October’s Creation Corner activity was creating fall leaves, which was achieved by melting crayons between pieces of waxed paper.
By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
Avery proudly shows off the leaf he created in Creation Corner.
“The Boo Bash has become one of our favorite traditions because it brings families together in a fun and welcoming environment. It showcases the library as more than a place to check out books; it’s a place where our community can connect, celebrate and create lasting memories together,” MJB Library Director Jerri Hawkins said.
Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5-6:30 p.m., the seventh annual Li-BOO-ary Bash will take place at the MJB Library.
“The Boo Bash began seven years ago as a way to provide families with a safe, fun, and community-centered Halloween celebration at the library,” Hawkins said. “What started as a simple idea to bring families together has grown into one of our most anticipated annual events. The Boo Bash has become a cherished tradition that reflects the library’s commitment to building community connections and creating memorable experiences for children and families.”
Hawkins points out that “seeing children and families fill the library with excitement, creativity and laughter reminds us that the library is more than a building filled with books. It is a gathering place where people connect, celebrate and build relationships. The event reflects our mission to serve the community while creating fun and meaningful experiences for all ages.”
Many people see the costumes, decorations, games and treats, but they may not realize how much work goes on behind the scenes. The Boo Bash is planned and organized almost entirely by library staff with support from dedicated volunteers and community members. It is also more than just a Halloween celebration. The event helps families connect with the library, discover programs and services, and experience the library as a welcoming gathering place for the entire community.
To color the leaves for Creation Corner, the young artists had to shave crayons with pencil sharpeners, which proved to be a challenge.
A great deal of preparation goes into making the Boo Bash a success.
“Planning starts months in advance as staff develop activities, gather supplies, create decorations, coordinate volunteer support and prepare every detail of the event,” Hawkins said. “As the date approaches, the library team spends many hours transforming the space and ensuring everything is ready for a safe, enjoyable experience. While guests see a few hours of fun, the event represents months of planning, creativity and teamwork.”
Because staff will be working to decorate the library, it will be closed during the day on Thursday, Oct. 29, and will open at 5 p.m. for the Boo Bash. The library staff doesn’t want to spoil the surprises, so, families, be sure to plan a stop at the MJB Library between 5-6:30 p.m. on Beggar’s Night to see what spooky fun is happening.
November is just around the corner, so be sure to follow the community calendar on the MJB Library webpage to know what is ahead. Remember that our regular programs will continue to meet. Cribbage will meet each Monday from 9-11 a.m.; Canasta will play on the first and third Tuesdays of the month beginning at 1 p.m. Bridge will meet on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. each week. Craft and Connect meets every Monday from 4-6 p.m. for those crafters who like to socialize while they create.
These boys wait patiently for help to melt their crayons with an iron.
Upcoming youth programs include LEGO Mania Day on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m., Creation Corner at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, and the weekly Friday preschool story hour at 10 a.m.
Guthrie County ISU Extension will present “Snow Spectacular” at the library at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12. Youth of all ages are invited to attend to learn about blizzards, explore how meteorologists use tools to forecast weather, and make their own snowman measuring stick.
Libby users are reminded that they may get a message asking them to verify their card, requiring their library card number and a PIN. Remember, when entering the library card number, it must be seven digits, so if your number is 123, enter 0000123. The PIN is the 10-digit phone number they used when signing up for their library card, with no spaces or hyphens.