KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifiedsLibrary helping find Halloween costumes on a tight budget

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) - Monday's Lunch and Learn program at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library focused on affordable Halloween costumes.

Sara Stuart with the Jonesboro Public Library says there's something out there for everyone. "There are a variety of budgets, of course," Stuart says, "But we're trying to keep things pretty cheap because it's fun but we don't want it to be expensive. And it doesn't have to be. You can have a really great costume for not very much money."

Every Monday and Wednesday the library offers a Lunch and Learn session on a different topic. Virtual Library Manager Brandi Hodges says the purpose of the Lunch and Learn program is to help patrons, "This is a chance for residents to come in on their lunch hour and sit in a class for thirty minutes and learn what that day's class is about. We offer a variety of different topics and this is open to anyone. You don't have to register and it's free."

Hodges says they try to hold classes based on what the library's patrons have expressed an interest in. It's no wonder costumes were one of the first on the list with Halloween around the corner. "Try making use of what you have," Stuart says. "Use things that you may not realize could be costumes, but they can with just a few little tweaks. Also, try using the most inexpensive materials. Cardboard is way more versatile than you think it is."

Stuart says just because the economy has taken a downturn doesn't mean you can't have fun on Holidays like Halloween. "For one day it's hard to justify spending a large amount of money. Even twenty-five dollars for a costume might seem like a bit much if you've got a whole family to do costumes for."

Stuart suggests that you talk to your child and find out what they like, "Maybe they don't want to be a mummy. Maybe they don't want to be wrapped in toilet paper from head to toe. Find out their interests and let them have some fun helping you make the costumes. Some of these are very easy techniques and they'll have more fun with it if they get to play along."

Jonesboro resident Monica Brodie was doing some research on the computer when she kept over hearing people talking about a costume design workshop. "I didn't realize that the hat was card board, and she said the whole outfit is made for less than twelve bucks and I thought that's pretty neat. I can see my four year old niece being the mad hatter for Halloween."

Brodie says she intends to start attending more of the Lunch and Learn programs, "I think this is awesome. I come in here at least twice a week and this is the first time I've had an opportunity to sit down at the Lunch and Learn program and I think it's great. The community needs to know there are resources like this available."

For more information about how to create an affordable costume, or any of the other programs the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library offers, log onto their website.

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