Hey there, Loft crew!
Reads Spooky Season
October is here, and that means it’s time for all things creepy, magical, and delightfully spooky. We’ve rounded up some must-read books for every kind of Halloween mood. Whether you like chills that make the hair on your arms stand up or laughs with a side of ghoulish fun, we’ve got you covered:
- Creepy & Atmospheric – Haunting tales full of suspense and eerie vibes.
- Middle School Rec: The Better to Eat You With by Tehlor Key Mejia
A darkly poetic middle-grade creature-feature for readers drawn to body-horror metaphor, female-gaze appetite, and the queasy thrill of asking whether the real beast is the ache you’re taught to starve. - High School Rec: They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran
if you crave medium-paced, mood-drenched narratives heavy on metaphor, tactile rot, and intimate character dread over intricate lore, and you relish found-family tenderness blooming inside monstrous change.
- Middle School Rec: The Better to Eat You With by Tehlor Key Mejia
- Jump Scare Horror – Fast-paced thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Middle School Rec: Grin by D.W. Gillespie
For middle-grade readers who crave fast, darkly adventurous horror that pits a kid against a malevolent force hiding inside vintage arcade cabinets. - High School Rec: A Feast for the Eyes by Alex Crespo
A tense, moody, queer‑infused thriller for readers who crave atmospheric, character‑driven suspense that explores the haunting cost of hidden truths.
- Middle School Rec: Grin by D.W. Gillespie
- Magical & Witchy – Spells, magic, and supernatural adventures.
- Middle School Rec: The Hex Girls: A Rogue Thorn by Lily Meade
Fast, spooky YA mystery for readers who crave eco-goth vibes, outsider redemption, the thrill of trusting magic when innocence is on the line, and Scooby-Doo. - High School Rec: Hekate: the Witch by Nikita Gill
Ideal if you like fast-paced, poetic retellings with witchy aesthetics, raw rage, and underworld shadows over intricate lore and a slow burn.
- Middle School Rec: The Hex Girls: A Rogue Thorn by Lily Meade
- Spooky but Silly – Fun, funny, and delightfully creepy stories.
- Middle School Rec: A Little Too Haunted by Justine Pucella Winans
Spooky-sweet middle-grade horror for readers who crave found-family warmth, sly humor, and creeping dread while facing the ache of rootlessness and the fierce need to protect the people who keep moving you. - High School Rec: Showstopper by Lily Anderson
A campy, blood-spattered slasher for readers who crave queer, coming-of-age sparks amid escalating backstage dread.
- Middle School Rec: A Little Too Haunted by Justine Pucella Winans
Pick your vibe (or try them all!) and get ready for a month of spine-tingling reading.
School Visits
Over the past couple of weeks, our Middle & High School Coordinator Maddie got to visit many Park Ridge schools to talk about the Teen Loft and share some of the nominees for this year’s Caudill Award! It was so great to see so many of you, answer questions, and see your excitement for reading.
📚 What’s next? Come see us in the Teen Loft! Bring a friend, grab a book, or just check out the space for yourself. We can’t wait to keep the conversation going—and help you find your next favorite read. One of the best parts of the day is hearing “Hey, you were at my school!”
Loft Pro Tips
Our new cozy Loft space is popular & we love it – but we want to keep it comfy for everyone! Here’s how to make the most of it:
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💻 Lap desks = game changers. Use one in the comfy chairs to turn cozy into productive.
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🖐 Only 5 people can be in the cozy space at a time. Small space = big vibes. Everyone needs to have a chair to sit in – and there are only five.
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🪑 The rug’s for vibes, not seating—please stick to the chairs.
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👟 Stay comfy and respectful: shoes on feet and feet on the floor.
Thanks for helping us keep the Loft awesome for everyone!
Programs You’ll Actually Want to Go To 🎤✨
We know your schedule is busy, so our programs are designed to be worth your time. Expect hands-on activities, fun themes, and spaces where you can just be yourself. From creative workshops to chill hangouts, there’s a little something for everyone. Bring your friends along or come solo—you’ll always be welcome.
- T(w)eens in the Studio: Picnic Basket Pop-Up Card –Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Join us and get crafty in the Library’s makerspace! All supplies provided. Registration opens one week before each event, and space is limited. Events are limited to Park Ridge Library cardholders. This month’s project was suggested by a previous T(w)eens in the Studio participant! Grades 6-12. - RPG & Board Game Club – Sunday, October 26, 1-4:45 p.m.
Teen gamers, unite! Join an ongoing RPG adventure or explore various exciting tabletop games with other passionate players (no prior experience required). Check our online calendar for dates and sign up a week in advance. Grades 6-12. - Ghost That Painting! – Thursday, October 30, 2025, 4-5:30 p.m.
Ever wondered what a Van Gogh landscape would look like if it were haunted? Or if Monet’s peaceful gardens were hiding something sinister beneath the lilies? In this hands-on art workshop, you’ll bring a spooky twist to iconic masterpieces—adding creepy creatures, ghostly glows, eerie shadows, and other supernatural touches. Let your imagination run wild as you breathe new (after)life into classic works. All supplies provided. Grades 7-12.
It’s not hard to register, just click the link for each program to sign up & we’ll see you there!
The Loft is better with you in it. Come by soon—we’ll save you a spot. ✨
— Your Library Teen Team 💛
As always, you can share your feedback with us here – we’d love to hear your Lofty thoughts!
All summer long, our WUITL issues will spotlight various aspects of the Teen Loft to welcome new t(w)eens into our space. If you’ve got an idea for a feature, or something else you’d like to contribute to this newsletter, let us know!
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