpkins in her style. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28; 11 a.m.. Story Explorers: Create lifelong readers! Join us for stories, songs, and boisterous fun as we share our love of books with your child. Open to children ages 0-5 and their families. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.. Barks and Books: Read with a therapy dog. These mellow dogs love books and can’t wait to listen to you read. Open to grades 1-5; must be 6 years old to attend. Everyone who signs up gets at least 10 minutes to read with a dog. You can bring your own book or pick out one when you arrive. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29: 10:15 a.m.. Book Babies: Special story time for infants and crawlers. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29: 11 a.m.. Story Explorers: Open to children ages 0-5 and their families. (Wednesday program repeated). Register at salemva.libcal.com
October Events for Adults
Thursday, October 8, 2 p.m.. Afternoon Games for Adults—It’s Feud Time! Join us for a lively, survey-style game.
Monday, October 12, 10:30 a.m.. Friends of the Salem Library Meeting. Join us to discuss library advocacy and support initiatives, book sales, and more! All are welcome.
Wednesday, October 14, 2 p.m.. Solo Aging Book Club. The Solo Aging Book Club is a reader‑directed discussion group for solo agers* interested in exploring books about aging. Participants select a book of their choice and may share a few highlights or draw from provided reflection questions. This group offers a supportive environment for conversation, connection, and thoughtful engagement with the challenges and opportunities of aging. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Wednesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m.. True Crime Book Club. A book club to discuss cold cases and old crimes. Join us to discuss the infamous serial killer Israel Keyes as we read “American Predator” by Maureen Callahan.
