Spooky Season in the Stacks: Halloween Traditions for Book Lovers & Librarians

October in the library brings crisp autumn air, cozy cardigans, towering stacks of gothic horror novels, and the undeniable hustle of mid-semester circulation desks.

Whether you're decorating your book displays or settling in for an evening of spooky reading, here is how book lovers celebrate autumn in the stacks.


1. Haunted Library Lore Across America

From the ghost of Willard Library in Indiana to the historic corridors of the Peoria Public Library, centuries-old libraries have inspired ghost stories and folklore cherished by staff and patrons alike.


2. Curating the Ultimate October Display

Highlighting gothic classics, cozy mystery reads, and local folklore with pumpkin decorations and vintage card catalog signage brings seasonal excitement to community circulation areas.


3. Surviving the October Circulation Rush

Between fall school projects, community events, and seasonal book clubs, October is one of the busiest months of the year. Wear your seasonal spirit with our Dead Tired But Still Circulating Librarian Halloween Shirt.

Explore our full Seasonal Library Collection for more festive designs.