Charles City Public Library holds Halloween party for kids

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

A break from the classroom because of parent-teacher conferences was an opportunity to have some Halloween fun, and that’s what about 30 kids did Monday afternoon at the Charles City Public Library.

“All good intentions just to get the kids out and come to the library, get to know library staff and have fun with Halloween,” said Dana Schwickerath, library youth services director.

Schwickerath created “Minute to Win It” games like a cup-stacking race where kids had to stack 21 cups on top of each other in pyramid in less than a minute and then unstack them. There were also mini-marshmallow races, a stacking dice game, candy relays and plastic spider races.

“I think we had like the perfect crowd as far as quality control. They all had a spot and nobody had to wait,” said Schwickerath.

Kids won various types of candy and prizes for their efforts. Kids in kindergarten through fourth grade were invited to the event, but Schwickerath said all ages were welcome.

She said this was the first time she’s held a Halloween party in her 11 years of working at the library.

One of the books that was read to the children was “Too Many Pumpkins,” by Linda White. Kaye Shannon read to the youngsters to begin the party.

“I’d be glad to do another Halloween party,” said Schwickerath.

The library offers plenty of fun for kids in kindergarten through third grades with Tuesdays at the Library, an after-school reading program from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, “True Story of the Three Pigs” will be read along with the chance to build Lego houses. The following Tuesday, Nov. 13, “Trouble with Trolls” is the book to be read and there will also be Christmas tree ornament decorating. Other books featured the rest of November are “Wingdingdilly” on the 20th and “The Gruffalo” on the 27th.