Sink your teeth into Dracula.
(Lawrence, KS) This fall, immerse yourself in the joy of reading and the warmth of community as Booktoberfest 2023 unfolds! From September 19th to November 8th, Lawrence Public Library is transforming the solitary act of reading into a shared experience that celebrates our collective love for stories.
A Diverse Lineup of Literary Events
Booktoberfest 2023 boasts a dynamic array of events designed to connect fellow book enthusiasts. The festivities kick off with the Booktoberfest Launch and Dracula Daily Launch Party on September 19th, from 7-9 p.m. at the Lawrence Arts Center at 940 New Hampshire Street. Join us as Matt Kirkland launches his eagerly anticipated book and shares his stories from the beloved Dracula Daily project. Attendees will be able to purchase Kirkland's new book and also secure a free copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula, our selected Booktoberfest Community Read title, while supplies last.
Three more distinguished authors will visit Lawrence during Booktoberfest
Alex Grecian presents Red Rabbit, Tuesday, September 26th from 7-9 p.m. in the Library Auditorium. Jonathan Lethem unveils Brooklyn Crime Novel, Friday, October 13th from 7-9 p.m. at the Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania Street. Finally, Nathan Hill will share Wellness on Tuesday, October 17th from 7-9 p.m. in the Library Auditorium.
Lawrence Picks: LPL Booktoberfest 2023
Lawrence Public Library's (Lawrence, KS) Booktoberfest 2023 thrives with "to die for" vampire media and books by some non-horror authors who still wanted to "join the coven."
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A Week Dedicated to Freedom of Expression
From Sunday, October 1st to Saturday, October 7th, join us in the Library Atrium during Banned Books Week and explore the significance of safeguarding our First Amendment rights in a celebration of Freedom to Read.
Exploring the Dracula Myth from Different Angles
Two movie screenings will cast a fresh light on the Dracula myth. First, immerse yourself in vampire lore with the Blacula Screening and Discussion on Saturday, October 7th from 7-9 p.m. at the Lawrence Arts Center Microcinema (10th & Mass Studios) at 1000 Massachusetts St Suite D, Lawrence, KS 66044. Later, engage in the Feminist Fright Fest on Monday, October 30th from 7-9 p.m. on the University of Kansas (KU) campus at Watson Library, 3 West, as we dissect Dracula’s Daughter with our resident horror expert and KU's Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department.
"Spook-tacular" Event Highlight
Save the date for one of Lawrence Public Library's most beloved adult events, Haunted Stacks on Friday, October 20th from 7-9 p.m.—the premier event of Booktoberfest season. Get ready for an adults-only, after-hours extravaganza at the library, complete with a vampire-themed Scavenger Hunt, treats, tricks, and a dash of spooky bookish fun.
Connect, Reflect, and Celebrate with Booktoberfest
Booktoberfest invites you to embrace the cozy "sweater weather" atmosphere alongside the Book Squad—our library's adult leisure reading experts—and fellow book enthusiasts. Round out the Community Read by attending our wrap-up event on November 8th to "unpack Drac." KU professors Giselle Anatol, Katie Conrad, Ani Kokobobo, and Ann Rowland will discuss aspects of the book you may have never considered—science and pseudoscience, race and foreignness, and look more closely at the role of women, the experience of horror, and generally take a look at how what influenced Stoker and how Dracula has since become influential, in turn. Together, let's celebrate the stories that unite us all.
For event details and registration, please reach out to Polli Kenn, Readers’ Services Supervisor, at pkenn@lplks.org.
About Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library (LPL for short) is a community hub that believes in the power of connecting with each other through shared knowledge and resources. Located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, we are committed to providing a space where our community can learn, connect, create, and grow through access to our vast collections, resources, services, programs, and knowledgeable staff. The library is supported by tax dollars, record-breaking book sales and philanthropic efforts by the LPL Friends & Foundation, and the dedicated efforts of more than 300 volunteers. All are welcome.
