We've planned programs across our branches that complement the themes of Mary Roach's works. We welcome you to join us and get in the 'spirit' with programs that explore the celestial, terrestrial, and ethereal realms!

Green Burials with Michael Judd

Sunday, October 4 | 2 – 3 p.m.
@ C. Burr Artz Public Library
Age: Adults

Are you curious about Home Funeral and Green Burial practices/options in Maryland?  Join Michael Judd as he invites you to consider choices for end-of-life care, home funeral, home burial, and green burial practices.  Michael will share information, resources, and personal experiences as he honors the wise traditions of natural burial and the relevance of these choices for us today. Take a virtual tour of the Morris Orchard, Frederick county’s first natural burial site which is centered in a chestnut orchard in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mortician AMA

Tuesday, October 6 | 6 – 7 p.m.
@ C. Burr Artz Public Library
Age: Adults 

Join mortician Celeste Stanley Gordon from Rollins Life Celebration Center and ask questions about her job!

Processing Grief and Loss

Thursday, October 8 | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
@ C. Burr Artz Public Library
Age: Adults 

Join Kendra Speicher from Center for Counseling and Applied Thanatology to learn about community grief and loss education. This presentation includes information about the dual process model of grieving and the value of continuing bonds.

A Haunting in the Library: A Spooky Adult Event

Sunday, October 11 | 1 – 5 p.m.
@ Middletown Branch Library
Age: Adult

Enjoy a vendor-style event of activities including a horror genre book swap, tarot card making, and our annual family costume swap. 

During the event, we will have two terrifying presentations to get us into the Halloween spirit: 

2 p.m. - Paranormal 101:

Explore unexplained phenomena & the supernatural with Chesapeake Paranormal, a dedicated team of investigators driven by a passion, in uncovering the unknown and exploring the mysteries that lie beyond the ordinary. Founded on curiosity, respect, and a commitment to evidence-based research, the team works to document and understand paranormal activity while supporting those who seek answers.

3 p.m. - Houseplants with Ceme-terrarium Make and Take:

Learn about keeping and maintaining houseplants for better wellbeing with the Master Gardeners of Frederick County. After the presentation, attendees are welcomed to make their own spooky cemetery terrarium to take home. Activity available while supplies last. 

Wonderlab: Great Galaxies

Wednesday, October 14  | 1 – 2 p.m.
@ Emmitsburg Branch Library
Age: Elementary 

WonderLab: Where science and art meet! Blast off as we learn about galaxies, gravity and more! Participate in a fun experiment exploring the Marangoni Effect and create your own colorful artistic galaxy. Age: Elementary.

Supernatural Investigation With Chesapeake Paranormal

Sunday, October 18 | 2 – 3 p.m.
@ Brunswick Branch Library
Age: Adults 

Join Chesapeake Paranormal for a fascinating introduction to the world of paranormal investigation. With more than a decade of experience researching unexplained phenomena and supernatural reports, the team will share insights into their investigative methods, demonstrate some of the equipment they use to collect evidence, and showcase several of their most intriguing and unexplained video clips.

Owl Pellet Investigators

Tuesday, October 20 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
@ Emmitsburg Branch Library
Age: Teens (10-18) 

Have you ever wondered what owls eat? Do you like bones? Do you like digging for treasure? Join us as we dissect owl pellets!  By looking through this record of their meals, we can see exactly what they've eaten. Dissecting an owl pellet is a great way to learn about the different ecological roles organisms play in their environment.

Elementary Explorers: Packing for Mars

Sunday, October 18 | 2 – 3 p.m.
@ Brunswick Branch Library
Age: Adults 

Blast off on an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by Packing for Mars for Kids by Mary Roach. Discover what it takes to live on the Red Planet through hands-on challenges, exciting experiments, and astronaut-inspired activities. It's one giant leap for curious kids!
Participate in a variety of experiences related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.  This program is designed for children in grades K-5.

Chesapeake Paranormal

Saturday, October 24 | 2 – 3 p.m.
@ Emmitsburg Branch Library
Age: Adults 

Join Chesapeake Paranormal for a spooky afternoon! They will introduce you to the world of paranormal investigation and the equipment they use. The Chesapeake Paranormal group has been doing investigations for over 10 years and has conducted more than 100 investigations in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Introduction to Tarot Cards 

Wednesday, October 28 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
@ Brunswick Branch Library  
Age: Adults 

Join us for an introduction to the fascinating world of tarot! Explore the history of tarot cards, learn the meanings behind the four suits and the Major Arcana, and discover how tarot can be used as a tool for personal insight and intuition. Participants will have the opportunity to try a beginner-friendly reading using practice decks provided by the library, or you may bring your own deck.

Frederick Reads is a collaborative effort between FCPL and the Weinberg Center for the Arts to bring acclaimed authors to Frederick and foster community conversations, events and a love of reading.