SEASON OF THE WITCH All Hallows Eve. All Saints Eve. Samhain. The day when the barrier between this world and the next is at its thinnest, and it’s easy to slip through the veil. Times like these, it’s a good idea to embrace the season, but also to surround yourself with some solid friends. The Mt. Lebanon Public Library has you covered.

At 7 p.m., on Tuesday, October 22, join author Thomas White for an evening of western Pennsylvania ghost stories and legends. This one is just for adults, but the library’s Miss Rachel has something for the kids.

You’ve heard of fairy tales, but how about Scary Tales? At 7 on Thursday, October 24, first-graders and older are dared to venture to the library courtyard for spine-tingling stories. You’re encouraged to attend in costume.

And it doesn’t stop there. On the same night and time as Scary Tales, the Horror Reading Group will meet to discuss a book that’s so terrifying, it can’t even be mentioned in these pages. On Monday, October 28, librarians will set up in the parking lot from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for Story Spooktacular, where trick-or-treaters can make the rounds and hear even scarier tales than they heard from Miss Rachel! One registration per family, for kids age 3 to 7. And while that’s happening outside (or in the children’s library if it rains), see a classic horror movie from 6:30 to 8. Again, we could mention the name of the movie, but that may cause widespread panic. Best to just show up.

Then, to wrap up Spooky Season, storyteller Alan Irvine will dip into his bag of terrifying tales from all over the world, at 4 p.m. on October 30. We recommend keeping the kids at home for this one.

Also, look for your favorite librarians in Mt. Lebanon’s Pumpkin Patch Parade, beginning at 11 a.m., on Saturday, October 26, beginning at Mt. Lebanon cemetery and finishing at
Lebanon Avenue.

Register for programs by visiting the events calendar section of the library’s website.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 

Bats!

11 a.m., Saturday, October 5, Story Room

Learn about local bats from an Allegheny County Park Ranger. Discover the role bats play in our ecosystem, and try out your bat skills! For ages 4 and up and family.

Chess Club

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, Story Room

Learn new moves and strategies and have fun playing with other kids. All levels welcome, but players must know how chess pieces move. For kids in first through fifth grade.

Register for each session individually. Registration opens one month prior to program at 9 a.m.

Story Spooktacular

6:30 p.m, Monday, October 28, library parking lot

Trick or treat for stories with your favorite librarians outside the library! Walk from station to station to hear some fun and fantastical tales. Costumes are welcome. (In case of bad weather this event will move inside to the children’s library.) For ages 3-7 and family. Register online for a 6:30 or 7 p.m time slot.  One registration per family.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS

Spanish Group

7 p.m., Monday, October 21, Meeting Room B

For teens and adults. Spanish speakers of all levels are invited to this monthly group to practice their Spanish in an informal, fun environment. No registration required.

Science Fiction Book Group

7 p.m., Wednesday, October 23, Meeting Room B

For teens and adults.

Novel: The Doomsday Brunette by John Zakour and Lawrence Ganem

Short Fiction: The Box by Hugh Howey

I, Robot by Cory Doctorow

Talking Comics Book Club (6th Grade & Up)

3:30 p.m., Friday, October 25, Learning Lab classroom

Talking Comics is a monthly graphic novel book club for middle and high school students, with an accompanying craft project. Books are available to pick up the first week of each month.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Guitar for Adults

1 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, Meeting Room A

Local guitar teacher Brannon Lyons returns to the library to lead an adult group guitar class for beginners and intermediate players. Topics covered will include chords, strumming, and basic technique. Class will meet for six consecutive weeks.

Must have own guitar. Registration required.

South Hills Scrabble Club

1 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, October 5 and 19, Meeting Room B

South Hills Scrabble Club welcomes adults and kids 10 and up for friendly competition.

Shakespeare Readers

10:30 a.m., Monday, October 7 and 21, Meeting Room B

The group will be discussing Titus Andronicus

Early American History Group

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, October 10

Discussion and readings center on American events, leaders, economic and geographic conditions in America from 1609 to 1865. Discussions are framed with a broad 21st century multicultural perspective.

Membership in the group is limited to eight and is currently full, but patrons are welcome to attend sessions as auditors. If you wish to be placed on a waitlist, contact moderator Dan Bowman, bowman.dan@gmail.com.

Footsteps of Tradition

10 a.m., Friday, October 11, Meeting Room A

Explore Italian folk dances with dancer and author Anna Harsh.

An Evening of Western Pennsylvania Ghost Stories

7 p.m., Tuesday, October 22, Meeting Room A

Join local author Thomas White for an evening of legends and stories.

Great Courses: Mysteries of the Mind

1 p.m., Thursday, October 24, Learning Lab

A discussion of Great Courses episodes featuring psychology, neuroscience, medicine, philosophy and more. Registration not required although helpful to receive supplemental materials and reminders for meetings.