Alexandria Library's Blog: Halloween At The Library!

Press release from Alexandria Library's Blog:

2021-10-13

Over 30 years ago, I wore a homemade Easter Bunny costume for a Halloween party at my local library. While my mom was trying to be creative, the result was…slightly horrifying.

The following year, she repurposed the outfit by adding a mane and a horn and I got to prance around the library as a pink unicorn, noticeably happier and noticeably cuter.

In that way, this year is noticeably better than 2020. While last Halloween was limited, this year we have many virtual Halloween programs and even a few in-person events.   

It’s never too early to foster a love for Halloween in your children. So in that vein, the first event I’d like to highlight is Miss Lisa’s ongoing YouTube series Baby and Toddler Time with a Halloween-themed video available on Wednesday October 27th. Since these videos are available on YouTube, they are accessible on your baby’s schedule. For ages 2 and up, join Miss Lisa for two Halloween-themed story times on October 26th and October 28th.

The event most similar to my childhood memories is Miss Christian’s Halloween Story Time. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes for this in-person event taking place at Beatley’s Reading Garden (Tuesday October 26th). Another in-person event but for older children is Magizoology: The Study of Magical Creatures!, available on Monday, October 25th for ages 6-9 and Saturday, October 30th for ages 10-12. At this event, you will learn about the animals from which the magical creatures were based on in Harry Potter! A magical craft will follow the presentation.

Homemade decorations and crafts are one of my favorite holiday activities. Younger children ages 3-5 can also enjoy a fun craft by virtually attending Preschool Storytime and Craft – Fizzy Pumpkins on October 28th. At the Barrett branch, potion making craft kits will be available for pick up. Witches and mad scientists can use a glass apothecary bottle to make a glow-in-the-dark potion!

As I got older and my love for Halloween expanded beyond costumes and candy to spooky stories, I read Goosebumps and Fear Street by R. L. Stine. Tweens today can enjoy reading The Dark Lord Clementine and then discuss together virtually at the Scribble Book Club!

Let’s not forget that Halloween isn’t just for children! Now as a well-read, horror-nerd adult, I love all horror, but my favorite subgenres are cosmic/Lovecraftian, gothic, and found-footage. One or a combination of those elements can be found in my adult fiction horror recommendations: Locke & Key, House of Leaves, Annihilation, Memento Mori, The Twenty Days of Turin, Last Days, A Head Full of Ghosts, and Revival. My top three horror movie recommendations (not for the faint of heart) are Us, Kill List, and Midsommar.

A lot has changed since my bunny/unicorn days (please note the picture of me standing by a physical card catalog), but what hasn’t changed is that libraries are still a great place to create long-lasting memories. Whether it’s virtual or in-person events, crafts, or Halloween books and DVDs, we look forward to celebrating spooky season with you! Happy Halloween!

Author: Talitha C.

Branch: Beatley Central

This press release was produced by Alexandria Library's Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.