Community Calendar

Join us for Toddler Time—an interactive storytime designed to spark your child’s love of books and language! Through lively stories, catchy songs, and playful activities, toddlers will explore the joy of reading while building essential early literacy skills. Parents and caregivers will also discover creative ways to support their child’s learning journey at home. Come share the fun and watch your little one’s imagination grow! (ages 1-2)

Accessibility: The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Accompanying Adults: This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop-offs will not be permitted.

Something big is coming to the big screen!

Join United Way of Southeast Missouri on October 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Marcus Theatre Cape Girardeau, as we kick off our 2026-2027 giving campaign with a special movie premiere celebrating the donors, volunteers, and partners who make a difference across our communities.

Walk the red carpet, enjoy a meal on us, and experience a powerful short film created by Digital Foundry featuring just a few of the lives changed through our network. Guests are encouraged to dress up for the occasion.

And in true Marcus tradition, the first 140 guests to RSVP can reserve their own Dream Lounger!

Seats are limited, so reserve yours today! RSVP online at unitedwayofsemo.org/event or call our office at 573-334-9634.

Join fellow American Mahjong enthusiasts for a fun and friendly game session! This event is for players who already know the rules and want to enjoy some lively rounds together. If you have your own mahjong set, please bring it along—our library has only two sets available. Feel free to bring your favorite snack or drink to enjoy while you play. No registration needed—just drop in and join the fun! (ages 18+)

Accessibility: The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Food Allergies: We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

When the sun goes down, the stories change. Don’t Whistle After Dark explores traditional Native American stories of spirits, mysterious beings, supernatural events, and creatures that have long been part of Indigenous storytelling traditions. Drawing primarily from Cherokee, Choctaw, and Delaware (Lenape) traditions, storyteller Suzanne Jones shares tales that entertain, teach, warn, and remind us that there may be things in this world we do not fully understand. Come listen—but remember: some traditions say there are good reasons not to whistle after dark.

Registration for this event is appreciated, but not required. (all ages)

Two events in one! At 7:30 p.m., enjoy the Trick or Treat Concert - A family-friendly concert of popular works for percussion. The audience is encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes. Treats will be distributed after this portion of the event. Then at 8:30 p.m. listen to Life: A Journey Through Time. A 60-minute multimedia piece for chamber orchestra featuring the music of Philip Glass and performed with visuals by National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting.

Wait... was that supposed to happen? Broadway's funniest smash hit is bringing a night of glorious misfortunes to the Dobbins Conservatory. Welcome to the opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor. Things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), this accident-prone cast battles against all odds to make it to their final curtain call. Prepare for a hilarious evening of physical comedy and falling scenery!

Parental guidance suggested.

Wait... was that supposed to happen? Broadway's funniest smash hit is bringing a night of glorious misfortunes to the Dobbins Conservatory. Welcome to the opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor. Things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), this accident-prone cast battles against all odds to make it to their final curtain call. Prepare for a hilarious evening of physical comedy and falling scenery!

Parental guidance suggested.

Join us for a spooktacular celebration at our Haunted Harvest Festival, where fall flavors meet festive frights! This special market day brings together the best of the harvest season with a playful Halloween twist the whole family will love.

Stroll through the market filled with pumpkins, gourds, seasonal produce, and handcrafted goods, all while enjoying spooky décor and festive fall vibes. Indulge in delicious autumn treats, from caramel apples and baked goods to warm drinks and savory favorites.

Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy a morning of community fun, local shopping, and just the right amount of Halloween spirit. Whether you're here for the boos or the brews, the Haunted Harvest Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Haunted Harvest Festival | Facebook

During this first person interpretive event, visitors can learn about people who were active in Cape Girardeau during the Civil War. Pick a photo of a real person and hear them tell you about their experiences and lives. These real people were young ladies, wives, farmers, shop-keepers, engineers, and college students whose lives became entangled in the great conflict that tore apart the nation. Hear their stories at Fort D, a place all of them would have known. Period sweets will be available after presentations. As always, free admission.

Join us for Bilingual Storytime—¡Hola y bienvenidos! Experience the joy of stories, songs, and rhymes in both Spanish and English. Perfect for young children and families, this interactive event encourages language learning and fun through music and books. Come sing, play, and read with us as we celebrate two languages together! (ages 0-5)

Accessibility: The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Accompanying Adults: This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop-offs will not be permitted.

This event is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

Acompáñenos en la Hora del Cuento Bilingüe: ¡Hola y bienvenidos! Descubra la alegría de las historias, las canciones y las rimas, tanto en español como en inglés. Ideal para niños pequeños y familias, este evento interactivo fomenta el aprendizaje de idiomas y la diversión a través de la música y los libros. ¡Venga a cantar, jugar y leer con nosotros mientras celebramos juntos dos idiomas! (Edades: 0 a 5 años).

Accesibilidad: La biblioteca se esfuerza al máximo para garantizar que todos puedan disfrutar de nuestros programas. Si tiene alguna inquietud sobre la accesibilidad o necesita solicitar adaptaciones específicas, por favor comuníquese con la biblioteca.

Adultos acompañantes: Este programa está diseñado para niños y los adultos que los acompañan. Por favor, planifique asistir y participar activamente junto a su hijo durante el programa. No se permitirá dejar a los niños solos bajo la supervisión del personal.

Este evento cuenta con el apoyo del Instituto de Servicios de Museos y Bibliotecas (Institute of Museum and Library Services), en virtud de las disposiciones de la Ley de Servicios Bibliotecarios y Tecnología (Library Services and Technology Act), bajo la administración de la Biblioteca Estatal de Missouri, una división de la Oficina del Secretario de Estado.