A favorite book can become a family art project this week as Round Rock Public Library’s seasonal pumpkin contest continues.

The Family Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest invites one book-inspired entry per family, using a pumpkin, artificial pumpkin or gourd.

The calendar’s rules specify decorated whole pumpkins rather than carved submissions, with an entry form available at the second-floor Youth Reference Desk.

Before making a final delivery plan, pay attention to an inconsistency in the library’s published information.

Check the deadline directly

The library’s LibCal contest listing gives Friday, October 30, at 1 p.m. as the submission deadline.

The city news announcement repeats that date in its introduction but gives October 31 in a later rule.

Use the earlier deadline for planning and confirm with staff at 512-218-7002 rather than counting on the later wording.

The calendar also lists October 31 at 5 p.m. for pickup and says winners will be notified by November 5.

Clarify pickup arrangements when handing over the entry so the family has a complete plan.

Choose a character together

Start with a book your child recognizes and let the character’s most distinctive feature guide the design.

A simple face, a color pattern or one recognizable accessory may communicate the idea better than a complicated structure.

Talk through the plan before buying materials, especially if the family already has useful craft supplies.

Let children take an age-appropriate role in choosing colors or describing the character.

Adults can handle materials that require more care while keeping the project a shared activity.

These are creative suggestions, not extra judging criteria or an account of what library judges prefer.

Pumpkin illustration used on the library’s contest calendar. Credit: Round Rock Public Library. Promotional illustration.

Build for the trip

Think about how the finished creation will stand and how it will travel before attaching its final pieces.

A design that looks steady on the kitchen table may need support during the ride.

Allow painted or glued elements to dry fully and consider taking a photograph before leaving home.

Bring the book title or character name so the family can explain the idea clearly when completing the form.

Ask staff if any material or attachment raises a question about the contest’s requirements.

Do not carve an opening based on instructions from a different pumpkin activity.

Other library plans this week

At 200 East Liberty Avenue, the library also has seasonal activities on its calendar.

The city’s Halloween update lists family storytime on October 26 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and October 31 from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Check the live library calendar for the specific session you intend to attend.

For a family already visiting with a contest entry, a separate calendar check can help decide whether to combine the trip with another activity.

Do not assume that dropping off a pumpkin reserves space in a program.

Allow time for the handoff itself, especially if you are completing the entry form on arrival.

A quick call can prevent an avoidable deadline problem, and the disagreement between the two posted dates makes that worthwhile.

The article’s photograph shows 2023 entries, while the smaller image is a promotional illustration.

They offer inspiration without suggesting that the 2026 entries have already been judged.

Choose the book, keep the pumpkin whole, and confirm the delivery and pickup details before bringing the family’s creation downtown.

Information checked October 26, 2026.

Contest calendar and rules · City contest announcement · Library events calendar · Library information