It’s getting festive at Sedona Public Library with programs and crafts for everyone. Next Thursday, October 31, is Halloween. A time to dress up, gorge on candy – I’m a big fan of all things Reese’s Pieces (hint hint) – and celebrate all things spooky. ‘Tis the season after all. A ton of fun is headed your way for Halloween with story times, storytelling, cupcakes, painting, songs, and we promise, nothing too scary! But everything will be free, including laughter and smiles!
If you haven’t stopped in to see our “Trick or Treaters” display outside the Children’s Room, and on the back wall at the Village Library, you should. At the main library the displays include an assortment of Annalee dolls: cute characters—from mice to ghosts to witches—all dressed to the nines for Halloween. And at both libraries, this year we’ve added a dozen Department 56 collectible haunted buildings, thanks to a donation from JoAnne Hawkins. JoAnne loved the Library and all things Halloween, and she’d be honored to see her collection on display. Department 56 creations are handcrafted ceramic or porcelain, and the detail is amazing. Get up close and you’ll be amazed!
Outside Youth Services at the main library, you’ll see the Library’s annual pumpkin patch: a window stock full of hand-decorated paper pumpkins, and you can add your own, too! At the Village Library, kids can decorate paper apples and hang them on the tree in the children’s area. The craft tables are ready for your creativity with paper, glue, and scissors so you can show off your artsy jack ‘o lantern or apple talents. For older kids, there is a selection of temporary tattoos so teens can ‘dress up’ and make their own not-so spooky skeleton. Crafts are available while supplies last.
Today, Friday, at 3 p.m., teens and tweens can streeeetch their creativity with yoga, and then with slime! Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Teen Yoga & Craft will be in the Community Room with Kimberly from Prana of Sedona (Yoga).
With Halloween approaching, there’s no better time to talk about magic. The first ever Magical Author Panel happens in the Community Room, Saturday, October 26, 2 p.m. You’ll be enchanted with this unique panel of authors as they guide you through the realms of all things magical! An experience perfect for writers, readers, or just those interested in magic – it’s sure to be a spell-binding good time! The authors will discuss how they make their choices for using magic in their writing including the question of when to ask the reader to suspend their disbelief. There will be a Q&A and a booksale afterward. Find your next read just in time for Halloween!
The enchantment will continue with Ms. Marcia’s annual Halloween parade. When the little ones, and adults, too, walk and sing their way through the Library showing off their costumes, smiles abound. It’s a holiday favorite, and although we might not recognize you, we can’t wait to see you on Monday, October 28 at 10 a.m. Ms. Marcia leads the way for the weekly Toddler Play N’ Learn and she promises a sweet, not-scary story and playtime. Costumes are encouraged!
Do animals like spooky stories? You bet! On October 30 you can read a spooky story to our four-legged, furry friends at 2 p.m. for Paws to Read in Youth Services. Beware, you might be tempted to join the dogs and start howling at the moon.
And what is Halloween at the Library without cupcakes? Lots of creative cupcakes will be yours on October 30 in the Community Room at 2:45 p.m. Everything you need will be available to decorate seasonal, or spooky, cupcakes with Miss Cindy. This is a special event for “boos and ghouls,” ages 8-17. If you have food allergies, check with your parents or guardians first, please!
Then on October 30 at 6 p.m. you can unleash your inner artist at Free Flow Paint Night in the Community Room. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or someone who has never picked up a brush before, all are welcome. Grab a smock, and let your imagination run wild. All ages are welcome but remember to register. And, yes, supplies are provided.
The fun continues on October 30. I’m sure you’ll agree there’s nothing better than sitting around a fire on a cool October evening listening to and telling stories after sunset. At this month’s Storytelling Court with Claire Obermarck on the Commons, from 6 to 7 p.m., you’ll follow a spooky theme—which ghosts or goblins will guide your telling? This will be an opportunity to let your spooky lean into scary, so come prepared. See you at the Friends Fire Circle.
Finally, on the big day, Thursday, October 31, get ready for costume parade number two! Things will be melodic in Youth Services at 10:30 a.m. with Ms. Gioia’s Halloween Music Time. Come in costume and delight onlookers as you take a musical stroll through the Library.
Amidst all the Halloween shenanigans going on, this time of the year is also for remembering loved ones who have passed. The Día de los Muertos altar and memory board at the Library welcome your contributions to pay tribute to your loved ones. Celebrate family and friends with words or pictures in a beautiful and meaningful way.
Sedona Public Library is a non-spooky, independently run, 501(c)(3), privately owned, debt-free, non-profit organization providing public services. Support comes from the City of Sedona; your property tax dollars from Coconino and Yavapai Counties; and businesses, foundations, and individuals like you, as well as the amazing Friends of the Sedona Library who have supported the Library for more than 55 years. Please visit us at sedonalibrary.org/donate to make a gift today. Thanks, and Happy Haunting!
As published by Red Rock News
Library News Column for October 25, 2024, by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Scheduling Coordinator, big fan of Reese’s Pieces
