Trending
Roaring Spring Community Library is kicking off its first-ever "Haunted Library" this fall, featuring a series of free programs exploring local legends, folklore, cryptids and the mysterious. The three-event series for children, families and curious adults begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.
"Local Legends and Lore" is an illustrated presentation by Altoona native James Krug exploring local tales drawn from the heritage and folklore of Blair County. The presentation is free and open to the public, but registration is requested by calling the library.
Krug serves as Planetarium Director of the Neil Armstrong Planetarium in Altoona and founded the Mt. Lion Observatory at Fort Roberdeau. He has an extensive background in astronomy, conspiracy theories and extraterrestrial life.
"So many spooky Halloween attractions are designed to frighten and scare their visitors," explained John Kauffman, the event planner. "We wanted to showcase local legends in a non-frightening way and make it fun and free for everyone -- especially little kids. The library is the perfect place for this."
The second presentation will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. It will feature Jason Geis and Brock Seese discussing lesser-known cryptids and legends in "Are You Sure That Was a Bear?"
Geis has been a physics teacher for 24 years and a MUFON investigator for eight years.
"Science fiction and science fact have always appealed to me," he said. "And monsters can fall under that umbrella. I have been a 'monster lover' since I was about five years old and saw the horrible film 'Return to Boggy Creek.' I have always loved monsters, both imaginary and possibly real. As I got older, I began to do more book research about legends and folklore. I am that nebulous person who is neither 'believer' nor 'skeptic.'"
Seese has worked as a special education teacher for 15 years and is currently in his second year as an American history teacher.
"I've been a lifelong lover of history, legends and folklore," he said. "And I especially enjoy finding the connections between folklore and actual historical events.
"I've also always loved scary stories, especially ghost stories, hauntings, cryptids and local legends. One of the things that interests me most is looking at where these stories come from, how they change over time, and how they become part of a community's history and identity."
Another part of the "Haunted Library" will be the Spooky Stories, to be held at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday during October.
The Haunted Library series will conclude later in October with a special Haunted Library Tour. The tour will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 27 for children ages up to and including 8 years old and from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29 for ages 9 to 18. The experience will be a fun, lighthearted take on a haunted house -- spooky enough to be entertaining, but not too scary for younger visitors. Guests will enjoy treats at the end of the tour.
For more information or to register for the presentations or the Haunted Library Tour, contact Roaring Spring Community Library at 814-224-2994.