I don’t know about you, but the weather change has gotten me really excited for Halloween! Last week, my kids and I put out our decorations, including some homemade ghosts from a past Library program. Fall is a fantastic time to get creative, and the Aurora Public Library District has plenty of spooktacular crafts and activities for your little goblins.
First up will be the chance to make a Halloween Zen Garden Sunday, Oct. 18. Desktop Zen gardens (shallow boxes filled with sand, decorations, and a comb) have become a popular way to relax. The Halloween spin means your ‘garden’ can be decorated with mini ghosts, pumpkins, and tombstones!
Next Wednesday, Oct. 28, children can try model making at Build Their Own Halloween Castle. “Halloween is such an imaginative time of year, and providing a space where the community can create together—and show off their final spooky designs—is incredibly rewarding,” said Library assistant Ratna.
Lastly for crafts, we will have Halloween Tea Lights and Treats Thursday, Oct. 29. Attendees can decorate a ping pong ball as a jack-o-lantern, ghost, or other creature, then attach it to a battery-powered tea light for an adorable decoration. “I’m especially excited about the treats at the Tea Lights & Treats program,” said Library assistant Sarah. “We’re going to set up a popcorn bar, so they can add mix-ins to their popcorn like candy corn, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and more.” This lineup is sure to keep your little trick-or-treater happy and excited for Halloween!
If crafts aren’t your child’s thing, there are other ways to join the fun. Older children can build a mini pumpkin tower and launch a pumpkin catapult at the Pumpkin Stem Challenge Wednesday, Oct. 21. “It’s a chance for kids to put their engineering skills to the test, build messy structures, and see if their designs can survive the ultimate pumpkin trials,” added Ratna.
For little ones, our Halloween Hoopla is back Tuesday, Oct. 27 for a frightfully fun time! Customers are encouraged to wear their costumes for this boo-tastic dance party featuring beloved characters. Both programs require a ticket, available for free at the Children’s Desk 30 minutes before the event.
To top it all off, we have a new reading challenge to announce! Our Fall Into Reading program for ages zero to 11 will run until October 31. Children are challenged to read five times for 15 minutes to earn a prize. It’s perfect for all readers, but especially those who are less into Halloween haunts and more into curling up with a cozy book. Families can pick up the coloring sheet log at any library location including the Bookmobile.
We hope these Halloween and fall-themed activities get you excited for the season (if you aren’t already)! For more information about any of these programs, please visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events or give us a call at 630-264-4117. Happy Halloween!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.