The Chills & Thrills theme of the Palm Beach County Library System's Rediscover Reading campaign highlights the powerful appeal of suspenseful storytelling.
Fiction genres like mystery, thriller and horror turn reading into an active experience. These stories challenge audiences to follow clues, notice details and explore the unknown.
To celebrate this excitement, the Library System is bringing these narratives to life through the fourth annual “I Read Dead People” haunted library experience. This immersive theatrical program recently won the 2026 Innovative Program or Service Award from the Florida Library Association.
During the event, Library spaces transform into atmospheric story settings. Staff dress as deceased authors like Edgar Allan Poe or Shirley Jackson to recite their best-known horror and thriller tales. Visitors move from room to room in groups to hear each story.
While similar haunted attractions happening around Palm Beach County are paid experiences, these Library events are completely free to the public. Providing these unique programs reflects how the Library is committed to opening minds to a world of unlimited possibilities. This year, three branches will host the performance with unique twists to expand literary horror horizons.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming "I Read Dead People" performances:
- Sat, Sep 26 at 6:00 pm at the Acreage Branch (Camp Edition)
- Sat, Oct 03 at 6:00 pm at the Lantana Road Branch (Classics Edition)
Beyond these live theatrical productions, the Library System helps communities dive deeper into psychological suspense and supernatural themes. Cardholders can easily explore classic detective fiction and contemporary crime stories. These collections are available in physical print or on digital services like CloudLibrary and hoopla.
These platforms provide instant access to eBooks and tension-heightening audiobooks. Audiobooks use tone and pacing to elevate the narrative. Streaming services and online resources also offer films and documentaries about mystery storytelling.
Through its collections, programs and spaces, the Palm Beach County Library System connects communities, inspires thought and enriches lives. This October, Rediscover Reading with stories filled with chills, thrills and unexpected turns.
Ways to Engage
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Try a Mystery or Thriller
- Explore novels that focus on suspense, crime or psychological twists. These stories encourage readers to follow clues and stay engaged as the plot unfolds.
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Listen for Suspense
- Audiobooks can heighten the tension of a story through pacing and narration. Listening while traveling or relaxing can make the experience even more immersive.
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Revisit Classic Mysteries
- Discover the authors who helped shape the genre. Classic detective stories offer insight into how suspenseful storytelling has evolved over time.
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Attend Activities and Classes
- Writing workshops and discussion programs offer opportunities to explore suspense techniques and share ideas with other readers.
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Explore New Authors and Styles
- Libraries provide access to a wide range of mystery and thriller titles, from traditional detective stories to modern psychological suspense and supernatural tales.
To find all the Rediscover Reading activities, click here.
