(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / October 18, 2021) – Payne county teens are invited to join the Stillwater Public Library (SPL) on Friday, Oct. 22, for a teens-only costume and cosplay contest. The contest will take place in the SPL courtyard beginning at 6 p.m. Families and community members of all ages are invited to the library courtyard directly after the costume contest to join the Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) as they host an outdoor Halloween family movie night beginning at 7 p.m. Both events require registration.

 

Jessica Howe, SPL's teen librarian, is excited to see what costumes area teens enter into the competition.

 

"Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I'm looking forward to seeing how creative the teens' costumes will be," Howe said. "We're not limiting the costumes to just Halloween, either. If teens have a great cosplay costume, we'd love to see it!"

 

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third prize winners of the contest. Contest winners will receive a Halloween-themed bag of goodies, including small gift cards or coupons to local businesses.

 

Howe was also happy that TAC decided to extend the invitation to the Halloween movie night to community members of all ages.

 

"When we were discussing what movie to watch, I mentioned that the one we chose might appeal to more than just teens," Howe said. "As soon as it came up, the TAC members jumped on the idea of opening up the movie to the whole community."

 

The movie focuses on a favorite spooky family (one that currently has an animated film in theaters) and highlights the creepy and kooky. The film came out in 1991 and is rated PG-13. Popcorn and drinks will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library. Attendees should bring their own blankets or chairs for seating.

 

Community members interested in attending should register in advance, which is required to help staff plan and keep the event COVID-safe.

 

The library encourages attendees to:

 

· Not attend an event if ill or experiencing Covid-19 symptoms

· Please consider wearing a mask over nose and mouth

· Remain at a safer distance from others not in their households

 

TAC members, like the ones who planned these programs, sign up for a year-long term to help plan teen library programs, provide input on which young adult materials to order and volunteer for events and projects as needed. Members earn community service hours that library staff verify for resumes, college applications, and other programs requiring proof of volunteer hours. They also gain leadership experience, make new friends and community connections and are eligible to participate in TAC-only programs and events.

 

Registration for the teen costume contest, Halloween family movie night and TAC can be found at library.stillwater.org/teen_services.php or call the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106.

 

Stay up to date with teen activities and events on social media channels by following @StillwaterOKLib. Sign up for the library's email newsletter to get monthly updates at library.stillwater.org/library_newsletter.php.

 

The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.