This Halloween, the Austin Peay State University (APSU) chapter of Phi Kappa Phi is giving children a gift that can last long after the holiday, a book.

As part of APSU’s Greater Halloween Options for Safe Trick-or-Treating (G.H.O.S.T.), the APSU Phi Kappa Phi chapter will host its annual “Candy for the Mind” literacy initiative from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Morgan University Center. Hosted by APSU’s Student Government Association, G.H.O.S.T. is free and open to the community.

Instead of candy, Phi Kappa Phi volunteers will offer children free books for every reading level, from board books for pre-readers to young adult novels. The goal is for families to leave with both a Halloween memory and something to read together.

“We appreciate the community and campus support of this event every year,” Chapter President Micca Terrell says.

The books being shared with the community have received plenty of support from campus volunteers. During Peayple in the Community, APSU’s fourth annual day of service, volunteers spent morning and afternoon sessions at the Felix G. Woodward Library sorting and cleaning thousands of donated books for the Candy for the Mind collection.

With G.H.O.S.T. approaching, the chapter is still accepting new or gently used children’s books, especially board books for early pre-readers. Donations may be dropped off at several campus locations, including the Woodward Library, Music/Mass Communication Building, Claxton Building, Morgan University Center, Harned Hall, Wilbur N. Daniel Center and Honors Commons.

G.H.O.S.T. is free and open to the community. Candy for the Mind books will be distributed while supplies last.