It was a dark and stormy weekend. I was sitting at the circulation desk listening to the books whisper secret tales of goblins, ghosts, and other things that slinky around in the shadows…
Oh…did you not know that books can whisper? If you’re friendly to them, and sit very quietly, sometimes you can catch them telling each other stories on the shelves…
But that it beside the point. As I was sitting and listening, I heard new voice…a low, croaking voice that sent chills running up and down my spine.
“It’s October, you know.” The voice growled. “You know what that means…”
“Do I?” I asked, slowly turning, dreading to see what was behind me.
“Of course,” whispered another voice–this one high and shrill, like an icy wind. “It’s time for All Hallows Read.”
And behind me, I saw whole shelves of books creeping across the library, slinking down the stairs, and fluttering up onto our display tables…books of ghouls and vampires, of voices from beyond and inexplicable events; books full of dreams and nightmares to give giggles and shivers.
The books had decided it was time for the All Hallows Read. And they are waiting for you…
So what is All Hallow’s Read, you ask? Well, I can give no better an explanation than the Grand and Glorious Neil Gaiman, who created this most literary of all celebrations with this blog post. You can also see a marvelous video explanation below:
(and check out #AllHallowsRead for even more information, details, and recommendations!)
Essentially, however, it involves handing out scary books for Halloween. But the books here have decided that the Peabody Library will be participating in All Hallows Read from now until Halloween, so you can come in any time this month and check out our displays of creepy, crazy, vivid, and visceral stories to keep you up late into the witching hours (because the books are just too excited to keep this to a single day, apparently). We also, as Mr. Gaiman said, are more than happy to provide recommendations, as well.
So, Happy All Hallow’s Read, beloved patrons! The books are terribly eager to make your acquaintance….