Halloween is only two weeks away, and the Ames Public Library is going to contribute to the festivities by holding “haunting” public readings.

The readings will be held on Oct. 20, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. They will be sponsored by ISU Library Friends, in cooperation with the Ames Public Library Friends.

Ruth Hein and Vicky Hinsenbrock will be reading from their book, Ghostly Tales of Iowa. Hein and Hinsenbrock will be “scaring the pants off” their audience with their chilling stories. Ghostly Tales of Iowa retells 50 haunting stories that the two gathered from all over state.

A storytelling session appropriate for children will run simultaneously with a story session for adults.

Beth Horner, storyteller from Chicago will tell “stories to chill your spine and tickle your funny bone.”

Horner, a native from Missouri and former librarian and drama instructor, has been storytelling throughout the country for 15 years. She involves music and audience participation in her storytelling. She also incorporates folk and literary traditions in her haunting stories.

Dawn Hayslett, assistant director of the Ames Public Library, said this is an event for the whole family to enjoy. “The parents can sit with their kids and listen to the stories,” she said. “Or, they can leave their kids there and go listen to the storytelling for the adults.”

The haunting readings are free to the public, and will be a great way for everyone to get in the Halloween spirit.

“There will be something for everyone,” Hayslett said.