Adult & Teen Program NEWS OCTOBER 2026

Upcoming Events:

Author Michael J. Tougias Returns to the Taft

Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. when local author Michael Tougias recounts the events of his newest book In Deep Water, the story of three friends whose boat sinks 12 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. Over the next 28 hours they must survive in open water facing eight-foot waves, jellyfish stings, hypothermia, and circling sharks. With no Mayday call sent and no one aware they’re missing, the odds of rescue are less than 1%. In Deep Water chronicles one of the most improbable rescues in Coast Guard history and the extraordinary resilience of the men who lived to tell it. To register for this program visit us at www.taftpubliclibrary.org and click on the Calendar & Events link.

Dustin Pari Presents Amongst Angels & Demons

On Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. get primed for the Halloween season as we welcome back paranormalist Dustin Pari for one of his newest lectures, Amongst Angels & Demons, an intriguing exploration of demonic possession and the stories, experiences, and questions surrounding it. Registration is required as space is limited. Visit our website to register.

Greg Dwyer Presents Harry Houdini

Join magician and storyteller Greg Dwyer for an unforgettable evening celebrating the life, legend, and lasting legacy of the world’s greatest escape artist Harry Houdini, on the 100th anniversary of his death.  More than just a magic show, this program combines breathtaking sleight of hand, impossible mind-reading, astonishing escapes and captivating stories from Houdini’s remarkable life. How did a poor immigrant become the most famous magician in history, challenging fraudulent mediums and creating a legacy that continues to inspire audiences a century later? Register to find out! 

Slow Flow Yoga for Adults and Teens

Join Katie Aissis from Sprouting Tree Yoga for Slow Flow Yoga. This Vinyasa style yoga class links breath to movement in a dynamic sequence of postures. Participants will build strength while also finding moments throughout the practice to quiet the mind and rest the body. This class is appropriate for all levels, and no previous yoga experience is necessary.  Please bring your own yoga mat. Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Registration required.

Adult Handcrafting Group

Let’s get crafty! Join the Adult Handcrafting Group on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. downstairs in the library and get your craft on! Bring your own craft project, whatever it might be, to work on while you visit. Intended for adults. No registration is required. Crafts are NOT supplied. 

Adult Book Club

The Adult Book Club typically meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming book club discussions are as follows:

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill on Oct. 12. 

West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge on Nov. 9. 

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni on Dec. 14.

Adult Book Club books can be picked up at the downstairs desk. For additional information on upcoming book clubs contact the library at 508-473-3259.  

Awards Book Club

Hosted by Taft Library Assistant Jane Blackwood, the Awards Book Club meets on a quarterly basis to discuss fiction award winners of the year.  Jane selects from the books that took home the coveted Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Booker Prize and more! Stop at the downstairs circulation desk to request the latest Awards book for discussion. 

The current book in the Awards Book Club discussion series is The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, winner of the 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction. Discussion will be on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Contact the library at 508-473-3259 for further information.

Footnotes Nonfiction Book Club

Footnotes Nonfiction Book Club is led by Library Director Andrew Jenrich. The next book in the Footnotes discussion series is Material World: The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization by Ed Conway. The group will meet on Thursday, Dec. 3rd to discuss the book.

Dates of discussion for upcoming books are to be determined. The Footnotes Nonfiction Book Club typically meets on a quarterly basis.  Those interested can request a copy of the next book at the downstairs circulation desk. The new slate of nonfiction titles for 2026 into 2027 will be decided following the group’s August book discussion.

German Conversation Club

Are you looking for a place to practice what German you remember or to improve your German vocabulary? Conversations in German is no pressure, just fun! Lead by Library Assistant (and Mendon resident) Monika Schmid, the group typically meets the last Monday of each month. The group will meet next on Monday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. Contact the library at 508-473-3259 for additional details. Registration is required. To register, visit our website. 

2026 Challenge Book Club

The library has begun a new book talk series revolving around a monthly challenge prompt. Participants are encouraged to share the title or titles (and brief synopsis) of a book they’ve read or would like to read centered on the prompt. Prompts for the next few months of the club are as follows:

October: A mystery, thriller, or spooky book.

November: A book that made you think.

December: A cozy or winter-themed book.

The group typically meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 12 p.m.

Assistance from Sheila Elliott and the Blackstone Valley Partnership for Public Health

Sheila Elliott will be on site at the Taft Library on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 2-4 p.m. to provide assistance filling out applications for MassHealth, SNAP, WIC, fuel assistance, Medicare, Social Security, Veteran’s Benefits, and more. Ms. Elliott can also provide referrals to community organizations, mental health and substance abuse providers and give guidance in obtaining financial resources to address past due bills. Each session is 30-minutes long. Those interested can sign up for a 30-minute block of time by clicking on the Calendar & Events link on the Taft Library website (www.taftpubliclibrary.org).

Shine Counseling with Jenna Gouin, MBA/MSOL

Meet with Jenna Gouin in partnership with the Blackstone Valley Partnership for Public Health for information, counseling, and advice on Medicare. Ms. Gouin is a SHINE counselor trained and certified by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence in the various options available to Medicare beneficiaries – including Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D), Medigap, Prescription Advantage, MassHealth, and other programs that help people with limited resources pay for health care costs. Get your Medicare questions answered at one of the following upcoming sessions:

Monday, Oct. 19, 9-10 a.m. or 10-11 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 16, 9-10 a.m. or 10-11 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 14, 9-10 a.m. or 10-11 a.m.

To register, click on the Calendar & Events link on the Taft Library website (www.taftpubliclibrary.org). 

Friends of the Taft Public Library Meeting

The Friends of the Taft Public Library meetings are typically held on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. downstairs in the Art Holmes Community Room, unless it falls on a holiday or during a school vacation. All are welcome (and encouraged) to attend. The next meeting of the Friends is Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. If you plan on attending, it’s always a good idea to call the library at 508-473-3259 or email the Friends at [email protected] to confirm the date and time of the meeting. The group will do its best to post any meeting changes on the Taft Library web site and the Friends of the Taft Public Library Facebook page.

Taft Children’s News October 2026

Registration is required for all programs. Please log onto our website: www.taftpubliclibrary.org and find the events page to register along with more information for the programs. 

Itty Bitty Storytime 

Itty Bitty Storytime is designed for our youngest patrons birth to 3 years old. Join us for a lot of fun on Tuesdays and select Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  

Story & Craft Time 

Join us for Story and Craft Time! Perfect for the preschool-aged child. 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday unless otherwise noted.  

Alphabet Storytime 

It’s all about the alphabet! Each week we will focus on a different letter. We will read a couple of books, sing songs, and learn about the letter of the week. Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Please note there is no Alphabet Storytime on Oct. 28.  

Coffee & Conversations and Music at the Blissful with Beginning Bridges, CFCE

Coffee & Conversations 

Join us for an informal playtime where families will be able to build social connections and learn about early childhood development and family-friendly resources. The library will supply Muffin House Muffins!

Music at the Blissful 

6x Boston Parent Paper Family Favorite and National Touring Musician, Music at the Blissful (Evan Haller) from Boston, Massachusetts comes to the Taft for a high energy, fun-filled, interactive, movement-packed music experience for the whole family. Join us Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 9:30 a.m. for Coffee & Conversations and 10:30 a.m. for Music at the Blissful.  

Lego Club

Back by popular demand! During this one-hour building session we will be led by the "Lego Lady" Kim Steadman. No need to bring any Legos. This program is great for all ages....as long as you don't eat the Legos! Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 4:30 p.m.

Preschool Kidding Around Yoga 

We will learn yoga poses, dance, sing, and meditate. This class is all about fun. All abilities are welcome. Mats are available, or feel free to bring your own. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 9:30 a.m. 

Halloween Celebration with Rolie Polie Guacamole

Join us on Monday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. for our annual Halloween Party! Make sure to wear your Halloween costume....adults too!

Jersey natives Frank Gallo & Andrew Tuzhilin created Rolie Polie Guacamole in 2006 while living in Brooklyn, NY. Over the next 15 years, they played thousands of shows, recorded thirteen albums.

Winner of the prestigious Parents’ Choice® and NAPPA Awards, Rolie Polie Guacamole has developed a smart, parent-friendly musical style that dresses up original tunes and classic covers with vibrant harmonies and deft instrumental layers, plugging in a sizzling electric current of rhythm that lights up lyrics humming with relevance and humor

The BaNannies

The BaNannies are a mother/daughter duo who bring children’s songs, both old and new, to life! With their silly and interactive songs, they’ll have your littles singing and dancing along! The BaNannies will visit Taft on Monday, Oct. 26 at 10:30 a.m. 

Tutors with Tails 

Meet Sprite! Sprite is a therapy dog who loves children and love books. Sprite a her owner Janet will visit Taft on the last Tuesday of each month. Register today for the opportunity to read to Sprite! Spots are limited.