Quantico Library’s Monster Mash

Marine Corps Base Quantico -- The Quantico library staff within the Alfred M. Gray Research Center at Marine Corps University invited parents and children aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico to their annual children’s Halloween Bash, Oct. 30.

Children arrived in costumes and began the event with interactive song and dance. “Wheels on the Bus” and “If your happy and you know it” gave the toddlers a opportunity to “shake their sillies out,” said Resident story teller, Kaylee Wilsher.

Wilsher read from the book “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donalson, and children had a special treat watching the animated version of the book while completing a Halloween craft.

Following story time, children donned costumes of their favorite fictional characters or real life heroes and participated in a Monster Mash Stroll for treats within the Gray Research Center. The Leadership Communications Skill Center, Information Technology lab and Copyright Permissions Office were prepared for the tiny trick-or-treaters.

The spirit of the Marine Corps and the season was celebrated, as the 3-year-old son of Maj. Douglas Verblaauw, dressed in Marine Corps’ woodland camouflage uniform, while the dapper 4-year-old son of Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Martin was adorned in dress blues.

“This annual event is a group effort including the entire library staff,” said Richard E. Freeman, head librarian who has worked to expanded educational opportunities at the library for more than six years. “It’s important to provide a safe environment for children year-round.”

The library offers a story time program for small children at 10 a.m. Story time hours for children up to 3-years-old are Monday and Thursday, while Tuesday and Friday are for children three years or older.
The program works to assist children up to the first grade with growth in reading, writing and color coordination.

— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com