Celebrate the Horror Genre During Oh, The Horror!
Oh, how we love to be frightened, disgusted and startled when we sink under the covers at bedtime and open the covers of a scary book. Sink your teeth into some delicious tales and prickly programs during the Library’s homage to horror throughout October.
Classic Horror Matinee
Saturdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Park Central Branch. We'll screen just-creepy-enough horror favorites each Saturday in October.
- October 7: “Jaws,” rated PG.
- October 14: “Gremlins,” rated PG.
- October 21: “Beetlejuice,” rated PG.
- October 28: “Poltergeist,” rated PG.
NXT Chapter: A Book Group for 20/30-Somethings
Thursday, October 5, 7:30 p.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch for ages 20-39. Discuss “Horrorstör” by Grady Hendrix.
Ozarks Urban Legends & Superstitions
Thursday, October 5, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Ozarkers have always been captivated by local legends like Hatchet Man's Bridge and the Joplin Spooklight, some of which have been passed down through generations. Many local folks have also been strict observers of signs and superstitions. Kaitlyn McConnell, founder of Ozarks Alive, will discuss some of the area's best-known urban legends, the truth behind them and give insight into some of the most common superstitions from days gone by.
Horror Decor
Saturday, October 7, 2-4 p.m. in the Library Station Frisco Room. Make it a homemade Halloween. Use book pages and frightful ephemera to make a wreath and recycled items to make an eerie luminary. Materials will be provided. Registration starts September 18; call 616-0683.
The Bloody Benders: Horror at “The Devil’s Inn”
Wednesday, October 11, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Westward expansion after the Civil War was fraught with danger. Weary travelers stopping at the Bender Inn in Cherryvale, Kan., were enchanted by Kate Bender, the mysterious and beautiful proprietress. However, travelers had a tendency to disappear, and over time it was dubbed “The Devil's Inn.” Join best-selling comic writer Michael L. Frizell and artist and illustrator D.A. Frizell as they discuss the deadly true story behind “Bender: Volume One” and how they brought it to life. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Is Midtown Carnegie Haunted?
Friday, October 13, 6 p.m. The Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, over a century old, has many stories behind its walls. Join the 417 Paranormal Research Society for an after-hours guided tour to see what spirits might be lingering in the library. Registration starts October 1; call 862-0135.
“The Exorcist” at The Moxie
Friday, October 13, 8-10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.-12:15 a.m. at Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101. “The Exorcist,” the tale of an innocent girl possessed by a horrifying entity and the battle to save her soul, has haunted viewers for decades. Experience the terrifying classic, rated R, on the big screen during this free Friday the 13th presentation.
“Paperbacks from Hell” Book Discussion
Saturday, October 14, 1 p.m. at Common Grounds, 100 E. Pine St., Strafford. Filled with haunted houses, satanic children and evil snakes, “Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of '70s and '80s Horror Fiction” is a hilarious, nostalgic romp through the horror paperback boom. Discuss the book over coffee and snacks. Later, hear author Grady Hendrix talk about “Paperbacks from Hell” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, at the Library Center.
St. Louis Possessed: The Case that Inspired “The Exorcist”
Saturday, October 14, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Considered by many to be the scariest movie of all time, the 1973 film “The Exorcist” was inspired by the 1949 exorcism of a 14-year-old boy identified as “Roland Doe.” Beginning in Maryland, ending in St. Louis and involving several Jesuit priests from St. Louis University, it's a story of shaking mattresses, unexplained bodily scratches, levitation and possession. John Waide, St. Louis University archivist for more than two decades, recounts eyewitness testimony and diary excerpts to tell the true story behind the classic film.
Horror in Pop Culture Panel
Monday, October 16, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. From the Headless Horseman to Hammer Horror films, “The Bride of Frankenstein” to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” things that go bump in the night have long captivated our collective imagination. Drury University professors Erin Kenny, Katie Gilbert and Chris Panza, and Missouri State University professor Christie Cathey reflect on centuries of animated corpses, dark princes and ghostly visitants to explore how our fascination with horror has evolved and why it persists.
Ozarkian Campfire Tales
Wednesday, October 18, 7:30 p.m. in the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch community room. Cozy up to the sounds of a crackling campfire, enjoy some s'mores and get spooked with weird tales presented by the authors of “Feral: A Journal of Ozarkian Gothic.” Drawn from local legends and superstitions, these stories bring to life dark corners of hill country and the howls of the booger dog. S’mores will be provided.
Books & Brew
Thursday, October 19, 6 p.m. at Mother's Brewing Company, 215 S. Grant Ave. The Books & Brew book club hops into horror with “Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of '70s and '80s Horror Fiction” by Grady Hendrix.
Ozarks Travelogues
Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. This Ozarks Travelogue takes An Ozarks Haunted Road Trip. From Wilson's Creek National Battlefield to the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Ark., the Ozarks is full of sites purported to be haunted. Janice Tremeear, author of “Missouri's Haunted Route 66” and “Haunted Ozarks,” will share possibilities for ghost hunting trips in the Ozarks, including haunted B&Bs, city parks and cemeteries. Books will be available for purchase and signing. As with other Ozarks Travelogues, feel free to bring a snack.
Summerland Lost: A Ghost Story
Friday, October 20, 7 p.m. at the Springfield Little Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St. In this hilarious yet touching one-man show, “My Best Friend's Exorcism” author Grady Hendrix chronicles the captivating but tragic story of the teenage Fox sisters, whose 1848 claim to be able to communicate with the dead popularized Spiritualism and contributed to the empowerment of women, while bringing the sisters fame, fortune and hardship. Hendrix connects the Foxes’ lives with his own experiences and feelings about death in this all-shocking, all-true evening of intimate theater that poses the ultimate question: Is there life after death?
Donuts & Death Q&A with Grady Hendrix
Saturday, October 21, 3 p.m. in the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch community room. A coming of age story unlike any other, “My Best Friend's Exorcism” has been called “an unholy hybrid of 'Beaches' and 'The Exorcist.'” Join author Grady Hendrix and the Donuts & Death Book Discussion crew for a Q&A full of 80s nostalgia and stories of demonic possession. Hurts Donuts will be provided. Registration starts October 1; call 883-1974.
“Paperbacks from Hell” with Author Grady Hendrix
Saturday, October 21, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. In his new book “Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of '70s and '80s Horror Fiction,” author Grady Hendrix charts the history of the horror paperback publishing boom that started with the publication of “Rosemary's Baby” and “The Exorcist” and died in the early '90s as thrillers became popular. Join us for an affectionate, nostalgic and unflinchingly funny discussion of the horror fiction boom of two iconic decades, as the author of “My Best Friend’s Exorcism” and “Horrorstör” follows the horror paperback boom from its roots in books about Satanic possession, to its flirtation with killer kids, evil animals, weird science, accursed real estate and beyond! Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Creepy Crafts and Macabre Makeovers
Wednesday, October 25, 7 p.m. in Library Center meeting room B. Pay homage to your favorite horror icon by creating a Frankentoy or jewelry piece that a horror fan can display with pride. Materials will be provided. Registration limited to 20. Registration starts October 1; call 883-5341.
Horror Trivia at Missouri Spirits
Friday, October 27, 7-9 p.m. for adults age 21 and older at Missouri Spirits, 507 W. Walnut St. Do you like scary movies? Recruit and register a team of four to six horror devotees to compete in a team trivia night. Compete in eight rounds of trivia themed around all things horror. Registration starts October 6; call 883-5341.
Complete your Oh, The Horror experience with these displays in October:
- Flea Market Monsters & Cut-Rate Kaiju: The Creature Creations of Chad Woody in the Mudhouse at the Library Center
- Springfield’s SAUERWORKS: The Art of Scott Sauer in the Local History Department at the Library Center
- Feral: A Journal of Ozarkian Gothic by Feral Magazine at the Library Station
- "Paperbacks from Hell" courtesy of Konrad Stump at the Library Station
Find this article at