Skeletons, cowgirls, witches — you name it; it was there. On Oct. 4, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and the Northwest Special Recreation Association hosted a Monster Mash to kick off Inclusion Awareness Month.
Guests were encouraged to dress up and dance to Kesha’s “Blow” and other popular Halloween songs. They could color design on water bottles, or compete in limbo and a mummy contest. There was also a photo booth where they could get their photo against a halloween background.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library has been celebrating Inclusion Awareness Month since 2018, and has partnered with NWSRA in the past to make community events accessible. “They can reach out to us in advance for anybody who’s signing up, so we know if there are any accommodation requests that we need to accommodate for this type of event,” said Katie Myers, Senior and Accessible Services supervisor at the library.
This event was inspired by community feedback. “We knew that there was an interest in the library hosting programs for adults with disabilities,” Myers said. “We really relied on [NWSRA’s] expertise and guidance to tell us what types of things we should consider having at a dance.”
The 2024 Monster Mash drew an enthusiastic crowd.
“I like being here with my friends and my girlfriend,” said Nate Hollenbeck, who was dressed as a skeleton.
“It’s very enjoyable and I’m having a good time,” said Ashley Costiga, who was dressed as a cowgirl.
“I get to spend time with my friends,” added Kelsey Nolan, another skeleton.
Myers hopes events like these help the disability community see the library as a place to go for fun activities as well as connections and understanding.
“I hope that participants come out, have a good time and want to see the library as a partner for participating in other activities in the future,” Myers said.