The Hillsboro Library is getting in the Halloween spirit with a full schedule of spooky fun.
In the children’s department, kids ages 0-14 are invited to sign up for the library’s annual pumpkin coloring contest. According to manager Gabrielle Pitzer, “We provide the pumpkin coloring page but we want children to use their imaginations to come up with a creative design.”
Pitzer added, “Children can use any medium to decorate their pumpkin – crayons, markers, paint, glitter, feathers – whatever they can find!”
Returned pumpkins will be sorted into age groups and the public will vote for their favorites on Facebook. Winners will receive a Halloween goodie bag.
The contest runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 26. Facebook voting is from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30, and the winners will be announced on Halloween.
Additionally, patrons of all ages are invited to come decorate their own “haunted” gingerbread house on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 5:30 PM.
According to circulation manager Sarah Davidson, “This is a spooky twist on the classic gingerbread houses you make at Christmas time. We’ll have graham crackers for the houses, but then, rather than candy canes and such, we’ll have candy corn, gummy snacks, and other creepier sweets.”
Then, on Friday, Oct. 18, the library will host a murder mystery party.
“These were a huge hit in the past,” said Davidson. “But when COVID hit, we fell out of doing them. Well, now it’s time to bring them back.”
This after-hours program requires pre-registration. Spots are limited. Patrons must be 18 or older to participate.
“When you sign up, you’ll be given a character to play,” Davidson said. “Patrons are encouraged to dress up and really embrace the role. Then, as the night goes on, a ‘murder’ will happen, and everyone will have to work together to figure out who the murderer is.”
“It’s a lot of fun,” she added. “If you’re looking for something a little different to do this Halloween season, this is a good option.”
The theme, Davidson said, is Halloween at the Haunted Hotel. The event will be from 6-8 p.m.
For more information on these or other library programs, please visit www.highlandco.org, call 937-393-3114, or search “Highland County District Library of Ohio” on Facebook.
