Dr. Betty Middleton
Rowan Public Library
Get ready! Halloween is near and the children will be getting excited about what costume they will wear.
Rowan Public Library has more than 100 titles devoted to costumes. These include books on historical costumes, party costumes, stage costumes, biblical costumes, folk costumes, costumes of world cultures, just to begin.
However, if you are thinking quick and easy, several titles stand out. For example, “Glue & Go Costumes for Kids” by Holly Cleeland includes fun costumes that can be made from items found around the house or easily obtainable. With each costume the author includes a list of materials needed, a pattern and detailed directions.
Another favorite is the book by Angela Wilkes and Jane Bull. They have collected more than 50 projects in their book “Dazzling Disguises and Clever Costumes.”
Their costumes can be constructed from everyday materials using old clothes, scarves, paper and glue.
Mary Wallace’s book “I Can Make Costumes” has costumes easy enough that the children can make them with little or no help. Materials needed included simple things like safety pins, aluminum foil, paper bags, cardboard boxes, crayons, and tempera paint.
“Super Masks & Fun Face Painting” by Teddy Cameron Long is a good choice for parents who would like to add an additional touch or eliminate the bulkiness of the full body costume for smaller children. The mask designs begin with either a simple paper mache or paper plate mask. Patterns are included for various designs which can be either full face or just eye covers. The face painting section shows step-by-step details to obtain the desired effect.
Two Internet sites to explore for easy costumes are the website from Parents Magazine www.parents.com and the Web site from Disney www.FamilyFun.go.com.
Involve your children in the selection and making of the costume and enjoy the fun of the creativity.
Computer classes: Classes are free. Sessions are 90 minutes long. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Headquarters ó Monday, 7 p.m., Digital Photos: Beyond the Basics; Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Yahoo e-mail: Beyond the Basics; Oct. 22, 2:30 p.m., Internet Searching: Beyond the Basics; Oct. 29, 2:30 p.m., Absolute Beginners Computer Class.
South ó Monday, 7 p.m., Basic Windows; Oct. 15, 11 a.m., Genealogy: Saving Stuff.
East ó Oct. 20, 1 p.m., E-mail Class.
Jackie Torrence Storytelling Festival: Oct. 17, 10 a.m., Granite Lake Park, Granite Quarry. This is a family-friendly, multicultural event that is dedicated to the memory of Rowan County’s “Story Lady,” Jackie Torrence. Storytellers from throughout the state have been invited. Later in the day, local musical groups will perform. Concessions will be provided.
Children’s storytime: Through Nov. 19, weekly story time. for more information, call 704-216-8234.
Headquarters ó Tiny Tots (infants-23 months), Wednesdays, 11 a.m.; Toddler Time (2 years), Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Time (3-5-year-olds), Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; Noodlehead (4-8 years), Thursdays, 4 p.m.
South ó Preschool Time, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.; Noodlehead, Mondays, 4 p.m.; Toddler Time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Baby Time, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
East ó Toddler Time, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Preschool Time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; Baby Time, Thursdays, 11 a.m.
Book chats for children: Oct. 15, 4:15 p.m., “Stanley and the Magic Lamp” by Jeff Brown ó grade 2. Children in grades 2-5 are invited to participate in Book Chats, a new program at South Regional library only. Registration required. Registration begins three weeks before each program. Call 704-216-7728.
Teen program: Transform your T-shirt with tie-day, bleach or paint. No sewing skills required. Teens should bring at least one T-shirt, but may bring several. For information, call 704-216-8234. South, Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m.; East, Oct. 19, 5:30-7 p.m.; headquarters, Oct. 26, 5:30-7 p.m.
Tuesday Night at the Movies: All movies are at 6:30 p.m. All movies are rated G, PG or PG 13. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn and lemonade.
Oddball October. Tuesday, “Juno”; Oct. 20, “Doubt”; Oct. 27, “Last Chance Harvey.”
Displays: Headquarters ó Domestic Violence Month by Family Crisis Center; American Legion by Amy Cozart; South ó Art by Carson High School. East ó Girl Scout Troop.Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.