Dan Hickman, James Prendergast Library’s board president portrayed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, during the Haunting at the Library’s fundraising extravaganza held Saturday. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

The James Prendergast library got a makeover this weekend – a “scary” makeover.

Using tombstones, black lighting, spiderwebs and other props, volunteers and staff members of the James Prendergast Library transformed the isle and rooms, normally filled with books, into a terrifying maze of bone-chilling literary fun.

With a $3, per-person admission price tag, 300 people attended this program and were treated to a smattering of literature-based costumed characters and fun.

“This was fun and a little scary,” said Angel Colon (9), Jamestown resident. “My favorite part was the detective guy (Sherlock Holmes) because we got to help him find clues.”

However, Sherlock Holmes wasn’t the only character to take center stage. Also, on hand was the Headless Horseman from the Legend of Sleppy Hollow, Maleficent, Queen of Hearts (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland), Wednesday Addams, The Troll from Three Billy Goats Gruff and the Ghost of Mrs. Mary Prendergast.

And by all accounts this year’s fundraiser topped last year’s, in both monetary gains and fun for the community.

“The evening was so much fun, and everyone worked so very hard to make it a success. All the actors were spectacular and so incredibly talented – everyone loved them! We can’t wait to begin working on next year’s tours. Each year we’ll choose different characters inspired by books and dig up new information about the library and all the people who contributed to its long history,” said Anne Greene, executive director of the James Prendergast Library Association. Green also highlighted that this year’s event had 300 people attending.

Sherlock Holmes actor then added: “It’s always so much fun to be able to participate in these events. Playing Sherlock Holmes was an absolute joy for me as I’ve always been a big fan of the character… in fact, my first exposure to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books was through Prendergast Library,” said Dan Hickman, James Prendergast Library’s board president, who portrayed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes during this event.