In October our One Book, One Community title is “The Boys in the Boat,” by Daniel James Brown. At our home page, www.krl.org, learn where you can hear the author speak and find related events.

We invite you to read and discuss this book that tells the amazing true story of local University of Washington athletes who transformed the sport of rowing in 1936 at the Olympics in Berlin.

Before I list all October programs, I want to share a report from our youth services librarian, Whitney:

“Many students in the area got a significant jump start on their learning with Kitsap Regional Library’s Summer of Learning. The goal of this free program is to encourage all people up to the age of 18 to read at least 10 hours during summer break to prevent ‘summer slide.’ Once participants have turned in their completed 10 hours they receive a free book and their name is put on display in the library. This summer, 168 children and 77 teens signed up at the Kingston branch for the Summer of Learning.

“Between June and August, the kids read 2,260 hours and the teens read 950, surpassing last year’s total of reading (2,230) and this year’s goal of 3,000 hours for a total of 3,210 hours. In addition, eight children and eight teens read for at least 100 hours. There were many fun and educational opportunities for kids, teens, and families to create, learn and explore together at the library. The Kingston Branch hosted a six-week long STEAM series to explore different Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math concepts, like electric circuits, 3D printing, balloon-powered Lego cars, and origami.

“Hundreds of people of all ages came down to the Port to enjoy free performances by One World Taiko and Kabuki Academy. The library is committed to serving its youngest patrons and their families and encouraging a celebrated community of readers.”

October events

Special Kingston Book Group: Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to noon. Discussion will be on “The Boys in the Boat,” by Daniel James Brown and facilitated by former coxswain Susan Brown Trinidad from the University of Washington.

Preschool Storytime: Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 10:30 a.m. Start the week by enjoying Early literacy fun with books, songs, and rhymes with your preschooler.

Pajama Storytime and Toy Sleepover: Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. Do you wonder what happens in the library at night? Tonight it’s a slumber party for toys! Children can come with their families to enjoy a special storytime and then tuck their toy in for a fun night at the library! They pick up their toy the next day along with pictures from the sleepover.

This party works best with a toy your child can easily live without for a day.

Kingston Friends of the Library Meeting: Oct. 14, 10 a.m.

Kingston Writers Group: Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m.  Enjoy a supportive atmosphere to encourage writing. Beginners welcome.

Classics Book Group: Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. Discussion will be on “The Curve of Time,” by M. Wylie Blanchet.

Legos @ the Library: Oct. 28, 4-5 p.m. Bring your friends and enjoy special Lego build-it challenges and free-play.  For children and tweens.

Adult Crafternoon: Oct. 30, 3-4 p.m. Bring your handwork projects and see our newest craft books.

Little Boston events

Little Boston Book Group: Oct. 1, noon to 1 p.m.  Discussion will be on “The Boys in the Boat.” Join facilitator Jo Vander Stoep, who learned to row after she retired from a 30-year career in K-12 education. She is an active member of Bainbridge Island Rowing.

Adult Crafternoon: Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Bring your projects and see our newest craft books.

Opera Preview-Don Giovanni: Oct. 4, 1-2:30 p.m. Opera aficionado Norm Hollingshead will share the story and play excerpts from Mozart’s well-known opera. Don Giovanni was first performed in Prague in 1787. This series is funded in part by anonymous Kingston donors.

Storytimes: Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28, 10:30 a.m. Come enjoy Early Literacy fun with books, songs, and rhymes with your preschooler.

Lego @ the Library: Oct. 7, 4-5 p.m.  Complete special Lego challenges or design your own creation. We’ll provide the Lego bricks, just bring your imagination.  Contact Whitney with any questions: wchamberlin@krl.org

Art Class: Adding Monsters to Paintings: Oct. 9, 3:30-5 p.m. Have you ever seen a discarded landscape painting languishing in a thrift store? Or even in your own garage? Make it come alive by painting in a monster.  Pre-register for this class by calling the Little Boston Library 360-297-2670. Paintings and supplies will be provided, and participants may bring their own additional paintings to transform.

Tales and Wisdom from a S’Klallam Storyteller: Oct. 25, noon to 1 p.m. All ages are invited to enjoy stories by Elaine Grinnell. Elaine is an elder of the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe and is a recipient of the Governor’s Heritage award. She is an advisory Board Member for Northwest Indian Storytellers Association.

All branches of Kitsap Regional Library will be closed Oct. 2, for staff training. Please check our website www.krl.org for updated program information and call us at 360-297-3330 if you have any questions. See you at the library.