Our local libraries have some tricks and treats up their sleeves for Halloween this year! Many libraries in the Stateline are hosting fun events for kids of all ages including parades, special storytimes, parties, and movie showings. Head to the library for a spooky good time!
All events are FREE and open to the public!
Glowing Mushroom Jars Craft
Where: North Suburban Library Loves Park and Roscoe branches
5562 Clayton Cir., Roscoe, IL and 6340 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, IL
When: September 20 – October 17, 2023
Pick up at your convenience
Pick up supplies at Reference Services to make a glowing mushroom jar while supplies last.
Monster Mash Up – Take and Make Event
Where: North Suburban Library Loves Park and Roscoe branches
5562 Clayton Cir., Roscoe, IL and 6340 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, IL
When: October 2 – 31, 2023
Pick up at your convenience
Kids in grades K-6 can pick up items to make a monster at the Children’s Services Department. Share a photo of your monster on the NSLD Facebook page or bring it into your local branch to show to the Children’s Staff for a chance to win a copy of Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems and a set of monster pens.
Tiny Haunted Village Exhibit
Where: North Suburban Library Loves Park and Roscoe branches
5562 Clayton Cir., Roscoe, IL and 6340 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, IL
When: October 2 – 27, 2023
Pick up at your convenience
Teens can pick up supplies to make a tiny wooden house to decorate for Halloween. Return the house by October 27th to have it displayed and for a chance to win a prize.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Where: Ida Public Library
320 N. State St., Belvidere, IL
When: October 9 – 27, 2023
Pick up a small pumpkin, or provide your own, and decorate it. Then return it on October 9th to enter the contest. No carving.
Teen DIY: Potion Bottles
Where: Beloit Public Library
605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, WI
When: October 12, 2023 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Teens can make potion bottles with friends. All supplies are provided.
Family Book Character Pumpkins
Where: Cherry Valley Library
755 E. State St., Cherry Valley, IL
When: October 12, 2023 at 6 pm
Families can re-create their favorite book characters using foam pumpkins. Register in advance.
Mad Toy Lab
Where: Ida Public Library
320 N. State St., Belvidere, IL
When: October 18 at 5:30 pm
Kids can take apart toys and dolls to turn them into Franken-toys. Bring old toys to use. Registration is required.
Teen Movie Night: Hocus Pocus
Where: Beloit Public Library
605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, WI
When: October 19, 2023 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Teens can watch the movie Hocus Pocus. There will be free refreshments.
Creepy Tales with Jasper Rabbit
Where: Cherry Valley Library
755 E. State St., Cherry Valley, IL
When: October 21, 2023 at 10 am
Kids ages 3-8 can enjoy creepy tales from Jasper Rabbit. Stay to meet the bunny and do spooky crafts.
Bats are Superheroes
Where: Beloit Public Library
605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, WI
When: October 21, 2023 from 2 pm – 3 pm
Families can learn about bats and hear why they are superheroes. Bat skins from eight bats will be available to look at.
Escape the Witches Library
Where: Ida Public Library
320 N. State St., Belvidere, IL
When: October 25 from 1 pm – 7 pm
Sign up for a slot to do an escape room about being trapped inside a witch’s library. Registration is required.
Campfire Ghost Stories from Hedberg Public Library
Where: Palmer Park Fit Pit
2501 Palmer Dr., Janesville, WI
When: October 26, 2023 from 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Kids ages 8 and up and adult listeners can tell stories about the campfire. here will be seasonal treats.
Pumpkin Grab and Go Kit
Where: Cherry Valley Library
755 E. State St., Cherry Valley, IL
When: October 27 – November 4, 2023
Pick up at your convenience
Kids can pick up a pumpkin craft kit.
Trunk or Treat
Where: Rockford Public Library East Branch
6685 E. State St., Rockford, IL
When: October 28, 2023 from 11 am – 12:20 pm
Kids can play games, collect some candy and win a prize or two.
Halloween Preschool Parade
Where: Talcott Free Library
101 E. Main St., Rockton, IL
When: October 31, 2023 from 10 am – 11 am
Preschoolers can wear costumes and march down Main Street in Rockton.
Halloween Party Story Time
Where: Beloit Public Library
605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, WI
When: October 31, 2023 from 10 am – 11 am
Kids ages 2-6 can dress up for Halloween and enjoy a special storytime.
