If the spooky season spirit moves you long before Halloween, Wake County Public Libraries has got you covered. From frighteningly fun to eerily educational, free programs and events for all ages are brewing throughout the month of October.
“Halloween is a wonderful time to let our imaginations run wild, and our local libraries are the perfect place to do just that,” said Tammy Baggett, director, Wake County Public Libraries. “I encourage residents to find an event at a library near them and join in the Halloween fun. There’s truly something for everyone.”
A full list of Halloween happenings can be found here. All programs are free, but some require registration, so reserve your spot before it vanishes. Featured events include:
Cryptids and Curiosities (a four-part virtual series for adults)
Tarheel Terrors with Liz Z. Pardue
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Southern storyteller and author Liz Z. Pardue takes you on a one-hour journey through North Carolina's spookiest lore.
The History of Mermaids
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join Christine Brin of the North Carolina Maritime Museum as she explores the legends of these mysterious sea-dwellers, compares mermaid traditions from around the globe and traces how these enduring myths have evolved through history.
Alien Abduction: The Barney and Betty Hill Story
Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
In 1961, newlyweds Betty and Barney Hill were driving through New Hampshire when they encountered a UFO, lost two hours of time and later recalled a chilling experience under hypnosis. Examine the evidence, the mystery and the fascination surrounding this case with presenter Barry Pirro.
In Search of Bigfoot with Rick Reles
Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join North Carolina-based Bigfoot researcher Rick Reles to dive into the evidence, eyewitness accounts and field investigation techniques behind ongoing Bigfoot research. He will share insights from his work with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and recount his own personal experiences in the field.
Haunted Carolina: The Spookiest Places in North Carolina
Multiple dates and locations
Drawing on extensive research, firsthand experiences and stories from both public sites and private homes, paranormal investigator, podcaster and author Nicolle Morock explores some of North Carolina's lesser-known haunted locations. Adventure beyond the usual “top haunted” lists to memorable places and encounters that leave a lasting impression on investigators and witnesses alike. These programs are designed for adults.
Halloween Hoots
Monday, Oct. 26–Saturday, Oct. 31 at multiple locations
These interactive storytimes for young children include books, music, rhymes and movement to nurture pre-reading skills. Costumes are optional. Storytime will wrap up with trick-or-treating and a costume parade.
Teen: Bleeding Art!
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Eva Perry Regional Library
Sixth to 12th-graders are invited to create a print for the Halloween season!
K-5th Adventures: Bats!
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 4:30–5:15 p.m.
Oberlin Regional Library
Swooping and flying fun is landing at the library. Come learn about bats and their nocturnal hobbies. Make a flapping bat craft to take home.
Teens: Haunted Mushroom Terrariums
Thursday, Oct. 22 | 6–7 p.m.
North Regional Library
Design a mini-haunted terrarium with mushrooms, spooky creatures and more. Registration is not required, but it is recommended to reserve supplies.
School Age Craft It: Vampire Slime!
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 3–4 p.m.
Duraleigh Road Community Library
Watch out – this sandwich is hungry! Kids and their families can make vampire jam slime in a jar.
Booklists
Librarians have also scared up some spine-tingling booklists to keep the chills going all month long:
- Spooky Reads for Adults (e-books and e-audio)
- Things that Go Bump in the Night for Adults (print books)
- Horrifying Reads for Teens (e-books and e-audio)
- Spooky Boo-ks for Kids (e-books and e-audio)
Learn more about Wake County Public Libraries at wake.gov/libraries.
