Photo by Sarina Sandwell
Visit the Engagement Collection located on the east side of the Second Floor North Reading Room to view some spine-chilling reads just in time for Halloween!
We hope to frighten you with the many Halloween related resources available to you through the NYU Libraries. Proceed if you dare . . . !
Photo Caption: Cover image of Stephen King's novel, Carrie and a second image of a bookshelf filled with King's books Photos courtesy of Weiwei Lin
Just one of the many treasures you will find at NYU Special Collections. Stephen King is one of the most iconic authors in horror literature, with more than 60 novels - many of which have become genre classics. His debut novel Carrie, published in 1974, launched his path to success. The story of a bullied teenage girl who takes revenge on her peers through telekinesis was often thought to be too violent and explicit by schools and libraries, leading to frequent bans. It (1986) was adapted into a two part film series released in 2017 and 2019, and became the highest-grossing horror franchise of all time. Despite the disturbing scenes and criticism for its violence, the adaptation was loved by a new generation, further solidifying Stephen King’s influence on modern horror cinema. It: Welcome to Derry, new series that serves as a prequel to the films, premieres on HBO Max on October 26, 2025. The Shining and Pet Sematary movie adaptations also gained both critical and general audience’s attention. The psychological horror of the novels was considered deeply unsettling - so much that Stephen King himself hesitated to publish Pet Cemetery. Interestingly, while the film adaptations of King’s works are widely celebrated, many of the novels themselves were banned and challenged in the US. Stephen King is one of the most frequently banned authors in the country - an ironic testament to how his stories continue to provoke, disturb and intrigue readers decades after their release.
Text by Alina Buskarova
Here are links to some interesting resources beyond NYU . . .
Join us - if you dare - at our spooky Halloween pop-up event for some spine-tingling fun and creepy crafts! There will be lots of treats - and maybe a few tricks to give you a fright. Let's celebrate the spooky season - library style!
When: Friday, October 31st from 1:00 - 4:00 pm in Room 743
Join us for a mysterious conclusion to our spooky Halloween pop-up event - a spine-chilling Halloween Costume Contest! We will have fun prizes for the most frightening and fantastical costumes you can dream up. Do you dare to transform yourself?
When: Friday, October 31st from 3:00 - 4:00 pm in Room 745