The Livingston Public Library is bringing back in-person book discussions for the first time since the pandemic. The new Thrilling Tales Book Club kicks off Monday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. in the library's Tech Room.
The club's first pick is "Broken Ice" by Matt Goldman. The library said the group will focus on mystery and thriller novels, according to the library's events calendar.
Thrilling Tales is one of 10 programs the library has scheduled between Oct. 12 and Oct. 15.
David Epstein talks 'Inside the Box'
Author David Epstein joins the library virtually on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. for a talk titled "The Power of Limits." Epstein, a former Sports Illustrated senior writer and ProPublica investigative reporter, will discuss his latest book, "Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better," published by Riverhead Books in May 2026.
The book argues that constraints, not freedom, often drive creativity and focus. In a guest post on Annie Duke's Substack around the book's release, Epstein wrote that "the most useful thing you can give a real citizen is rarely more information, choice, or motivation. It's the right constraint … a boundary that makes the good decision the easy one."
The talk is hosted through the Library Speakers Consortium. Residents can check the library's website for registration details.
Heritage month lectures
Monday evening brings an Italian Heritage Month celebration. "Exploring the Charm of Little Italy in the Bronx" runs from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Program Room, focusing on Arthur Avenue, often called the "real" Little Italy.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, a Hispanic Heritage Month lecture explores the music, culture and history of Cuba through the lens of "Buena Vista Social Club: The Musical." That program runs from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Program Room.
No presenter has been announced for either lecture.
More on the calendar
Several other programs fill out the week:
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Night Movie screens "The Invite," an Olivia Wilde film, in the Program Room.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. Adult Art Workshop: "Create a Boho Chic Vase." Registration is waitlisted and limited to Livingston residents.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 4 p.m. Story Coders for kids in kindergarten through third grade introduces basic coding in the Tech Room. The Friends of the Livingston Library sponsors the program.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. A virtual Halloween cooking session teaches participants to make "Spooky Eye Deviled Eggs." Participants can create an account using the code 07039.
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m. Total Body Mat Pilates Sculpt, a monthly all-levels fitness class, meets in the Program Room. Registration is open.
The Livingston Public Library is at 10 Robert Harp Dr. Full event details and registration are available at livingston.librarycalendar.com.
