Fall fun fills October at Tyler Public Library
Published on September 28, 2026
From costumes and spooky stories to art, book clubs, and the Fall Book Sale, Tyler Public Library has a full lineup of activities planned throughout October. The community will find various opportunities to create, explore, and connect at the Library all month long.
Youth Activities
Dressed to Read | Monday, Oct. 19 through Saturday, Oct. 31 | Information Desk (First Floor)
Children of all ages can visit the Library in costume to receive a free book provided by the East Texas Communities Foundation, along with a coupon. Each child may participate once during the event. Books and coupons can be picked up at the Information Desk on the first floor. A library card is not required to participate.
Storytimes | Auditorium (First Floor)
For babies to preschoolers: listen to stories read aloud, sing songs, and enjoy playtime, sensory play, and crafts.
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Baby Storytime: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
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Toddler Storytime: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
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Preschool Storytime: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Regular storytimes will pause during the week of Monday, Oct. 5 through Friday, Oct. 9 while Discovery Time Playgroup is offered.
Discovery Time Playgroup | Tuesday, Oct. 6 through Friday, Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
For babies and preschoolers: Join us for playtime and activities, meet other families, and ask questions about early childhood development from experts in our community at this come-and-go program. Special activities throughout the week include sensory play, making DIY toys, painting, and making DIY play dough.
Spooky Storytime | Friday, Oct. 30 at 10:30 a.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
For families and children: Join Library staff for a spooky storytime featuring songs, stories, and a seasonal craft. Costumes are encouraged.
Dungeons & Dragons Club | Tuesday, Oct. 6 and 20 at 5 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
For ages 12-18: Tweens and teens can sign up to join the quest online.
Lego Block Party | Thursday, Oct. 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
For kids ages 7-18: Join us for free play. No registration is required.
Four Seasons of Fine Arts | Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 12:30 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
For kids in Grades 3-4: Special guest Rachel Anthony from the Tyler Museum of Art will guide an introduction to watercolors.
Three 45-minute sessions will be offered:
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12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
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1:25 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.
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2:20 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Participants will receive a ticket for their designated session upon arrival.
Homeschool Libratory: Reaction Actions | Friday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
For kids ages 6-11: Learn about thermal chemical reactions and enjoy a chemistry demonstration.
Open Makerspace | Saturday, Oct. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. | Makerspace (Third Floor)
For kids of all ages: Stop by to make crafts, create art, and play games.
Scavenger Hunt | All October | Children’s Area (First Floor)
Find all the hidden pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns in the Children’s Area. Show your completed scavenger hunt page at the Information Desk to receive a reward sticker.
Craft Cart Activity | All October | Craft Cart (First Floor)
Each month, the Craft Cart features a STEAM-oriented activity for kids to complete at the Library. October will feature the annual Paper House Contest. Children can create their own paper houses using materials from home or craft supplies provided by the Friends of the Tyler Public Library and available on the Library’s craft cart.
Participants may enter an Everyday House or Building, or a Haunted House or Fall House. One winner from each category will be announced Nov. 1, and each winner will receive a goody bag.
Adult Activities
Fall Plant Swap | Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
Bring plants or cuttings you would like to give away, or stop by to adopt one, even if you do not have a plant to swap. Some pots and repotting supplies will be available.
Horror Book Club | Monday, Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m. | Makerspace (Third Floor)
October’s discussion will feature The September House by Carissa Orlando.
Wildflower Poetry Society | Thursday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. | Makerspace (Third Floor)
Share and connect with fellow poets at this monthly gathering.
Scary Stories at the Library | Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
Get in the mood for spooky season as storytellers share scary stories once told around a campfire, now at the Library. This program is appropriate for ages 12 and older.
Page to Screen | Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
Read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, then join us for a discussion of the book and a screening of the 1931 classic Frankenstein, directed by James Whale.
The Ravenloft Gauntlet Adult D&D One-Shot | Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. | Makerspace (Third Floor)
Players will arrive with pre-made Level 8 characters and take on Castle Ravenloft, one of the most infamous settings in Dungeons & Dragons. With only four real-world hours, players must make their way through the castle and search for ways to defeat the vampire Strahd von Zarovich. A 30-minute lunch break will pause the timer at noon.
Fall Book Sale | Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Shop new-to-you books and other items at great prices during the Tyler Public Library’s Fall Book Sale. Shoppers can browse hardcovers, paperbacks, children’s books, antique books perfect for crafting, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, audiobooks, and more.
Try It Tuesdays | Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
Adults can try out a new skill or hobby during Try It Tuesdays. This month, learn basic pumpkin carving techniques, safety skills, and simple designs, then put those skills to work during the program. No registration is required.
Paint Night | Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
Learn about the works of 19th-century artist Hugo Simberg and create your own interpretation of his work. Whether you are an experienced artist or have never picked up a brush, all skill levels are welcome. Supplies will be provided.
Club Read | Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. | Makerspace (Third Floor)
October’s discussion will feature The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal.
Open Door Writing Group | Wednesdays at 1 p.m. | Makerspace (Third Floor)
Writers can work alongside fellow scribes, share their work, discuss the writing process, and offer advice at this weekly gathering.
Stitch Craft Society | Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. | Makerspace (Third Floor)
Bring your needlework supplies and stitch while meeting fellow Library enthusiasts. The Library cannot store supplies or projects between meetings, so participants should bring their materials with them and take them home after each program.
East Texas Genealogical Society | Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. | Auditorium (First Floor)
Connect with others who share an interest in history and genealogy.
Chapter and Choices | Saturday, Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. | Makerspace (Third Floor)
Read a book that takes place in a holiday setting, any holiday, and share your thoughts with the group.