Volunteer at the Haunted Library & Trunk-or-Treat

Help bring books, Halloween, and the Mesa community together at the 2026 Haunted Library, a special two-night fundraiser benefiting the Mesa Book Festival.

The Haunted Library takes place October 30–31, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at BookMaze in Mesa, Arizona.

Inside BookMaze, visitors will venture through a mildly spooky Haunted Library filled with characters and surprises. Outside, local authors and community participants will transform their vehicles for a literary Trunk-or-Treat, handing out candy and welcoming families.

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers who would like to help us create a memorable Halloween experience while supporting literacy, books, authors, and the Mesa Book Festival.

What Volunteers May Do

Depending on your interests and the needs of the event, volunteers may help with:

• Welcoming and directing guests
• Assisting with admission to the Haunted Library
• Helping manage lines and visitor flow
• Supporting the Trunk-or-Treat area
• Decorating and preparing the Haunted Library
• Portraying ghosts, creatures, librarians, and other Haunted Library characters
• Helping participating authors and community organizations
• Distributing information about the Mesa Book Festival
• Assisting with setup before the event and cleanup afterward

Costumes are encouraged for volunteers participating during event hours!

Event Schedule

Friday, October 30, 2026

6:00–9:00 PM

Saturday, October 31, 2026

6:00–9:00 PM

Additional volunteer opportunities may be available before and after event hours for setup and cleanup.

Volunteers may participate for one evening or both evenings.

About the Event

The Haunted Library combines Halloween fun with our larger mission of connecting people with books, reading, writers, and the literary community.

The Haunted Library itself is designed to be mildly scary rather than extreme, making the event accessible to families. Younger children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Admission to the Haunted Library is $5 per person, while the outdoor Trunk-or-Treat is free to attend.

Proceeds benefit Anthology, Inc. and the Mesa Book Festival, helping support literary programming and the continued growth of the annual festival in Downtown Mesa.

Who Should Volunteer?

This opportunity is a great fit for:

• Book lovers
• Writers and readers
• Students seeking community involvement
• Theater and performing arts enthusiasts
• Halloween fans
• People interested in supporting literacy and the arts
• Community members who simply enjoy creating a fun experience for families

You do not need previous event experience. We’ll provide volunteers with information about their role and where they are needed.

Come spend Halloween among the bookstacks, meet fellow members of Mesa's literary community, and help us make the Haunted Library an unforgettable part of the road to the Mesa Book Festival.