Willowick Public Library was a great place to visit on May 4 for anyone who wanted to learn about the science of ghosts, get a close view of creepy, crawly animals or create a dessert that looks dirty. Those were some of the activities featured during the library’s annual Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction event. Programs stemming from the theme “Things That Go Bump in the Night” took place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the library, which is located at 263 E. 305th St. In a news release promoting the event, Willowick Public Library promised that Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction would be “a fun, educational, and at times macabre day for the entire family.” To kick off the event, the library conducted a craft activity titled “Plucked from the Leaf Man: Make a Small Wall Hanging.” Rachael Monin of Willowick works on an art project during the Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction event held on May 4 at Willowick Public Library. She participated in a program that involved painting a wooden model of a leaf that could be hung on a wall or Christmas tree. Other Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction programs focused on topics such as the science of ghosts and making a frightful dessert. (Bill DeBus – The News-Herald) The library, in its news release, mentioned a legendary figure known as The Leaf Man, who stalked woods and forests. “Only the bravest dare pluck leaves from his coat,” the release stated. For those who weren’t bold enough to encounter the Leaf Man, a safer and more creative alternative was offered at Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction. Guests were invited to decorate a wooden model of a leaf, and take it home to hang on a wall or Christmas tree. Rachael Monin displays a model of a wooden leaf that she painted and decorated during the Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction event on May 4 at the Willowick Public Library. Monin resides in Willowick. Other programs conducted during Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction focused on topics such as the science of ghosts and making a frightful dessert. (Bill DeBus – The News-Herald) The library provided paint, glitter and other art supplies to create colorful wooden leaves. Rachael Monin of Willowick, who participated in this activity, said she and her family enjoy attending events at their hometown library. “We always go to the library for all their different functions,” she said. Monin said her son, Liam; and daughter, Fiona, had signed up for a Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction activity titled “It’s Just Dirt … and Worms: Make a Frightful Dessert.” During that program, participants learned how to make a layered dirt dessert with ingredients such as Oreos, cream cheese, Cool Whip, and gummy worms, said Willowick Public Library Building Manager Kathleen Jozwiak. The finished dessert was dished up into bowls resembling tiny flower pots, and accompanied by spoons that looked like tiny shovels, Jozwiak added. Another early morning activity that proved popular for children was the Campfire Storytime. Since the event was held indoors, the library created unlit models of campfires consisting of painted paper towel rolls, and orange and yellow tissue paper. Children’s Librarian Sarah Silbaugh presided over a storytime session that featured spooky tales. Silbaugh also led the children in songs and different body movements. One family that attended the Campfire Storytime were husband and wife Derek and Theresa Dernier and their two foster children. They reside in Willoughby Hills. Theresa said Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction was an ideal weekend event for the family. “It’s free and it’s local,” she said. “I saw it advertised online, and we decided to come out.” Some of the other programs held during Fantasy, Fiction and Folklore included: • “The Science of Ghosts” — Author, clinical therapist and parapsychologist Brandon Massullo highlighted the academic study of ghostly encounters and discussed his research into one of Scotland’s most haunted locations. • “Creepy Crawly Animal Encounters with Nora the Explorer” — Animal educator Nora the Explorer conducted an informative and entertaining show for people ages. Guests had the opportunity to interact with creatures such as a snake, tortoise and chinchilla. • “Queen Mary’s Drink of Choice: Sample a Bloody Mary Mocktail ” — Guests enjoyed Bloody Mary Mocktails and learn how to make the drink. Jozwiak said a Willowick Public Library committee came up with the idea to create the Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction event. She said the panel considered several possible themes for a daylong community event and believed that Fantasy, Folklore and Fiction was the most interesting choice. “This topic is broad and allows for a wide variety of programs,” Jozwiak said.