PELHAM – The Pelham library has a slew of events for area residents scheduled during the month of October.

All of the upcoming events are free. Here’s a list of what’s to come:

College Admissions Information Session
Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 6:15 p.m. as Lance Beverly, a UAB and Harvard graduate and college counseling expert, provides information on the essentials of the college admissions process. Beverly will provide insights on preparing for the ACT/SAT, what colleges want to see on a student’s resume, how to demonstrate interest to universities and understanding the financial aid process (including opportunities for aid). Beverly will also provide a generalized timeline to serve as a guideline for you and your student(s). A Q&A session will ensue after his presentation. Space is limited, so you’re encouraged to register ASAP at the following link: Forms.gle/4QxZjr5ydyWq3RM5A.

Pam Taylor Author Event
Come to the library and visit local author Pam Taylor on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as she celebrates the release of her book: Mommy to Mentor: Parenting Adult Children. This book takes the reader from the early stages of being a mommy to the end destination of mentoring adult children. You will learn how to: punt the responsibility back to adult children, keep your relationships strong during periods of their bad decisions, sharpen your mentoring skills and teach your children practical life skills. Taylor states that parenting is only a piece of God’s ultimate plan for your life. Follow this journey for nuggets of insight, tools, and examples of how you can navigate through the process. Pamela Jennings Taylor is a wife, mother, sister, aunt, nurse, writer, and has many more roles, just as other women do. She has a soft spot in her heart for mothers who sometimes have difficulty transitioning from the phase of being “mommy” to learning how to navigate to a new role of “mentor” to their adult children. Pamela is married to her husband of more than 33 years, Kevin Taylor, and has three children, Kevin, Jr., Gabrielle, and Jonathan. She resides in Pelham. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. Books will be available for purchase.

Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
Philip Wilson, radio show host, author and Social Security expert will conduct a free educational workshop at the library on Monday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. During this workshop, Philip will discuss: optimal filing strategies for married couples, singles, divorcees and widows. Other topics will include: how to avoid taxation of your social security, what is your ideal age to file and why coordinating your SS and retirement benefits may save you thousands. Wilson has a number of professional certifications in planning areas and one certification (CSSCS) is earned by advisors who have demonstrated expertise in planning for Social Security. As of August 2019, Philip was the only advisor in the state of Alabama with this certification and one of less than 25 across the country. Call (205) 868-9297 for more information or to reserve a seat.

Small Business Seminar
Interested in starting your own business but don’t know where to begin? Attend this workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 9, to learn how to start or grow a small business. The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is hosted by Bancorp South. RSVP to Jorge.Soto@bxs.com or Pelhamsmallbusiness.eventbrite.com to reserve your spot.

Empowering You: A Power and Awareness Session Just for Youth
This is an empowerment and awareness session presented by Aletheia House for youth. It will take place Thursday, Oct. 10 and Oct. 24, from 3:30-6 p.m. The topics discussed will focus on drugs and alcohol awareness, allowing youth space to converse about what they see in their community, ultimately making them a change agent within their own environments.

Understanding Medicare Seminar
Does Medicare confuse you? Get answers at this seminar provided by Linda Reynolds, an independent insurance agent with 15 years of experience. There will be two opportunities to attend this workshop, Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 6-7 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 18, from 11:30-1 p.m. The presentation simplifies complex issues such as the Medicare parts, enrolling and more. Hundreds age into Medicare each month in this area. It is a complex and confusing process for most individuals. Attend this program and get the facts. The seminar is free and open to the public. For more information, please call the library at 620-6418.

Haunted Shelby County:  True Hauntings and Mysterious Tales – Author Talk and Book Signing
Spend a spooky evening at the Pelham Public Library on Monday, Oct. 21, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. as author and paranormal researcher Kim Johnston takes you on a ghostly tour of the county through stories from her book, Haunted Shelby County, Alabama. Copies of the book will be available for signing at the event. Johnston is the founder of the paranormal research group, Spirit Communications and Research. Since 2011, the group has investigated many haunted sites throughout the state. This event is free, but seating is very limited. Please call the library at 620-6418 for more information or to reserve a seat.

Free Morning ESL Classes
English as a Second Language progressing to GED Class every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This class is designed for all levels of English Language Learners – beginners through advanced and preparation for the GED exam. Administered through Central Alabama Community College, please call 256-378-2017 for more info.

Free Evening ESOL Classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Adult learners who seek to learn English are invited to these classes that are held every Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Pelham Public Library. Classes will be taught by a tutor trained and supported by the Literacy Council. For more information or to reserve a seat, please call The Literacy Council at 205-326-1925. Childcare is not provided.