Our first Tales From the Library Crypt was a delightfully terrifying success.
During the library fundraiser held on Oct. 17 and 24 at 7 p.m. each night, guests were welcomed to the library to see dark tales come to life through a menu tailored to each book and characters representing the books.
The featured books included:
"Silence of the Lambs," by Thomas Harris "Interview with the Vampire," by Anne Rice "Something Wicked This Way Comes," by Ray Bradbury "It," and other works, by Stephen King "The Raven and Other Poems," by Edgar Allan Poe "The Final Girl Support Group," by Grady Hendrix
After mingling and enjoying the food along with wine from Ripepi Winery, guests enjoyed a live performance of the story, “The House That Used to Be,” by Susan M. Bowers, author of “Haunted Tales Along the Mon”. After the tales at the library, they headed across the street to the John Blythe House for a spine-tingling tour and a final sweet treat for the evening.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making it happen. We are grateful beyond words.
Thank you to:
All the supporters who came out
Christine and Tom Somales
Becky, library staff, and volunteers
Jennan Gabeletto
Chef Tiff and Buffalo Bill's House
Susan M. Bowers
Character actors Avery Ferrell and Natalie Estok
Ripepi Winery
C.J.'s Furniture
The Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce
Tom Savini's Make-up Effects Program at Douglas Education Center
Life'sWork
Entering the Crypt
The lobby was turned into a dark and gothic lounge just inside the crypt walls. Perfect for welcoming guests and sharing a glass of wine.Two of the display cases out front became cabinets of curiosities.Ripepi Winery served wine to guests both nights.
The Guests
"Claudia" from the book, "Interview with the Vampire," by Anne Rice makes her way through the crowd.Guests at the "Something Wicked This Way Comes" book section.Guests sitting in "The Final Girl Support Group" book section.
Buffalo Bill's Sewing Room
Buffalo Bill's Sewing Room, "Silence of the Lambs," by Thomas Harris. Book depicted by Chef Tiff and Buffalo Bill's House.Herb Roasted Chicken in Red Wine Demi-Glace, featuring wine from Ripepi Winery and micro-greens from Mi-Grow, "Silence of the Lambs" menu by Chef Tiff.Hannibal’s Delight, red velvet trifle with raspberry coulis, "Silence of the Lambs" menu by Chef Tiff."The Silence of the Lambs" menu by Chef Tiff: ~Herb Roasted Chicken in Red Wine Demi-Glace, featuring wine from Ripepi Winery and micro-greens from Mi-Grow ~Fava Bean Pâté on Crostini with roasted red peppers ~Hannibal’s Delight, red velvet trifle with raspberry coulis.Vice President of the library board, Heidi Hoffman, talks with Chef Tiff in "The Silence of the Lambs" book section.
Haunted House Portrait
Our haunted house portrait spot!A floating picture frame was hung in a way that created the illusion of being a portrait on the wall in a haunted house.
The Stephen King Table
The Stephen King's "It" table featured a sweet treat from Cox's Market to pair with the terrifying reads from the horror master.
The "Interview with the Vampire" Table
At the "Interview with the Vampire" table, Chef Christine served Mushroom Swiss Vol-au-vent (pastry cup), diced mushrooms in a Swiss Dijon sauce ~Smoked ham and cheese Vol-au-vent, chunks of smokey ham in a cheese sauce topped with green apple dice ~Field greens with champagne vinegette.
"The Final Girl Support Group" Table
"The Final Girl Support Group" menu served up the drink of choice for support groups: coffee, of course.
"The Raven and Other Poems" Table
"The Raven and Other Poems," by Edgar Allan Poe menu by Chef Christine served: ~Slow Roasted Breast Of Raven (turkey) with herb wine sauce ~Cranberry Pecan Bread Pudding drizzled with a whiskey and vanilla sauce.
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" Table
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" menu by Chef Christine served: ~Mini Corn Dogs with assorted dipping sauces ~White Truffle Popcorn with melted butter.
“The House That Used to Be"
The guests enjoyed a live performance of the story, “The House That Used to Be,” by Susan M. Bowers, author of “Haunted Tales Along the Mon”. The gazebo was decorated with wisteria just like the house that once rested on the library grounds.
The Night Crew
Avery Ferrell and Natalie Estok, Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Alumni (Douglas Education Center, Monessen), mingled with guests as "Claudia" from the book "Interview with the Vampire " and a Final Girl from the book, "The Final Girl Support Group" by Grady Hendrix.Chef Tiff (right) and Aura, a library employee, embraced the night together as moths.Christine (pictured on the left with Amanda Gabeletto, library director) and Tom Somales, good neighbors to the library who helped plan and execute the event also hosted guests at their home - the John Blythe House, across the street - following the time at the library. Their home is considered one of the most haunted on Main Street.Guests enjoyed a live performance of the story, “The House That Used to Be,” by Susan M. Bowers, author of “Haunted Tales Along the Mon” each night.Library staff: Colleen, Carissa, Aura, Amanda, and her husband/volunteer, Jennan, got into character for the night.
