Get into the Spooky Spirit with the Boston Public Library!

As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves start to change, Boston neighborhoods are gearing up for Halloween. Boston Public Library offers all the spooky season fun, combining family-friendly events with insights into local history and practical safety for the holiday. Read further to hear about Halloween events, haunted historical roots, and City of Boston safety guidelines.

Halloween Events

BPL locations are hosting special seasonal events, crafts, and storytimes for kids, teens, and families:

• Trick-or-Treat at the Library:
  • Friday, October 30, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @ Adams Street Branch
    Perfect for kids aged 6-12 to enjoy mini-coloring books, temporary tattoos, crafts, and candy at the Adams Street Branch! Get your pictures at the Halloween-themed photo station in the community room.
• All-Ages Halloween Story Time:
  • Saturday, October 31, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. @ Roslindale Branch
    Miss Celeste reads spooky tales appropriate for ages 0-5.
• Halloween Party and Parade:
  • Saturday, October 31, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. @ Connolly Branch
    Enjoy treats, crafts, and costumes at the Connolly Branch before parading down Centre Street for tricks or treats at local businesses. The parade ends at Mozart Park with games and more treats.
• Día de los Muertos Story and Craft:
  • Saturday, October 31, 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. @ Central
    Celebrate this special holiday by listening to stories and making papel picado, a traditional paper craft at the Central Library in Copley Square. This event is for ages 4-12.

Haunted History

Want to dig into Boston’s spooky history? Check out our recent blog post, "The Ancient Graves of Boston," to learn about Boston’s oldest gravestones and the stories they tell. Here are some more resources to learn about Boston history:

• Local History Guides:
  Learn all about local spooky history, including the Salem Witch Trials, Crime in Boston, Boston Disasters, the Great Fires of Boston, and more!
• Special Collections & Rare Books:
  The Special Collections Department facilitates discovery and public engagement with rare and culturally significant material. The Rare Books and Manuscripts Department has amazing digitized history, including medieval manuscripts, Boston town records, and more.

Staying Safe on Halloween

• Costumes and Visibility:
  Use bright colors, a flashlight, reflective tape, or glow sticks along with your costume to ensure people and/or vehicles can see you.
• Pedestrian Safety:
  Use sidewalks, crosswalks, and cross streets very carefully. Never accept a ride from strangers, criss-cross around the street, or dart out between parked cars.
• Driver Awareness:
  Motorists must drive slowly and stay alert in residential areas during trick-or-treating hours.
• Treat Inspections:
  Parents and guardians should inspect all candy before eating and set a rule to not enjoy the candy until you return home.

To learn more about Halloween safety, read the Boston Fire Department or the Boston Police Department safety tips.

Check out the BPL events page and the City of Boston events page to view all upcoming Halloween happenings! What is your favorite Boston neighborhood to explore during Halloween?