One of our favourite times of year is displaying Halloween titles. We usually get the itch mid-August, our coworkers complain that it is "not the right time" (insert eye roll emoji), and we revisit the idea come early October, pretending that we were “just kidding” with the first attempt. But in addition to our seasonal print and audiovisual offerings, we also have appropriately themed programming such as children's crafternoons (every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.), Halloween S.T.E.A.M. (Oct. 22 at 4:30 p.m.), Trick-or-Treat for Twos and Threes (Oct. 31 at 10:30 p.m.), and several other specially spooky events - three of which we'll highlight here.
The first event on our itinerary helps to kick off Ontario Public Library Week (Oct. 20-26) on Oct. 19. This day coincides with the Thorold BIA's 3rd Annual Canine Costume Contest/Puppy Promenade, and it won't be the first time we've tried to impress a dog through shared interests. We're happy to announce that we will be awarding the Literary Lassie trophy for best book-related costume in this competition. And the entrants are dogs.
So when we say the decision was a hard one to make/they were all good, you’ll know we actually mean it this time. To complement said contest, we encourage book-related costume-wearers to swing by the Library for a chance to win fun prizes (that’s redundant) and participate in an all-day drop-in Halloween scavenger hunt for other, equally enjoyable prizes.
Starting Oct. 21 we’ll be accepting entries for our 4th Annual Literary Pumpkin Contest. Prizes include a handmade plastic canvas crafted haunted house, generously donated by a talented patron, and all entrants will receive a Halloween loot bag. You’re right, that is dangerously close to a participation ribbon. And yes, we are embarrassed. The entry deadline for this competition is Oct. 24 and public judging (all are welcome) is Oct. 25.
Painted and/or carved submissions are allowed and entrants must provide their own pumpkin. The fresher, the better, please. For some reason our coworkers are hung up on working in an environment without the smell of rot. They’re spoiled –we recognize that.
Now, the last event we’re going to tell you about is obviously a party. You know our wild lifestyle by now. On Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. we’ll be hosting a Goosebumps-themed Halloween bash for ages 6 and up. We’ll have games, food, and prizes. The whole nine. Our 10-year-old self is finally impressed by our adult self. But she’s also like, “I thought we’d be way taller. What’s the deal here?”
Goosebumps attendees do not need to be familiar with the series and are not required to dress up – but both enhance the overall experience. Registration is required for this event (can be done by phone or in person) and the cost is $2 (payable in advance or in the meeting room before the event – “at the door” seems too spatially restrictive).
For further info on this, or any of the programs listed here, please visit us in person, check out our website/social media, or give us a call at 905-227-2581.
