Oct 21, 2013 3 min read

Just in time for Halloween, the Mt. Lebanon Public Library kicks off its “spooky events weekend” with an appearance by mentalist Robert Aiello.

The author will present “Incredible Feats of the Mind,” a free mind-reading performance for all ages, at 7 p.m. Oct. 24.

Using psychology, observation and other skills, Aiello will read thoughts, make predictions the audience can verify on the spot, divine hidden information, and even influence the actions of audience members.

“Everyone is fascinated by mind-reading and tricks of the mind,” said

Cynthia K. Richey, library director. She added that the library carries many books and resources on this topic.

In a typical mind-reading demonstration, Aiello asks an audience member to open a book to any page and concentrate on a word, a sentence, or even a paragraph. Aiello then attempts to reveal the person’s thought. Aiello noted that, so far, he has succeeded with each demonstration.

In some performances, Aiello divines a set of numbers thought of by audience members, reveals thoughts that have been written by the crowd but never seen by him, and demonstrates several other forms of telepathy or extra-sensory perception (ESP).

Asked if it is really telepathy or ESP, Aiello offered the following: “It’s primarily entertainment,” he said. “Like Grant Montgomery, the mentalist hero I created in my novels, my skill is based on years of study and practice. If art imitates life, then I’ve reversed that truth by imitating the fictional hero I created. I’ll tell you this much,” he added, “any 12-year-old could do what I do…if he had 30 years of experience.”

The former public relations executive is the author of three suspense novels featuring a mentalist. The Desperate Hours, Shadow in the

Mirror and The Deceivers have received praise from various publications and from several nationally acclaimed mystery authors.

With a life-long interest in the mystic art of mentalism, Aiello has drawn on his knowledge of the subject in his mind-reading performances and in his novels. He lives in the South Hills with his wife, Mary Beth, and their golden retriever, Dylan.

Other Halloween-related events include:

• Fright Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25. A celebration of all things spooky and slightly spooky, will offer thrills and chills for the entire family. Free refreshments at Franken’s Diner. Costumes optional, but highly recommended.

• Girl Scout Troop 50663 Halloween Fest celebrates the birthday of Juliette Gordon Lowe Oct. 27 in Meeting Room A. For information about this non-library event, call 412-531-1912 or email events@mtlebanonlibrary.org.