Haunted happenings throughout October at Meredith Public Library

MEREDITH — The staff of the Meredith Public Library invites people of all ages to enjoy spooktacular fun throughout October with a series of Halloween-themed events. 

The seasonal fun starts on Friday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. during the monthly Crafternoon session when participants will be making Stringed Fabric Ghosts for a doorway or mantel. This event requires registration and carries a charge for materials.

There will be an All-Ages Pumpkin Carving Party on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. Pumpkins will be provided at no cost so registration is necessary. Those who want to attend must sign up on the website or with either MaryBeth, the young adult librarian, or Karen, the children's librarian.

On Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m., Storytime turns into the Children's Halloween Costume Party. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes while they listen to a spooktacular story.

The next exciting event will be Scary Stories by the Fire starting at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Costumed presenters will read classic scary stories such as "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. Also, attendees will be encouraged to share their own ghost stories and experiences. The library is not imposing an age restriction as parents know what is appropriate for their own kids' maturity level, but generally speaking, stories will be appropriate for teenagers and adults. Registration is required due to limited space in the historic front room by the fireplace.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m., Kim Fallon, retired chief forensic investigator at the New Hampshire Office of Chief Medical Examiner, returns to the library for a talk titled, "Shining a Light on the Dark Web," to look at the (real) scary things found on the encrypted dark web, which can only be accessed and decrypted by special software and anonymous web browsers.

The After-School Drop-In program will feature Air Clay Pumpkins on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Also on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m., people can join writer and researcher Erin E. Moulton via Zoom, as she presents "Can I Get You a Drink? True Stories of Female Poisoners." She will explore the drinks that did them in and the trials that followed their deadly deeds. Stories include a case of contaminated gin in 1890s Maine, a small barn dance with a horrifying twist in 1920s California, and an investigation into one of New England’s most famous serial killers. The presentation will be shown on the big screen at the library and via Zoom. People who wish to view the presentation from home can find the Zoom link on the library website.

Finally, the library will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Halloween, which is a Saturday this year. Trick-or-treaters are welcome to test out their costumes early in the day by making the library their first stop.

For more information or to sign up for events which require registration, visit the library website at MeredithLibrary.org.