Halloween at the Library!

Booooooo tooooo yooooooooo!!!!!

Through the month of October, we are offering some fun and interesting programming that is a little spookier than usual.  There are books, readings, writing, theatre and an Edward Gorey art and presentation (unfortunately, he won’t make it given the whole death thing).  We will even be screening double feature movies just like in the old days! October is one of our favorite months! See below for all of our events! 

 

Edward Gorey Gashlycrumb Tinies around the Library!
October, Anytime we are open!…..No registration needed

The Gashlycrumb Tinies: or, After the Outing is an alphabet book written by Edward Gorey that was first published in 1963 as the first of a collection of short stories called The Vinegar Works, the eleventh work by Gorey. The book tells the tale of 26 children (each representing a letter of the alphabet) and their untimely deaths. It is one of Edward best-known books and is the most notorious amongst his roughly half-dozen mock alphabets. It has been described as a “sarcastic rebellion against his childhood that is sunny, idyllic, and instructive.” The morbid humor of the book comes in part from the mundane ways in which the children in the story die, such as falling down the stairs or choking on a peach. Far from illustrating  and dramatic and fantastical childhood nightmares, these scenarios instead poke fun at the banal paranoids that come as a part of parenting.

Gorey has stated that the book to be inspired by “those 19th century cautionary tales, I guess, though my book is punishment without misbehavior”.

Each letter of the alphabet will be on display for all of October in the Library’s Adult Section. No need to register, come back and check it out!

Zoom Talk: A Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats with Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2pm …… REGISTER HERE
Online via Zoom

For decades, scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have studied the remarkable biodiversity of bats on Barro Colorado Island in Panama, where an astonishing seventy-six species coexist. Now, for the first time, Smithsonian scientists’ expertise pairs with the stunning photography of National Geographic contributor Christian Ziegler for a captivating visual journey into the fascinating world of these elusive night creatures, to bring you the book Bat Island: A Rare Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats.

Bats are unique among mammals: they have acquired true flight, they provide essential ecosystem services, and represent the ecologically most diverse group of mammals worldwide. Synthesizing decades-worth of intensive study, Drs. Rachel Page, Dina Dechmann, Teague O’Mara, and Marco Tschapka provide authoritative insight alongside 150 photographs that showcase bats’ extraordinary environmental adaptations and rich natural history.

This virtual presentation will cover topics from the book, such as the diverse sensory abilities of bats, their foraging strategies, roosting ecologies, and social systems. Bat Island presents decades of study of the hyper diverse bat population on Barro Colorado Island in addition to the most comprehensive and long-term datasets on tropical bats. The book and this presentation highlights how bats are threatened by habitat fragmentation and land degradation, and communicate the initiatives needed to ensure the survival of these animals, which are critical to maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems.

Double Feature Movie: Hocus Pocus (1993)
Tuesday, October 8th, 5pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend, Allison. After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.” Rated: PG Running; Time: 1hr 36mins

Double Feature Movie: Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Tuesday, October 8th, 6:45pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century Sanderson sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.” Rated: PG; Running Time: 1hr 43mins

Don DeCristofaro Paranormal Activity Professional
Thursday, October 17th, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM.

Register here!

Hermann Meeting Room

Don DeCristofaro, a professional ghost and paranormal activity investigator, will be joining us on October 17th at 4:30 in the Library’s Herman Meeting Room. He has worked in the Lizzie Bordon house, as well as the house that inspired the hit movie The Conjuring. 

His most recent investigation of paranormal activity is on the USS Salem. The USS Salem was a World War 2 Heavy Cruiser. He spends at the least once a week there using the technology that has been developed. 

The presentation will include showing the tools that they use to monitor possible “other worldly” guests. Since Don has been investigating the USS Salem, Don became to have “relationships” with those have who have passed on and left behind. 

At the end of the presentation, Don is offering his very own expertise and advice to any patrons who may have suspicion that there is another room mate who never pays their rent. All ages event! You can give us a call, email a request, or register online!

WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company Presents Spooky Stories for All Ages
Saturday, October 19th, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM …… Register here!
Hermann Meeting Room

On October 19th from 2-4 PM, enjoy some family friendly tales of ghosts, mysteries, and the supernatural performed by professional working actors. Maybe even outside if the weather is cooperating!

The tales are appropriate for all ages. Adults, children and everything in between will enjoy. Our horror and spooky fans in training will get a real kick with the whole family!

There will even be a cauldron for witches to make their brews!

 

Edward Gorey Talk with Gorey House Museum Director, Gregory Hischak
Tuesday, October 22nd, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM…..Register here!  
Hermann Meeting Room

Please join us for a talk and presentation of Edward Gorey’s work and its ties to Cape Cod and the community.

Terrible things unfold in an Edward Gorey Book – children are swept out to sea, abducted by murderous insects, fall into unsavory company, or get carried off by giant birds. Sometimes they die of boredom. Edward writes, and draws, about everyday life and, for reasons that will likely come up in this presentation, his books are a delight and extremely funny. Mostly, Gorey’s work as a book artist, an illustrator, and designer is frequently categorized as Whimsically Macabre, though we prefer the term Sinister Cozy. Hi works looks a hundred and thirty years older than it is yet he consistently remains thirty years ahead of us at all times. He also won a Tony award for best costume and scenic design for his work in the play Dracula. Edward is the perfect boss: open to endless interpretation and not prone to disagreement – as he is dead.

 

Reading and Writing Horror!
Wednesday, October 23rd, 6:30pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

Do you love the horror genre? Have you ever wondered how horror writers craft suspense, create memorable creatures or write fear all while avoiding clichés? Join Corey Farrenkopf, author of Living in Cemeteries, in conversation about his love of reading and writing horror.  Copies of his book will be available for purchase at the event from Eight Cousins Books.

Zoom Talk: New England Ghost Stories, REGISTER HERE

There’s nothing quite like a New England ghost story. From Peter Rugg’s ghostly carriage ride to the haunting of the Sterling Opera House, there is a wealth of spooky tales that are told all over the northeast. Come hear the cases of the most famous hauntings from each New England state, and decide for yourself if you ought to sleep with the lights on. Led by Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe, a librarian by day and a frequent speaker at ComicCons, conferences, and libraries on nights and weekend. This has been shared with us by the Tewksbury Library! Please note that this is virtual only, and does not take place in the library. Click the above link to register, and you will receive the link, and the recording later.

Double Feature Movie: Curse of the Blair Witch (1999)
Tuesday, October 29th, 6pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“A documentary exploring the life of the Blair Witch and the three missing student filmmakers who disappeared in October of 1994 while investigating the legend of the Blair Witch.”  Rated: NR; Running Time: 44mins

Double Feature Movie: Blair Witch Project (1999)
Tuesday, October 29th, 6:55pm …… REGISTER HERE
Hermann Meeting Room

“In October of 1994, three student filmmakers disappeared in the forest near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary about a legendary 18th-century witch.  A year later their footage was found.  This is their footage.”  Rated R for language (children under 17 require accompanying adult or adult guardian);  Running Time: 1hr 18mins