Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls- there's so much more to Halloween than the chills and thrills. Halloween is a remarkable time of year full of transformation, remembrance, and connection. It's the one day you can be anything your heart desires. As you step into the world where the veil between past and present is thin, you are closer to your ancestors on this day than any other throughout the whole year. Not everything is about spooky stories but honoring the stories and spirits that came before us. 

Here are some of the Adult Literacy team here at the library's picks for this Halloween season, from the classics to contemporary. Grab your jack-o-lantern, snuggle up with your pumpkin spice latte, and get ready for some magical and horrific Halloween tales. 

Horror Classics

Bloodsucking Royalty 

Dracula, written by Bram Stoker in 1897, is one of the most captivating and influential Gothic novels of modern literature. Told through a series of letters, diary entries, and personal accounts, the novel weaves together the haunting story of Count Dracula, a royal vampire who has fascinated readers for over a century. Combining horror, suspense, and romance, Dracula explores themes of betrayal, heartbreak, and the relentless craving for blood. Though the novel is considered a classic, it remains an accessible read, perfect for those looking to get into the Halloween spirit. It is an enduring tale of literature’s favorite Dark Prince, whose triumphs and turmoil continue to captivate audiences worldwide. 

Pair it with the Movie! 

Bela Lugosi became the immortal Dracula in the 1931 film by Universal Studios. Later included in what many consider the "Universal Monsters" collection, Lugosi became a household name as he struck both fear and love into the hearts of his audience as the famed Count Dracula. The decision to cast Lugosi also helped many connect the story of Dracula to the Romanian nobleman, Count Vlad Dracul. Both Dracul and Lugosi are Romanian and it didn't take modern audiences long to find a real-life "Count Dracula" to tie into the novel and Lugosi's success. 

Power of Invisibility

H.G. Wells' The Invisible Man is a timeless science fiction classic that captivates readers of all ages. Following the story of Griffin, a scientist whose experiment turns him invisible, the novel delves into themes of power, isolation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It serves as a cautionary tale about the ethical responsibilities tied to scientific discovery and the dangers of playing with forces beyond our control. With its blend of suspense and philosophical depth, The Invisible Man offers an engaging and accessible read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and morality. Perfect for readers of all backgrounds, it teaches valuable lessons on the power and responsibility of creation.

Pair it with the Movie! 

Though loosely based on the H.G. Wells novel, the film adaptation of The Invisible Man, had an even greater impact on the 20th-century audience as the content dealt primarily with the realm of science, whereas films such as Dracula featured more romantic horror elements It is worth stating that this movie is not about a mummified person, but instead, our scientist wraps himself in gauze to be seen. This film was also one of the first of what many consider classic horror cannon to take place during the current time of the film. Making the production and the application of scientific study more realistic and palpable. 

Unimaginable Creatures

The Creature from the Depths is a graphic novel adaptation of one of H.P. Lovecraft's spine-chilling tales. This eerie narrative plunges readers into the mysterious world of ancient sea monsters and cosmic horrors. When an unsuspecting seaside town becomes the hunting ground for a malevolent creature lurking beneath the waves, a few brave souls set out to uncover its dark origins. As they delve deeper into forbidden knowledge, they realize that some mysteries are better left undiscovered. Lovecraft’s signature blend of psychological terror, ancient mythology, and creeping suspense is brought to life with haunting visuals, making The Creature from the Depths a must-read for fans of cosmic horror and graphic novels alike

Pair it with the Movie! 

Creature from the Black Lagoon is a classic 1954 monster film that blends horror, adventure, and science fiction. Combining aspects of horror and science fiction, Creature from the Black Lagoon, is another iconic Halloween favorite that follows a group of scientists who discover a prehistoric amphibious creature lurking in the depths of the Amazon. As they attempt to capture it, the creature—both terrifying and tragic—fights for survival. Known for its groundbreaking underwater sequences and iconic Gill-man design, Creature from the Black Lagoon has cemented its place in cinematic history as a must-watch for fans of classic monster films. Though Creature From the Black Lagoon is not directly based on H.P. Lovecraft's Creature from the Depths, the creature in the film (Gill-man) was inspired by Lovecraft's Deep Ones, an ancient race of creatures that lived and ruled the Earth long before man and came from another space and time.

Modern Scares

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark became a defining collection of spooky tales for the late 20th century, shaping the imaginations and nightmares of the millennial generation like no other book. Since its release in 1981, its eerie tales have grown more believable with each telling, prompting the second edition to include the subtitle "based on folklore" to ease frightened readers. Yet, the book's stories themselves transformed into urban legends, with kids swapping their own terrifying versions at sleepovers and campfires. From roaming skeletons to haunted houses, each story is about one to two pages with even more monsters lurking in between. This is one book that will make you feel closer to Halloween regardless of the day of the year. 

Pair it with the Movie! 

Taking place during the height of the Vietnam War and the last draft of the United States Armed Forces, the film version of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark captures the tumultuous era that began in 1968. Drenched in Americana and a menagerie of melancholic color, the film follows a group of friends as they band together against bullies, school dances, and all of the terrors of an adolescent growing into this new America full of war and revolution. These friends stumble upon a book of scary stories, which slowly come to life to haunt, hunt, and in some cases take the lives of their classmates and bullies alike. Characters in the book, such as Scarecrow and The Pale Lady, embody not only their fear but also give them the courage to stand up for themselves.  Produced by horror icon Guillermo del Torro, the film combines classic horror elements and nostalgia to keep fans of the original story locked to the screen. 

Not all scary stories have a movie adaptation, and we have so many amazing books to get you in the spirit for Halloween within our collection! All of these titles are great for emerging readers and will keep you hooked on the diverse narratives and dark corners. All Hallows by Christopher Golden transports readers to a terrifying night on Halloween 1984, where a strange group of children with dark secrets arrives, turning the festive atmosphere into one of horror. In Never Alone by J. Manoa, an eerie, isolated setting amps up the fear as a family grapples with supernatural forces. Piñata by Leopoldo Gout offers a spine-tingling blend of Mexican folklore and supernatural suspense when an ancient spirit is unleashed. Finally, Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke delivers a creepy, psychological horror tale about a man’s life unraveling after a terrifying encounter with a strange child. These books are the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit! Put these titles on hold today by browsing below! 

Happy Halloween!