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Eerie Imaginings Ceremony

Spooky Short Story Writing Contest
2025-10-29 18:00:00 2025-10-29 20:00:00 America/New_York Eerie Imaginings Ceremony Join us in our spooky Story House to celebrate the Eerie Imaginings contest! Finalists will share their stories and prizes will be awarded. Light refreshments. Ages 8-18. Main Library - Story House

Wednesday, October 29
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-10-29 18:00:00 2025-10-29 20:00:00 America/New_York Eerie Imaginings Ceremony Join us in our spooky Story House to celebrate the Eerie Imaginings contest! Finalists will share their stories and prizes will be awarded. Light refreshments. Ages 8-18. Main Library - Story House

Main Library

Story House

Join us in our spooky Story House to celebrate the Eerie Imaginings contest! Finalists will share their stories and prizes will be awarded. Light refreshments. Ages 8-18.

Does your notebook twitch with strange scribbles after dark? Channel those bumps in the night into our Eerie Imaginings Spooky Story Contest! Each fall, young writers (grades 3-12) are welcome to submit a terrifying tale (1-3 pages) to delight and fright readers of all ages.

Entry Window
Sept. 2nd – Oct. 2nd

Age Brackets & Prizes
Grades 3–5: $50 winner, $25 × 2 runners‑up
Grades 6–8: same
Grades 9–12: same

How to Enter
Write an original spooky story. Fan fiction and borrowed universes will be disqualified. We want your monsters.
Keep it short – max of 3 handwritten pages, or 1 typed, single spaced page.
Keep it clean – no extreme gore or violence
Submit your entry at any library branch or online using this submission link.
Judging & Notifications


Top three stories in each bracket earn the prizes above; we’ll call winners by mid‑October. All participants (and fans) are invited to the awards night on October  29th at the main library. Finalists may read their tales aloud if they wish, or they can ask a librarian to read it.

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Children (6-11) |

EVENT TYPE: | Literature & Writing | Language & Storytelling | Food & Drink |

Main Library
Phone: 574-282-4646
Branch manager
Stephanie Murphy
Hours
Mon, Sep 08 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Sep 09 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Sep 10 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Sep 11 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Sep 12 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Sep 13 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Sep 14 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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About the branch

Features: numerous public meeting rooms, public computers, wireless laptops and iPads for in-house use and vending area.

Upcoming events

Lego Builder Challenge
Mon, Sep 15, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Story House
Can you... more
Can you master the LEGO Builder Challenge? Test your building and creativity skills in 4 timed challenges with a theme, then share about your creations. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Mesa Virtual de Conversación en Español - Virtual Spanish Conversation Table
Tue, Sep 16, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83497920123
If you're... more
If you're interested in practicing authentic conversation in Spanish, this group is for you. Listen to an interesting, informal presentation in Spanish, then discuss in small groups.
Cozy Crafting
Tue, Sep 16, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Drop in on... more
Drop in on the 3rd Tuesday of each month to chill, unwind, craft with others, and build new friendships! Snacks and drinks provided while supplies last.
The Write Space
Tue, Sep 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Adult Virtual Programming Room
A virtual... more
A virtual support group for writers and aspiring writers. Join our Zoom meeting to participate in writing prompts, chatting, and dreaming about next steps in your writing life.
Bingo!
Wed, Sep 17, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Join us... more
Join us Wednesdays for a chance to earn fun small prizes and socialize with others!
Fall into Puppetry with the South Bend Civic Theatre
Sat, Sep 20, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Story House
Shadow... more
Shadow puppets, sock puppets, finger puppets, and stick puppets oh my! Join the South Bend Civic Theatre and create some of fall's most iconic characters in puppet form. Ages 6 to 12 are welcome.
Dungeons & Dragons
Sat, Sep 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Teen Room
Come to the... more
Come to the Teen Room on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month to learn about a new playable race or class in D&D, create your own character, and use that character to play a mini-game!
SJCPL Online Book Group - Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
Mon, Sep 22, 8:00pm - 8:45pm
Adult Virtual Programming Room
This coming... more
This coming of age novel follows a young boy in New Mexico in the 1940s as he questions his faith and beliefs after a curandera woman introduces herbs and magic into his life.
Mesa Virtual de Conversación en Español - Virtual Spanish Conversation Table
Tue, Sep 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83497920123
If you're... more
If you're interested in practicing authentic conversation in Spanish, this group is for you. Listen to an interesting, informal presentation in Spanish, then discuss in small groups.
Sew Easy! Spooky Glove Monsters
Tue, Sep 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story House
Learn basic... more
Learn basic hand sewing skills while making and decorating your very own stuffed monster out of felt and a glove! No prior experience necessary. Recommended for ages 6-11.
Bingo!
Wed, Sep 24, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Join us... more
Join us Wednesdays for a chance to earn fun small prizes and socialize with others!
Books on Tap
Thu, Sep 25, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
702 E Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601
Literary... more
Literary discussions and heady libations on the last Thursday of each month. Follow us on Facebook or ask to be added to our email for location for that month.
Mesa Virtual de Conversación en Español - Virtual Spanish Conversation Table
Tue, Sep 30, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83497920123
If you're... more
If you're interested in practicing authentic conversation in Spanish, this group is for you. Listen to an interesting, informal presentation in Spanish, then discuss in small groups.
Dinner & a Book - with Author Yvonne Castañeda
Wed, Oct 01, 10:45am - 2:00pm
Studio
Join us at... more
Join us at WNIT for Dinner & a Book with author Yvonne Castañeda!
Bingo!
Wed, Oct 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Join us... more
Join us Wednesdays for a chance to earn fun small prizes and socialize with others!
FNAF, Frights, and Food - Fright Night Series
Thu, Oct 02, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Feed your... more
Feed your inner Freddy Fazbear with fun food as we rank recipes from the FNAF Cookbook. Snacks and drinks provided while supplies last.
Pirate Games & Skills with Entertaining History
Sat, Oct 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Story House
Play pirate... more
Play pirate games and learn skills seafarer's used in the Golden Age of Piracy! Recommended for ages 8 - 12.
Dungeons & Dragons
Sat, Oct 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Teen Room
Come to the... more
Come to the Teen Room on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month to learn about a new playable race or class in D&D, create your own character, and use that character to play a mini-game!
Mesa Virtual de Conversación en Español - Virtual Spanish Conversation Table
Tue, Oct 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83497920123
If you're... more
If you're interested in practicing authentic conversation in Spanish, this group is for you. Listen to an interesting, informal presentation in Spanish, then discuss in small groups.
You-Decide Adventure Book Club
Tue, Oct 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story House
Enjoy a... more
Enjoy a gamebook read-aloud and help decide which path the main character will take through the story! Come to one or come to them all. No prior reading required. Recommended for ages 6-11.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament
Tue, Oct 07, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Teen Room
Put your... more
Put your gaming skills to the test as you battle others in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Food and drinks provided while supplies last.
Bingo!
Wed, Oct 08, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Join us... more
Join us Wednesdays for a chance to earn fun small prizes and socialize with others!
Special Effect Makeup Tutorial - Fright Night Series
Thu, Oct 09, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Teen Room
Learn the... more
Learn the basics of special effects makeup by creating a prosthetic wound out of Liquid Latex.
Make a Korean Language (Hangul) Bookmark - with the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies
Sat, Oct 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Story House
Celebrate... more
Celebrate Korean Alphabet Day by creating a beautiful bookmark with Korean characters. Ages 5 to 11 are welcome.
Mesa Virtual de Conversación en Español - Virtual Spanish Conversation Table
Tue, Oct 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83497920123
If you're... more
If you're interested in practicing authentic conversation in Spanish, this group is for you. Listen to an interesting, informal presentation in Spanish, then discuss in small groups.
You-Decide Adventure Book Club
Tue, Oct 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story House
Enjoy a... more
Enjoy a gamebook read-aloud and help decide which path the main character will take through the story! Come to one or come to them all. No prior reading required. Recommended for ages 6-11.
Silent Reading Society
Tue, Oct 14, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
219 S St Louis Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617
A monthly... more
A monthly gathering to share what you’re reading then settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialize—or not!
Bingo!
Wed, Oct 15, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Join us... more
Join us Wednesdays for a chance to earn fun small prizes and socialize with others!
Spooky Sensory Spectacular - Ages 3 - 8
Wed, Oct 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Story House
Explore... more
Explore using your senses in this fun Halloween inspired sensory play. Recommended for ages 3-8.
Craft a Miniature Haunted House - Fright Night Series
Thu, Oct 16, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Teen Room
Craft a... more
Craft a spine-chilling miniature haunted house. Bring your haunted abode to life with eerie charm, intricate details, and ghostly ambiance. A spooky array of materials will be provided.
Dungeons & Dragons
Sat, Oct 18, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Teen Room
Come to the... more
Come to the Teen Room on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month to learn about a new playable race or class in D&D, create your own character, and use that character to play a mini-game!
Lego Builder Challenge
Mon, Oct 20, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Story House
Can you... more
Can you master the LEGO Builder Challenge? Test your building and creativity skills in 4 timed challenges with a theme, then share about your creations. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Mesa Virtual de Conversación en Español - Virtual Spanish Conversation Table
Tue, Oct 21, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83497920123
If you're... more
If you're interested in practicing authentic conversation in Spanish, this group is for you. Listen to an interesting, informal presentation in Spanish, then discuss in small groups.
You-Decide Adventure Book Club
Tue, Oct 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story House
Enjoy a... more
Enjoy a gamebook read-aloud and help decide which path the main character will take through the story! Come to one or come to them all. No prior reading required. Recommended for ages 6-11.
Cozy Crafting
Tue, Oct 21, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Drop in on... more
Drop in on the 3rd Tuesday of each month to chill, unwind, craft with others, and build new friendships! Snacks and drinks provided while supplies last.
The Write Space
Tue, Oct 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Adult Virtual Programming Room
A virtual... more
A virtual support group for writers and aspiring writers. Join our Zoom meeting to participate in writing prompts, chatting, and dreaming about next steps in your writing life.
Bingo!
Wed, Oct 22, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Join us... more
Join us Wednesdays for a chance to earn fun small prizes and socialize with others!
Fright Night at the Library - Fright Night Series
Thu, Oct 23, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Teen Room
Join us for... more
Join us for a FRIGHTfully fun party in The Cube! Don your scariest ensemble to enjoy pizza, crafts, trivia, a photobooth, and more!
Shein Trust Listen + Learn Children’s Concert Series - Presented by South Bend Symphony Orchestra
Fri, Oct 24, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Story House
Join the... more
Join the South Bend Symphony’s String Quintet as they perform a family-friendly concert in the cozy atmosphere of The Story House. All are welcome!
SJCPL Online Book Group: Diamond Doris by Doris Payne - The True Story of the World's Most Notorious Jewel Thief
Mon, Oct 27, 8:00pm - 8:45pm
Adult Virtual Programming Room
The... more
The larger-than-life personality behind jewel heists that remained unsolved for years shares how a young southern black woman pulled off diamond robberies and used nuns to break out of prison.
Mesa Virtual de Conversación en Español - Virtual Spanish Conversation Table
Tue, Oct 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83497920123
If you're... more
If you're interested in practicing authentic conversation in Spanish, this group is for you. Listen to an interesting, informal presentation in Spanish, then discuss in small groups.
You-Decide Adventure Book Club
Tue, Oct 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story House
Enjoy a... more
Enjoy a gamebook read-aloud and help decide which path the main character will take through the story! Come to one or come to them all. No prior reading required. Recommended for ages 6-11.
Bingo!
Wed, Oct 29, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Room
Join us... more
Join us Wednesdays for a chance to earn fun small prizes and socialize with others!
Eerie Imaginings Ceremony - Spooky Short Story Writing Contest
Wed, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Story House
Join us in... more
Join us in our spooky Story House to celebrate the Eerie Imaginings contest! Finalists will share their stories and prizes will be awarded. Light refreshments. Ages 8-18.
See all events