Westerly Sun Column | Making the Most of October at the Library

Summer will always be my favorite season, largely because I absolutely despise the cold, but fall is a close second. October, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. I’m a huge fan of autumnal hues and the sound of leaves crunching under my feet, of leggings and oversized sweaters, of apple orchards and hayrides, and – of course – of curling up under a blanket with a book and a Pumpkin Spiced Latte. A bit “Basic”, sure, but I embrace it! Even if these things are not your jam, there is plenty to enjoy this month...particularly, if you make your way to the library.

For many, the month of October is an opportunity to embrace all things spooky. If this sounds like you, make sure you mark your calendar for Monday, October 28th at 6:00 p.m., when the Eastern Connecticut Paranormal Society will join us to present "The Truth Behind Investigating the Unknown". The ECPS is a local group of paranormal investigators that come together to examine claims of paranormal activity, and, in this program, they will discuss their process and the reality of these investigations. Later in the evening, our Teen patrons are invited to join us for an after-hours investigation through the library, using our ghost hunting kits! There are many stories of hauntings and strange experiences in this 1894 building…will you find anything to back them up?

In addition to the spooky programs, we have plenty of books that will appeal to horror fanatics.  Come up to the 2nd floor of the library and check out our non-fiction collection, full of true-crime, real-life ghost stories, and more. Our “Murder and Mayhem” display includes some frightfully fascinating books, like “The Case of the Murderous Dr. Cream” by Dean Jobb, about a lesser-known “Jack-the-Ripper-esque Victorian Era serial killer. If true stories are a little too close-to-home for you, we have a huge collection of fictional horror stories that will send chills down your spine!

If you tend more towards crafts or costumes than ghosts and goblins, we’ve got you covered there, too! On October 26th from 4-6 p.m., we’re holding our 3rd Annual Fall Fest and Pumpkin Stroll, where all ages are invited to don their costumes and enjoy some (non-frightening) Halloween fun. Show off your artistic side by decorating a pumpkin for our Pumpkin Stroll, or, if you prefer a less hands-on role, you can enjoy cider and donuts while checking out the submissions and voting on your favorites. You can also throw your own Halloween-themed party at home, with the help of “Better Homes and Gardens Halloween Pumpkins & Parties” which includes decorating ideas, themed snacks, and homemade costumes that the whole family can take part in. For another simple and family-friendly craft, check out our YouTube Channel, where you recently posted a tutorial video for our monthly craft: Cheesecloth Ghosts. There are less than 2 weeks remaining in October, so take advantage of all the library has to offer before it is over and we move on to winter festivities!

By Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian