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A Note From Nancy

Someone once said that “October is my favorite color.” With its vibrant reds, yellow, greens, and browns, it’s as Lauren DeStefano said, “the time when everything bursts with its last beauty.”

Individually, each tree - whether it’s Maple, Oak, Birch, Aspen, or Pine - brings its unique colors to the season. But combine the colors and all I can say is “wow!” You now have a once-a-year, beauty sensation that tourists flock to see and poets, photographers, and artists work to capture.

All of this beauty is something to smile about. Siobhan Vivian writes that, "Fall colors are funny. They’re so bright and intense and beautiful. It’s like nature is trying to fill you up with color, to saturate you so you can stockpile it before winter turns everything muted and dreary."

Fall is also migratory bird season. Birds may be arriving to make Ohio their winter home…or they may be migrating back to Central America. Whether they are coming or going, if you’re lucky, you may be able to see or hear a new bird or two. I know I am always delighted when the Sandhill Cranes arrive for a brief visit! Check out the Nature Conservancy’s Spring and Fall Birding in Ohio https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/ohio/stories-in-ohio/ohio-spring-fall-birdwatching/

Join us in October for a variety of programs. I hope one or two will bring a smile to your face. In addition to our always popular Halloween Spooktacular, renamed this year as the Haunted Library, we have a vibrant lineup of events and things to do. Keeping to the Halloween theme we have fun crafts for each age group. Katherine Kerestman returns to talk about The Bell Witch Project, the final chapter of her award-winning book Creepy Cat’s Macabre Travels. Plus, we have 2 teen events, one that will scare their socks off and one that will help them develop tools to improve their self-esteem and self-compassion.

May you enjoy this Autumn season’s colorful, diverse beauty. We truly appreciate your ongoing support of the Andover Public Library and look forward to seeing and serving you in the upcoming month.

Some reading suggestions for October:

Follow the flyway: the marvel of bird migration by Sarah Nelson

Flight paths: how a passionate and quirky group of pioneering scientists solved the mystery of bird migration by Rebecca Heisman

Chemical Garden trilogy by Lauren DeStefano

Creepy Cat's macabre travels: prowling around haunted towers, crumbling castles, and ghoulish graveyards by Katherine Kerestman

Sincerely,

Nancy Logan, Director

Visit our library blog to see what's new on our adult shelves!

FAMILY EVENTS

Halloween Storybook Trail

through Saturday, October 25th

Pick up a Storybook Trail Adventure Form in the library or from the clear plastic box hanging near the front entrance. Walk the trail, read the book, have fun acting out the adventure, and fill out the form when you are done to be entered to win this year’s Halloween Prize!

The Fall Photography Contest entries are on display until October 23rd. Stop in to take in all the local talent. You can vote for your favorite for the People's Choice Award. All ages can vote. One vote per person.

Vote for you favorite Halloween Diorama on display in the library.

Observe the Moon Night

Saturday, October 4 at 5 PM • All Ages

It’s an outdoor star party! Join people all over the world for International Observe the Moon Night. Local amateur astronomers will have a variety of telescopes set up in the library garden. The event includes a craft for kids and snacks. The rain date is 10/11/2025. No registration is required.

Friday, October 10th from 11 - 2

Make an Electrifying Paper Circuit Craft with Jessie!

All ages (children 7 and under with an adult) can make their own light up Skeleton. No registration is needed.

Haunted Library

Monday, October 27th at 5 PM • Family Event

The library is full of Halloween fun! Costumes are encouraged. We have a different spin on our Halloween event this year with more activities. No registration is required. While supplies last.

Begin the evening by decorating your own treat bag. Then visit each "haunted" station for an activity and treat!

Make a Halloween Craft

Play 3 holes of "Ghostly” Mini Golf

Stop to get a Creepy Tattoo

Enjoy a not-too-spooky Storytime

Try your luck at the Candy Guessing Game

Snap some pics in the Eerie Photo Booth

Test your skills at the Boo Ghost Toss

Pet the Furry Monsters ... Therapy Dogs

We need helpers for this event. If you are available to volunteer, please call Lorrie at 440-293-6792. Adults and Teens ages 12+

TODDLER & CHILDREN'S EVENTS

Storytime Fun returns on Wednesdays at 11 AM

Join Ms. Betsy for stories, songs, movement and more. Storytime is followed by a Stay & Play activity. It may be a free play sensory bin or perhaps a craft, but it is always fun!

No registration is needed. Activities appropriate for ages 18 mos - 5 years.

Little Bookworms Storytime

Thursday, October 16 at 5:30 PM • Activities for ages 3 – 5 (older and younger siblings welcome)

Bring your preschoolers to a Halloween themed event with stories, songs, movement, and a Halloween craft! No registration is needed. While supplies last.

LEGO® Builders Club

1st & 3rd Mondays at 5 PM • Ages 6 – 11

Join Pete for free Building Fun with Friends! No registration is required.

Sugar Skull – Kid Craft

Friday, October 10 at 10:30 AM • Ages 6 – 11

Kids can get creative with paint markers on a plastic skull to make their own unique “Sugar Skull”.

Click here for program details and registration

TEEN EVENTS

Ghost Craft • Teen Event

Friday, October 10 at 12 PM • Ages 12 – 18

Make your very own ghostly pal! Use cheesecloth and glue to create a ghost. Decorate it and display it with a battery-operated tea light. Registration is required.

Reading is Sweet! • Teen Book Club

Wednesday, October 15th at 2:45 PM at the library • Ages 12 – 18

Teens! Bring whatever you’ve been reading for some sweet book chat. Sweet treats and Drinks. No registration is required.

Magic the Gathering Game Playing Group

Saturday, October 18th at 10:30 AM • Adults & Teens 12+

Beginners and veteran players are welcome. Starter decks and dice are available to borrow for library card holders for game play.

Teen Halloween Movie Night

Friday, October 31st at 7:15 PM • Ages 12 – 18 only

Trick or Treat in Andover ends at 7 PM. Join us for a viewing of “Escape Room”, pizza, snacks, and soft drinks after hours in the library. Hang out with friends. Work on an easy craft or escape room type puzzles.

No registration is required. Library doors will be locked at 7:20 PM.

Don’t be late!

Anime and Manga Club

Tuesday, October 15th at 5:30 PM • Adults and Teens 12+

Join us for activities, discussion of anime films or manga, watch anime, fun crafts. No registration is needed.

In October, we'll be watching some Halloween themed Anime. Dress up in your Cosplay!

Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to attend.

Self-Esteem, Self-Talk & Self-Compassion: Tools for a Meaningful Life

Tuesday, November 4 at 1 PM • Teens ages 12 – 18

Registration is required.

Lunch is included. This is a casual workshop led by Joan Steidl. Teens will gain tools to help grow positive feelings and to use them in creating meaning, purpose, and joy in life.

This is a no school day for Pymatuning Valley students.

ADULT EVENTS

Canva Class: Create a Poster

Monday, October 6 at 5:15 PM • Adult class

Learn the basics of creating a poster using the Canva design software. Jessie Morgret, the library’s digital literacy trainer, will lead you through the steps of using Canva to make your own poster. Registration is required. We will have a limited number of laptops. Bring your own device.

Thursday Crafternoon

Thursday, October 9th from 2 – 4 PM • Adults and Teens

Create a poseable mummy using pipe cleaners and ripped muslin. Add a pumpkin or book prop. No registration required. While supplies last.

DIY Halloween Bleached Dyed T-Shirt

Monday, October 13 at 5:30 PM • Adult Craft

Black t-shirts are provided for this craft. Create a fun Halloween themed t-shirt using bleach and your choice of stencils. Registration is required.

The Bell Witch Project

Wednesday, October 15 at 6 PM • Adult Event

“The Bell Witch Project” is the final chapter in author Katherine Kerestman’s award winning book “Creepy Cat’s Macabre Travels: Prowling Around Haunted Towers, Crumbling Castles, and Ghoulish Graveyards”.

Find out more about The Bell Witch Project program here

Growing An Attitude of Gratitude

Wednesday, November 12th at 5:30 PM • Adults

Learn how to improve your outlook on life and increase happiness by embracing gratitude. Joan Steidl presents on the topic including simple ways to implement gratitude and live a joyful life. No registration is required.

Find More Upcoming Events

https://www.andover.lib.oh.us/live/ | 440-293-6792 | Contact Us

PO Box 1210, 142 West Main Street, Andover, OH 44003

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