A Fun Literary Halloween Parade at the New York Public Library
Just before Halloween, a unique celebration took place in the heart of midtown Manhattan. At the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, people dressed up in book-themed costumes and gathered for a special night – the New York Public Library's annual Halloween costume parade.
As visitors reached the library's top floor, they were greeted by a staff member dressed as Frou-Frou, the famous horse from the novel "Anna Karenina." Although the library page admitted to currently being more into Edith Wharton's books, they enjoyed playing the part of the horse from Tolstoy's work.
The excitement was palpable among the attendees, who had come dressed in their most creative literary outfits. From classics to contemporary tales, the rooftop was bustling with characters like "Little Red Riding Hood", depicted in a high-fashion style, to a cheeky take on "The Little Engine That Could."
Even without a costume, fashion guru Tim Gunn, known from "Project Runway," graced the event with his presence. Gunn, who has attended all six years of the parade, shared a fun anecdote about his own past Halloween exploit that involved a photo taken by Andy Warhol.
The costumes on display were remarkable, showcasing incredible creativity and skill. Last year's winners, for example, had a lighting feature in their "Secret Garden" attire. This year, a couple dressed as the characters from "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss was among the crowd's favorites.
Attendees of all ages, including a 4-year-old dressed as "The Giving Tree", joined this literary celebration. The energy of the crowd was a mix of eagerness to get away from the stresses of the upcoming election and joy in sharing their love for books.
Some costumes conveyed powerful messages like that of a woman dressed as a pile of burned books, to highlight the issue of banned literature. Others, like the "Midnight Library" costume, were a testament to the imaginative and communal spirit of the event.
For many, the library is a place that offers not only knowledge but also companionship. Stories were shared of friendships forged over books and costumes, demonstrating the deep connections that the library can inspire.
The excitement crescendoed with the parade itself, although the contestants had already spent much of the evening discussing their costumes with fellow book lovers. But it wasn't just about winning; the event highlighted the community and shared joy of creativity.
In the end, a group dressed as the characters from "Where the Wild Things Are" took home the top prize after putting a lot of effort and resourcefulness into their grand and furry outfits.
It wasn't just a night for book lovers but a showcase of the warmth and inventiveness that the library brings out in its community. And behind it all, the New York Public Library stood as a reminder of the valuable resource it is to New Yorkers – a place for learning, connection, and celebration.
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(Photos and Featured Image by Timothy O'Connell via The Cut)
