Zombie Apocalypse Coming To Mentor Public Library

In case you haven't noticed, zombies are everywhere.

TV, movies, books -- those undead sons of guns are ubiquitous.

And, when it comes to zombie invasions, there are only two things to do: panic or join in.

Mentor Public Library has decided to join the monster mash with its first ever zombie invasion, dubbed Z-Day.

Teens are invited to the Z-Day 2012 Celebration, which will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at the library's main branch.

“We wanted to do something a little different to show teens the library is about more than books,” said Amanda Densmore, the library's adult information services manager.

“Zombies are big right now, so we thought this program was a perfect fit. We're hoping this program will appeal to a large group of teens. Vampires are out. Zombies are in.”

“Teens are going to have an immersive experience at Z-Day,” Adult Information Services Librarian Cailey Williams added. “Everyone arrives at the library uninfected, but by the end of the day, all will be zombies.”

Uninfected teens will gather in the library’s James R. Garfield Room to test their survival skills, including playing zombie trivia. Those who miss questions will become infected and turn into the undead.

The last survivors will be awarded prizes. The undead transformations will occur through zombie makeup. (Teens are reminded to dress for undeath. Things could get messy.)

“There will be opportunities to go beyond just plain dress-up here, we want them to feel like they are a part of their favorite books and movies,” Williams said.

The newly undead teens will zombie walk around the library’s property to terrorize the neighborhood.  Following the zombie walk the undead will return to the library for prizes, zombie snacks and some zombie entertainment.

Other activities are planned for the Z-Day Celebration but the people at the library are keeping them secret for now. Teens must attend to find out. 

“I think this program is innovative and new,” Williams said. “Hopefully, teens will be impressed with all of the hard work we have put into this program to make it feel like the zombie apocalypse has come to Mentor, Ohio.”

Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can register by either calling the library at (440) 255-8811, ext. 215 or visit the MPL website: www.mentorpl.org.

Registration begins Oct. 6.