Explore fascinating topics for adults, from deathcare and grief to marine life and watercolor painting, or bring the kids and teens along for spooky stories, sailor superstitions, and weird and wonderful winter ducks. There’s something for everyone to discover this October at Sno-Isle Libraries!
For Adults
Dying and Grieving in the West
Monday, October 12 from 6:00pm–7:30pm
Humans have been intentionally caring for their beloved dead a very long time, but our modern traditions leave many people feeling like something might be missing from the funeral and bereavement process. This presentation will cover a short history of deathcare up through the modern funeral in the United States, dive into how the Western funeral was born, how modern deathcare movements are bringing changes to this important lifecycle event, and how our understanding of grief has changed in recent decades. This event will be recorded for later viewing on the Sno-Isle Libraries YouTube channel, opens a new window.
Other library events related to loss and grief:
- What Is Good Grief? - Tuesday, September 29 from 4:00pm–5:30pm at Darrington Library
- Coping with Grief - Monday, October 12 from 1:00pm–2:00pm at Mill Creek Library
- 'Dying & Grieving in the West' Watch Party at Mill Creek Library - Monday, October 12 from 6:00pm–7:30pm at Mill Creek Library
- Ghosts, Grief, and Growing Up with Cherie Dimaline - Thursday, October 22 from 4:00pm–5:00pm (Online Event)
Read more about end-of-life rituals with these staff-selected titles:
Watercolor Painting: Carnival Squash and Gargoyle Pumpkins - SilverKite Online Workshops
Saturday, October 17 from 10:30am–11:30am
In celebration of nature's festive expression, participants will paint carnival squash and gargoyle pumpkins using wet on wet, splattering and dry brushing techniques. Facilitated by SilverKite® Teaching Artist Tammy Leaver.
Check out more of our SilverKite arts & crafts events, visit our Crafts & Hobbies page for the latest titles or explore the many DIY, skill-building streaming videos available for free from Creativebug.
Spineless Wonders with Aquarium of the Pacific
Monday, October 19 from 12:00pm–1:15pm
Discover how giant pacific octopus, sunflower sea stars, and other marine invertebrates adapt and thrive in their environment. Enjoy a virtual tour of the exhibits at the Aquarium of the Pacific, opens a new window and see live animals in action. Aquarium staff will answer all your questions about these amazing creatures. This event will not be recorded.
Watch the presentation with others in your community! These community libraries will be hosting live watch parties of this event:
This event is part of Sno-Isle Reads Together, opens a new window. The 2026 selection is "Remarkably Bright Creatures", opens a new window by Shelby Van Pelt. Discover additional Sno-Isle Reads Together events, opens a new window, including three opportunities to meet the author, opens a new window.
Looking for more to watch? Check out these live movie screenings with an Octopus theme:
- "My Octopus Teacher" at The Clyde Theatre -
- Movie Night - "My Octopus Teacher" - Wednesday, September 30 from 6:00–7:30pm at Mountlake Terrace Library
- Movie Matinee: "My Octopus Teacher" - Sunday, October 4 from 2:00–4:00pm at Monroe Library
- "In Touch with a Giant Pacific Octopus" with Florian Graner - Monday, October 12 from 6:00–7:30pm at Oak Harbor Library
Read more about these amazing creatures with these fiction and nonfiction titles:
For Kids & Teens
Sailors' Superstitions with Mystic Seaport Museum
Thursday, October 15 from 3:30pm–4:30pm
A black cat in the sailors' quarters? A rabbit's foot in their pockets? Find out why sailors were, and are still, very superstitious. We will discuss what superstitions are and if they are real, as well as exploring examples of good luck and bad luck from different types of ships. This program will not be recorded.
Read more about life at sea with these booklists for kids and teens:
Now You’ve Got the Chills! Spooky Stories for Brave Kids
Thursday, October 22 from 4:00pm–5:00pm
Get ready for shivers, giggles, and just the right amount of goosebumps! In this lively online storytelling show, Rachel Ann shares spooky (but not too scary!) tales filled with mysterious happenings, clever heroes, and just enough suspense to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. With interactive moments, surprising twists, and just a hint of creepiness, this program invites kids to lean in, laugh, and maybe feel a chill or two.
Find more spooky stories in these booklists for kids:
- Chilling Chapter Books
- Halloween Vibes
- (Not Too) Spooky Picture Books
- Small Towns and Spooky Stories
- Spooky Reads for 5th Graders
- Spooky, Scary Middle-Grade Mysteries
Are You Ready for Weird Duck Season? with Pilchuck Audubon Society
Friday, October 23 from 4:00pm–5:00pm
Winter in the PNW can bring some gloomy weather to the area, but it also brings us all those weird and wonderful waterfowl! Nicknamed “Weird Duck Season,” winter in western Washington is a great time to be out birding and looking at all the ducks that spend their winters here. You might be surprised to find how many species we get here and how accessible duck watching can be! This event will not be recorded for later viewing.
Learn more about ducks and other waterfowl, check out these booklists:
Discover More Online Events
Check out our full calendar of online events for kids, teens, and adults, with new opportunities to learn, create, and connect all year long!
All times listed are for Pacific Time (PT). Registration for each device is required to receive a reminder email with the Zoom link 24 hours before the event begins. If you register less than 24 hours before the event, your confirmation email will have the Zoom link.
To request a sign language interpreter, opens a new window, complete this online form, opens a new window or contact your local library, opens a new window at least two weeks prior to the library event. Interpreters will be provided based on availability.
