JCPL celebrating monster’s birthday

Don’t look now, but Frankenstein’s monster is 200 years old this year, and Jay County Public Library is planning a host of Halloween-related activities in the old guy’s honor.

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus” was published in London on Jan. 1, 1818, and JCPL staff have planned activities for every age group.

From 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, it will be time for “Saturday Morning Cartoons Meet Frankenstein,” featuring everyone from Alvin and the Chipmunks to those meddling pesky teenagers and Scooby Doo.

At 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10, there will be a “Monster Mash Escape Party” for kids in grades 3 through 8. Space is limited to 15 participants, so advance sign-up is required. Participants will figure out clues to unlock a break-out box.

Things ramp up during Jay Schools’ fall break from Oct. 24 through 27.

At 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24, there will be a Halloween party. Come up with your favorite costume and stop by to hear some scary stories.

At 10 a.m. Oct. 25, a kids’ movie — “Curious George: A Halloween Boofest” — will be shown and donuts will be served.

From 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 and 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 26, there will be a drop-in crafts session in the children’s area. Then at 2 p.m. Oct. 26, the movie “The Halloween Tree” will be shown.

Adults and teens will have a chance to escape from Frankenstein’s laboratory at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30 in the Community Room.

JCPL staff said six participants at a time will be locked inside the “lab” while Dr. Frankenstein searches for a new brain. They’ll have just 40 minutes to use their science and problem-solving skills to escape from the lab before he returns. Advance registration is necessary at (260) 726-7890.

As to the monster’s birthday party, that’s set for 2 p.m. on Oct. 27. There will be cupcakes to frost, monster games to play and a monster dance party.