Amnesty Day is this year’s Halloween treat at the Great Bend Public Library. The library will waive the fines for overdue books and other items returned on Oct. 31, according to Jennifer King, marketing director and Young Adult librarian. No questions asked.
“The rules are simple,” King said. Items must be returned at the Welcome Desk during library hours, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. “Damaged items, as well as items left in the drop box outside, are ineligible.”
Circulation Supervisor Diane Bott noted that Amnesty Day helps make GBPL a better library for everyone.
“Every year libraries lose books,” Bott said. “Over time this begins to affect other members of the community. When someone comes into the library looking for a particular item, it can be quite disappointing when it is no longer available to them. This is why Amnesty Day is an important step in recovering our lost materials.”

Halloween fun
The library also has several activities planned this month, including Halloween-related events.
This Saturday, children who need a Halloween costume can come to the library from 3-5 p.m. to choose something from the costume exchange. Great Bend’s Kiwanis Club sponsored this costume drive. The library will continue to serve as a drop-off for Halloween through Nov. 9, so that items can be saved for next year. The collection box is inside the library, so items must be dropped off during regular hours.
The library will also serve cookies and kids can do some Halloween coloring from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday.
The Children’s Department will have its annual Halloween party at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. “Bring out the whole family for a night of stories, games and snacks,” King said. “As always, everyone is encouraged to wear costumes.”

Book sale
Meanwhile, the Friends of the Library group is planning for its annual Library Book Sale, Sunday through Tuesday in the basement meeting room. Prices are set at $1 for hardback books and 50 cents for paperbacks. There will be an “early bird” sale from 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Friends of the Library membership is required for the early sale. Memberships cost $10 per person or $20 per family and available at the Welcome Desk.

Movies and more
Upcoming events at the library include:
• Teen Movie Mondays, 4 p.m. Oct. 21 and 28.
• Computer class: Microsoft Excel 2010, 6 p.m. Oct. 22.
• Computer class: Pathfinder - GBPL’s Online Catalog, 3 p.m. Oct. 23.
• Teen Game Day, Oct. 29 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. From board games to video games there is plenty to choose from.
• Computer class: Online Safety, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. Pre-registration required and can be done at the library or online.
• After-School Movie, Nov. 1 at 3:30 p.m.
• Adults’ Night Out Movie: Much Ado About Nothing,” Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.
All events are free. Movies include free popcorn. For more information or to register for computer classes visit the library’s website at greatbendpl.info or call 792-2409.