Volunteer Shortage Cancels Library’s Parade Entry; Full Slate of October Events Planned

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | October 2, 2025

Article Summary: The Casey Township Library canceled its planned participation in the Homecoming Parade due to a lack of volunteers but is seeking help to enter a float in the Christmas Light Parade. Despite the setback, the library announced a packed schedule of events for October, including author talks, children’s programs, and a scarecrow contest.

Casey Library Events Key Points:

• The library’s Homecoming Parade entry was canceled after only one person volunteered to help.

• A call has been issued for volunteers, materials, and a trailer for the Christmas Light Parade on December 6.

• October’s calendar includes an author talk, Library Crawl, and programs at ERBA Head Start.

The Casey Township Library on Thursday, October 2, 2025, announced it was forced to cancel its entry in the recent Homecoming Parade due to a volunteer shortage but is already planning for the town’s Christmas celebration.

Librarian Gretchen Murphy informed the board that with only one volunteer, Abby, stepping forward, there was not enough time or support to prepare for the parade. However, the library intends to enter a float in the Christmas Light Parade scheduled for Friday, December 6, and is actively seeking volunteers, ideas, materials, and a trailer with a tow vehicle.

Despite the parade cancellation and a reported dip in circulation for September, the library is moving forward with a full schedule of community engagement events in October. The public can participate in the area Library Crawl, with information available at the front desk.

Children’s programming is a major focus, with Abby leading “Mother Goose on the Loose” for 14 kids at ERBA Head Start on Wednesdays and for homeschool programs. The library will also host a “Hide the Book Worm” activity and participate in the Trunk or Treat at ERBA Head Start on October 31.

On October 28, authors Jill and Matt Cheatham will visit to discuss their book, “Rainy Day Miracle.” Additionally, Hope Dennis from the Illinois Extension is scheduled to present a short program on an upcoming Tuesday. The library will also enter a scarecrow of “Dolly Pardon” in a contest where voting and entry fees will benefit the Casey VFW.