Library in the Forest to host Spooktacular

On Oct. 28, the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest will be reopening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for its annual Library Spooktacular. 

Meant for families and kids of all ages, this Halloween event will have plenty of activities for everyone, such as creating your own concoction in a mad-scientist lab, a monster-mash disco, preschool crafts and shadow puppets. 

“We’re not just a library; we’re a community center, too,” said April Moon, children’s department head. “We’ll have all kinds of activities all over the library so that all ages will have something to do.”

The event should be a safe and fun night for children from all over the area, she said.

“If you don’t like the idea of your kid going door-to-door, then you can come here,” Moon said. 

While the Spooktacular originally had activities happening both inside and outside the library, this year’s event will be in the building due to an unfinished ramp. Hopefully they’ll be able to spread back out and use the entirety of the library next year, Moon said. 

The library staff is looking forward to seeing local families out and about for its Spooktacular as it enters its fifth year.

“We like to outdo ourselves each year, so we hope to have a big crowd,” Moon said. “Kind of like a big party.”

The library will be running a shuttle between the Spooktacular and parking for those who aren’t able to park at the library. Everyone is encouraged to attend in costume. 

On Saturday, come to the library for the Storybook 5K Run, sponsored by the Junior Board of the Vestavia Hills Library Foundation, formerly known as PALS.  The Storybook Run will kick off with a 5K at 8 a.m. followed by a one mile fun run at 9:30 a.m., with live music, food trucks and storybook character appearances. Children are invited to come dressed as their favorite character.  

For more information about the weekend or to register for the run, contact the children’s department at 978-0158 or visit vestavialibrary.org. You may also register at runsignup.com until Oct. 20, but registration without a T-shirt will be available the day of the race.