We are three days into October here in Ohio and it feels like it!  The mornings are brisk, the night arrives earlier, and pumpkins have rolled into the spotlight.    It’s also the kickoff of the holidays, starting with the most fun holiday: Halloween!  I love the excitement of costumes, candy, decor, and spooky movies!  Today I’ll share some of my favorite childhood spooky movies that are a little more family friendly.

Casper is about a dad and daughter who are trying to build a new life after the passing of their wife/mother.    The dad is commissioned to help clear ghosts out of an estate and brings his daughter along for what turns about to be a big adventure.  It’s silly, irreverent, and charming.

The Addams Family was originally a cartoon which first came to life in pages of The New Yorker in 1938.  The Addams Family portray a satirical representation of an affluent nuclear family. They have been depicted in many forms of media since their inception and continue to delight with their grotesque ways in this 1991 feature film.

Hocus Pocus is a comedic spooky tale of a teenage virgin who inadvertently resurrects three witches in Salem, Massachusetts.  The star-studded cast, and hilarious whimsy help to explain why this has become a cult classic.

BONUS! Good news for Hocus Pocus fans, there is now a sequel book to indulge in after you watch the movie for the 300th time.

Place these spooky tales on hold from your library today!

We are very lucky at Rocky River Public Library to have so many amazing resources.  One of the resources that is becoming less and less popular is our music collection.  This is not a surprise considering the endless rise of digital music and streaming services.  But sometimes it’s more fun to feel an album in your hand, study the album artwork, and play the album on repeat until you know the words to every song.  If you’re in need of creating the ultimate playlist for your next party, or providing a soft ambiance of background music as you plan your day, don’t forget to check out all of the amazing CDs we have.  Here’s what we have recently added to our music collection: new music.

I recently heard an interview with author John Elder Robison about a procedure he underwent for scientific research back in 2008.  Having lived his whole life being ‘different’ from everyone, it wasn’t until he was a successful adult that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s.  In his most recent publication he discusses the transformation he underwent after receiving Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

I was intrigued to learn more about something so complicated that seemed like science fiction, so I’m in the midst of reading his story, Switched On. It’s a very moving story about the complications of emotional intelligence and the amazing work that scientists are able accomplishing.

If you need a distraction from 2017, I recommend checking out this title.

Beth

I just had a baby…well, I actually had a baby over a year ago, but I find myself using the statement as an excuse more often than I should.  I use the excuse enough that it has become a running joke with a few colleagues.

The reality is I now have a toddler and I work outside the home, and I find it challenging to juggle. The two most common reasons I use the phrase are for explaining my limited (adult) reading, and my minimal practice of self-care.

2016 is no longer among us and it’s time I actually drop the excuse and start reading the books I want to read and taking better care of myself. They are basically the same thing though, right? Reading does feel very good for the soul.   So, I’m going to read my books and take care of myself this year so that I can be the best toddler mamma I can be.

Happy 2017!

Beth