Library Happenings by Julie Jarman

How can you not love a month that brings you cooler weather, bright orange, yellow and red colors, football and soccer season, and jacket, sweatshirts and stylish boot attire? Fall is officially underway once Oct. arrives.

The Library Crawl is back. It begins Oct. 2 here in Staunton since Oct. 1st is a Sunday and lasts through Halloween, Oct. 31. This is the fun game of visiting other libraries in the Ill. Heartland Library System to see what wonderful things they offer. Each one has a unique story whether large or small, big or small budget, rural or urban. Anyone can participate in the game. You do not have to have a library card. Visit Staunton Library to pick up your passport. Make sure you get it stamped, then lay out your plan to get five or more stamps from other libraries listed on your sheet. You can then return your passport to your home library in Staunton to get your name in a drawing for a local gift card. Passports need to be turned in by Monday, Nov. 6 to be in the drawing. I can’t wait to visit other libraries in my area to see what they have inside their building. Your library card will allow you to check out items along the way as long as it is in good standing. Staunton Library is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Friday. 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Before you visit the different libraries, please check their days and times. Happy crawling everyone.

Staunton Peace Posters Contest

The library will be hosting the Staunton Lions’ Peace Poster Contest this year. The art show will be Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. here at the library. Stop by the library and get a copy of the rules and conditions for the show.

This contest is open to all students 11, 12 and 13 on Nov. 15, 2023, who either attends Staunton area schools or resides in the Staunton School District. This includes home schooling families who are age appropriate. Dare to Dream is the theme this year. Posters need to be submitted to the library no later than 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16. What a beautiful way to communicate the spirit of peace through art.

Story time

This month the children’s Storytime will be the first and the third Thursday of the month beginning at 4 p.m. A story with an art activity is the normal procedure. We love having families back in the children’s library.

Story Book Walk at the Park

Check out the new story book walk at Water Tower Park. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams illustrated by Megan Lloyd is the new children’s book featured in our permanent display.

It is a fun, silly sort of spooky way to celebrate the Halloween month. While you are at the park, take a look at the new pickle ball courts under construction. I can’t wait to try this sport.

Halloween Parade

The Staunton Lions Club is once again hosting the annual Halloween Parade on Monday, Oct. 30. Line up at the Staunton Band Shelter beginning at 5:40 p.m. with the kickoff starting at 6 p.m. on Wood Street next to Russell’s Furniture.

The parade route is down Main Street, to Laurel Street, then to Henry Street, and into the Staunton VFW for snacks. It should be a wonderful time for all. Wear your best costume for trick or treating. Rain date is Tuesday, Oct. 31 if needed.

Indigenous Day

The Staunton Public Library will be closed Monday, Oct. 9

This used to be referred to as Columbus Day. We will be back in operation Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.

Come see us at the library soon.