Dog prom, Dungeons & Dragons, and more coming to Blackwell Library

The Blackwell Public Library is going to the dogs.

After a busy summer, the library raised some eyebrows (and tails) earlier this month with the announcement of its first-ever “dog prom” to raise money for the Blackwell Animal Shelter.

The Dog Prom ‘Paw’menade fundraiser will be Sept. 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the library. Prizes, treats and ‘pupcups’ will be offered to the dogs.

Entrants will need to be in their “best dressed” suits and dresses. The library specified that dogs at the event must be on leashes and must be pet- and people-friendly. But that’s not all.

The library will be hosting a Homecoming time capsule event for Homecoming weekend Oct. 1. Workers will bury a time capsule that will not be opened until 2047. It will have photos, newspaper clippings, examples of current trends and more to preserve the year 2022 in time.

September also marked the beginning of the library’s bookmark contest, which will run until Sept. 30. The contest is open for ages 5 through 12 and must feature original designs without copyrighted characters. The design can be anything, and entrants can pick up the bookmarks from the library or their local school.

Winners will have their designs laminated and passed out at the library. Also starting in September is a new adult-oriented program called “Coffee and Conversation,” which will begin Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. The group will meet once a month for light discussion on any books the members are reading.

“No book check lists, no required reading, just chatting,” the library said in its Facebook announcement.

The library is seeking a dungeon master for a proposed “Dungeons & Dragons” campaign to take place at the library.

Leaders also are in the early stages of a “Harry Potter” activity group to capitalize on the hype surrounding the new video game “Hogwarts Legacy.”