Clayton children can enjoy a different kind of Halloween celebration at All Hallows Read on Thursday, October 29.

The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Clayton Center Council Chambers.

Kindergarten through fifth-grade students are invited for games, treats, and tales that go bump in the night.

A good spooky story can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable adventure.

For current details, see Veterans Recognition Ceremony.

The celebration connects seasonal fun with reading and imagination.

The Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library also organized a Spooky Story Contest for students in grades three through eight.

This year's writing theme was Small Town Secrets.

Library staff planned to read selected stories during All Hallows Read and include them in a bound library collection.

That creates an exciting opportunity for young local writers to see their creativity recognized.

Families can build on the experience by discussing favorite characters and borrowing a seasonal book to read together.

Reading and storytelling can encourage creativity while bringing parents and children together.

The event is aimed specifically at elementary-school children, so families should check the age guidance.

The town calendar provides the latest details and any participation instructions.

For current details, see Project Green Light.

When: Thursday, October 29, 4–6 p.m.

Where: Council Chambers at The Clayton Center.

Ages: Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Halloween offers plenty of treats, but a story worth remembering can last much longer.

Why families may want to attend

For children who enjoy Halloween but prefer a quieter setting than a haunted attraction, a library-centered celebration offers another option. Stories let children experience a little suspense in a welcoming setting, with adults nearby to share the fun.

Games and treats add familiar holiday excitement without making costumes or elaborate plans the center of the afternoon.

Parents and caregivers can make the visit more memorable by asking children what they think will happen next in a story. Afterward, a conversation about the funniest or most surprising moment can turn the event into a family tradition.

Children who are beginning to read independently may enjoy choosing a book on the same theme for home.

For current details, see official event page.

A spotlight on young storytellers

The Spooky Story Contest gives the occasion a distinctly Clayton connection. The Small Town Secrets theme invites students to imagine mysteries unfolding in a place that feels familiar.

Even children who did not enter the contest can learn something from hearing how other young writers build a beginning, a surprise and an ending.

Adults can encourage budding writers to invent their own short mystery afterward. A neighborhood landmark, an unusual sound or a surprising discovery can become the opening of a story.

There is no need for a complicated assignment: a few sentences, a drawing or a story told aloud are enough to keep the creative energy going.

Plan your visit

Because the event is geared toward kindergarten through fifth grade, families bringing older or younger children should review the posted description before heading out. The Council Chambers at The Clayton Center are in downtown Clayton, making it sensible to allow time for parking and finding the right entrance.

Check the town calendar shortly before October 29 for any updated instructions. Families interested in more library activities can also watch for future reading programs and seasonal events.

The real attraction here is simple: children get to enjoy Halloween while discovering that books and their own imaginations can provide plenty of excitement.