Hackley Public Library October 2025 Programs & Event
hackleylibrary.org – facebook.com/HackleyPL – 231-722-8000 askus@hackleylibrary.org – 316 W. Webster Ave. Muskegon, MI, 49440
Hackley Public Library Hours
Main Hackley Library Building Mon-Tues: 9:00 – 7:00 pm Wed-Sat: 9:00 – 5:00pm
Torrent House (HPL’s Local History/Genealogy Department) Tues-Sat: 9:00 – 5:00pm
Youth & Teen Programs:
October Youth Take and Make Kits
Available to pick up from HPL’s Youth Services Department beginning October 6
This year our Little Read is Journey by Aaron Becker and the Middle Read is Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Lanterns figure prominently in both books, so come on in and pick up a lantern craft to take and make. We will also have Nichos to take and make to honor our loved ones. Bring them back to help decorate our children’s Ofrenda for the Day of the Dead (Saturday, November 1). These take and make kits are available beginning October 6, and through the month while supplies last. Free.
Paws and Read with Breezy and Dolly
In-Person at Hackley Library Mondays, October 6 & 20 from 4:00 – 5:00pm
Practice and strengthen literacy skills by reading out loud to our friendly therapy dogs, Breezy and Dolly! They’re calm, non-judgmental listeners who are excited to hear all the stories, and receive all the belly rubs. Ages 3-12. Free.
Registration required – call 231-722-8014 to sign up for a 20-minute time slot.
Drop-In Lantern Craft
In-Person at Hackley Library
Wednesday, October 15 from 10:00am – 4:00pm
or
Saturday, October 18 10:00am – 4:00pm
Come together with our community as we celebrate our BIG READ books Journey by Aaron Becker and Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat.
Light and creativity come together as we create a lantern craft at any ability level. We’ll have two dates, October 15 and October 18, available for you to drop by Hackley Library for this craft. Ages 3-15. Free.
Teen Time
In-Person at Hackley Library
Every Third Monday | October 20 | November 17 | December 15 from 3:30 – 4:45pm
Do you love LEGOs? How about Harry Potter? Have you ever built a 6,000 piece Lego set? Well you are cordially invited to our kick off build of the 10th largest LEGO set: Hogwarts Castle 71043!! Build with us throughout the Fall and into Winter!
Free.
Autumnal Toddler Sensory Program
In-Person at Hackley Library
Wednesday, October 22 from 10:00 – 11:00am
Explore our friendly pumpkin patch and dive into fall-themed sensory activities for littles here at Hackley Public Library. Free! Ages 0-4.
Shadow Art at MMA
In-Person at Hackley Library
Thursday, October 23 from 5:00 – 6:00pm
This year, our “Big Read” books use the theme of light in several ways to tell their stories. Take a field trip over to the Muskegon Museum of Art to learn more about how light (and shadow) are used in artwork. We will do a fun shadow art project and take a tour together through the art galleries. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – FREE. This special trip is open to the first 40 young people with an adult. Ages 4-15.
Adult / Young Adult Programs:
CALL 211 is at Hackley Library
In-Person at Hackley Library
Thursdays from 1:00 – 4:00pm
Community Access Line of the Lakeshore 211 (CALL 211) comes to Hackley Library on Thursdays from 1:00-4:00pm, giving you the opportunity to meet and talk with a community resource specialist!
CALL 211 offers help with connecting individuals to SO many resources, including information on food, housing, employment, mental health, and so much more. Speaking to CALL 211’s resource specialist is free.
Tech Time with Jim
In-Person at Hackley Library
Thursdays from 9:00 – 11:00am
Bring your own device or use one of our patron computers and receive specialized one-on-one assistance from our Tech Assistant, Jim!
Come with your tech questions, such as needing help with using a device, downloading our free Library Apps, or something else.
This will be an ongoing, DROP-IN program, happening at Hackley Library on Thursdays from 9am-11am. Free.
Help will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
**Please Note: There will be NO Tech Time on October 16.
Book Club at HPL
In-Person at Hackley Library
Monday, October 6 from 5:30 – 6:30pm
Join us at Hackley Library for a new take on Book Club! We’ll meet the first Monday of each month. Each month there will be a theme, where you can choose a book based around that theme. At Book Club, you’ll be able to share about the book you read, and discover reads from other attendees! This month’s theme is to read a book with a one word title. Registration is preferred. Free.
Left to Write – Creative Writing Group
In-Person at Hackley Library
2nd Wednesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30pm
If you enjoy creative writing for fun, you’ll love Left to Write, HPL’s very own creative writing group! Here you can participate in writing exercises, share your own stories, and meet other creative writers (of all experiences, new or seasoned!). This group provides a low-key atmosphere for writers of all experiences, and everyone is welcome! Remember to bring paper and your favorite pen. Left to Write will meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30pm. Free.
Dungeons and Dragons
In-Person at Hackley Library
Each Friday from 1:30 – 4:00pm
Come to Hackley Library for fun D&D sessions! This program was designed in part for US military veterans, but it is open for all adults 18+ (both new to D&D and seasoned players). Free.
“Lead” the Way to Safe Water
In-Person at Hackley Library
Tuesday, October 21 from 5:30 – 6:30pm
Ashley and Don from the Department of Health and Human Services will share about lead prevention, as well as the faucet filter program that Muskegon Heights is enrolled in.
Registration is preferred. Free.
This Hackley Public Library event is part of a three-part series of programs titled Shared Waters. This Shared Waters series explores Muskegon area’s lakes, rivers, and
waterways through dialogue on development, restoration, and safe water for the future.
This partnership is in collaboration with WGVU and GVSU, White Lake Community Library, and Muskegon Area District Library.
More information on the full series can be found at: wgvu.org/community-conversation/
This program is affiliated with WGVU Public Media, Grand Valley State University, White Lake Community Library, MADL, DHHS, and NEA Big Read Lakeshore.
Cookie Decorating for Adults!
In-Person at Hackley Library
Monday, October 27 from 5:30 – 6:30pm
*Please note: this cookie decorating program is for adults.*
Join us at Hackley Library to decorate a few cookies with Aly’s Sweet Shoppe!
Space is limited, and registration is required. Free.
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Friends of Hackley Public Library BOOK SALE
Thursday, October 9th – Sunday, October 12th at Hackley Library in the downstairs meeting rooms.
316 Webster Ave. Muskegon, MI 49440
All proceeds help to fund projects that benefit Hackley Public Library.
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* PRESALE & Networking for Friends Members *
5:00 – 7:00pm on Thursday, October 9th
Not a member? Join at the door!
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* PUBLIC SALE *
10:00am – 5:00pm on Friday, October 10th
10:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday, October 11th
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* PUBLIC SUNDAY “BAG” SALE *
12:00 – 3:00pm on Sunday, October 12th
Fill a bag for $5; we provide the bags!
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Some of Hackley Library’s programs are part of NEA BIG READ Lakeshore.
BIG READ is a communities-wide initiative in West Michigan to encourage conversations, creativity, and connections through amazing books – a Big Read, a Middle Read, a Little Read, and a Mini Read. Several organizations host programs inspired by these books. We invite you to not only read these titles, but to enjoy programming inspired by them, at various locations throughout West Michigan! Take a peek at HPL’s online events calendar for more BIG READ programs!
Big Read: I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
Middle Read: A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
Little Read: Journey by Aaron Becker
Mini Read: Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Annie Kubler and Sarah Dellow
For more information, please contact Hackley Public Library, 316 W Webster Ave Muskegon MI 49440, at Circulation: 231-722-8000, Youth Services: 231-722-8014 or mmetzger@hackleylibrary.org.
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