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Things were certainly grosser than gross at the Marco Island Branch Library Wednesday afternoon, during October’s afterschool adventure. Children’s librarian, Ellen Tanner says she chose the theme “Gross Me Out” for this month, since it’s drawing closer to that weird and spooky time of year.

“I did the theme because Halloween’s coming, and I wanted to do something that would get them in the mood. Something that’s fun but not scary. Gross food is fun and gross things are too,” Tanner explains. “I went on the Internet a lot and looked into yucky foods and yucky animals. Things like that.”

The afternoon adventure for kids happens each first Wednesday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. This spring, Tanner plans to change the time to 3 to 4 p.m. She says it will be better for everyone involved.

“It’s just too late in the day. For me especially. I think it would be better for the kids to come over right after school,” Tanner confirms. “As far as the turnout, wow! That’s all I have to say. I had 30 kids registered but there were a lot more here than that here. I counted about 58 people — 40 kids plus adults.”

The kids were tasked with eating foods like “boogers on a stick” which was actually a pretzel dipped in green frosting and “slime pie,” which was made with gummy worms and other sweet tasting treats. Toward the end of the adventure, kids had to stick their hand in a bag and pull out an unknown item and eat it. The looks on the kids’ faces told it all.

“I was afraid. I felt weird before I put my hand in the bag because I might have got something gross,” says Nichole Garbinski, participant in Wednesday’s fun. “I got pineapple, it was good. If I got a snail, I would give it to her.” Garbinski smiles and points at her friend beside her.

“I always try new things! And if I like it, I eat it,” friend, Katherine Derwin comments proudly. “I know I can spit it out if I don’t like it. I tried slime before, edible slime. I’m going to Chicago where my aunt eats snails and stuff and I’m going to try that too,” she says.

The next afternoon adventure, “Tickle My Funny Bone,” will take place Nov. 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. Children will hear funny stories, jokes, riddles and play silly games too. Suzanne Garbinski, parent, says she brings her kids to the library all the time and for a variety of reasons.

“Whenever the library has something, I come to it. My kids enjoy it and so do I. And I like Ellen, she’s good with the kids,” Garbinski says. “The library is a good place for children to learn and grow in fun ways and there’s a lot to do. I come here in the summer because it’s hot outside but it’s cool in here. It feels great. I love it! It’s our home away from home.”

To register a child for November’s “Tickle My Funny Bone,” call the Marco Branch public library at 394-3272 today.