Explore Free Classes and Engaging Activities at the Huntsville Public Library This October
Learn To Use Libby!
Did you know that the Huntsville Public Library offers online access to eBooks and audiobooks?
The library does with the Libby app! If you are not sure how to start enjoying the library’s digital
collection, we are offering classes during the month of October to assist patrons with installing
and navigating the Libby app. The classes available 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. On
Thursday, October 10. This program is best suited for ages 18 and up. Participants will need a
library card. Register online at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com or to reserve your spot, call the
IT desk at 936-291.5485.
One-on-One Technology Help
The Huntsville Public Library offers “Book-a-Tech one-on-one” for individual technology
instructional training. Please register online at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com and our IT staff
will contact you to schedule your free 30-minute appointment. You may bring your personal
devices to the library for the one-on-one session. Remember, your appointment is not confirmed
until a member of staff contacts you. For additional information, call the IT Desk at 936-291-
5485.
Master Gardeners: Fun Facts and Myths about Plants and Gardening
Join Walker County Master Gardeners from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15 for
a presentation on “Fun Facts and Myths about Plants and Gardening. “Have you ever wondered
why gardening methods used all your life are not always working? This program will help you
understand why some “tried and true” methods may not be the best ways to save time and money
when it comes to gardening. Do homemade rooting hormones really work well? Do newly
planted trees need to be staked? What is the best way to encourage blooms on plants? Find out
more about these topics and many others when you join this free workshop. There will be door
prizes! Free and open to the public.
Story Times at the Library
Mondays, 10:45 am – Mother Goose Lapsit: Ages 2 and under!
Mondays 10/7 & 10/14, 5:00 pm- Evening Family Story Time,
Wednesdays and Fridays 10:45 am- Story Time: Ages 6 and under!
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10:45 am- Saturday Family Story Time
Monday October 14 & 28, 5:30 PM-POP-UP Story Time @ TomFoolery’s Pizza & Games!
Wednesday October 16 at 9:30 AM-POP-UP Story Time @ Chick-Fil-A
FALL FUN FEST!
Saturday, October 26th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 p.m. join us for a family friendly, not-so-scary-
festival to celebrate fall! We will have a costume contest, game and craft stations, snacks, and
more! This come-and-go event is FREE and open to the public!
Builders Club
Calling all Master Builders! Join us to challenge your building skills and explore your creativity!
Builder’s Club meets every Tuesday afternoon from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., for children in grades K
and up, including preteens and teens! Due to small parts adult supervision for children under 5 is
required. Provided building materials include Legos, Magnetic Tiles and more.
Art Fun for Everyone
Join us for an hour of creativity each Friday from 1:30 – 2:30 pm! These art classes are for
beginners from ages 6 to 16. There will be painting, sculpting, and experimenting with many art
styles and techniques. No registration needed and all supplies provided.
S.T.E.M. Fridays
Introducing S.T.E.M. (Science Technology Engineering and Math) classes at the Huntsville
Public Library! Every Friday afternoon, the sessions will include reading, brainstorming,
planning, and designing on various S.T.E.M. topics to enhance student’s engagement in these
subjects. Students will work in small groups to apply their knowledge to a 30-minute project, all
supplies provided. Recommended ages 8 to 12 years old. We will meet weekly on Fridays, at
3:00 pm in the Community Room. This event does not require registration.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is the most popular tabletop role-playing game of all time. Players build
characters and engage in an adventure. This group will meet from 4-6 p.m. on Fridays. We have
two groups of players, D&D Jr. (ages 11-12), and D&D Teen (ages 13-17). No prior experience
is necessary! For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Linda Huff at 936-
291-5910.
Teen Thursdays
Every Thursday we welcome teens ages 13-17 to come to the library and have a special program
just for them. We will meet from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. and enjoy making new friends, having snacks
and drinks, and participating in a themed activity each week. All supplies are provided, and
registration is not required.
10 – SAAFE House presents: Lessons on Growing Up- Family/Domestic Violence
October 17 – Decorate Mini- Pumpkins
October 24 – Video Games = XBOX & Nintendo Switch 5:00-6:30pm*
October 31- NO Teen Night Events
Fiber Arts
Join the fiber arts group to share your knitting and crocheting projects. All are welcome –
beginners and the more experienced! Sessions are held every Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m. Supplies not provided. For more information, please contact Adult Services Coordinator
Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471.
Untold Stories of Huntsville, Texas
Let’s explore the hidden histories of our town of Huntsville, Texas, and Walker County! Join us
at the Huntsville Public Library to hear fascinating stories about the amazing people who have
built our town over the last 200 years! Bring your stories to share with all of us! This lecture
series is presented by HPL and Dr. Caroline Crimm of Historic Tours of Texas. This event will
be on Tuesday, October 8 at 5:30 pm in the Community Room.
The Piney Woods Writers Group
If you are a writer looking for other writers for encouragement and support, Piney Woods
Writers Group will meet from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month in the
Community Room of the Huntsville Public Library. Meetings this month will be on October 14
and 28. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Linda Huff at 936-291-
5910 or visit the group’s Facebook page “Piney Woods Writers Group.”
Piney Woods Page Turners Book Club
Be part of the Piney Woods Page Turners Book Club at Huntsville Public Library. Book Clubs
are an excellent way to enjoy books, challenge one’s mind, and socialize with other book lovers!
All interested persons are welcome to join us in the Board Room from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 10. The book selection for October will be The Women by Kristin Hannah.
Current and future book choices can be found on the library’s website. For more information,
please contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471.
Workforce Solutions – Job Seminar Modules
Join us on the third Tuesday of every month from 2:00-4:00 pm, to utilize the library’s computer
lab and the FREE resources available from Workforce Solutions! October’s event will be on
Tuesday, October 15. A representative from Workforce Solutions will be at the library to assist
with job searching, resume building, adult education and training opportunities, utilizing local
community resources, financial and childcare aid, and so much more! Come to this event and
have the amazing opportunity to plan your future and advance your career. For more
information, contact Outreach and Program Coordinator Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481.
Open Mic Night- Poetry and Spoken Word
Whether you are a seasoned poet, a first-time presenter, or just a lover of literature, please join us
for a night of community support of the arts! This free event is open to ages 16+ to recite or
listen to the diversity of the voices in our community. Poems, songs, short stories, and pre-
published works of literature are all allowed. Performance slots are on a first-come, first-served
volunteer basis. Suggested reading length is 3-5 minutes per performer. Join us the last
Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This month’s meeting will be
Wednesday, October 30. For more information, contact Outreach and Program Coordinator
Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481.
Homeschool Hub
Homeschool Hub at the Huntsville Public Library is a new monthly program designed to bring
homeschool families together for creative, educational, and fun activities. For all ages, each
session encourages whole-family participation, blending structured activities with unstructured
play. The library provides lending materials, educational materials, and a meeting space for
support. Learn about library resources, participate in STEAM lessons, and build a sense of
community amongst the families through the events and activities. All co-ops and independent
homeschoolers are invited! For more information, contact Outreach and Program Coordinator
Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481. Occurs from 1:30-3:30 pm every 1 st Monday of the month. Upcoming Dates: October 7, November 4, and December 2.
Adult Art Class (Ages 16+)
Learn how to draw with charcoal and create your own “Charcoal Pumpkins!” All supplies are
provided, and online registration is required. This class is for ages 16+. Class will be on
Wednesday, October 16, from 5:00-6:30 pm. For more information, contact Outreach and
Program Coordinator Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481.
Adult Trivia Night- Halloween Theme!
Do you know a bunch of random facts about random topics? Well trivia night was made for you!
This Jeopardy-style game night is for adults ages 18+ to enjoy putting their brains to the test with
the trivia theme of HALLOWEEN! Fun will be had by all on Friday, October 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Prizes are included for the smarty-pants winners! For more information, contact Outreach and
Program Coordinator Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481.
Beginner’s Spanish Class
The ever-popular, free Spanish classes are continuing at the Huntsville Public Library! Instructor
Eldaa Avalos will be teaching Beginner’s classes on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30
p.m.in the Board Room, and materials are provided. Register now to reserve your spot – only 15
students maximum for each class. Register online at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call Adult
Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471 for additional information.
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Is the gym workout not for you? Join us every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at Huntsville Public
Library in the Staggs Community Room. This group exercise program will help reduce pain and
stiffness and help to maintain or improve mobility, muscle strength and functional ability.
Endurance-building routines, relaxation exercises, and health education topics are also included.
Note: participants do not have to have arthritis. Classes will take place from September 10
through the end of the year. A representative from the Area Agency on Aging of the Houston-
Galveston Area Council will teach the program. Please consult your doctor before starting any
new exercise program. Liability waivers are required to participate and are available from the
instructor. The class is free and open to adults ages 18 and older. For more information, please
contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471.
Author Talk: Ann Weisgarber– The Promise
Author Ann Weisgarber will discuss her novel, The Promise. The novel takes place on the west
end of Galveston during the 1900 hurricane. Weisgarber will discuss the inspiration for the story,
the writing process, and the bumpy path of publication. She will also talk about Huntsville and
how the 1900 storm impacted this region. Discussion will take place at Huntsville Public Library on Wednesday, October 23 from 2:00- 4:00 p.m. in the Staggs Community Room.
Writers Workshop with Ann Weisgarber
Calling all poets, memoirists, novelists, short story writers, and non-fiction writers. Ann
Weisgarber, author of three novels, will lead a writing workshop that focuses on the importance
of the first page or in the case of poetry, the first stanza. “As a group, we will look at how we can
strengthen the narrator’s voice, heighten tension, and anchor readers to place and time. We will
look at samples from published works to study how other authors pull us into their worlds. The
workshop is geared for all writers, regardless of experience. We will not spend time writing but
instead will learn how we can make our words shine.” This unique event will be held on Wednesday, October 23 from 5:00- 6:45 p.m. in the Staggs Community Room at the Huntsville Public Library.
Foraging: Mushroom Season
The fall is typically mushroom season. Forager Mark Merriwether Vorderbruggen will speak
about mushroom identification techniques at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29 at Huntsville
Public Library’s Staggs Room. Vorderbruggen, a petroleum chemist, author, and educator of all
things in the foraging world, has the experience and knowledge to provide the dos and don’ts of
foraging for mushrooms. For more information, please contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary
Kokot at 936-291-5471.
Family Bingo Night
Bring the whole family to enjoy a night of traditional BINGO! All ages are invited to a game
night filled with prizes and fun, Friday, October 11, 5:00-6:30 p.m. No registration is required,
and all supplies are provided.
Tween Book Club
Every Tuesday at 11:15 a.m., tweens are invited to join Mrs. Linda in a “Book Adventure Club.”
We will have book talks, share recommendations, and learn about what makes a successful
tween book series. This group is for ages 8-12.
Bunco! Adult Open Group Game
Bunco is a game of pure luck; no skill required other than rolling dice! Join us for our monthly
Bunco game night, the first Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m.- October’s date is 10/4. All
supplies are provided. Ages 18+.
Stories to Tell My Grandchildren
The Walker County Genealogy Society is hosting a writing group on the third Wednesday of
each month at the Huntsville Public Library. The purpose of the group is to document family
stories before they are forgotten. The group will meet from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on October 16, in the
Johnnie Jo Sowell Dickenson Genealogy Room and will use the time to write, discuss, and/or
help each other. The group is free and open to everyone, not just genealogists. Everyone has a
story and knowing family stories helps emotional well-being for all ages. Be a part of the group
and provide your grandchildren with family stories from the past that they may take into the
future. For more information, contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471.
Genealogical Smorgasbord
The Huntsville Public Library, in cooperation with the Walker County Genealogical Society, will
host the state-wide 2024 Genealogy Network of Texas event in celebration of Family History
Month on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 10:30-4:30 pm. This is the fifth year Huntsville Public
Library will be participating in this event so please come and help make it a huge success!
Registration is encouraged but not required. The programs are provided by the Genealogy
Network of Texas (GNT), a state-wide initiative to connect libraries/genealogical societies and
provide educational and research opportunities that is spearheaded by the Genealogy Center of
the Waco-McLennan County Library. Co-sponsors include the Central Texas Genealogical
Society and the Texas State Genealogical Society.
