Friday, October 2, 2026
The North Bellmore Public Library is giving Halloween costumes a second life while helping local families prepare for the holiday.
The library will host its third annual Halloween Costume Shop on Oct. 2 and 3, offering residents the chance to browse gently used costumes and take them home for free. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday in the library’s community room. Costumes will be available while supplies last.
The costume shop began in 2024 as an outgrowth of the library’s work toward becoming a certified Sustainable Library, according to Leanna Cherry, the library’s public relations manager. The program was among the ideas developed to benefit both the community and the environment, and Cherry said the response to the first event was “overwhelmingly positive.”
This year, the library collected costumes twice — once immediately after Halloween last year and again throughout September. Cherry estimated that it has well over 100 costumes, and possibly closer to 200, ranging from infant through adult sizes.
“People are so generous giving to us,” Cherry said. “They are very mindful that they might have bought something at the Spirit Halloween store, perhaps paid $50 for it, used it once, and then are donating it here to the library.”
For Cherry, the shop serves another purpose beyond keeping costumes out of the trash: helping families cut the cost of celebrating Halloween.
“We’re all watching our wallets and looking for ways to save,” she said. “Halloween is one of those fun festive celebrations. But it often costs a lot to participate.”
Visitors do not need to have donated a costume to take one, and there is no limit on how many they can take. The shop is open to everyone, regardless of whether they in North Bellmore. Adults are also welcome to browse, and Cherry said grandparents have stopped by in previous years to find costumes for their grandchildren.
Last year, Cherry spent time in the community room as families browed the selection and saw firsthand how the event had become something some residents looked forward to. Some families who attended the inaugural shop returned the following year.
“I think those that were aware of it since its inception, it has become just their tradition to return,” Cherry said.
The selection has included everything from princesses and skeletons to Care Bear and SpongeBob costumes. Cherry recalled children trying on costumes, families taking photos and youngsters excitedly searching through the racks.
“Everyone’s just like, ‘Oh, did you see this?’” she said. “They’re kind of running around the room. The kids are excited to see what the selection is. So, it’s just a great feeling.”
The North Bellmore library was the first public library is Nassau County to earn a certification through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative’s Sustainable Libraries Certification Program. Its environmental efforts extend beyond the costume shop. As part of the certification process, Cherry said, the library collected more than 2,000 pounds of plastic and packaging in collaboration with NexTrex, and it also holds food drives throughout the year.
“We’re very forward-thinking, and our goal is really to be committed to creating a positive impact for North Bellmore,” Cherry said.
Ultimately, Cherry hopes programs like the costume shop show residents that their library can be a resource for much more than books. She remembers hearing from parents last year who appreciated not having to purchase something their children might wear for only a few hours.
“They were beyond thrilled,” Cherry said.
The North Bellmore Public Library is at 1551 Newbridge Road. For more information, visit northbellmorelibrary.org or call (516) 785-6260.
