October is one of my favorite months at the library. All month long, we focus on hosting fun, safe events that your whole family can enjoy together. If you need Halloween costume inspiration, find it in our sewing studios, where our instructors will teach you to make your own original witch hats and superhero capes. Our West Oaks Branch even has a class to teach you how to do your own horror makeup. For those with little ones, get them excited about the season by visiting a BOO! Bash at one of our branches, or stop by a Halloween-themed Cuisine Corner where Chef Farah Davids will share spooky seasonal recipe ideas kids and adults will love. Some of our branches will even host Halloween escape rooms, where you’ll need to work with a team to find out how to get away from the ghosts and goblins haunting the space you’re trapped in.
During October, we also host two exciting and fun events at Orlando Public Library. The first is our annual Technoween event, a mashup of Halloween inspiration and technology. Take in a mesmerizing performance from steampunk storytellers Phantasmagoria, play some Halloween-themed trivia, enter the costume contest and experience Halloween special effects in our audio, video and photo studios. Technoween happens on October 13 from 1:30–4:30 p.m. in the Melrose Center.
On October 26, you don’t want to miss Trick or Treat Safe Zone, an event that gives kids a chance to trick or treat around Orlando Public Library and Orange County Regional History Center. Make creepy crafts, participate in our scavenger hunt and get candy at various stops around the two venues. Check out ocls.info/halloween for a listing of Halloween events coming soon to a location near you!
Another reason October is one of my favorite months, though, is because it’s when we host Booktoberfest, our annual fundraising event for the Friends of the Orange County Library System. On October 4, we’ll transform the first floor of the library into a Wizard of Oz-themed beer garden, with beer samples from local breweries, light bites from local restaurants, trivia, a silent auction and more. You only get the opportunity to experience a library event like this once a year – don’t miss it. Sip a beer, place a bid on a fantastic auction package and raise money to help our libraries be the best they can be! Tickets are on sale now.
