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"Know Monsters" throughout October at Your Library


Posted By:  Tina Walker Davis
Date Posted:  9/24/2018

Know Monsters in October at Deschutes Public LibraryThe monsters are coming out from under the bed! Explore the fantastic and the thrilling, the ghastly and the chilling with Know Monsters at Deschutes Public Library in October. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s classic gothic horror tale, Frankenstein; explore the fascination with serial murder; get scared silly with spooky stories told by a professional storyteller; and discover the truth behind some of history’s real monsters. It’s all happening at your library in October. All programs are free and open to the public; registration required for programs marked with an asterisk(*).

 

The Allure of Terror

Do you love horror stories? Do people look at you oddly when you tell them your favorite book is The Shining or Feed? Well, you’re not alone—and you’re not weird. There are good reasons we are drawn to the monstrous and terrifying. When Stephen King was asked why he would want to make up horrible things when there is so much real horror in the world, he said, “We make up horror to help us cope with the real ones.” Reading horror is not just normal, it may actually be beneficial. Join us for a talk about the meaning and importance of horror books and come away with a list of terrifyingly wonderful books to read.

 

Modern Monsters: Understanding the Fascination with Serial Murder

Interest in multiple murder has escalated since the 1980s, despite being a rare occurrence. There have been increases in psychology majors and criminal justice majors due to the “CSI effect,” while books, movies and television feature more serial murderers as both antagonists and sometimes protagonists. This talk will explore the reason behind the fascination with this form of violence and the myths and realities of serial murderers.

 

Film Screening: Creature from the Black Lagoon*

This black-and-white horror film about a half-man, half-amphibian beast first swam into theaters in 1954. Today, the film—originally produced in 3D—is widely considered one of the greatest monster pictures ever made. Join us for a free screening at Tin Pan Theater. Register early (https://bit.ly/2N2OPrC) to ensure a seat; these free screenings fill up fast!

 

Frankenstein: A Revisionist History

This talk will cover the little-known and often misunderstood history of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; Or the Modern Prometheus as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of its publication. We’ll explore the events that sparked the idea of the novel for Shelley, how the story changed as it was adapted for the stage and film and why, even to this day, Frankenstein persists as a monstrous force in popular culture.

 

Here Be Dragons

University of Oregon Professor Gantt Gurley dives into dragons, examining the Indo-European dragon from ancient to medieval and modern literatures. Special emphasis is given to the formation of the modern dragon and how J.R.R. Tolkien shaped and solidified our contemporary notion of this mythical and enigmatic monster.

 

Monsters of Death and Desire

Join award-winning storyteller Heather McNeil for chilling tales to haunt your heart. Storytelling is an ancient art that combines creativity, performance skills and the human need for imagination. McNeil is a third generation storyteller who has collected folktales, myths and legends from other cultures and times of history. She will mesmerize you with stories that are old and new, Celtic and southern, and, most of all, downright creepy.

 

History’s Real Monsters

Caligula. Vlad the Impaler. Benedict Arnold. Adolf Hitler. Osama bin Laden. When we think about “monsters” and history, pop culture often elevates certain historical actors into villainous characters without taking into account any of their context. In this program, COCC history professor Murray Godfrey delves into the historical context of some of the most famous “monsters” of history, how they earned that characterization and why, and what their status as villains means for our current time.

 

History Pub Encore: Yes, No, Goodbye—History of the Ouija Board

The Ouija Board has inspired fear, sparked creativity, and provided relief for the bereaved for over 120 years. Come learn about the history of this mysterious board game and its connection to the Spiritualism movement that swept through America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nate Pedersen highlights the history of both the game and the movement.

 

For more information about these programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz Goodrich at lizg@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-312-1032.

 

Page Last Modified Wednesday, March 8, 2023


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