Library hosts Halloween Spooktacular with WYN

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Municipal Library was excited to host a Halloween Spooktacular event, in partnership with the Wheatland Youth Network (WYN), Oct. 27 for local youth to enjoy. 

According to Laura Henderson, assistant director of Library Services, the event consisted of a series of activities set up around the program room which participants could go around and complete, as well as try to win a prize at the end of the event. 

“When they complete each station, they get a stamp, at the end they are entered for a draw, and everybody goes home with a little prize,” she said. “What is unique about this one is that the Wheatland Youth Network Youth Subcommittee is spearheading this program. One of the members approached me and she was wanting to do a little bit more substantial volunteering at the library.”

Henderson explained the WYN youth took the lead on the program, as well as operating the stations set up for visitors to participate at. 

Though the library has operated similar programs in the past, Henderson explained nothing quite like this year’s Halloween Spooktacular has been set up before. 

“It is really unique and a great opportunity for youth to be in a leadership role in the community, working with other youth in the community,” said Henderson. “We did at one point have a teen advisory council that was part of the library and they helped with some things but they had not gotten to the point of running programs.”

The WYN aims to help youth ages 11 to 24 in accessing mental health resources, which includes natural supports such as libraries, schools, and opportunities to participate within the local community.

Henderson added providing local youth with another opportunity for a leadership role within the community seemed like a very unique and different way for them to be excited and involved. 

“We do partner with the youth network in other ways, and we have been for a while now, but having the youth lead aspect is new and I would really love to build on this,” she said. 

Henderson explained she would be extremely open and excited to see and discuss with interested youth the possibility for them to lead more library programs in the future and build off the event. 

The Spooktacular ran from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the library program room, similar to many other events held on “Flex Fridays” with folks from the community having been invited to drop in at any time to participate.