Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles lists of challenged books as reported in the media and submitted by librarians and teachers across the country. To learn more about Banned Books Week visit bannedbooksweek.org or stop in to the Library and check out our displays (bannedbooksweek.org).
Library Events
The Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest begins October 1st! We invite everyone to pick out your perfect pumpkin (no larger than 8 inches in diameter) and get it all dressed up. Use your creative skills to gather materials and decorate to your heart’s content, just don’t carve your pumpkin!
Bring your decorated pumpkin into the Library to enter the contest by Wednesday, October 23. Judging will take place the morning of October 24 and prizes will be awarded! Visit our website or pick up a copy of the complete details. We look forward to seeing what you create with your pumpkin!
The Friends of the Library host their annual Halloween Costume and Decor sale Saturday, October 5, 8:00 a.m.-Noon in the Library’s community meeting room. Seasonal items are available for a free will donation. Thank you for supporting your Library!
Join us Tuesday mornings at 10:30 for Storytime! We’ll share songs, books, and games with friends and caregivers. In October we’re sharing stories with the theme of Heritage, each week focusing on diverse communities. October 1st we’re highlighting Hispanic Heritage Month, October 8 is Disability Employment Awareness, October 15 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and October 22 is LGBTQ History Month.
Teens (6th-12th graders) are invited to join us for an Introduction to Archery Thursday, October 3 from 4-5:00 p.m. Teens will learn which equipment they will need to begin shooting bows and arrows. They will also learn about local archery resources, including retailers, bow hunting opportunities, and the Solon Archery Team. This program will be co-hosted by the Solon Archery Team. No prior experience is required!
Mark your calendars for more fun programs that are coming in October…
Are you ready to dive into the world of quilting? Join us for a fun and informative Quilting 101 workshop Monday, October 14 at 4:00 p.m., where you’ll learn the basics of quilting and create a practical, handmade pot holder!
In this beginner-friendly class, quilting expert Sara Yoder-Parker will guide you through the steps of crafting your very own pot holder. Sara’s easy-to-follow instructions and expert tips will ensure you leave with a beautiful, functional piece of art and the confidence to tackle more quilting projects in the future. Whether you’re new to quilting or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience and meet fellow craft enthusiasts. No prior quilting experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm!
Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot. We look forward to quilting with you!
Homeschool families! Join us to meet other homeschoolers in the area and learn about resources that the public library offers to your household Friday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. We will start with introductions, hear from our Youth Services Librarian about helpful resources in the library and surrounding area, and have time to socialize with each other. Unable to make it to this program but want to know more? Email ysl@solon. lib.ia.us for more information.
Monday, October 21, we’re having LEGO Night for AllAges at 6L00 p.m. During this hour-long LEGO mania we’ll have fun prompts, STEM challenges, and of course many, many LEGOs to build with. Bring your family or just bring some friends, who says adults can’t play with LEGOs?
Library Access
Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Friday, September 27 we will be open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow time for our monthly staff-in-service.
Don’t forget, the digital library is always available! Find an eBook, eAudiobook, magazines and more with Bridges, or with the Libby app on your favorite smart device. You can even stream classic films, discover new favorites, and more with Kanopy on your favorite smart device.
Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
What We’re Reading
Banned or Challenged Books we’re reading.
Beach Read by Emily Henry. Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast. They’re polar opposites. In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they’re living in neighboring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer’s block. Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. She’ll take him on field trips worthy of any rom-com montage, and he’ll take her to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult (obviously). Everyone will finish a book and no one will fall in love. Really.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman. By the lake in Beartown is an old ice rink, and in that ice rink Kevin, Amat, Benji, and the rest of the town’s junior ice hockey team are about to compete in the national semi-finals— and they actually have a shot at winning. All the hopes and dreams of this place now rest on the shoulders of a handful of teenage boys. Under that heavy burden, the match becomes the catalyst for a violent act that will leave a young girl traumatized and a town in turmoil. Accusations are made and, like ripples on a pond, they travel through all of Beartown.
This is a story about a town and a game, but even more about loyalty, commitment, and the responsibilities of friendship; the people we disappoint even though we love them; and the decisions we make every day that come to define us. In this story of a small forest town, Fredrik Backman has found the entire world.
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. When magic has gone from the world, and a vicious king rules from his throne of glass, an assassin comes to the castle. She does not come to kill, but to win her freedom. If she can defeat twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition to find the greatest assassin in the land, she will become the king’s champion and earn her freedom. Her name is Celaena Sardothien – beautiful, deadly, and destined for greatness.