BPL Will Host Several Family-Friendly Halloween Events in October

Find Wendy Witch or guess how many Tootsie Rolls are in Fred's belly and they could go home with you.

The Birmingham Public Library is ready to scare up some Halloween fun this month with decorated pumpkins, costume contests, and more.

Back for another year will be the Ghouls' Ball, which will be held on Thursday, October 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Central Library. The event, which is for ages 13 to 18, will include music, dancing, food, treats, balloon sculptures, animals, a photo booth, free books, and Wii tournaments. The event is free. However, tickets are required for admittance and must be picked up in advance at the downtown library and branches. Call 226-3655 for more information.

Other free events include:

What's Up With Wendy the Witch and Fred Frankenstein?, throughout October, Eastwood Library. Wendy the Witch stays on the go so much, that librarians need help in finding her. Those who find Wendy at this branch will be entered into an October 31 drawing. One winner will receive Wendy, restaurant coupons, and candy. Library employees are also dealing with Fred Frankenstein, who has a sweet tooth. The person who correctly guesses the number of Tootsie Rolls in Fred's belly could win him and restaurant coupons. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 30. Contests are for children up to 18 years old. Contests will be held during regular library hours. For more information, call 591-4944.

Monster Mash Movie Madness Series, every Sunday in October at 2:30 p.m., Avondale Library. Catch The Thing on Sunday, October 14, The Mummy on Sunday, October 21 and The Creature from the Black Lagoon on Sunday, October 28. On Tuesday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m., there will be a book discussion on John Campbell Jr.'s Who Goes There?, which was the basis for the movie The Thing. Call 226-4000 for more information.

Halloween-themed movies, every Friday in October at 10 a.m., Springville Road Library meeting room. Upcoming movies will include Scared Stiff, Haunted Honeymoon, and Love at First Bite. Popcorn and lemonade will be served. Call 226-4083 for more info. Zumba classes will be held after the movie.

Decorate a Jack-O-Lantern and a Scarecrow, Wednesday, October10 through Wednesday, October 31, Central Library Youth Department, regular library hours. Call 226-3655 for more information.

Family Halloween Movies, Saturday, October 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Library Youth Department. Enjoy a hot bag of popcorn and a spooky kids' movie with the family. Call 226-3655 for more information.

Paint a Pumpkin, Wednesday, October 24, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Central Library Youth Department. Join the Youth Department in celebrating Halloween by decorating a pumpkin and enjoying Halloween treats. Pumpkins will be provided by the Library. Ages 6-15.

Let's Go Batty, Thursday, October 25, 9:30 a.m, Avondale Library. Pre-school storytime with Ms. Katie.

Hallo-Read 2012 Celebration, Thursday, October 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m., North Avondale Library. Enjoy group storytime, crafts, face painting, glow-in-the-dark nail painting, dancing, pizza, treats, and punch. Free event is for children, 6 to 10 years old. Children and adults are encouraged to wear costumes. Pre-registration is required. Call 592-2082 for more info.

Nighttime Walking Tour of Notorious Downtown Birmingham Sites, Friday, October 26 and Sunday, October 28, meet at 5:45 p.m. in the Central Library atrium. Wear comfortable shoes. This 90-minute tour will cover several downtown blocks. Reservations are required and spaces are limited. Call library archivist Jim Baggett at 226-3631 or email him at jbaggett@bham.lib.al.us.

Happy Halloween Tot Time with Mrs. Eve, Monday, October 29 at 9:30 and 11 a.m., Avondale Library. Event is for children, 2 to 4 years old, accompanied by a caregiver. Event is free, but pre-registration is required. Children may wear Halloween costumes. No masks. Stories, songs, and crafts will be offered. Call 226-4000 for more information.

Spooky Stories with Vincent, Monday, October 29, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Central Library Youth Department. Hold onto your hats as Vincent tells spooky stories that will thrill and chill. Call 226-3655 for more information.

Fang-tastic Halloween, Tuesday, October 30, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., West End Library. Candy and prizes. All ages. Call 226-4089 for more information.

Spooktacular for Teens, Tuesday, October 30 at 4 p.m., Springville Road Library. Teenager event will feature crafts, scary stories, a movie, and a prize for best costume. Call 226-4083 for more information.

Halloween Eve Madness with Magician Larry Moore, Tuesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Avondale Library. Get ready to laugh during this humorous magic show. Event is free and perfect for families, but registration is required. Costumes are encouraged. No masks. Call 226-4003 for more information.

Halloween Spooktacular, Tuesday, October 30 at 6 p.m., Springville Road Library. Event is for fifth graders and younger. Games, crafts, stories, and a costume contest. Call 226-4083 for more information.

Trick or Treat at the Library, Wednesday, October 31, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., all BPL branches.Call 226-3655 for more information.

The Treats are on Us, Wednesday, October 31, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Library Youth Department, 2100 Park Place. Call 226-3655 for more information.

Southern Ghosts, Wednesday, October 31, 12 p.m., Central Library, Arrington Auditorium. Alabama author Jessica Penot, author of Haunted Chattanooga and Haunted North Alabama, will be the featured storyteller for this Brown Bag Lunch program. Bring your lunch and beverages will be provided. Her books will be available for sale and signing. Call 226-3631 for more information.

Fall Festival, Wednesday, October 31, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Smithfield Library. Candy bags, storytellers, music, and arts and crafts. All ages. Children may wear costumes. Call 324-8428 for more information.

Spooooky Stuff, Wednesday, October 31, 4 p.m., North Birmingham Library. Scary tales, crafts, and goodies. Children may wear costumes. All ages. Call 226-4026 for more information.