UF librarians dressed as witches and warlocks gave out 1,500 pieces of candy — and some knowledge — in two hours.
At the library’s annual trick-or-treat event Wednesday afternoon, students took cards and went around to five candy spots within the library. Once students received information about the section they picked up candy from, they’d get a stamp. When students got to all five spots they could be entered to win a $20 Starbucks gift card.
Stephanie Birch, a librarian dressed as a witch, said about 300 people trick-or-treated for chocolate and fruity candy this year compared to 150 people last year.
“No matter what kind of sweet tooth you have, Library West had your back,” Birch said.
Although Sarah “Moxy” Moczygemba, the social media manager for Smathers Library, didn’t know the cost of the event, she called it inexpensive.
The event was a labor of love for the staff, Moczygemba said. Librarians know students love studying in their spaces and the event was a way to showcase what the library has to offer, she said.
“Students miss trick or treating, and this was a really good break in their studying schedule that gave them a chance to celebrate Halloween and do something fun,” she said.
Dressed up as a tiger, Paula Parra, a 19-year-old UF family, youth and community science sophomore, went and picked up candy for the first time.
“This event gave me an opportunity to relive my childhood even while I’m in college,” Parra said.
Melissa Defond, a 26-year-old library intern, hands out candy to students during Trick or Treat at Library West on Wednesday afternoon. Candy and bags were purchased in preparation for 300 students to participate in the event. Students stopped at five locations to get the locations on their fliers checked off, receive candy and learn about student resources offered by the libraries on campus.
Teresa Sellos, a 23-year-old computer science senior, and Stephanie Birch, the African American Studies Librarian, direct students before they begin the Trick or Treat event at Library West on Wednesday afternoon. Students were met at the entrance of the library and given a flier giving locations on where trick of treat stations were located and bags to collect candy. After all stations were complete, students were able to return their flier to the circulation desk to be entered for a prize.
