The Stories Behind a Haunted Ozarks

Thursday, October 5, 7 p.m.
Library Center auditorium
For adults

Mysterious local legends and tales of hauntings have entertained Ozarkers for generations and continue as part of our cultural framework, but what spurs these stories? Kaitlyn McConnell from Ozarks Alive will delve into strange tales from around the Ozarks, exploring how they developed and shifted over time, and share theories about why they live on.

Ghosts of the Gillioz

Friday, October 6, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E.
For adults age 21 and older only

The historic Gillioz Theatre is teaming up with the Library for a frightfully fun paranormal tour led by Gillioz staff. During this 30-minute tour, you’ll learn about the vibrant history of the Gillioz, hear legends and lore of unusual happenings and discover the findings of a paranormal investigation. Concessions will be available for purchase beginning at 6 p.m. Tours will depart every 15 minutes and are limited to seven individuals per time slot. Registration starts September 15; call 417-882-0714. Note: The Gillioz is on the U.S. Registry of Historic Places and is not handicap accessible in all areas of the tour.

Haunting Ozarks Tales & Ghost Stories

Tuesday, October 17, 7 p.m.
Library Center auditorium
For adults

The storied history of the Ozarks, with its remote hollers and haunting ghost towns, has long inspired tales of specters and strange characters, from ghostly brides to devilish Bald Knobbers. Join local artists, including Sandi Green-Baker and Andrew Baker-Dietz, for a multi-media evening featuring ghostly tales, folk ballads and crankies — a century-old storytelling tradition using music, theatrics and art.

Ghosts, Gothics & Grief: Clay McLeod Chapman in Conversation

Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m.
Library Center auditorium
For adults

Acclaimed author Clay McLeod Chapman’s “Ghost Eaters” explores the appeal and cost of lifting the veil between the living and the dead, while his newest novel, “What Kind of Mother,” mixes supernatural horror, Southern Gothic and domestic suspense to explore parental grief. Join Chapman for a discussion about how we are all haunted — by the ghosts of regret, the shadows of grief, the horrors of history — and how exploring what frightens us can connect us. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Search the catalog for books by Clay McLeod Chapman

“Sleepy Hollow” at The Moxie

Friday, October 20, 8–10 p.m.
Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101
For adults

Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow, rated R, is a gothic supernatural reimagining of the legend of the headless horseman featuring Christopher Walken as the iconic rider. Experience the terrifying classic that won an Academy Award on the big screen during this special free presentation.

Chasing Ghosts with Marc Hartzman

Thursday, October 26, 7 p.m.
Library Center auditorium
For adults

Do the dead live on? Does life exist beyond this world? From famous ghosts to notorious haunted sites, join Chasing Ghosts author Marc Hartzman for a tour through our cultural fascination with spirits and the supernatural. Hartzman will also discuss his newest book, We Are Not Alone, which explores the history of UFOs and aliens. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Grady Hendrix Presents: “How to Sell A Haunted House” Live

Tuesday, October 31, 7 p.m.
The Gallery at the Gillioz, 325 Park Central E.
For adults

From Pliny the Younger to the Amityville Horror, we’ve been convinced there’s something undead living inside our homes rent-free for thousands of years. This Halloween, join New York Times bestselling author Grady Hendrix for another of his one-of-a-kind one-man shows, tap-dancing through the haunted hallways of houses from Downton Abbey-sized country homes to split-level suburban ranchers as we try to figure out why we’re so obsessed with the world’s worst roommates — ghosts. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Donuts & Death Q&A with Grady Hendrix

Wednesday, November 1, 10 a.m. at the
Hurts Donut, 1111 E. Republic Road #16
For adults

A terrifying haunted house novel that also tugs at the heartstrings, How to Sell A Haunted House has been called a “campy, cinematic ride.” Join author Grady Hendrix for an AMA-style (Ask Me Anything) discussion about haunted houses, murderous puppets, complicated family relationships, taxidermied Nativity squirrels and much more. Donuts will be provided; seating is limited. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Registration starts October 18; call 417-882-0714.