Potions, Pumpkins & Painted Skulls: October at the Library

October at the Library was all about getting hands-on, whether that meant brewing bubbling potions, writing and illustrating original books, or decorating skulls for Día de los Muertos. Here's a look back at a month full of curious young scientists, budding authors, and creative artists of all ages.

Mess Around and Find Out Science-Potions!

Inside every kid is a scientist, full of curiosity and a willingness to make predictions and experiment. That's why we developed the Mess Around and Find Out science series at the Library. On October 7th, once again, our fearless young scientists engaged in hands-on experimentation to learn what happens when you mix baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid). The results were quite dramatic. One experiment was to inflate a moaning Myrtle ghost balloon (just in time for Halloween) by affixing it to a water bottle with vinegar inside. When our young scientists released the baking soda from the balloon into the vinegar, carbon dioxide was released, which inflated the ghostly Myrtle. Peter Pumpkin also made an appearance, but sadly, he'd eaten too much candy and upchucked (gasp!) baking soda and vinegar, with dish soap, glitter, and green food coloring to boot! That got everyone's attention. The program was over when we ran out of vinegar, but children left with an instructional pamphlet that included all the experiments so that the science fun could continue at home.

Kids Bookmaking Workshop by Book Craft Academy

On October 8th at the Library, youngsters had a chance to become book authors and illustrators by designing their own books. Teacher LaVera Wilson of Book Craft Academy led this workshop for a wide age range of children and the excitement was palpable. This hands-on workshop included a variety of materials with which to experiment. Children exercised both imagination and hand dexterity to produce one-of-a-kind works of book art!

Skull Decorating for Children

On Saturday, October 10th, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and in preparation for Día de los Muertos the Library provided children and adults with clay skulls to decorate. A wide array of materials was provided included paints, rhinestones, glitter glue, and mini pompoms. Creativity abounded and people left with a variety of beautifully decorated skulls.

Don't miss out on these and other upcoming Library events! Check out our online calendar to stay up to date with everything happening at the Library.

Library events calendar