5 Things for October from Monterey County Free Libraries

October is here and MCFL branches are celebrating with a variety of fall crafts. Check the events calendar to see what's happening at a branch near you.

1. Every October, libraries across the country highlight Banned Books Week to celebrate our freedom to read. Because of the increased number of challenges to books, the theme for this year's Banned Books Week for 2026 is "Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read." Banned Books Week will take place October 4-10, 2026. Make sure to visit your local library and check out a banned book.
2. In October, we CELEBRATE our Friends of the Library. These are nonprofit groups who raise money through book sales and donations to support libraries. Our Friends help pay for books, DVDs, programs, equipment and more to add unique value to our branches. National Friends of Libraries Week takes place from October 18-24, 2026. Watch our social media as we recognize our various Friends of the Library groups this month and support your local Friends.
3. If you think that the information we see online is more confusing than ever, you're right. With AI deep fakes, polarized news, ads and pop-up everywhere, the need for Media Literacy is more important than ever. Media Literacy Week will take place October 26-30, 2026 with the theme Access, Analyze, Evaluate, Create, Act. These are the actions that we all must take when looking for information online. Ask at your library for more information on Media Literacy.
4. Since we are still early in the school year, the resource of the month is Homework CA with Tutor.com. This resource, funded by the California State Library, is new to us this year and complements Brainfuse HelpNow. Both resources provide access to free online tutors, 24/7, with skill building resources as well. Homework CA also offers PSAT, SAT, and ACT test prep resources through Princeton Review. Visit our Student Support Center page to find more.
5. Last but not least, October is a favorite month because it's Halloween! We will continue the tradition of the online Halloween Costume Contest. Post a photo of yourself in your Halloween costume, we will randomly select a couple of winners who will receive a prize! Make sure to list your branch in the post so we know where to send your prize.Also visit your local library for a special Halloween event, including pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunts, making your own Halloween bag, spooky crafts and more.

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Visit: MCFL Virtual Programs on YouTube

For more information contact:
Be Astengo [email protected] 831-884-4370
Alison Day [email protected] 831-883-7542