HalloWEEK is back at Ames Free Library, and this year we have a whole host of haunting programs for folks of all ages!
Before we get into the specifics of HalloWEEK itself, let's talk preparations! Looking to find a new home for your children's costumes of Halloweens past? In need of something new for this year? Look no further than our Halloween Costume Swap! Starting on Monday, September 28, you can bring your donations of clean, new/gently used costumes for infants, toddlers, and all youth sizes to the Children's Room. Then, check out our Little Free Costume Closet at Queset House starting on Monday, October 5.
*Halloween Baby Rave on Monday, October 26 at 11:00 AM
Kick off HalloWEEK at our second Baby Rave! At this mini monster mash, little ones (and their grownups) are invited to release their inner dance goblins and ghosties and booooogie to some baby and toddler dance hits, with some Halloween tracks mixed in. Enjoy bubbles, colorful lights, glow-in-the-dark toys, and more in a sensory-friendly environment specifically for babies and toddlers age 2 and younger.
*The Scoop Book Club on Monday, October 26 at 6:00 PM
What's the scoop? Find out at the first ever meeting of our monthly mystery book club for kids! Readers ages 9 through 12 can register to attend the most cryptic and delicious book club the library's ever seen... or hinted at! Each meeting will feature a book discussion and mystery ice cream flavor taste test! October's selection is The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly. Learn more and register here. Registration is required and space is limited.
Rubber Ducky Costume Contest: Voting Booth from Monday, October 26 - Saturday, October 31
All HalloWEEK long, decked-out ducks will be on display at Queset House as part of our first ever Rubber Ducky Costume Contest! Cast your vote at the self-serve "Voting Booth" at Queset House from 1:30 PM - 7:30 PM on Monday through Thursday or 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM on Friday & Saturday. Winners will be announced for the first time at our Pop-Up Pictures event on Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day), then posted on social media soon after. Follow us on Facebook! Want to enter a decorated ducky? Find out more here!
*Mantra Insect Shadow Boxes on Tuesday, October 27 at 6:00 PM
Kids ages 8 - 12 are invited to register to join Pop Up Art School and learn about the muralist Mantra, who paints giant trompe l'oeil insect shadow boxes on the sides of buildings around the world. Then use images of butterflies, moths, and beetles as reference to draw and paint your own realistic or imaginative insects and mount it in a paper shadow box.
*Edible Bugs! on Wednesday, October 28 at 4:30 PM
Put on your listening antennae and enjoy a short presentation where you'll learn about the benefits of eating insects and why we shy away from a diet of creepy-crawlies in the United States. Afterwards, open your mouth up wide and stick a roasted cricket inside... if you dare! This program is for children ages 7 and older and their grown-ups. Registration (for each person in attendance) is required and space is limited.
*Teen Felted Carnivorous Plant on Thursday, October 29 at 3:30 PM
Teens ages 13 - 18 are invited to register to join Pop Up Art School for a workshop where you will use colorful wool and a special barbed needle to sculpt a fun green carnivorous plant complete with fangs and a bright red tongue - all rooted in a real terra-cotta pot.
Teen Movie Night: Little Shop of Horrors on Thursday, October 29 at 5:30 PM
Whether you register to felt a carnivorous plant or not, we invite teens ages 13 - 18 to drop in and join us for snacks and a screening of the cult classic movie musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors (1986; PG-13: 88 minutes), in which a quiet, shy flower-shop employee finds an extraordinary plant with unusual appetites.
Drop-In Trick-or-Treat on Friday, October 30 ALL DAY
Halloween revelers may stop by the library and Queset House anytime during open hours for a quick visit and a sweet or spooky treat. Costumed kids and teens may visit all of our service desks to trick-or-treat. Costumed adults are welcome to participate at the Circulation Desk and Queset House.
Twisted Tales and Gothic Odes with Sean Theall on Saturday, October 31 at 2:00 PM
Poet Sean Theall brings Twisted Tales and Gothic Odes to Queset House for a haunting afternoon of read alouds. These selections will feature Halloween versions of nursery rhymes and fairy tales, along with his traditional spooky selections. Costumes are encouraged to set the spooky mood! This event is best for adults and older teens.