The holiday season is now upon us, with a frenzy of holidays and activities that tend to continue through the end of the year. The library is getting festive next week for Halloween, and you are encouraged to stop by and join in the celebration! Decorations on the theme of “Alice in Wonderland” have been stealthily appearing throughout the month in the main portion of the library. Can you find the fluttering bread-and-butterflies, or at least one magical floating tea set? Search for several scattered flower gardens with talking flowers, and be sure to keep an eye out for the grinning Cheshire Cat lurking in a tree. You can even help paint the roses red or walk beneath a spiral of red fabric and extra-large playing cards.

Teens can come by the library today (Friday, Oct. 26) to participate in a Tim Burton movie marathon. The four movies will start at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the afternoon. Kids can enjoy learning about chemistry and math at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 29 at “Innovation Station,” which will be Halloween-themed. On Tuesday, October 30, children and parents are invited to two very special storytimes: 10:30 a.m. is a “Trick-or-Treat” storytime that will allow kids to explore throughout the library and visit different stations. At 6:30 p.m. the theme will be “Monster Mash,” and will feature fun dances, songs, and books. Children and parents are all invited to dress up in costumes. On Halloween day (Wednesday, October 31), people of all ages are invited to a come-and-go trick-or-treat at the library. Stop by any time throughout the day to show us your costume and grab some candy. Many of us will be in costume, too!

In honor of the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the Teen Spot will be showing a festive movie and decorating cookies, beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 1. Visitors will have a chance to learn more about the tradition or share their own customs. Finally, at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 2, the cultural dance group “El Sol Folk Dance” from the high school will present a program to library visitors of all ages. Even though it isn’t a seasonal event, the dancers will be in costume, wearing traditional Spanish garb. 

There are even more exciting events happening for adults, teens, and children next week: see the schedule below for a full listing. For more detailed information on any library events, programs, or resources, check out our website (www.greatbendpl.info), send us an email (gbcirc@greatbendpl.info), or call the circ desk (620-792-2409). You can also “like” and follow GBPL on Facebook. There you will find posters and flyers for upcoming events, plus photos and videos from library activities and an archive of previous “Book Nook” articles.

Michael Adamyk is the Marketing and Technical Services Manager at the Great Bend Public Library. He can be reached by email at gbcirc@gmail.com.