Whitehall Township Public Library held its annual Hallow-read program Oct. 31. It was a fun event for kids, families, visitors and library staff. Kids were dressed in Halloween costumes, as were some adults! A special area of the library was reserved for the Halloween event.

There were witches, a werewolf, the “Wizard of Oz” Cowardly Lion and the Wicked Witch of the West in a spooky green face and more. Several adults were in costume; some dressed as the Tin Man and the Scarecrow of “Wizard of Oz” fame.

There was a face painter, a costume-judging contest and a refreshment room sponsored by the library’s Teen Advisory Board. There was also a large basket raffle.

Madyx Student, a high schooler, read Halloween stories to kids in attendance. The reading aspect of the day was coordinated by librarian Lorraine Santaliz, of Whitehall.

The scariest costume winners were a werewolf and the spooky green-faced witch. The most original costume winners were the popcorn bucket and the lion. All prize winners were given a gift to choose from a number of gifts in the library Halloween gift box.

Jeff and Kelly Poburski and their daughter Kenley, of Whitehall, enjoyed their time at the gathering. As parents, they watched the activities and seemed satisfied with the fun Kenley was having with the other kids and engaging in the activities.

An upbeat leader, library Director Susan Bielucke, of Easton, was clearly satisfied with the event and the ambience of a family gathering that was respectful of the serenity typically found in a library.

Whitehall Township Public Library, 3700 Mechanicsville Road, has a history spanning six decades of community service, local archiving and facility growth. The library is a nonprofit and participates in regional networks, including Lehigh Carbon Library Cooperative.

Like all libraries, Whitehall Township Public Library is a quality-of-life component of the township. Public libraries are vital community anchors that extend far beyond lending books. They function as inclusive, safe and free places that enhance education, social activities and the economic needs of a community.