Looking for something fun to do or the perfect book to curl up with on a dark and stormy night? If so, join us for some exciting fall activities at the Library! If you need a reading recommendation, our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you. With a variety of engaging events and expert book suggestions, we are excited to help you find the ideal activity or book to make your fall enjoyable and memorable.
Programs
Halloween Storytime Online
Here are some fun stories to help calm typical Halloween fears—complete with laughter! You can listen to a variety of these stories right now. For instance, in Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies, Mo is a zombie who loves gardening and growing his own vegetables. He enjoys cooking and eating them, but his parents insist he needs to eat “finger” foods instead—though they don’t mean snacks! They firmly say, “zombies don’t eat veggies!” However, Mo, being a zombie who eats veggies, tries to convince his parents to give them a try. Enjoy Halloween storytime online and explore more books at the Library that turn Halloween fear into Halloween fun!
If You Like Horror
If you’re specifically seeking extra-terror, we can help you find your next horrifying read. First, explore our list of horror award winners. Additionally, check out recommendations from your favorite authors. For ongoing inspiration, subscribe to our horror book newsletter, delivered right to your inbox every month. With these options, you’ll have plenty of ways to discover chilling reads that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Fall Reading Recommendations
Looking for some mysterious or spooky fun? Start by exploring our curated book lists that feature popular fall and Halloween reading genres, TV shows, and movies. Additionally, enjoy a variety of fall-themed activities at The Library every day. With these resources, you can immerse yourself in the seasonal spirit and discover new favorites to enjoy throughout the season.
Fiction
- AhOoooooh – Werewolves of Fiction – IndyPL_KaseyP
Why do shapeshifters fascinate us so? Maybe it’s the transformational quality, or the idea that we’ve all got a little beast hidden inside of us. These stories of lycanthropy promise fear, fascination, and maybe a few howls at the moon!
- Clowns: Scary or Not So Scary? – IndyPL_ChaseM
Read through this list of clown related books and movies, to determine on a case-by-case basis if the clown or clowns are scary…or not so scary!
- Crime-solving spooks – IndyPL_SarahS
Sometimes, having been murdered is the best preparation for solving crimes. It’s a weirdly popular trope among cozy mysteries.
- Deadly Games Movies & Books – IndyPL_RyanL
Horror and thriller movies/books about deadly survival competitions and games that will leave you hearing the eerie phrase “Do you want to play a game?”
- Dolls: Scary or Not So Scary? – IndyPL_ChaseM
Pediophobia is the fear of dolls or inanimate objects that appear human, Examine these books and movies on a case-by-case basis to determine if dolls are scary…or not so scary!
- Graphic Novels To Die For – IndyPL_ShainaS
Within this spooky list, you’ll find some lesser known graphic novel gems spotlighted. But beware, their shadows are long and twisty. Muahaha!
- The Little House Down the Lane – Haunted House Stories – IndyPL_KaseyP
Be it a decrepit mansion, busted apartment complex, or secluded hotel, beware the building that looks back at you with hatred in its grubby windows! And never ever set foot inside…
- Mysteries with a Paranormal Twist – IndyPL_MicheleP
Things such as Tarot Cards, Angels, Psychics, Ghosts, Seances, Crystal Balls, and Talking Skeletons can be found in these mystery series. Throw off your disbelief for a short time and enjoy!
- Sweet and Spooky Romances – IndyPL_RachelNW
Celebrate the start of fall by reading these sweet and spooky paranormal romances. Read about werewolves, witches, ghosts, and vampires as they carve pumpkins and fall in love.
- Witchy Mysteries – IndyPL_JessicaM
Love mysteries and want to get in the mood for the spooky season? Enjoy these mysteries with witch protagonists and magical twists.
TV & Movies
- A History of Horror Films – IndyPL_ChaseM
October, more specifically the Halloween season, is a great time to celebrate horror movies and what scares us. This list explores how the definition of what scares us has changed and how culture and society influenced it.
- If You Like Camp Upside-Down: If you like Stranger Things – IndyPL_KaseyP
If you love this nostalgic horror phenomenon from Netflix, you know it makes 80s pop culture references galore! Here are some of the gems referencee, as well as Hawkins, IN adjacent goodies for all seasons.
- If You Like Shaun of the Dead – IndyPL_KaseyP
Horror Comedies can be done well. (Fair warning: Almost all of these carry an R-Rating. Please giggle responsibly.)
- Octoberween // Books & Movies to Die For Part 2: The Spookening – IndyPL_ShainaS
20 beloved favorites! OoooOoooooooo OOOOOOOoooooooooo
- Terrifying Horror Films – IndyPL_JessicaL
Beware, these films are not for the faint of heart. Perfect for having a fright night anytime of the year.
- Zombie Comedy Films – IndyPL_TimothyV
Some of these movies are classic. Others are classically bad. Either way, zombies can make us laugh even as they terrify us.
Extras
- Halloween Cooking Fun – IndyPL_KathyH
Whether you’re having a Halloween party or just want some fun treats to make for your friends or family, check out these fun Halloween cookbooks.
- Halloween – It’s Not Just for Kids! – IndyPL_KathyH
"There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch." Robert Brault #IndyPLAdults
- Mr. & Mrs. Shelley: The Original Goth Couple – IndyPL_DanA
When Percy was killed in a boating accident, Mary kept his petrified heart on her person and in her desk until the day she died. Learn more!
- Spooky Scores – IndyPL_MarianneK
Tingle your spine while tinkling the ivories with these classic chillers.
For Kids & Teens
We can assist you in finding delightful Halloween reading for both kids and teens. Our collection features a range of engaging books tailored to young readers of all ages, ensuring that they can enjoy the spooky season with captivating stories. Whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures, spooky tales, or festive Halloween-themed books, we offer a variety of options to suit every interest and reading level. As a result, you can easily discover the perfect Halloween read to match your mood and interests!
- Fall Into Autumn with These Wonderful Books – IndyPL_ShannonO
Fall is here! Time to get into the spirit with some autumn-themed picture books! These are great titles for story times, displays, and more!
- Spooky Graphic Novels for Kids – IndyPL_RyanL
A small sampling of some spooky and fun graphic novels for kids. Just in time for Halloween.
- Octoberween // Picture Books – IndyPL_ShainaS
Here’s a third batch of creepy cute Halloween-y picture books to warm your chilly autumn nights!
- Books to Turn Halloween Fear into Halloween Fun! – IndyPL_Recommends_Kids
Many small children don’t find Halloween fun at all! The masks, the jumping out surprises and all the ghosts, vampires & scary looking pumpkins can be too many surprises for little trick-or-treaters. Here are several stories that can help kids turn their Halloween fears into Halloween fun!
- If You Like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – IndyPL_CarrieS
These books offer the same kind of suspense and thrills. This is a list of middle grade books for future Stephen King fans. If you get a thrill out of wondering what lurks in the closet after dark… These stories are for you!
- Monsters Aren’t Scary – IndyPL_JessicaNS
Not all monster books are scary! If your little one is afraid of monsters, these are some good choices to help with their fears. They’ll be laughing at monsters in no time.
- Wholesome Halloween – IndyPL_JessicaL
Enjoy the fun of Halloween with this family-friendly collection of videos!
- Witchy Reads for Halloween – IndyPL_ShannonO
Get into the Halloween season with these witch-themed books and graphic novels for kids and teens.