October Events For Kids, Teens At Middletown Public Library

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) has an exciting lineup of programs for children and teens this October. Registration is required for most programs and can be completed through the library calendar at mtpl.org.

From storytimes and creative crafts to festive fall fun and Halloween-themed activities, there’s something for every young reader and learner to enjoy. Here's what's planned:

The Brainy Bunch – Wednesdays at 4 p.m.: A new weekly STEM-based program for Grade K-5 combining education, experimentation and fun. Upcoming themes in October include “Air Surrounds Us, “Seasonal Sensory Soiree” and “Monster Mash.”

Gymboree for Walkers/Babies – Thursday, October 2 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.: Gymboree of Red Bank will offer gym classes for toddlers and babies.

LEGO Club for Tweens – Monday, October 6 at 6 p.m.: Tweens ages 9–12 will learn to build fun creations with rotating themed challenges, STEAM-focused activities and free build time.

Tween Game Night – Tuesday, October 7 at 7 p.m.: Bring a friend or make a friend while playing games like Trivia, Bingo, Pictionary, HeadsUp and more. For ages 9–12.

Teen Mario Kart Night – Wednesday, October 8 at 7 p.m.: Join an exciting evening of Mario Kart racing for ages 12-18 in the Teen Room.

Read to a Dog – Thursday, October 9 at 4pm and Monday, October 20 at 11am: Improve the literacy skills of children by reading ten minutes to a certified therapy dog. Four sessions available on each date. For independent readers in Grades K–5.

Virtual Talk with YA Fantasy Author Leigh Bardugo – Thursday, October 9 at 7pm: Join New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo for a virtual YA fantasy talk celebrating the re-release of "Six of Crows" (The Dregs Edition) and dive into the world of her beloved, morally complex characters.

Community Leader Storytime with a Firefighter – Saturday October 11 at 10 a.m.: Listen to exciting stories about firefighters and fire safety, learn what firefighters do, how they help the community, and meet a firefighter in uniform. For all ages.

Fall PopDown Card Craft – Monday, October 13 at 2pm: Graphic artists David & Susan Udovic create a unique PopDown® Card Craft for the fall season. For grades K–5.

SLP Musically with Miss Kat – Monday, October 13 at 4:30 pm: Join Miss Kat for a fun, free sing-along for children ages 4-9, including AAC users. Enjoy Laurie Berkner songs, camp favorites, and originals, all in a music-making session designed for kids of all abilities.

Critters and Jitters at Huber Woods Park – Tuesday, October 14 at 11am and Wednesday, October 15 at 4pm: Join us at Monmouth County Park System’s Huber Woods for a seasonal adventure! Children in PreK–2nd grade can enjoy a hayride, meet live animals up close, and make a fall-themed craft to remember the day.

Tween Book Club – Tuesday, October 14 at 4 pm: Tweens, ages 9–12, are invited to read and discuss "The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide," enjoy a themed activity, and connect with friends in a relaxed setting.

Teen Anime Club – Thursday, October 16 at 4 pm: Anime fans ages 10+ are invited to the Teen Room to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share favorite manga, draw beloved characters, watch anime, and enjoy all things fandom.

Saturday Family Storytime and Craft – Saturday, October 18 at 10 am: Saturday Family Storytime and Craft returns this fall! Children ages 3 and up can enjoy seasonal stories and choose from a variety of autumn-themed crafts.

Teen Halloween Cookie Decorating – Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30 pm: Teens, ages 12–18, can join Sweet Dani B Bakery to decorate five spooky cookies to take home in this seasonal hands-on program.

Sensory Family Storytime – Friday, October 24 at 10am: Children, ages 0–3, are invited to enjoy a story, songs, and interactive play, followed by hands-on fun at our sensory stations.

Halloween Storytime with Oak Hill Farms – Saturday, October 25 at 10am: Join Oak Hill Farms for a Community Leader Storytime to learn about farm life and enjoy Halloween-themed stories for all ages.

Mini Halloween Suncatchers Drop-in Craft – Saturday, October 25 at 1pm: Kids, ages 6 and up, can get into the Halloween spirit by painting their own miniature Halloween suncatcher in this festive craft program.

Tween Craft Night – Tuesday, October 28 at 6:45pm: Tweens ages 9–12 are invited to Craft Night to create a stenciled seasonal banner and paint a ceramic pumpkin in this hands-on, festive program.

Teen Art: Ghost in a Jar – Wednesday, October 29 at 7pm: Teens, ages 13–18, will make glow-in-the-dark, ghost-in-a-jar crafts at this fun, hands-on Halloween program.

Pokémon Trading Night – Thursday, October 30 at 6pm: Trade with fellow Pokémon fans, discuss Pokémon books and movies. Join us as we play the Pokémon trading card game. Bring your own deck. For grades K–4.

Allergy-Safe Halloween Parade – Friday, October 31 at 10am: A yearly tradition at MTPL, families are invited to wear Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the library for non food treats, open to all ages.

Visit mtpl.org to read more or to sign up for upcoming programs. Please contact Jenna O’Donnell atjodonnell@mtpl.org for additional information.