No Tricks Here: Halloween Fun at Prince William Public Libraries

Whether you're looking for a ghoulish good time for your little ones, a spooky special program for your teens, or haunting happenings for yourself, Prince William Public Libraries has you covered.

One of our most popular programs of the year, Halloween Story Times and Parades, is returning to multiple libraries. Costumes are encouraged! Here’s a quick rundown of the locations and dates to help you plan your trip:

• Independent Hill (Pumpkin Story Time): Saturday, October 25, 10:30 a.m.
• Dale City: Wednesday, October 29, 10:30 a.m.
• Nokesville: Thursday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.
• Bull Run: Friday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.
• Central: Friday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.
• Chinn Park: Friday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.
• Haymarket Gainesville: Friday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.
• Montclair: Friday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.
• Potomac: Friday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.

Another community favorite, Manassas City Library's Halloween Pet Costume Contest, is back—and we invite your submissions! Last year, after more than 540 votes, Pope Dog Paul the Great was named Best in Show. Will your furry, feathered, or scaly friend take the crown this year? Email your photo to [email protected] between October 1–20, vote for your favorite on social media or at Manassas City Library from October 21–26, and the winner will be announced on Thursday, October 31.

Teens are invited to Pumpkin Painting Parties at Nokesville Library on Thursday, October 9, at 7:00 p.m. and at Haymarket Gainesville Library on Monday, October 20, at 6:00 p.m. Registration required.

Planning your own Halloween party but need a little inspiration? Join us virtually to mix up festive Halloween mocktails on Thursday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m. Register ahead of time to receive the login link.

If you’d like to extend the spooky spirit at home, our librarians have also created three booklists that direct you to our Online Catalog, allowing you to browse and place a hold on whatever interests you. They’re also happy to share suggestions on great titles for babies and toddlers.

Horror Reads for Ages 8–11
Horror Reads for Teens
Horror Reads for Adults

Looking for even more inspiration—or curious about the history of Halloween? Explore our Digital Library. Search “Halloween” in the Explora Secondary Schools database for articles, videos, and current events for middle- and high-school students. The Mailbox Plus makes learning fun while teaching core skills with thousands of worksheets, crafts, songs, games, and more for pre-kindergarten to grade 6. They’ve compiled fall-themed tools, including Math Monster—adorable, wide-eyed monsters perfect for counting and shape identification—and Where Is the Leaf?, a hands-on activity to use after reading “The Leaf Thief” by Alice Hemming. Creativebug also features hundreds of video classes, perfect if you’ve always wanted to learn how to craft a vintage-inspired Halloween Bucket or crochet a Granny Square Cardigan.

Halloween is a time to gather, create memories, and share in a little seasonal magic—and the library is here to be part of your traditions. However you celebrate, we look forward to welcoming you and your family for moments of joy, creativity, and maybe just a friendly scare or two.