Typically, the Longmont Library Storytime parade takes place over four storytime sessions on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Halloween. Families come dressed in their costumes, sometimes themed or matching, to hear stories and go on a trick or treat parade around the Longmont Civic Center.
Little pumpkin celebrates Halloween at the library 2015 (courtesy photo)
This year employees at the library were disappointed when they found out the event could not proceed as usual due to the coronavirus pandemic. Not ready to give up a beloved tradition, David Kling and along with fellow Children's and Teens’ team members at the library masterminded a solution to make the event an online slideshow instead, according to Teresa Myers, marketing and communications for the library.
Myers said, “With kids stuck at home, they might create even more creative costumes than they would in another year.” She said the online parade was inspired by the Trashion Show, which also had to be moved online earlier this year. Although the event did not have many participants, it did inspire creativity and even caught media attention.
Parents bring children to share in Halloween storytime and parade (courtesy photo)
Children’s and Teens’ librarian of 30 years, Kathleen Kunau has played an important role in planning and carrying out the event in previous years. She has led the march through the civic center with a cassette player held up, playing music from a mixtape that she had created especially for the event.
Kunau said that even though she is disappointed the parade will not be in person this year, she is excited about still seeing all the costumes and the smiles.
“I’m looking forward to people being able to still participate despite the inability for us to gather,” Kunau said. “So I’m glad for those things, seeing the costumes, and having the kids still have a place to dress up and show off and letting the parents show off too.”
Parents and kids dress up to haunt the library (courtesy photo)
Kunau and Myers believe that they might be able to reach a broader audience this year by moving the parade online. Kunau, who has worked at the Longmont Library for 30 years has seen two generations of storytime kids. She said, “This will be fun ‘cause we can get folks from out of town and grandkids and people who couldn’t travel (to participate) and the weather has always affected (the parade).”
.jpg;w=960)
Tigger bounces around the Longmont Civic Center. (courtesy photo)
This year, families can dress up and submit their photos through email, Facebook Messenger, or Twitter direct messaging. The photographs will then be added to a slideshow, which will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube on Friday, Oct. 30.
Kunau said she was happy when the idea for an online edition of the event was decided on, “It’s a tradition worth preserving ‘cause it’s just plain fun!”
Cows roam through the library during Halloween parade (courtesy photo)
