OWH Column: Omaha library celebrates Halloween with Spooktacular events, book lists to haunt all ages

With darkness creeping in earlier and earlier each day, and Oct. 31st looming around the corner, things have been getting a little spooky at Omaha Public Library (OPL). Eerie events and unnerving book lists for all ages have been put together so that everyone can have a hauntingly good time this spooky season.

Several branches, including Central Library, Florence Branch and Saddlebrook Branch, are hosting Spooktacular events. Spooktacular is a family-friendly celebration and special storytime where kids can come in costume (or not) and learn about scary stories, make crafts or play games in the community center. Kids will also be able to trick-or-treat at the library.

For teens, Central Library and Charles B. Washington Branch will both incorporate seasonal festivity into their Teen Hangouts. Teens can add some sparkle to their spooky season by adding diamonds to keychains, magnets or drink coasters, and paranormal stories will be swapped while crafts are being made. If this sounds like a lot of fun, check out “Teen Hangout: Spooky Diamond Painting” on Oct. 26 and 29.

While many of the spooky-themed events for adults have wrapped up, there is one more opportunity to hear from forensic anthropologist Dr. Katie East on how the science of death and decomposition may have inspired some of our favorite spooky legends. Haunting Tales and Human Remains takes place on Nov. 10 at the Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch. 

Visit omahalibrary.org for full details and registration requirements for all these events.

And if you aren’t able to stop by your local branch to catch an event, OPL’s website features many reading lists that offer books suitable for readers of all ages. 

For kids, we’d recommend checking out the “Omaha Picks: Creepy Creatures” list that features nonfiction books about some of the most unusual and ickiest creatures that call Earth home. Some books on the list include “Beasts From the Deep” by Matt Ralphs, “Tiny Monsters” by Steve Jenkins, and “Grossest Animal Tricks” by Agatha Gregson. 

If your young reader is looking for something a little more fantastical, try checking out “Omaha Picks: Chilling Chapter Books” that features stories that go bump in the night. OPL staff recommend “Nightmare on Nightmare Street” by R. L. Stine or “X Marks the Haunt” by Lindsay Currie. 

Teens should try checking out a book from the list, “Omaha Picks: Bad to the Bone” featuring skulls and skeletons. It includes books like “Night Terror” by Vincent Ralph and “She Drinks the Light” by Yasmin Angoe.

Adults, look over recommendations from the “Omaha Picks: ‘Witch’ Book Are You Going to Pick?” list. This list features books with all kinds of witches, from the most fearsome and powerful to the charismatic healers, including “Lessons in Magic and Disaster” by Charlie Jane Anders and “Awakened” by A. E. Osworth. 

No matter your age, OPL can help you embrace this chilling season! Stop by your local branch to check out a fun and free event, find a new, eerie read or exchange ghost stories with your library community.