It’s finally the perfect weather to cozy up with a good book.
The leaves are changing and there’s a chill in the air, which can only mean one thing: It’s finally fall.
Indianapolis is bustling with autumn activities, fall festivals and haunted endeavors, but one location not to be overlooked is your very own library. Throughout this month, the Indianapolis Public Library will host spooky and fall-themed events. Listed events are free, although some require registration.
Visit indypl.org or branch location websites for more information.
Steampunk and Ray Bradbury’s Bloodless Villains
Join Dr. Jason Aukerman, director of the Center for Ray Bradbury Studies at IUPUI, at the Southport branch as he dives into the work of Ray Bradbury, a sci-fi/fantasy author and screenwriter. Aukerman will examine and reimagine four of Bradbury’s chilling and retrofuturist stories through the lens of Steampunk. Registration is required.
When: Oct. 5, 2-3 p.m.
Where: Southport branch, 2630 E. Stop 11 Road
Age group: Adults
Reading With a Witch
Irvington’s witches of The Black Hat Society, a philanthropic group comprised of Irvington’s famous dancing witches, are gathering at the Irvington branch library to offer a Halloween-themed storytime for children ages 3-6 and their caregiver. Small snacks as well as non-food treats will be provided. Registration is required.
When: Oct. 6, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Where: Irvington branch, 5621 E. Washington St.
Age group: Preschoolers
An Afternoon of Spooktacular Table Top Games
With Halloween right around the corner, everything is turning spooky, including tabletop gaming. Spend the afternoon at Irvington’s branch learning and playing horror-themed tabletop games. No experience is necessary to participate as the rules will be taught. Registration is required.
When: Oct. 8, 2-4 p.m.
Where: Irvington branch, 5621 E. Washington St.
Age group: Teens 12+, adults
Spooky Game Night
The Nora branch is going all out for Halloween, well … at least for game night. Promising a night of fun with snacks and games, Nora invites the community to spend the evening engaging in spooky board and card games such as Munchkin Bites, Zombie Dice, Zombiecide, Old Mummy and more.
When: Oct. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Nora branch, 8625 Guilford Ave.
Age group: Teens, adults
Fall Fair
Stories, crafts and games, oh my! The Wayne branch library will celebrate its Fall Fair with lots of autumn-inspired activities and prizes. Guests of all ages are welcome to come dressed as their favorite storybook character (or any costume) and enjoy an afternoon at the library.
When: Oct. 17, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Wayne branch, 198 S. Girls School Road
Age group: School-age kids, families
Autumn Calligraphy
Interested in learning how to write Japanese calligraphy? Stop into the Nora branch as Ms. Minori Abel, of the Japan-America Society of Indiana, will teach guests how to write Japanese calligraphy using simple Japanese characters associated with the autumn season. Considering ink will be used, it’s recommended that guests wear dark colored or older clothing. The event is currently full but interested guests may join a waitlist.
When: Oct. 18, 6-7 p.m.
Where: Nora branch, 8625 Guilford Ave.
Age group: Teens, adults
Teen Mystery Program: A Murderous Melodrama
Fall undoubtedly brings in the perfect weather for a little sleuthing. Bring your detective skills to the Wayne branch for an interactive murder mystery event to find out if the hero will meet their tragic end at the hands of a heinous villain.
When: Oct. 22, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Wayne branch, 198 S. Girls School Rd.
Age group: Teens
Spooky Fish of Indiana
Do fish celebrate Halloween? I don’t know, but Clint Kowalik of “Go Fishin with Clint” will step in at the West Indianapolis, Pike and Glendale branches to host a workshop on some of the weirdest, creepiest most amazingly spooky fish around. Registration is required.
When and where: Oct. 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the West Indianapolis branch, 1216 Kappes St.
Oct. 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Pike branch, 6525 Zionsville Road
Oct. 28, 3-4 p.m. at the Glendale branch, 6101 N. Keystone Ave.
Age group: All ages, adults
More information about IndyPL and its upcoming events can be found at indypl.org and its branch location websites.
Please note: All Library locations will be closed Oct. 10.
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-924-5143. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
