I’m October Jones, award-winning Children’s Librarian, Children’s Literature Curator, industry judge, literacy advocate, spooky book collector and utterly devoted Halloween enthusiast (it’s absolutely a year-round commitment).

By day, you’ll usually find me roaming the library shelves, helping children discover stories they’ll treasure, championing the joy of reading, and occasionally convincing unsuspecting families that ghosts really do make rather wonderful bedtime companions.

By night… not much changes, really.

You’ll probably find me recommending ghost stories by candlelight, brewing up conversations Around the Cauldron, curating the next seasonal exhibition, or adding just one more book to a collection that has long since outgrown the available shelf space!

The October Jones Library grew from one simple belief: that no one should have to wait until October to celebrate the spooky, kooky, magical, fantastical, weird and wonderful world(s) of Children’s Literature & Illustration.

So, I opened the library I’d always wanted to wander into.

A place where ghost stories sit proudly beside folklore, where pumpkins are perfectly acceptable all year round, and where teachers, librarians, families, publishers and fellow spooky souls can discover stories, ideas and inspiration waiting patiently on the shelves.

Here you’ll find thoughtfully curated book reviews, magical reading guides, themed collections, research, free resources, podcasts and conversations celebrating everything from friendly ghosts and curious cryptids to visual literacy, folklore and why spooky stories matter.

Whether I’m judging children’s book awards, hosting author events, interviewing creators, curating seasonal exhibitions or encouraging someone to pick up their very first spooky story, everything I do is guided by the same mission:

To help every curious reader discover the story that makes their imagination come alive, and to celebrate the magic of Children’s Literature & Illustration, one story, one shelf and one curious reader at a time.

My hope is that every visitor leaves with a new story to discover, a little more curiosity and understanding than they arrived with, and perhaps the reassuring reminder that spooky stories aren’t just for Halloween; they’re for anyone brave enough to wander through the shelves.

So, if you need me, I’ll probably be here somewhere between the library shelves, stirring the cauldron, planting the pumpkin patch and a very large cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte!

I’m awfully glad you found your way here. Now then… shall we go exploring? 🎃