Zombie golf aids library

By Hany Abdel

The Sycamore Library was the place to shoot mini golf while avoiding the undead as they wandered rooms of the library Saturday.

Families played mini golf for a cause on Saturday, raising funds for library furniture and equipment while having fun in the library. 103 E. State St. The event was considered to be a success by Katherine Keyes, the library’s assistant executive director. Organizers aimed to bring families together with the event, which is held in conjunction with Pumpkin Fest.

“Attendance has been really good. Last year we had about 100 groups, and we are on track to do that again,” Keyes said.

Judy Melman, of Huntley, brought her family to play a round of golf for a holiday they created, called Family Fall Fun Fest.

“It was really cool,” Melman said. “We do all sorts of things: zip lining, camping. And today was really fun.”

In addition to the fundraiser being beneficial to the library, zombie miniature golf was also aimed at getting local teenagers involved.

“We decided we needed a fundraiser that would not only appeal to a variety of ages, but a fun activity for the teens to be a part of,” said library Director Sarah Tobias. “It’s so important. We see less and less of them. They are busy, and yet they fit [the fundraiser] in their lives.”

The library has also sponsored another annual Pumpkin Fest event, Scary Stories in the Cemetery, for the last 10 years. The event began almost as soon as the staff moved the putters and zombies out of circulation.

Tobias is just one of the library’s storytellers who scares the likes of the 100 or so people in attendance.

“It’s not just books, it’s a feeling of community … we are not your average library,” Tobias said.