For Immediate Release: September 14, 2007

Oakland Public Library Celebrates
Halloween And Day Of The Dead

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(Oakland, CA)— Day of the Dead masks and Halloween witches are just some of the treats (no tricks, we promise you!) that the Oakland Public Library has in store for you this October. Whether it’s creating a one-of-a-kind, Day of the Dead community altar to honor your loved ones, enjoying ghostly tales that cast a shiver down your spine, or dressing up in costume for a zany time, the Oakland Public Library is the place to be as the days grow shorter and colder this fall! Check out the following free events.

The Three Witches
Everybody’s favorite, the Three Witches, will return to several Oakland neighborhood libraries, to cast spells on children ages six and older with their scary stories, songs and riddles. Participants are invited to come dressed in their Halloween costumes. The Witches will perform at the following libraries:

Friday, October 26, 4 pm: Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, 6833 International Blvd.
Tuesday, October 30, 7 pm: Dimond Branch, 3565 Fruitvale Ave.
Wednesday, October 31, 3 pm: César E. Chávez Branch, 3301 E. 12th St., Ste. 271

Day of the Dead Mask-Making for Kids
Come make your own skull mask to celebrate Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), a Mexican holiday also celebrated in the United States and throughout Latin America. All materials will be provided. Parents and older siblings are welcome to participate, too!

Saturday, October 13, 11:30 am: César Chávez Branch, 3301E. 12th St., Ste. 271
Thursday, October 18, 4 pm: Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave.
Wednesday, October 24, 3 pm: Brookfield Branch, 9255 Edes Ave.
Wednesday, October 24, 3:30 pm: West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St.
Thursday, October 25, 3:30 pm: Piedmont Ave. Branch, 160 41st St.
Tuesday, October 30, 3:30 pm: Eastmont Branch, Eastmont Town Center, 7200 Bancroft Ave., Ste. 211

Day of the Dead Altar Workshops
Learn more about the Mexican tradition of honoring your ancestors. Make a community altar at the library and learn how to make your own personal altar at home. Bring something from home (a candle, photograph, or other memento) to celebrate someone you love. Altars will remain through the Day of the Dead, November 2, after which items will be returned. This event is being presented with assistance from the Oakland Museum of California.

Tuesday, October 2, 1 pm: Elmhurst Branch, 1427 88th Ave.
Tuesday, October 16, 2 pm: Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, 6833 International Blvd.
Tuesday, October 23, 3:30 pm: Melrose Branch, 4805 Foothill Blvd.

Truly Scary Ghost Stories
Do you want to be spooked? Join us for some scary tales if you’re not afraid of getting shivers.

Tuesday, October 30, 7 pm: Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave.

Trick-or-Treat at César Chávez Branch Library
It’s a ghoulish Halloween at the library with spooky stories, crafts, treats and a raffle! Come dressed in costume. Trick-or-treating starts at 2:30; stories begin at 3:00 pm featuring the Three Witches. This event is for ages 6 and older.

Wednesday, October 31, 2:30-5 pm: César Chávez Branch, 3301 E. 12th St., Ste. 271

For more information, please call (510) 238-3134, or see the Oakland Public Library’s Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products to library events. To request sign interpretation or other accommodation, please call the number above or (510) 834-7446 (TTY) at least five working days prior to the event. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland.

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