Library to Host Week of Screams for Youth

The Shrewsbury Public Library, through funding generously donated by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library, are proud to announce a weeklong series of events for youth in grades 5-12 centered on the wickedest time of year – Halloween season.  Entitled Week of Screams, each day from October 29-November 2 will have a special event for young adults meant to get the heart racing and spine tingling.  All of the events are free of charge, but online registration is required.  From haunted book groups to special guests (some wanted, some unwanted), these events are not-to-be missed.

Here are the links you need to register for each event and all of the information:

Monday, 10/29: Face Your Fears Game Show (20 Spots), 4:30PM –

Combining various eating challenges, endurance events, and horrific trivia questions, youth contestants will have a chance to win various  prizes in a battle of all things fearful. Think Fear Factor meets Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Barf bags will be provided.

Tuesday, 10/30: Haunted Book Group (10 Spots in Each Session – ONLY SIGN UP FOR ONE SESSION) –   

Register online - the first twenty people to do so will get a FREE copy of the new YA horror book ‘The Turning’ by Francine Prose.  The catch?  You will be required to read the book and attend a haunted book group.  Held in the Ward Room at the Library, attendees will discuss the story and also bring a ghost story to share with the group.  If you aren‘t in the first twenty to register, you can still check the book out from the library and attend. Hopefully there won’t be any unexpected guests...hopefully.  The SPL is not responsible for those that go missing during this event.

Remember, if you GET IN (not on waitlist) you can stop in at the library to get your FREE copy of the book to keep as a gift.  You must attend the book group if you sign up and take a book – if you don’t, your library account will be billed for the book.

4:30 p.m. session link.

7 p.m. session link.

Wednesday, 10/31 (Halloween!): Costume Contest/Scavenger Hunt/Candy Swap (30 Spots), 7:30PM –

Once you’ve gone trick-or-treating, show up and win some BIGGER goodies.  Scariest costume wins a great prize!  Also, there will be a scavenger hunt and a chance to swap unwanted candy. 

Thursday, 11/1: Horror Movie and Pizza Dinner (40 Spots), 7 p.m.

Attend this scary movie screening if you dare!  Showing the PG-13 rated film Insidious (shown with permission) and serving FREE pizza for dinner!

Friday, 11/2: SPECIAL EVENT: Tales from Beyond (40 Spots), 4:30 p.m.

Real life magician Greg McAdams will hold a one night only session for young adults who are brave enough to attend.  Think Ripley’s Believe It Or Not meets the horror of Hitchcock. Those who participate will view and handle some odd and unusual artifacts, such as a voodoo doll and ancient coins. You will hear stories of curious disappearances, unsolved mysteries, and purported hauntings. You will try your hand at mindreading and experience the sensation of ESP.  And much more!

If you have any additional questions, please contact Dan Barbour, the Young Adult Librarian and Volunteer Coordinator at the Shrewsbury Public Library – dbarbour@cwmars.org.  Hope to see you there…if you dare!