East Polk Public Library

10/31/2026

Love it or hate it, there's no denying that candy corn is a Halloween classic!

But have you ever wondered how this colorful little treat became a fall favorite? From its interesting history to its iconic orange, yellow, and white layers, candy corn has quite a story to tell!

Take a sweet trip down memory lane and discover the history of candy corn!
Check it out on the website posted in comments.

10/30/2026

It's PUMPKIN season, and we're celebrating fall with a little SCIENCE and a LOT of FUN!

First up: Pumpkin Slime! Get ready for some ooey-gooey fall fun!

Then, watch what happens when we put Elephant Toothpaste inside a Jack-O-Lantern! Let's just say this pumpkin gets quite the surprise!

You won't want to miss these explosive, slimy, pumpkin-filled experiments!
Watch the video on the site listed in comments!

10/29/2026

Tucked away on Strawberry Lane in historic Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, stands a house that is every bit as fascinating and unconventional as the artist who once called it home.
Welcome to the Edward Gorey House, the former residence of the celebrated author, illustrator, playwright, and theatrical designer Edward Gorey — a master of the macabre, the mysterious, and the delightfully peculiar.

A House with a history built around 1820 as a sea captain’s home, this historic Cape Cod residence took on a new personality when Gorey purchased it in 1979. He eventually moved into the house permanently, bringing with him his extraordinary imagination, eclectic interests, and a love of collecting unusual objects. Following his death in 2000, the house became a museum, opening to the public in 2002.

To learn more visit the website in the comments,

10/28/2026

Ever wondered why exactly we dress up for Halloween? Or how we went from scary witches and Frankenstiens to the newest trending movie characters? Well brush up on the history of the holiday and see how Halloween has changed throughout the years. Click the link in the comments and get to learning.

10/27/2026

Did You Know Jack-O’-Lanterns Were Once Made From Turnips?

Before pumpkins lit up our Halloween nights, people in Ireland carved turnips and other root vegetables into lanterns!

The tradition is connected to the spooky Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a trickster doomed to wander the Earth with only a glowing ember to light his way.

When Irish immigrants came to America in the 1800s, they discovered that pumpkins were much larger and easier to carve than turnips. And just like that, the iconic pumpkin jack-o’-lantern became a Halloween favorite!

From ancient folklore to today’s grinning pumpkins, there’s more history behind this Halloween tradition than you might think!

10/26/2026

WHERE DID HALLOWEEN COME FROM?

Ever wonder how Halloween became a night of costumes, candy, pumpkins, and spooky fun? The history goes back much further than you might think!

The Ancient Roots: Many historians trace Halloween’s origins to Samhain (pronounced “SOW-in”), an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Some believed this time of year brought the living and spirit worlds closer together.

Bonfires & Costumes: Early celebrations included bonfires, storytelling, and disguises connected to beliefs about spirits and the changing seasons.

How Halloween Got Its Name: Over time, Celtic customs blended with Christian traditions surrounding All Saints’ Day on November 1. The evening before became known as All Hallows’ Eve — eventually shortened to Halloween!

How We Got Trick-or-Treating: The tradition developed over centuries, influenced by practices such as going door-to-door for food in exchange for prayers or performances. Irish and Scottish immigrants helped bring Halloween customs to America, where the holiday continued to evolve.

And Those Jack-o’-Lanterns? The tradition originated in Ireland, where people carved turnips before pumpkins became the popular choice in America!

Today, Halloween is a mix of ancient traditions, folklore, religious history, and modern-day fun. From spooky stories to sweet treats, it’s a holiday with a fascinating past!

NOW I’M CURIOUS! Did you know Halloween had such a long history, or did you think it was always about candy and costumes?

10/24/2026

Let’s Get Spooky! Halloween Songs for Your Playlist!

What’s Halloween without the perfect soundtrack? 🎶 Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, decorating pumpkins, handing out candy, or just getting into the spooky spirit, the right music makes everything more fun!

From timeless classics to creepy beats, here are some songs to add to your Halloween playlist:

🎵 “Thriller” – Michael Jackson
🎵 “Monster Mash” – Bobby “Boris” Pickett
🎵 “Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker Jr.
🎵 “Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell
🎵 “Dead Man’s Party” – Oingo Boingo
🎵 “This Is Halloween” – The Nightmare Before Christmas
🎵 “I Put a Spell on You” – Bette Midler
🎵 “Time Warp” – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
🎵 “Disturbia” – Rihanna
🎵 “Werewolves of London” – Warren Zevon
🎵 “Vampire” – Olivia Rodrigo
🎵 “The Addams Family” Theme – A spooky family favorite!

Whether you prefer a little spooky, a little silly, or a full-on monster dance party, these tunes are sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit!

10/23/2026

10/23/2026

Classic Halloween Books for Adults

Looking for a good scare this Halloween? Curl up with a classic that will send shivers down your spine, keep you guessing, or make you think twice about what might be lurking in the shadows!

Add these haunting reads to your October reading list:

Dracula by Bram Stoker — The timeless vampire tale that started it all.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley — A chilling classic that explores the dark side of ambition and what it means to be human.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson — An eerie, psychological masterpiece that makes you question what’s real.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier — Secrets, suspense, and a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James — A mysterious manor, unsettling encounters, and a ghost story that keeps you guessing.

The Shining by Stephen King — A terrifying stay at an isolated hotel that proves some places are best left unexplored.

Whether you love supernatural mysteries, Gothic suspense, or full-on horror, these classics are perfect companions for a spooky autumn evening

10/22/2026

Poll time! 🕙 What is your favorite Halloween candy? 🍬

Whether you're a kiddo or an adult, Halloween offers a great opportunity to give in to that sweet tooth. 🦷🎃

Photo credit: Kristina Paukshtite, Pexels.com