A group of gruesome, yet genteel, “zombies” gathered recently for a special theme tea party hosted by the George H. & Laura E. Brown Library in Washington.

The gala event was held to celebrate the movie release of “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” according to library assistant Elizabeth Tankard.

“This is our first year doing a zombie tea party; it’s almost an anti-Valentine kind of thing,” Tankard said with a laugh. “If it’s well received we may make it an annual thing.”

The decidedly offbeat menu offered guests servings of bloody brains cupcakes, fingers with toasted fingernails, blood clot scones, plucked eyeballs and freshly drained blood tea punch.

With so many cleverly outfitted zombies in attendance it was only natural to hold a costume contest. Maddy Correa was the judges’ choice for best costume, while Nicholas Blackfordreceived an award for his commitment to his role as a zombie. Door prizes were awarded to Elizabeth Williams and Darah Cole.

The party provided boys and girls in eighth through 12th grades a chance for social interaction, but there were other bonuses as well, Tankard noted.

“It’s for fun, so they’ll know the library is a fun and safe space for them to come and hang out,” she said. “But the goal is also to get them interested in Jane Austen’s work and her characters.”

Such events are an ongoing part of the library’s series for younger readers. Library staff members are already planning the kick-off to this summer’s “Teen-centric” reading program for teenagers.

 

All of our events for kids are free,” Tankard added.

For more information about special programs for young readers, call 252-946-4300.