Community members are seen crafting at the James Prendergast Library on Thursday. The library has a variety of educationally based programing available. Photo By Christopher Blakeslee

The James Prendergast Library is preparing for the upcoming fall season with “spooktacular” offerings and expanded programing opportunities for community members.

The library is set to host its Haunting at the Library community event and fundraiser today. This is the second iteration of the event, and last year’s haunting was sold out. When asked about this year’s event offerings and ticket availability, Jennifer Champ, James Prendergast Library’s special projects and facility manager, said the 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. tours are almost sold out and there are limited tickets for the rest of the tours.

“We do have space for walk-ups on the 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. tours. This year’s characters are from storybooks such as the Queen of Hearts, Sherlock Holmes and the Headless Horseman are a few of the individuals tour participants will meet,” Champ said.

To purchase tickets, visit the library in person. Tickets are $3 per person and children under two are free.

Anne Greene, the library’s director also added, “Due to the popularity of our Thursday night crafting, we expanded to offer Saturday crafting for adults and families. This monthly program has proven popular with all ages, and we are excited to be able to offer more Saturday programming to reach more patrons. With summer wrapping up, Cornell Cooperative Extension has resumed running a nutrition-focused table in the library’s front lobby twice a month. This table is a patron-favorite, with free samples of nutritious and budget-friendly recipes available.”

The library continues to work to reach the entire community by taking the library’s programing out and away from its main building.

“Story time at Innovation Center has library staff going to the Jamestown Public School’s Innovation Center, where special education classes meet. Staff read stories and lead the students in activities. The students are enjoying the extended story times with our library staff,” Greene said. “Also, library staff attended Washington Middle School’s open house, promoting the library’s programs and resources. We distributed free books at this event. We have a wider range of options for middle school students thanks to generous grant funding from Cummins to purchase books for community distribution.”

However, Greene isn’t the only one who sees the value which the library brings to the community.

“I use the library to look for work, get out of my house and to socialize,” said longtime library user and Jamestown resident, Juan Perez, 57. “I come here every day. We — friends — meet here and sometimes eat our lunches while talking. It’s helpful to have the library during the cold winters we have here.”

For more information, call the library at 716-484-7135 or visit the library’s website at www.prendergastlibrary.org.