For the annual Halloween party this year on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, the Red Bank Public Library decided to conjure up its own magic school! We’re going to have all types of fun crafts, games, snacks, and while waiting for the celebration, dive into the fantastical lore that was created by our talented staff and was inspired by our favorite literary magic schools.
Hello Students,
Welcome to the Navesink Magic Academy, an academy for young magic users that is set in a quaint house beside the enchanting waters of the Navesink River. Because of our close connection to the Navesink River, sailboats are our main mode of transportation and are a symbol of our institution. Our emblem is a gold sailboat adorned with three blue stars which represents the three siblings that founded the academy. Navesink Magic students sail in on their first day on bewitched flying sailboats and flying sailboat races is the students’ favorite sport (ghost bowling comes in second).
Navesink Magic Academy students are sorted into one of 6 houses. Students often get to choose which house they are in but if they have trouble deciding, they are encouraged to take a quiz or consult with our house moodboards. Every year, students are given the opportunity to be re-sorted because Navesink Magic Academy recognizes that students will grow and change. It’s not surprising if a student changes houses 3 times while attending.
The six Navesink Magic Academy houses are:
-Mythra - Larger-than-life. Strong and courageous. Associated with mythology, science fiction, and folklore, but really love a good advanced series read of any kind too. Fantastic public speakers. Ruled by Mars. Their associated color is orange. Associated with owls and pumas. Their plant is the nasturtium. Their Red Bank Spot is the Red Bank Family YMCA.
-Storynix- Young souls. Fans of picture books. Creative and open-hearted. Inclined to visual arts. Tactile learners. Ruled by Pluto. Their associated color is yellow. Their associated animals are bumblebees and dachshund puppies. Their plant is the daisy. Their Red Bank Spot is Toy Utopia.
-Ephemiara - History, biographies, “how things work” and “who would win?”. They aspire to emulate leaders, activists, and inventors of the past. Very focused on justice, truth, and science. Ruled by Mercury. Their associated animals are rabbits and giraffes. Their plant is lavender. Their Red Bank spot is the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center.
-Versewyn - Poets, musicians, theatre people. With a flair for the dramatic. Ruled by Venus. Their color is fuchsia. Their associated animals are curly-haired mice and deer. Their plant is the foxglove. Their Red Bank spot is the Count Basie Theater.
-Scrollspire - Inclined to teaching. Big fans of graphic novels, because they make reading fun and accessible for everyone. Very fair, kind, and helpful. Their color is azure blue. Ruled by Jupiter. Their associated animals are turtles and pandas. Their plant is the lotus. Their Red Bank Spot is Crazy Story Books.
-Witwisp - Silly, mischievous pranksters. Fans of funny books. Class clowns. Lots of energy. Ruled by Saturn. Their color is royal purple. Their associated animals are chameleons and toucans. Their plant is a tulip. Their Red Bank Spot is Yestercades.
Other Quick Fun Facts:
-Students are encouraged to have Familars, which are animal companions that help students hone their magic and learn responsibility. Students can have up to two familiars.
-Navesink Magic Students’ wands have a special function that allows students to highlight the words they read in spell books.
-Bubble Tea Potions are a favorite beverage among the students and staff. They are said to help bring out happy thoughts and memories to the mind’s surface.
-Before a day begins, students will usually stop by Madame Abigail to have their fortune read.
-Navesink Magic Academy recognizes that Reading is the ultimate magic. For without it, casting spells would not be possible.
