Except for one day in October, that is, when the library hosts its second annual Haunting at the Library community event.

“We’re hosting our second Haunting at the Library, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tours last between 30 and 40 minutes. The library will be closed that day to prepare for the evening fundraiser. Normal library hours will resume on Monday, Oct. 23, at 9 a.m.,” said Jen Champ, the special projects coordinator for the library. “Last year this event was extremely popular, and we sold out, so we’re proud to offer it again for our community’s enjoyment and educational learning opportunities.

However, to some, this may seem an odd or quirky offering, for a purveyor of books and knowledge, but the library’s board and staff members have a very different opinion.

“Last year’s event was amazing and fun,” Champ said. “We’ve really tried to find a way to provide a high-quality and super low-cost, educational and interactively fun event for our community. It’s all about meeting and exceeding the needs of our community members.”

Famed poet, writer and laureate, Edgar Allen Poe, made an appearance at the Haunting at the Library event, held at the James Prendergast Library, 2022. Poe and a slew of highly interactive characters were on hand to educate, inform and entertain library program participants.

Whilst last year’s palooza of characters included a host of historical, theatrically, interactive characters — like Edgar Allen Poe and Count Vlad (the Impaler) Dracula, the library staff is quick to point out a new slew of characters is scheduled to appear.

“I’m being told that the Headless Horseman is thinking about coming to this year’s Haunting at the Library,” said Champ.

Tickets are on sale at the library for $3 a person at the library’s circulation desk. For more information contact the library at 716-484-7135.