First 5 San Bernardino
Keep your children safe while trick or treating. Visit First 5 San Bernardino to receive a free reflective Halloween safety bag and more!
Bring your little cutie dressed in costume to the First 5 San Bernardino office to receive one Halloween safety bag, one book and a sweet treat! Plan to stop by our office and say hi!
Event details
- Oct. 30 – 31, 2025
- 8:30 – 11 a.m. or 1 – 4 p.m.
- 735 E. Carnegie Dr., Ste. 150, San Bernardino
- Limited to one bag per child 5 years old or younger.
Call 909-386-7706 or visit first5sanbernardino.org for more information.
Calico Ghost Haunt kicks off on Halloween night with Terror Under the Big Top
If spooking is your thing and Halloween brings out the howl in you, Calico Ghost Town may be the fright place to be on Halloween night! Experience Ghost Haunt: Terror Under the Big Top, Friday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 2.
Ghost Haunt hours are:
• Friday: 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ghost Haunting activities include pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests for all ages, campsite decorating contest, live music and entertainment shows, gunfighter shows, family-friendly games and activities, and haunted attractions* (includes train rides, gold panning, haunted mine tours, Mystery Shack and ghost tours). *Attractions are an additional price. Visit www.calicoattractions.com for prices. Food, snacks and beverages will also be available as well as shopping at town stores. Take a virtual tour of the Calico stores at bit.ly/3Y3sM70.
Activities include pumpkin carving and carnival-style games and arts & crafts activities for the whole family.
Town scarers
Beware after dark as nightmares begin to roam throughout town haunted with frightful scarers who will lurk in the shadows waiting to prey on unsuspecting town people. Scare hours are:
• Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m.
Costume contest guidelines
Eventgoers can enter our costume contest in one of the following categories to win a prize: funniest, cutest, scariest, and most creative.
Dogs can join in on the fun too as Dorsey’s Dog House hosts its dog costume contest on Saturdays.
Campsite contest
Campers can also participate in our annual Ghost Haunt Campsite Decorating Contest based on the “Terror Under the Big Top” theme.
Admission
General admission for adults (12 & over) is $15, youth (ages 4-11) is $10 and ages 3 and under are free. Campers will also receive free admission up to four people with camping reservations. All ages are welcome.
Calico Ghost Town is located at 36600 Ghost Town Rd. in Yermo.
Visit parks.sbcounty.gov/calico-ghost-haunt for event details. Follow Calico Ghost Town on Facebook for event photos and videos. Follow Regional Parks on Facebook or Instagram for the latest parks news and updates.
Monster Mayhem takes over County Library branches in October
The San Bernardino County Library branches are about to get a little spooky, a little silly and a whole lot of fun. Monster Mayhem is the theme for October’s reading event, and patrons are invited to join their local library branch for a monstrous good time.
The challenge is simple: check out 15 items — books, audiobooks or digital resources — and claim your frightful favor before it vanishes into the shadows! Every completed challenge also enters participants into a drawing to score a beastly bonus — a monster-sized surprise revealed at the event’s finale.
“Monster Mayhem is a playful way to remind families that reading is not only important — it’s fun,” said County Library Event Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “Whether you’re a child discovering your first favorite book or an adult who loves a good thriller, everyone can join in the excitement.”
Along with the reading challenge, library branches will host monster-themed activities, games and ghoulish crafts. Costumes are encouraged, but bravery is optional. The Monster Mayhem reading events are free and open to all ages.
Stompity-stomp! Find the monster fun at these County Library branches:
Mentone Senior Center and Library
1331 Opal Ave., Mentone
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025
3:30 to 5 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to join the mayhem — check out, read on and let the monsters loose at your library! For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, events and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
County Library’s BOO Book Festival brings frights, fun and free Squishmallows for library readers
This Halloween season, the San Bernardino County Library system is treating readers to more than just spooky stories. From Oct. 25-31, library card holders who check out 30 items during the BOO! Book Festival will receive a special prize: a Squishmallow of their choice — just in time for the fall festivities.
The weeklong celebration invites patrons of all ages to visit their local County Library branch, stock up on great reads, and take home one of the most popular plush toys around with five options to choose from. Each library will be fully stocked with hundreds of new books released just for the occasion, ranging from chilling thrillers and autumn-themed picture books to young adult adventures and bestselling fiction.
“This is one of our most anticipated events of the year,” said Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “The BOO! Book Festival not only celebrates the joy of reading, but rewards our loyal library users with something extra special. Whether you love ghost stories, fantasy, or nonfiction, this is the perfect time to check out what’s new on our shelves.”
To earn a Squishmallow, patrons simply need to check out 30 items during the festival week using their valid library card. With thousands of books, DVDs, audiobooks and other materials available, building a stack is easier than ever — and perfect for cozy autumn reading.
Quantities of Squishmallows are limited and available while supplies last, so early participation is encouraged.
The BOO! Book Festival is part of the County Library’s ongoing effort to encourage literacy, promote library use, and create fun, engaging opportunities for the community to connect with books — and each other.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
County Library invites the community to Session 5 Programs happening now through Nov. 22
Autumn is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book, learn something new or spend quality time with family — and your local County Library has you covered. Now through Nov. 22, libraries across the region will host Session 5 Programs, a new lineup of fun, free and educational activities designed to engage readers, learners and creators of all ages.
Each session brings a fresh mix of opportunities to explore, discover and connect with the community. Families can enjoy early literacy programs and storytimes; teens can dive into creative challenges and tech workshops; and adults can join book discussions, attend lectures or try something hands-on through maker or art activities.
“Our library programs are about more than reading — they’re about bringing people together,” said County Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “Session 5 is a chance for the community to come in, learn something new, and enjoy the welcoming space that the library provides for everyone.”
Highlights of the season include:
- Storytimes and Family Reading Events – Nurture early literacy and spark imagination in young readers.
- STEAM & Maker Programs – Encourage innovation through hands-on experiments and creative projects.
- Arts, Crafts and Cultural Programs – Celebrate creativity and community through guided workshops.
- Special Seasonal Events – Celebrate with Monster Mayhem events with themed activities for all ages.
- Book Clubs and Craft Activities – Participate in lively book discussions and explore your creativity through hands-on craft projects.
Whether you’re looking for a place to read, create or connect, the library offers something for everyone this season.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino partners with County Animal Care and ARFF this October
Every October, Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino partners with San Bernardino County Animal Care and the Animals aRe First Fund (ARFF) for the Subaru Loves Pets adoption event to help pets find their forever homes. This year, adoptions are free for the entire month of October. Tomorrow is your last chance to adopt your furry best friend for free at the Devore or Big Bear Animal Shelters.
What’s included with qualifying adoptions:
- Spay or neuter
- Microchip
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
To help ease your transition to pet parenthood, MetLife Pet Insurance offers 30 days of complimentary pet insurance for newly adopted pets. Learn how you can support the Devore and Big Bear Animal Shelters, or view details about MetLife’s adoption benefit at arffund.org. Find your perfect match and give a pet a second chance at animalcare.sbcounty.gov.
“Paws” to read, earn a treat
Big news for young readers and animal lovers! San Bernardino County Animal Care has teamed up with Raising Cane’s for a paws-itively fun twist on our “Telling Tails” Reading Program! From now through October 31, kids ages 6–12 who complete six reading sessions with our shelter pets will earn a free kids combo, courtesy of Raising Cane’s!
Reading to shelter pets helps them feel loved and socialized — and gives kids a chance to build confidence, compassion and reading skills. It’s a tail-wagging win-win! Start your reading adventure today, your purr-fect reading buddy is waiting! Visit the Telling Tails Reading Program webpage to learn more.
County Library and Ono Hawaiian BBQ team up to reward readers with free food
Aloha, bookworms! This fall, reading comes with a delicious reward as the San Bernardino County Library system partners with Ono Hawaiian BBQ to launch a special literacy program for children and teens. From now until November 30, library cardholders 17 years of age and under can participate in the Ono Hawaiian BBQ Autumn Reading Program, earning free meal certificates simply by checking out and reading five books from any one of the 32 County Library branches.
Participants will receive one free Ono Hawaiian BBQ certificate, redeemable at participating locations, for every five books read and logged in Beanstack, the County Library’s digital reading app, along with a checkout receipt showing five books borrowed from the library. Each reader can earn up to three keiki certificates during the program, which ends on November 30.
“This partnership is a fun and flavorful way to encourage independent reading and library use among young people,” said County Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “We’re thrilled to partner with Ono Hawaiian BBQ again to support literacy and learning throughout our communities.”
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
County Library celebrates Family Literacy Month with November basket giveaway
In honor of Family Literacy Month this November, the San Bernardino County Library system is encouraging families to check out books, foster learning at home, and enjoy a chance to win one of four exciting family-themed baskets.
Patrons who check out 30 items from any library branch during November and present their receipt to library staff will receive an entry into the library’s family basket giveaway. Each basket is carefully curated to encourage family fun, learning and creativity.
The four available baskets include:
- Art Family Fun Basket – perfect for budding artists and creative projects
- Movie/Game Night Family Fun Basket – for cozy evenings filled with laughter and entertainment
- Outdoor/STEM Family Fun Basket – designed for hands-on science, exploration and active play
- Foodie Family Fun Basket – featuring treats and activities for the culinary-inclined family
“November is the perfect time to celebrate families and the joy of reading together,” said Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “We’re thrilled to offer families an extra incentive to explore our collections, spend quality time together, and participate in fun, educational activities at home.”
The giveaway is open to all library patrons throughout the month of November. Patrons who earn an opportunity drawing ticket may then choose the family basket they wish to be entered to win.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
Gift a Kid a Book community fair
First 5 San Bernardino is partnering with the San Bernardino County Museum to promote reading and literacy for young children in the community. Come join us on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. for free books, performances by Twinkle Time and Rafael the Magician and more! Bring your family to 2024 Orange Tree Lane in Redlands for free access to the museum, resources and free books from the pop-up bookstore. Visit first5sanbernardino.org/reading for more information. Registration is required.
English Registration and English flyer
Registración en español y folleto en español
Featuring:
- Free San Bernardino County Museum attendance
- Free books from the pop-up bookstore
- Resource booths and giveaways
- Snack or food items
- Face painting
- Balloon twisting
- Train rides
Activities:
- 10:40 a.m. – Storytime
- 11 a.m. – Vendor spotlight
- 11:30 a.m. – Live performance by Twinkle Time
- Noon – Storytime
- 12:40 p.m. – Vendor spotlight
- 1 p.m. – Live performance by Rafael the Magician
- 1:15 p.m. – Storytime
Building stories, one brick at a time: County Library celebrates National Family Literacy Month with Lego® contest
In celebration of National Family Literacy Month, the San Bernardino County Library invites families to bring their favorite stories to life — brick by brick —at the LEGO® Building Contest, taking place at three County Library branches on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.:
Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch
14901 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley
760-995-8750
Chino Hills James S. Thalman Branch
14020 City Center Dr., Chino Hills
909-590-5380
Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center
8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana
909-574-4500
The event encourages young builders to combine creativity with literacy by recreating a scene, character or setting from a favorite book — built entirely at home using LEGO® bricks, without adult help or pre-designed kits.
To enter, builders must check out 10 library items and present the receipt to receive an official entry form. Entries are limited to 75 per branch, with one entry allowed per family. Creations must not exceed 11 inches by 17 inches in base size and 2 feet in height. Entries will be accepted on-site for display at each participating branch between November 12 and 14, prior to the event.
All entries will be judged in four story-inspired categories: Fairytale, Mystery, Science Fiction, and Realistic Fiction. Winners will be announced at the end of each event.
Guests can also enjoy family-friendly fun throughout the day, including craft stations and a drop-in build area hosted by Play-Well TEKnologies, where visitors can experiment and build freely.
“This contest is a perfect way to celebrate Family Literacy Month,” said County Library Events Coordinator Jenni McCormick. “It inspires children to not only read stories but to imagine and create them in new ways — connecting books, creativity, and family time.”
The LEGO® Building Contest is free to attend and open to the public. Families are encouraged to register early, as space is limited.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
Additional County Update News – October 30, 2025
- Impacts of the government shutdown on CalFresh
- Apostille Pop-Up Shop returns to San Bernardino: Local access to essential state services on Nov. 18
- San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters early voting locations are now open
- County conducts coordinated enforcement and outreach operations at homeless encampment sites in Fontana and Bloomington
- County Public Health highlights Black Infant Health efforts in statewide summit
- Age Wise program supports behavioral health and wellness for older adults and individuals with disabilities
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s Dr. Valenzuela honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
- San Bernardino County destinations: Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: Lytle Creek monster
- Pet of the Week: Bandit