The first free tax-supported public library in the nation took on a very unbookish vibe Friday night, as a celebration inspired by a novel expressed gratitude to library volunteers and allowed others to enjoy magic and refreshments in a circus-like atmosphere.

“Booked: Night Circus” was an evening initially planned to say thank you to the volunteers of the Peterborough Town Library for all their efforts, but eventually was opened up to others. A flyer and the library’s website advertised the event, which developed a waiting list, and by Friday evening, the interior of the building was not a place where anyone would have heard someone say “Shhh.”

The theme for the evening came from “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. The 2011 novel was a nominee for Readers’ Favorite Fantasy Book of the Year. It involves dueling magicians with an air of mystery and a large black and white circus tent, which informed the color scheme for the evening. Morgenstern’s work is the subject of the library’s Books & Banter Book Club meeting April 15 at 5:30 p.m.

Library Director Corinne Chronopoulos was tending to the decorations as late as Friday afternoon.

“We were able to do this out of our budget,” she said, gesturing to balloons and foil fringe curtains on the black-and-white theme, as well as bistro string lights and music.

Refreshments included desserts provided by volunteers and staff and a scavenger hunt. Variety artist Andrew Silver, a founding board member of The Maine Youth Circus, juggled blades too large to called knives while on a roller board. He also escaped from knots tied by two volunteers, and balanced a ladder on his chin to the gasps and applause of over 100 in attendance.

Aimee LaRue, who among her duties at the library oversees young adult offerings and social media, noted one comment made to her by a guest Friday evening.

“She said that this was the first time she’d been able to get her husband to come to the library,” LaRue said.

Chronopoulos expressed gratitude to PTL’s volunteers, and noted that the event was occurring at the end of National Library Week. She said that ideally the event would not be the last of its kind, and reminded all in attendance that the used bookshop at Kyes-Sage House next door will be opening May 1.

Chronopoulos also made a plea.

“Use your library!” she said.