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Get Creepy, Kooky, Mysterious, and Spooky With Your Library
About Blog Post
Oct 6, 2021
by Pressroom
“They're creepy and they're kooky; Mysterious and spooky; They're altogether ooky,” the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ). This October, SCLSNJ is hosting a celebration of all things chills and thrills through a series of Halloween-themed virtual and in-branch programs for Library customers of all ages.
“For Halloween lovers, it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” said Diane Valentine, youth services supervisor. “Crunchy leaves, crisp autumn air, apple cider, jack-o-lanterns, and of course, things that go bump in the night. Whether you’re looking for a monster-themed storytime, a costume show-and-tell, or want to jump right in to making DIY zombie supplies— there’s a range of programs along the spooky scale for everyone. Join us ... if you dare!”
Trick or treat yourself to Halloween programs for youth and families
Starting October 1, SCLSNJ will offer a combination of virtual and in-branch programs for children, families, tweens, and teens. Families will have the opportunity to connect during virtual, interactive spooky and science shows; tweens and teens can explore their creative sides during monster-themed origami crafts at the Somerville branch; and children can participate in fun, Halloween-themed math activities at the Hillsborough branch.
"October is a time to connect, explore, share, and discover all things creepy, crawly, and spooky,” said Jodie Wilson, youth services librarian. “Treat yourselves to a mix of storytimes, STEAM programs, and an all-around howling good time. SCLSNJ has something to offer everyone of all ages and all fright levels."
Explore kooky and creepy programs:
In-branch programs
Creative Crafts (grades 4-12) at the Somerville branch, located at 35 West End Avenue in Somerville; Origami Bat: October 7, 4-4:45 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5261373; and Origami Skull: October 21, 4-4:45 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5261393.
Math Matters (ages 3-6 years and caregivers) at the Hillsborough branch, located at 379 South Branch Road in Hillsborough; October 13, 10:30-11 a.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5284197.
Game Design Workshop - Playing With Fear (grades 6-12) at the Manville branch, located at 100 South 10th Avenue in Manville; October 22, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5288980.
Virtual programs
Spooky Science Show (all ages); October 7, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4968880.
Crafting Fun - Cute Paper Owl (grades 2-5); October 12 3-3:30 p.m. Register: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5059165.
Murder Mystery Story Progression (grades 6-12); October 12, 5-6 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5144009.
Spooky Halloween Show (all ages); October 16, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4968661.
Extra Easy Pumpkin Cookies (grades 3-5 and caregivers); October 22, 4:30-5 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5171715.
Ahhhh! It’s Shriek Week
New for 2021, the Library System will introduce Shriek Week, a virtual week-long commemoration of Halloween happenings for children, tweens, teens, and families from October 25-30. The thematic week of programming will highlight educational, artistic, and entertaining programs that Library customers can explore from home.
“While 2020-2021 has been a trying time for many, we have collectively managed to find some silver linings in the cloudy skies,” said Jen Fitzgerald, youth services supervisor. “One of those silver linings for SCLSNJ has been our virtual programming. We have had the opportunity to collaborate across our 10 different branches and 12 municipalities to provide a wide slate of programming for the children and families in our community, while reaching a broader audience.”
Fitzgerald continued, “This is a perfect time of year for virtual programming as I’m sure we can all recall Halloweens where our terrific costumes were ruined by being bundled up in coats or where we were sweltering in our warmly layered costumes due to a surprisingly hot October. In the virtual setting, children and families can be comfortable from their own homes while participating in fun activities with everyday learning opportunities sprinkled in, instead of just another event to pick up additional piles of candy that sit around until the spring.”
Get your shriek on with virtual programs:
Bat Rockets (grades K-4): October 25, 4-4:45 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5081002.
Pick-a-Path - Escape From the Haunted House (families with children): October 25, 5-6 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5137032.
Reading Is a Scream (grades 6-12): October 25, 5-6 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5175348.
Monster Mash Storytime (ages 2-5): October 26, 1-1:30 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4985454.
STEAM Is a Scream (grades K-5): October 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5144775.
Puppet Time - Not-So-Spooky Stories (ages 2-5): October 27, 10-10:30 a.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5140362.
Two Sentence Scary Stories (grades 6-12): October 27, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4992095.
Grocery Store Zombies (grades 6-12): October 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5144819.
LEGO® Club (grades K-5): October 28, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4992098.
Graham Cracker Haunted House (families with children): October 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5110390.
Costume Show and Share Storytime (families with children): October 29, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5134456.
Halloween Trivia and Treat Bags (grades 2-5): October 29, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5158043.
Sensory STEAM Goblin Goo (families with children): October 30, 10:30-11 a.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5137082.
Discover the horror and history of Halloween
Of course, children, tweens, and teens don’t get to have all the Halloween horror fun. Adults will have the opportunity to listen to local author F. Alexander Shipley share the true story of a murder that occured in Rahway in 1887; virtually explore eerie sights like the Princeton Cemetery; discover the history of Alfred Hitchcock films; and more.
"Halloween is a time for coming together to share stories that stoke our collective imaginations,” said Darryl Voorhees, manager of adult services, programming and collaborations, public services. “The upcoming series of adult programs at SCLSNJ accomplishes this in a variety of ways. Explore the eerie aspects of literature, film, science, and notorious historical events by attending our Halloween-themed programs."
Take a walk on the spooky side with virtual programs for adults:
Meet the Author - F. Alexander Shipley, The True Story of a Murder in 1887, in Rahway, New Jersey: October 7, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4952374.
Princeton Cemetery - Presented by Historical Society of Princeton: October 14, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4952375.
When There Were Witches - An Exploration of the Salem Witch Trials: October 19, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5030562.
Wild Bones of New Jersey- Remnants of Their Former Selves, Bones Often Tell a Story: October 25, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4932356.
Mark Twain and the Supernatural - Presented by Jason Scappaticci: October 26, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5059465.
Thirteen Reasons Why It’s Fun to Watch Hitchcock Films - Even Though They Are Scary: October 27, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4950640.
The Poisoned Glass - A Famous, Forgotten Murder: October 28, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/5038929.