Tuesday, October 03, 2023

Monsters, villains and more will invade the Fond du Lac Public Library during October. Enjoy these sweet and spooky programs for youth all month long; some events require registration.

Love the library’s escape rooms? No need to register for this month’s Candyland Escape Room, available Oct. 26 and 27 in the Mid-States Room. Drop in anytime the library is open to find out which villain kidnapped King Kandy so that they can keep all the candy for themselves. This escape room is best for school-age children who are able to read and do simple math (and their families).

Then, on Oct. 28, visit the Children’s Room after marching downtown as the library celebrates a Monster Party. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy a monstrously good time with a slightly spooky storytime (held at 11 a.m. and noon), simple crafts, and a special scavenger hunt. No registration required to participate.

Families looking to trade in their old children’s costumes for something new-to-them also should not miss the Costume Swap. Drop off a new or gently used costume by Oct. 8 at the Main Library, then come back either Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4-7 p.m. or Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mclane Room to pick out a new costume. All costumes must be washed before donating. Costumes for youth and teens will be accepted.

Plenty of other favorite activities for kids are also returning in October. These include:

  • Homeschool Art: On Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 1:30 p.m., visit the McLane Room to learn about famed artist Pablo Picasso and try a project inspired by his art. Activities will be adaptable for children in preschool through high school.
  • Crafty Kids: Visit the McLane Room on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 4:30 p.m. to make your own monster, just in time for Halloween.
  • Paint-Along: On Saturday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the McLane Room, youth ages 5-12 will receive step-by-step instruction on how to paint their own scarecrow scene. Register starting Sept. 30 at calendar.fdlpl.org
  • STEAM Night: Discover the fun of science, technology, engineering, art and math during this event Monday, Oct. 16 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mid-States Room. This month, engage in leaf science and leaf art.
  • Paws to READ: On Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mid-States Room, visit with a trained therapy dog and practice your reading skills.

Teens also will have plenty to do in September at the library. Upcoming events include:

  • Anime Afternoon: Love anime? Visit the Mid-States Room on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m. to watch a few episodes of anime (and enjoy some snacks). Cosplay is always welcome.
  • Full STEAM Ahead: Create a unique geometric Jack o’ Lantern on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mid-States Room. 
  • Mischief and Magic: On Thursday, Oct. 19 at 4 p.m., drop into the Teen Space at the library to learn how to play Magic the Gathering. This will be perfect for anyone just starting out with the game or who is looking for a refresher.

Teens also shouldn’t miss a chance to sign up for Browser’s Cache: a monthly opportunity to get a surprise, checked-out library book with a snacky, activity, and more. October’s surprise book theme will be Ghost Stories. Sign up at fdlpl.org/teens.