Join us for a Month of Spooky Lit & Horror Authors
September 22, 2022 — Oh, how we love to marvel at man-made monsters and those from folklore. In October, join us around the proverbial campfire for frightening folk tales and stories of monstrous mankind. Join us for a month filled with surprising tales from the Ozarks, two national authors and a chance to solve The Mystery of the Sasquatch of Sequiota Park. The series is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
First, the Mystery of the Sasquatch of Sequiota Park! The Scoop:
A sasquatch was sighted in Springfield’s Sequiota Park, and we’re on a mission to help Detective Minh Nguyen investigate the case. Piece together clues Oct. 1-31 to solve the mystery and claim your prize.
Here’s how to play:
- Pick up a game starter kit at any library branch or the Mobile Library beginning the first week of October. Follow the directions to solve the first puzzle, reveal the first clue, and continue the story.
- Each week, return to any branch or Mobile Library for a new puzzle clue and a new piece of the story.
- Collect all four clues to help Detective Nguyen solve the mystery of Sequiota’s Sasquatch.
- Return your completed clue answer form to any library branch or Mobile Library to pick up a prize and be entered into a drawing for cryptid-themed prize baskets. The winners will be announced by November 9.
Here's the schedule of events:
Welcome to the United States of Cryptids
Thursday, October 6, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium.
Mysterious monsters lurk in the dark forests, deep lakes and sticky swamps of all 50 states. From the infamous Jersey Devil to the obscure Snallygaster, travel writer and chronicler of the strange J. W. Ocker uncovers the bizarre stories of these creatures and investigates the ways that communities have celebrated their local cryptids with festivals, statues and museums. Ocker will take you on a fun, frightening, fascinating tour through American folklore and history, exploring not only the stories we tell about monsters but also what stories of monsters say about us. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Folklore (and More) in the Ozarks
Thursday, October 13, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium.
Folk traditions – from music to stories to superstitions – have long created a unique sense of culture in the Ozarks. Join Ozarks Alive's Kaitlyn McConnell to learn more about some of these distinctive moments, past and present, that have helped define the region. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
"The Daughter of Doctor Moreau": A Conversation with Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Thursday, October 20, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium.
New York Times bestselling author Silvia Moreno-Garcia discusses her new novel, "The Daughter of Doctor Moreau," which mixes action, romance and monsters to tell a compelling coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 19th-century Mexico. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the event.
Ozarks Fairy & Folk Tales
Tuesday, October 25, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium.
Local hills have long been filled with lore and legends—from mysterious monsters and tall tales to strange customs and characters. Join local artists Sandi Green-Baker and Andrew and Re Baker-Dietz, as well as filmmakers Paul Simmons and Nikki Richardson Simmons of Mood Ring Films, for a multi-media evening of storytelling featuring folk songs, short films and crankies – a century-old storytelling tradition using music, theatrics and art.
Weaving Horror and History with Author Alma Katsu
Thursday, October 27, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium.
Whether reimagining the dread of the Donner Party’s trek west ("The Hunger") or the terror of the Titanic’s sinking ("The Deep"), acclaimed author Alma Katsu weaves the horrors of history into suspenseful supernatural tales. Alma will discuss her latest novel, "The Fervor," which entwines the story of World War II-era Japanese internment camps with elements of Japanese folklore, a mysterious contagion, government cover-ups and sharp social commentary on today's cultural climate. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
"Young Frankenstein" at The Moxie
Friday, October 28, 8 p.m. at the Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101.
Part homage and part parody of Universal Pictures 1930s monster movies, Mel Brooks’ "Young Frankenstein," rated PG, brings together comedy icons Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle and Cloris Leachman for an outrageously funny riff on Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," which Brooks considered his finest film. Experience the horror comedy classic on the big screen during this special free presentation.
Donuts & Death
Tuesdays, 6 p.m. in the Library Station Frisco Room.
Horror has never tasted so sweet. Join our horror book club and sink your teeth into a good book while enjoying donuts.
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September 13: "The Fervor" by Alma Katsu.
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October 11: "The Daughter of Doctor Moreau" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
Evening Book Discussion
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch.
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October 11: "The Daughter of Doctor Moreau" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.