Join the Excitement: Central Plains Library’s Fall Crawl Begins

As autumn arrives, the Central Plains Library System is inviting community members to participate in the 2025 Library Fall Crawl Passport program. This initiative, running until November 30, encourages residents from 22 participating cities to explore local libraries, engage in activities, and earn rewards.

Library patrons can begin their adventure at their local library, including Grand Island, where they can pick up a passport. To complete the crawl, participants must visit at least five additional libraries, collecting stickers along the way. Those who successfully submit their completed passports will be entered into a drawing for several prize baskets worth up to $250 each. The program aims not only to promote library engagement but also to showcase the diverse offerings available at each location.

Exciting Upcoming Events for All Ages

In addition to the crawl, local libraries are gearing up for a variety of fall-themed events that cater to all age groups. Children can participate in festive Halloween programs, with activities designed to be both fun and educational. Some notable events include:

– **Halloween PajamaTime** on October 27 at 18:15
– **Preschool Halloween Storytime** on October 29 at 10:30
– A Halloween-themed **Baby Lapsit** on October 31 at 10:30
– The **Monster Mash Bash** for elementary-aged children on October 28 from 18:30 to 19:30, featuring dancing, a scavenger hunt, and cookie decorating.

Teens aged 12 to 18 can also look forward to engaging activities such as:

– **Spooky Terrariums** on October 10 at 14:00
– An **Anime Club** event where participants can make their own plushies on October 21 from 16:00 to 17:30.

Adults can enjoy creative pursuits with offerings like **Crafternoon** where participants will create macramé ghosts on October 11 at 13:00 (registration required), and a book club meeting on November 2 at 17:30 to discuss The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens, a mystery fiction novel.

Fall Reads for Every Age Group

The library is also featuring a selection of new books to complement the season. For young children, titles such as Baby’s First Halloween by Cheryl Orsini and A Great Fall by Amy Dyckman are now available. Beautifully illustrated options include:

– **Buster and the Race Car Graveyard** by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
– **Endlessly Ever After** by Laurel Snyder
– **America Gives Thanks** by Bob McKinnon
– **Thanksgiving is a Blessing** by Rachel Kenyon

For older children, the Pumpkin Falls Mystery Series offers a captivating read with titles like Absolutely Truly, Yours Truly, Really Truly, and Truly, Madly, Sheeply.

Teen graphic novels such as Five Nights at Freddy’s by Scott Cawthon and Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell are also popular choices among young readers.

As part of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15, the library is showcasing materials that reflect this rich cultural heritage. Patrons are encouraged to visit the online catalog at www.gilibrary.org to explore available resources and place holds on items of interest.

With a variety of events and an extensive collection of new materials, the Central Plains Library System is poised to make this fall an engaging and enriching experience for all community members. Enjoy the season, and don’t miss out on the festive activities and reading opportunities available at your local library.