As the chill of Halloween crept into Bellport last Saturday evening, residents gathered outside South Country Library for this year’s annual tradition, which transformed the library into a haunted house with guided walking tours, decorated interactive areas, and children’s ghost story readings.
Cobwebs and skeletons were seen scattered across the lawn entrance as librarians, dressed as witches and warlocks, greeted visitors. Each family was assigned a group number for their guided tour, starting in the downstairs basement.
Lisa Adams, of Bellport, joined her young children in making Halloween crafts and taking green-screen photos while awaiting their turn. “It’s just great seeing the kids spend time with their friends and getting to dress up,” said Adams. Snacks and beverages were served as she mingled with other guests in the basement space.
To begin their haunted journey, a masked staff member led families along a dark corridor illuminated by dim, flashing lights. Black-and-white photographs of ghosts and monsters lined the walls as people huddled together toward their next destination. Each book area featured specific themes, such as a clown gallery in the fireplace room and a spider infestation across the young adult books.
“The library actors did such an amazing job,” said Brienne McCabe, a guest on the tour. “Even I got scared. It was truly terrifying.”
As visitors made their way across the building, the tour concluded at the circulation desk, where Chrissy Coyne, a children’s librarian, read ghost stories to a circle of young kids. Parents and families clustered together to take videos and photos of the celebration.
Staff members including Coyne and Jack Nix, the community engagement librarian, worked together to wrap up the festivities as more guests arrived at the entrance.
When asked about his role in organizing the event, Nix said he enjoyed interacting with the community.
“To see our community being serviced in this way and seeing the smiles on their faces as they leave, you know they really enjoyed it,” said Nix. “I’m excited we’re offering the event again this year.”
As Bellport residents continue to look forward to Halloween festivities this fall season, South Country Library anticipates continuing its Haunted Library event for years to come. Librarians and staff workers hope to keep the tradition alive while also making it better each time.
Adriana Tardugno is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
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