It is time to pull out the Halloween costumes and haunt the library. Children, teens, and their families are invited to a Halloween Party on Monday at 4 p.m. in the Osterneck Auditorium. Guests will enjoy games, crafts and a costume contest. Shortly after the party begins, everyone will shamble together for a “monster march” around the block. You will not want to miss broomstick limbo or pumpkin bowling, so please make plans to attend the party.

The Book ‘Em North Carolina Short Story Contest is going on now. The contest is open to all youths in Robeson County and the deadline for short story submissions is Dec. 7.

The theme is “The Power of Inspiration.” Youths may write a short story that includes an element of inspiration or describes what personally inspires them. There will be six categories based on age. Word counts for each category are as follows: for kindergarteners through second-graders, 25 to 50 words; for third- through fourth-graders, 50 to 100 words; for fifth- through sixth-graders, 100 to 200 words; for seventh- through eighth-graders, 200 to 350 words; for ninth- through 10th-graders,350 to 450 words; and for 11th- through 12th-graders, 400 to 500 words.

Youths may submit their short stories at any of the Robeson County Library’s locations in Lumberton, Pembroke, Fairmont, St. Pauls, Maxton, Rowland, and Red Springs. Entries will be judged by library staff members. Prizes will be awarded at Book ‘Em North Carolina at Robeson Community College on Feb. 23. For information about the contest, visit the library’s website at www.robesoncountylibrary.org or call Katie Huneycutt at 910-738-4859.

Beginning Nov. 2, the Lumberton Library will offer two preschool story time sessions on Friday mornings. The first session will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the second session will begin at 10:15 a.m. Significantly increased attendance of the regular 10 a.m. program led to dividing into two sessions. I feel confident that two sessions will allow for even more children to enjoy the magic of story time. I am grateful for all of the parents and caregivers who bring children to story time.

Please join us for story time on the following days: Mondays in Pembroke at 10 a.m.; Tuesdays in St. Pauls at 11 a.m. and Red Springs at 4 p.m.; Wednesdays in Maxton at 11 a.m.; Thursdays in Fairmont at 10 a.m. and Rowland at 11 a.m.; and Fridays in Lumberton at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m.

Family Literacy Day is Thursday. Parents and children are invited to drop by the Lumberton Library and add a line to a story chain. The story chain will begin with “Once upon a time…” and families are encouraged to build a story, one line at a time. The story chain will be on display in the Children’s Library.

The next Every Child Ready to Read workshop is scheduled for Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. Parents, caregivers and children 5 years old and younger are invited to come to the library and learn simple practices they can use to prepare their child to be a successful reader. The workshop is fun and free.

To register, call 910-738-4859. For information about the Every Child Ready to Read program, visit www.everychildreadytoread.org.

The Hector MacLean Public Library in Fairmont will show “The Lorax” movie on Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. The movie is free and children and teens are welcome.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will present its “Animal Tracks & Signs” show on Nov. 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Maxton Library and at 6 p.m. at the Osterneck Auditorium. Children and teens will learn how to use their senses to uncover clues left behind by animals. A few live animals will make a special appearance. The shows are free but space is limited.. Registration is required to guarantee a seat. Up to 60 children and teens may register per show. To register for the show in Maxton, call 910-844-3884. To register for the show in Lumberton, call 910-738-4859. You may also register by visiting the libraries.

Teen Game Day is Friday, Nov. 16, from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Osterneck Auditorium. Teens can enjoy their favorite Wii games and board games with friends. Light refreshments will be served.

Katie Huneycutt is the youth services librarian of Robeson County Public Library. You may reach her at 910-738-4859 or by email at khuneycutt@robesoncountylibrary.org. She just finished reading “The Mark of Athena” by Rick Riordan.