Westerly Sun Column | Fun Stuff for Filling the Sweet Spot of Fall

Early fall is one of my favorite times of year. It’s the sweet spot between the hustle and bustle of summer vacation and the chaos of the holiday season. For myself, at least, there are fewer things I feel obligated to do, but more than enough fun activities in town to keep me and my family pleasantly busy. While you’re planning your own weeks ahead, check out some of the fantastic events we have going on at the library!

For those who have been eagerly anticipating our Fall Friends Book Sale, the wait is almost over! The sale, which is held on the third floor of the library, will be open to the public from Thursday, October 19 through Saturday, October 28. Members of the Friends of the Library get early access on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 3-7:30 p.m. Not a member? You can become one for as little as $15 a person, or $25 for a family. The book sale is a great opportunity to get some early holiday shopping done; from popular fiction, to cookbooks, to DVDs and books on CD, there is something for everyone.

This week, we have a couple of exciting documentary film screenings taking place. The second of our three-part series with Green Planet Films will be Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 5:30 p.m., featuring “TRACKING NOTES: The Secret World of Mountain Lions” which brings together decades worth of trail-camera footage and research to bring the lives of these fascinating animals into greater focus. On Saturday the 21st, the Dante Society of Westerly will show “Prisoners in Paradise,” an award-winning documentary about Italian POWs held in America during World War II. John Ghersi will introduce the film, and a discussion will take place afterwards.

I’m thrilled to say that our second annual Fall Fest and Pumpkin Stroll is scheduled for Oct. 28 from 4-6 p.m., and this year we have even more activities, fun, and treats for all ages. Dress up in your Halloween gear (or not!) and enjoy cider and donuts while checking out the pumpkins decorated by members of the public. After voting for your favorites, enjoy games in the park, make your way through our mini maze, and take advantage of photo ops while you wait for the winners to be announced. If you’re interested in submitting a pumpkin, we’ll have a limited amount available (for free!) on Saturday, Oct. 21, OR you can sign up to provide your own. Later that evening, the United Theatre will be showing “Hocus Pocus” on the big screen in Wilcox Park, so bring a blanket and some chairs and make an evening out of it!

If you’re an ADULT fan of “Hocus Pocus,” don’t miss our fall fundraiser on Oct. 27 from 6:15-8 p.m.: The Sanderson Sisters Spellbinding Spooktacular! Don your witchiest wardrobe and enjoy cocktails, light bites, and an original, musical comedy performance by Simply Enchanted. Admission is $45 per person, and refreshments are included in the ticket price.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian