@ Your Library 10.9.26
Written by Beverly Ewart
“Witches three
There must always be.
Sisters of the bud, Magic in the blood.
One to fly above.
One to tend with love.
A third to guide the light.
And all to join the fight.” – from Deerheart by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is around the corner. Colfer’s mythic tale of the power of the love of place is an ode to those who, throughout time and in cultures all over the globe, have had to resist those who would take by force that which they so lovingly tend!
Perhaps you’d like to check out this story to enjoy over your holiday weekend. The book may be found in our children’s collection, but the story is timeless and will resonate no matter your age.
Deerheart: An Epic Tale of Fighting for Love and Freedom by Eoin Colfer; illustrated by P.J. Lynch. In the heart of an ancient forest, three fairy witches guard the Creedon Stone, the source of all magic. Crow-like Scrawb leads the birds, and sharp-toothed Hackle the wolves. The youngest witch, Deerheart, who can shapeshift into a speckled red deer, has been charged with killing dangerous humans. She has never seen a human–until she sets eyes on young Halvar and can’t look away. Love sparks between the two, interfering with Deerheart’s duty to eliminate humans to protect the forest. When Lord Vollug’s shadowy plans come to light, their love is imperiled, along with the entire Creedon Wood. Now Deerheart must discover fierce inner strength if she is to save her love and her home. Eoin Colfer’s narrative, shimmering with witch power and a reverence for the forest and its inhabitants, together with P.J. Lynch’s inviting illustrations, bring to life this brand-new story that is as mythical and spellbinding as a centuries-old legend. -Provided by publisher.
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CFL will be closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 12, 2026. Enjoy the holiday!
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We have a new writing group getting off the ground. Canton Writes had their first meeting on October 3rd. Facilitated by Liz Armstrong, Canton Writes meets every OTHER Saturday starting October 3, from 10:30am-12:00PM. The next meeting will be on Saturday, October 17th.
Join us at the Canton Free Library to work on your novel, screenplay, or poetry! Writers of all experience levels, genre preferences, and walks of life are welcome to join in for an hour and a half of focused, uninterrupted writing time in the company of fellow creatives. There are no critiques or readings; all you need to bring is a notebook or a laptop and your own ideas.
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Chess Club at CFL meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3–4. Tuesday is free play with Ryan Nolan and designed for those that have some experience.
Thursday’s weekly session is with Zachary Woodley-White and is designed for beginners who would like to learn how to play. We offer rudimentary instruction and a judgement free space for younger players to establish and build on their fundamentals. No registration needed, ages 12 and below. Questions? Contact Zach at zwoodleywhite@ncls.org
Grab a board, find a friend, and start a game at any open table in the Main Reading Room. Other board games are available or bring your own.
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TEEN ANIME meets on Thursdays from 5-7pm.
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Dungeons and Dragons: The Canton Free Library is running a Dungeons and Dragons campaign! This program is a beginner level program aimed at teens who are looking to learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons. Limited to ages 13-18, with no registration necessary. We will meet on the last Wednesday of each month from 4-6. Contact Zach at zwoodleywhite@ncls.org for any questions. Currently playing Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition.
Children’s Programming at the Canton Free Library:
O-17 months: Baby Storytime is for our library babies and a caregiver. We’ll share books, bounce rhymes, songs, finger plays, and lots of smiles, and then close with social/play time. Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 am. No registration is needed.
18-35 months: Toddler Storytime is for children and their caregivers. We’ll share books, rhymes, music, movement, and lots more early literacy fun! Mondays 10:30-11:00 am. No registration is necessary during the school year.
3-5 years: Preschool Storytime is for children and their caregivers. Stories, songs, movement, crafts, friends, and lots of fun! Wednesdays 10:30-11:15 am. No registration is needed during the school year.
K-2nd grade: Each month at Books and Beyond, we’ll explore a theme with books, activities, games, and art. Meets each third Thursday afternoon from 3-4 pm. Registration for each month required by the Monday before.
3rd-6th grade: Tween Time offers a mix of cool crafts, art exploration, games, STEAM, and book talks of popular and classic literature. Meets every fourth Thursday afternoon from 3-4 pm. Registration for each month is required by the Monday before.
K-6th grade: Lego Club: A different challenge/theme will be given at the start of each meeting. Meets the last Monday of the month (unless that’s a holiday, whereupon the date will be announced) from 3:00-4:00pm. Registration is required by the Friday before, but it fills fast! Don’t wait!
Ages 5 and up: Arts After School: Artist Kris Rozelle will lead a different art project each month for kids aged 5 and up. Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 3-4 pm. Free, but registration is needed for each class. Since class size is limited, please let us know if your registered child cannot attend so another child may have their spot. Thanks!
Questions about children’s programs? Ms. Val @ 315-386-3712 x 4 vwhite@ncls.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORLEY BRANCH is open Tuesday 1pm-3pm; Wednesday 4pm-6pm; Thursday 10am-12pm. Call for more information: (315) 379-0066.
RENSSELAER FALLS BRANCH is open on Tuesdays from 11am – 5pm. Call the library at (315) 344-4155 for more information.
CANTON BRANCH is open 9am-6pm Monday – Friday; 10am-3pm Saturday. Contact us at (315) 386-3712 or cantonfreelibrary.org.