October is my favorite month of the whole year.
I wait all year for the weather to turn just a little cooler and for the leaves to change. Even the sunlight puts a show on for October, casting that perfect fall glow.
It also helps that I love Halloween. Truth be told, my daughter and I have been sneaking out the odd Halloween decoration here and there for the past month. As a child, I loved the anticipation of going to the fabric store with my mom to pick out a pattern for my Halloween costume. As an adult, I enjoy accompanying my daughter around the neighborhood, checking out the decorations and hearing the shrieks of delight from the kids.
Of course, I also love planning lots of fall fun as part of my work in the Greenwood Public Library’s makerspace, The Studio! I have already pulled out a special spooky Studio sign to welcome patrons. Starting next week, I will be sharing a fun Halloween decoration as a make-and-take project, a paper cup ghost. It can be amended to be as scary or as sweet as you want, depending on your Halloween preferences. I have been told my brand of Halloween may be too cute, but I do not think there is such a thing. Some of my favorite decorations are fabric ghosts my mom and I made when I was 4, and every single one has a smiley face.
Also next week, we will have a special drop-in craft. Patrons can come in any time the library is open and make a witch out of construction paper. The twist is that her hair doubles as a paper chain to count down the days until trick-or-treating! This all-ages craft is perfect for those who, like me, are eagerly anticipating Halloween. Be prepared though — if you happen to be here while I am working, I will probably ask about your costume plans.
The Studio is not the only place at GPL that is ready to get in the fall festive spirit. We are hosting a lot of other programs as well. Tomorrow, we will be hosting storyteller Celestine Bloomfield for an outdoor (weather permitting) all-ages storytime full of spooky stories! This will be the perfect, atmospheric start to the month.
For something a little creepier, and just for adults, we will be hosting Tales from the Crypt: Body Snatching today. Executive Director of the Indiana Medical Museum Sarah Halter will be sharing all about Indiana’s history with body snatching.
When the witch’s hair is very short and Halloween is almost here, the library will be hosting Nicole and Michael Kobrowski of Unseenpress.com, Inc. to talk about their favorite paranormal investigations in Indiana. This event is those ages 11 and up on Oct. 27, and will discuss more about what paranormal investigations are like, and how folklore influences paranormal investigations.
Don’t worry though, the fall fun will not end with Halloween. We will be offering felt leaves to embroider at The Studio from Oct. 25 through Nov. 6 (or while supplies last). Then you will see me at The Studio, still decorating with fall leaves and looking forward to the next delicious holiday, Thanksgiving.
For a full list of all the wonderful fall activities at the library (there are even more than I’ve mentioned), visit our program calendar at: www.greenwoodlibrary.us/calendar.
