Palm Beach County Library System Receives Florida Library Association Award
Palm Beach County, FL – The Palm Beach County Library System has been honored by the Florida Library Association (FLA) with an award celebrating exceptional creativity and innovation in Library programming. FLA promotes statewide excellence in Florida libraries through advocacy and opportunities for professional development. The Library system received the 2026 Innovative Program or Service award for the annual “I Read Dead People” haunted Library experience.
In the fall of 2023, the Acreage Branch was transformed into the writing quarters of deceased authors. Library staff from across the system came together to became “ghostly” performers who recounted their scariest tales. Ray Bradbury read an excerpt of “The Veldt,” Daphne du Maurier performed “The Birds,” Edgar Allen Poe regaled with “The Raven,” Mary Shelley read from “Frankenstein,” and Shirley Jackson recounted parts of “The Haunting of Hill House.” Library members moved in groups from room to room to hear each story.
Since its start, this spooky event is run every fall at the Acreage Branch and the Lantana Road Branch. This immersive theatrical experience combines literature and performance, enticing visitors to enjoy the library in a whole new way. The Palm Beach County Library System is grateful to be recognized by the Florida Library Association for this unique way to connect modern readers with gothic authors.
Visit https://pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events to stay current on upcoming performances and interactive events.