October is here, and that means it’s time for costumes, pumpkins and a little bit of spooky fun! This year, we’re brewing up a cauldron of Halloween events for all ages. Whether you’re looking for hands-on craft sessions or an evening of eerie entertainment, we have something for everyone. Join us for a celebration that’s equal parts festive, creative and community-spirited.
For Adults:
Needle Felted Ghost
Tuesday, October 7, 6 p.m.
Join Natasha Lehrer Lewis of Esther’s Place to create an adorable ghost while learning the art of needle felting in this spooktacular hands-on session.
Air Dry Clay Ghost
Wednesday, October 15, 6:30 p.m.
Not all things that go bump in the night are spooky! Make a little clay ghost, so you won’t have to face the scares of Halloween night alone. Register beginning September 24.
Horror Scoring
Wednesday, October 15, 7 p.m.
Sound is essential for building tension. Learn how to build a scary soundscape with GarageBand’s film-scoring tools. Register beginning September 24.
Great Reads Book Club
Wednesday, October 22, 7–8 p.m.
Join us on the fourth Wednesday of every month as we discuss the latest book chosen by the group. This month, we’re reading Dracula by Bram Stoker. Drop in; no registration required.
Five Nights of Halloween:
Take-It Make-It Kits: Ribbon and Sequin Wand
Sunday, October 26
Get ready to cast a spell with an enchanting wand craft. Crafts are available for pickup at the 3rd Floor Service Desk, while supplies last. One craft per adult. You must be present to receive the kit.
Morbid History (Zoom)
Monday, October 27, 7 p.m.
From grand corpse larceny in medieval Venice to the iron coffins popping up in Lincoln Park, this lighthearted presentation takes you around the world with spine-tingling true tales you never learned in history class. Register now.
Horror Movies in Chicago (Zoom)
Tuesday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Film historian Kelli Marshall will guide you through the eerie world of horror movies in Chicago with a special focus on two iconic films: The Fury (1978) and Child’s Play (1988). You’ll also take a brief look at other Chicago-based horror flicks like Flatliners (1990), Candyman (1992 & 2021) and Contagion (2011) to complete your spooky journey. Register beginning October 7.
Macramé Bat Craft
Wednesday, October 29, 7 p.m.
Stylishly enhance your home for Halloween! Use knotting techniques to create an eye-catching hanging macramé bat. A selection of Halloween-themed books will be available for browsing and checking out. Beginners welcome. Register beginning October 7.
Pom-Pom Pumpkin Coasters
Thursday, October 30, 6:30–8 p.m.
Make pom-pom jack-o’-lantern coasters to both protect your table from the ghost of a sweating glass and add flair to your Halloween décor. This craft will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Please arrive no later than 7:30 p.m. Drop in; no registration required. Teens welcome.
New! Horror Fiction Collection
Get into the Halloween spirit with our brand-new Horror Fiction collection on the 3rd floor! More than 600 spine-tingling titles are ready to haunt your TBR… if you dare to browse. Stop by today and find your next fright!
For Teens (Grades 6–12):
Pet Ghost in a Jar
Thursday, October 2, 4–5 p.m.
Craft your own creepy-cute companion! Sculpt a tiny ghost out of clay and seal it in a decorated jar—complete with spooky details. Drop in; no registration required.
Zom-Barbies
Tuesday, October 21, 6 p.m.
Grades 4–8
Give your dolls a creepy-cool makeover! Transform ordinary Barbies into spooky zombies using paint and a little undead creativity. Register beginning September 30.
Teen Paint Party: Ghostly Treats
Saturday, October 25, 2 p.m.
Want to try your hand at painting a beautiful work of art? Join us for an afternoon of fun and creativity as we paint a themed art piece. All experience levels are welcome. Register beginning October 5.
Haunted Hands
Monday, October 27, 4–5 p.m.
Drop in and draw your own haunting masterpiece! We’ll use soft pastels to create colorful skeleton art. Drop in; no registration required.
Pom-Pom Pumpkin Coasters
Thursday, October 30, 6:30–8 p.m.
Make pom-pom jack-o’-lantern coasters to both protect your table from the ghost of a sweating glass and add flair to your Halloween décor. This craft will take approximately 30 minutes to complete; please arrive no later than 7:30 p.m. Drop in; no registration required. Adults welcome.
For Children & Families
Monster Bash on the Boo-mobile!
Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Target, 1188 W. Boughton Road
Join us on the Bookmobile for a monster bash celebration! Play some ghoulish games, craft something monstrous and check out our haunting materials. Will you get a trick or a treat? Drop in; no registration required.
Zom-Barbies
Tuesday, October 21, 6 p.m.
Grades 4–8
Give your dolls a creepy-cool makeover! Transform ordinary Barbies into spooky zombies using paint and a little undead creativity. Register beginning September 30.
Monster Bash on the Boo-mobile!
Thursday, October 30, 10 a.m.–noon
Arwa Yemeni Coffee, 704 E. Boughton Road
Join us on the Bookmobile for a monster bash celebration! Play some ghoulish games, craft something monstrous and check out our haunting materials. Will you get a trick or a treat? Drop in; no registration required.