2026 Haunted Henrico Spooky Reading Challenge

The Haunted Henrico Spooky Reading Challenge is back, and we’re ready to welcome the new season with more booo-ks and reading goals. We’re inviting everyone—including you, adults!—to participate. Read on for this year’s challenge details and to learn more about upcoming spooktacular programs.

CHALLENGE DETAILS

The Haunted Henrico Spooky Reading Challenge kicks off today (September 22), the first day of fall, and runs through November 1. The challenge encourages readers to explore spooky genres, read two books, and earn a small prize.

And if spooky isn’t your thing, we’ve got you covered. Check out the “Autumn Time” and “Nothing Scary” squares to avoid spooky altogether!

You can participate entirely online through Beanstack or visit your local HCPL branch to pick up a paper copy of this challenge. You can also print your game sheet at home.

SPOOKY STORYLINE

In addition to being a square on this year’s game sheet, Spooky Storyline will be a source for stories all month long. Phone a fright by calling (804) 501-1946 and listen to a librarian read a scary tale. We’ll have two different options: spooky and not-too-spooky, so you can choose your level of fright. New stories go live every Wednesday throughout the duration of the challenge!  

PROGRAMS

In addition to the challenge, be sure to also check out the many spooky season programs happening at the library this October:

KIDS

• Children’s Costume Swaps
• After School Fun: Spooky Density Column
• Family Movie Night: Hotel Transylvania
• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
• P is for Pumpkin
• Spooky Watercolors
• Spooky Game Nights: Horrified
• Spooktacular Sing-Along
• Preschool Craft: Pumpkin Gourd Painting
• Pre-K Costume Dance Party
• Krafty Kids
• Mad Science: Spooktacular Halloween
• DIY Pumpkin Launchers
• Halloween Magic with Mr. B!
• Halloween Fun

TEENS

• 3D Printed Jack-o-Lanterns
• Spooky Halloween Lights
• Franken-Prints
• Teen Glow Art - Pumpkins and Skulls
• Teen Art Studio: Upcycled Spooky Creature Creations
• Ghost Writer Games
• T+T Movie Night: Nightmare Before Christmas
• Teen Art Club: Monster Making!
• Spooky Craft Fair
• Creepy Cake Parfaits for Teens and Tweens
• Special FX Makeup Workshops
• Make Your Own Zombie Doll

ADULTS

• Paranormal Poe: Poe and Victorian Spiritualism
• Poe’s Life and Legacy
• “It Comes to Life!” Hollywood’s Mummies
• Feel Good Films (Drácula vs. Dracula) Double Feature
• Cook & Book: Spooky Cupcake Decorating
• Something to Talk About: Lizzie Borden
• Music Bingo: Halloween Edition
• Book Show & Tell: Horror Edition