Top Five Free Things to Do at Your Plano Public Library this October

Chinese classes, Halloween puppet shows, Hindi storytime and credit score workshops… for free?

From preschool to professional, Plano Public Library has something for everyone. Not interested in reading? No biggie – we’re #morethanbooks! See what’s happening this month at the five public libraries near you:

Cultural celebration books // photos courtesy of Plano Public Library
Cultural celebration books // photos courtesy of Plano Public Library

1. Cultural celebrations at PPL

(ages 0-100)

This fall we are celebrating traditions in a couple big ways: Diwali and Día de los Muertos! Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a major holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sihks and Jains around the world to mark new beginnings and the triumph of good. In partnership with the Shraman Foundation, celebrate Diwali with stories, crafts, henna and more at Davis Library on Saturday, October 20 from 2-4 p.m.

On Saturday, October 27 at 3 p.m. at Harrington Library, we are celebrating the Latin American tradition Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Learn more about this tradition, share memories of loved ones and watch the movie “Coco.”

Cricut class for teens

2. Couture àla Cricut

(Grades 6-12; limited space)

We are combining crafting and fashion in a new series of classes in the Teen Digital Creation Space at Haggard Library! On Mondays, October 1, 15, and 29 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., learn advanced techniques using our Cricut, a paper and fabric cutting machine, by designing dolls, outfits and miniature clothing patterns. Space is limited, so show up at 6 p.m. to get a spot.

Olney Davis’ daughters // photo courtesy Frances B. Wells Collection, Genealogy Center, Plano Public Library

3. Explore your past in a big way

(ages 18+)

In case you were not aware, Plano Public Library has a Genealogy Center in the basement at Haggard Library. This space allows you to utilize genealogy experts and resources like premium online resources, an extensive image and document collection of local and national history, and year-round classes. On October 19 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. we are participating in the 2018 Texas Wide Genealogy Lock-In, an annual event for genealogy enthusiasts to learn through webinars hosted by genealogy libraries across Texas. At 10 a.m., Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist, presents “Don’t Forget the Ladies,” an exploration on how women were treated under the law in early America and how that effects finding their identities today. See page 18 of the Engage brochure to see all other Genealogy Center programs, including “Solving Mysteries of Women in Your Family Tree” happening on October 30 at 9:30 a.m.

PPL’s Outreach Van #morethanbooks // courtesy Steve Lavine

4. See #morethanbooks out in Plano

(ages 0-100)

The Friends of Plano Public Library-funded outreach vehicle, #morethanbooks, is out in the community weekly, and in October you can see us at a few places! On Saturday, October 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. we will be at the Plano International Festival at Haggard Park, celebrating the diversity of Plano with various activities. You can also see us at City of Plano’s Haunt Jaunt on Saturday, October 20 starting at 5 p.m. During this haunted nighttime 5K and fun run, PPL will have a spooky literary scene during the run at Oak Point Park!

Pop-up author Susan Orlean

5. #Planoreads with pop-up author Susan Orlean

(ages 18+)

Our next pop-up author is Susan Orlean, coming to Haggard Library on Wednesday, November 14. Friends of Plano Public Library members get early access to VIP tickets beginning October 7, which includes a reception with Orlean to meet the author, get a signed copy of the book and front-row seating at the book talk. The book talk, which beings at 7 p.m., is free and registration is not required.


If you live in Plano, getting a card is easy – and free! Fill out an application online, come by any of our five libraries with a photo ID and proof of address, and in minutes you’ll have immediate access to hundreds of thousands of learning and recreational reading and watching materials, daily programming, and online resources for your personal or professional life.

Plano Public Library Locations and Programs >
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