Benton Public Library offers something for every member of the family, with a variety of reading materials, online databases, and more. The library’s mission also includes offering educational and entertaining programs for all members of the community. Each month many programs are offered, including special programs that only come around once a year.

The library’s Teen Advisory Board will be partnering with the Benton Consolidated High School History Club to provide volunteers for the library’s Second Annual Halloween Festival on October 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.

This year’s Halloween Festival will feature a presentation of Creepy Critters by Animal Tales of Mayfield, Kentucky, at 6:30 p.m. Six creepy critters, along with a professional handler, will be at the library including a tarantula, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, Emperor Scorpion, Snake, Norway Rat, and a Mystery Creepy Animal.

“Animal Tales always does a great program for us,” said children’s librarian Jennifer Clinton. “Their animals are always so much fun. We learn a lot and get to see really neat animals up-close. The children will even be able to touch some of the animals.”

A children’s costume contest will immediately follow the animal program. Adults are encouraged to dress up, but no prizes will be awarded for adult costumes.

“We want the event to be a great time for families,” said library board member Sam Kraft.

Kraft and his wife Linda joined the library’s board of trustees in April of 2011 and quickly began planning for Halloween.

“It’s something I always thought was missing in town, something fun and friendly for Halloween, and I thought the library would be a great place to hold it,” said Kraft.

Steinsultz, members of the library staff, and the teen volunteers were on board right away.

“We loved the ideas Sam and Linda brought to us, and we’re excited to add this to the family programming we offer at the library,” said Steinsultz.

After nearly 200 people attended the 2011 event, it was clear this could be a yearly success. The Kraft’s have been less involved this year with planning due Linda’s illness, but have definitely influenced the planning.

“We didn’t want to lose momentum for this great event, so we never thought about canceling. That just wouldn’t be right after all Sam and Linda did last year,” Steinsultz said.

This year’s event will also feature a painted pumpkin contest. Children should bring in a pumpkin they have painted to be judged. Small pumpkins are encouraged.

“There will be food, and of course, candy,” said Steinsultz. “I’ve had my costume picked out for a little while. The teens are ready, and we have plans ready to execute. We’re glad for the extra help from the History Club.”

Teen Advisory Board member and History Club member Joey Clinton said, “Last year was fun, and this year should be too. I’m the dj again this year, providing the tunes. The library does some great programs that are fun for everybody.”

All are welcome at the Halloween Festival, and families are encouraged. For more information, call the library at 438-7511.

The library’s website is www.benton.lib.il.us and information can also be found on the library’s Facebook.