Halloween Happenings at Prince William Public Libraries

Prince William Public Libraries is celebrating the spooky season with fun activities for all ages. From Halloween-themed crafts to pet costume contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out some of the exciting events happening this October!

Two-Sentence Horror Story Challenge – For Teens: Haymarket Gainesville
Grades 6–12
October 1–25
Aspiring teen writers, Haymarket Gainesville Library is challenging you to write the scariest story possible in just two sentences. Submissions are due by October 25, and the best entries will be displayed in the teen section for all to read. Don’t forget to collect your bag of treats when you turn in your story!

Halloween Pet Costume Contest: Manassas City 
All Ages
October 1–26
Calling all pet owners! PWPL’s fourth annual Halloween Pet Costume Contest is back, and your furry and scaly friends can win a fun prize. Email a photo of your pet in their Halloween costume to [email protected] from October 1–20 for a chance to be voted “Best Dressed.” Vote for your favorite at Manassas City Library or social media from October 21–26.

Sewing Essentials: DIY Halloween Fabric Keychains: Chinn Park
Adults
Friday, October 18, 1:00–4:00 p.m. 
Join us for a creative sewing workshop to craft a Halloween-themed fabric keychain. This event is perfect for adults who want to sharpen their sewing skills while making something spooky and fun. Registration required – sign up for a 30-minute session between 1:00 and 3:30 p.m.

Halloween Mocktails: Virtual Event
Adults 
Friday, October 18, 6:30 p.m.
Looking for a spooky way to spend your Friday night? Dumfries Library is hosting a virtual Halloween mocktail-making event for adults. Join us virtually to mix up some ghoulishly good (and non-alcoholic) drinks, perfect for any Halloween gathering. Registration required.

Hauntings of Nokesville: Nokesville
Adults
Friday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. 
Join us at Nokesville Library for an evening of spooky ghost stories from the local surrounding areas as presented by a local historian. Registration required.

Halloween Story Times and Parades: Multiple Libraries

Here’s a quick rundown of the libraries offering Halloween-themed story times and parades for your little ones:

Potomac: Wednesday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.

The following libraries will host Story Times and Parades on Thursday, October 31, at 10:30 a.m.: Bull Run, Central, Chinn Park, Dale City, Dumfries, Haymarket Gainesville (outside, weather permitting), Independent Hill, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Nokesville.

There’s even more to explore this fall at Prince William Public Libraries. Whether you want to make something festive, compete in a costume contest, or enjoy ghost stories from the comfort of the library, stop by the library this October. Visit pwcva.gov/library for full event details.