By Taylor J. Hale

Staff Writer

 PORTAGE COUNTY – County Public Library Director Larry Oathout sat down with Gazette staff to give an update on area libraries. With branches in Stevens Point, Plover, Almond and Rosholt, residents are never far from a local multi-media hotspot.

Not-So-Scary Storytime

The Stevens Point branch is hosting a Not-So-Scary Storytime on Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m. Costumes are welcomed for this “goofy and ghastly event.”

“It’s a family-friendly thing,” Oathout said. The program is geared towards preschoolers, but all are welcome. Visitors will be able to enjoy stories, games, songs and crafts. Not-So-Scary Storytime will be held in the Pinery Room.

Teen Library Council meeting

The Teen Library Council will have its monthly meeting at the Stevens Point branch on Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. The teen-based group helps organize the summer library book sale, other events and more.

“A few weeks ago they had a Teen Night where they all stayed late and played games until around 10 p.m.” Oathout explained.

Registration is required. The group is for students in sixth-12th grade. Oathout noted that the group sees well over 20 participants most months.

Haunted Brick Builders

The Plover and Almond branches are hosting a Haunted Brick Builders night on Oct. 15. Children and their guardians will have a chance to build spooky miniature castles and haunted mansions during the fun fall event. The event starts in Almond at 4 p.m. and in Plover at 5:30 p.m. Snacks provided.

Fall Author Festival

The Stevens Point branch is organizing a Fall Author Festival, featuring nine novelists. Guests will be able to speak with and meet authors Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“We get a lot of authors who want to come and do book signings,” Oathout said. “A lot of times, when a single author comes, it doesn’t draw in as big of a crowd as they would like. We took a lot of the names we’ve gotten over the last year and said, ‘ok, bring your stuff.'”

Light refreshments available.

 Featured authors are: morning – Gary Chriske, Elizabeth Felt, John Currier, Bob Rutta; starting at 1 p.m. – Lor E. Lynn, Joy Ribar; afternoon – Hannah Klumb, Robert Ullrich, Marc Thwaits.

County Library Locations: Main Library 1001 Main St., Stevens Point, 715-346-1544; Plover Branch Library 2151 Roosevelt Dr., Plover, 715-341-4007; Rosholt Branch Library 137 N. Main St., Rosholt, 715-677-4512; Almond Branch Library 122 Main St., Almond, 715-366-2151.