Haunted Library

With Halloween soon approaching the FAMU Public Relations Student Society of America hosted their 14th annual Haunted Library Oct. 26 at the B. L. Perry Jr. branch library.

Every year FAMU’s PRSSA coordinates the community project to inform young people of the importance of literacy education, said Kadian Esberry, 22, a senior public relations student from Miami and PRSSA treasurer.

“We enjoy giving back to the community. We like to encourage the children that reading can be fun,” she said.

The members of PRSSA volunteered to dress up and assist the children with various activities including storytelling, book giveaways, read-alongs and traditional games.

“This was a chance for them to attend a haunted house that they may not have had the opportunity to experience otherwise,” said volunteer Gabriel Lewis, 20, a junior public relations student from Detroit.

The B. L. Perry Jr. branch library was creatively transformed into a walk-through haunted house.

A wicked dead witch greeted curious, yet hesitant participants at the doors of room 101, where hanging cobwebs gave the illusion of creepy spiders crawling and dangling from the doorway.

Upon entering the “darkness of doom,” many participants screamed at the sight of ghosts, ghouls and goblins.

Green slimed oozed from the walls of terror. Bats, cats and skeletons added to the unsightly scene. Children shrieked as they exited the haunted library.

“It was so scary, I jumped out of my skin,” said Quinton Branton, 11, a sixth- grader at Fairview Middle School.

After a complete run through of the haunted house, the children were directed to the outside area, which was designated for storytelling and eating. The children were served pizza, chips and cookies, along with a bag of assorted candies.

“The stories were great, the food was wonderful, and the haunted house was scary. I really enjoyed myself,” said Victoria Wilson, 12, a sixth-grader at Fairview Middle School.

Compared to previous years “this is the best turn out we’ve ever had,” said PRSSA President Regina Taylor, 20, a junior public relations student and last year’s haunted library director.

Over 40 children participated in the pre-Halloween festivities that were held between 1 and 3:30 p.m.

“I appreciate FAMU’s chapter of PRSSA for encouraging kids to come to the library,” said Mary Douglas, library branch manager.