Horror Writers Association Libraries
Welcome to the Horror Writers Association (HWA) Libraries landing page.
One of the HWA’s missions is to encourage public interest in and foster an appreciation of reading, in general, and horror and dark fantasy literature, specifically, for all ages of readers. HWA Libraries engages communities with the horror genre through library collections and programs to create vibrant, thriving, and collaborative horror spaces.
We believe that vibrant, thriving, and collaborative horror spaces are essential for good library service. We have four goals to help achieve this vision: to promote, connect, educate, and support authors and libraries, be they public, academic, or school.
To that end, HWA Libraries offers professional development opportunities to library workers, assists libraries and authors to coordinate Horror programming and/or events, and provides horror collection development and readers’ advisory tools. A list of tools and resources is available below.
We have two annual, signature HWA Libraries programs: Summer Scares and Librarians Day
Started in 2019, Summer Scares aims to introduce Horror titles to school and public library workers so they can start conversations with readers that extend beyond the books on each list and promote reading for years to come. In addition to the annual list of recommended titles, the Summer Scares Programming Guide—free for any library to access—offers tools libraries need to connect with their patrons. Please go to the Summer Scares resource page for more information or see below
Since 2017, the Horror Writers Association has offered Librarians’ Day as part of their annual StokerCon. Occurring on the Friday of StokerCon, HWA Libraries offers a full day of continuing education that is geared toward librarians but engages the entire horror community—librarians, booksellers, authors, publishers, podcasters, event planners, and other content creators — with the goal of demonstrating how all sectors of the horror ecosystem can work together to amplify the impact the genre can have in communities. Librarians’ Day is included as part of a full conference ticket but there is special pricing for library workers available. Please see StokerCon.com for more information
However that is not all we do. HWA Libraries are available to help you at any time by emailing libraries@horror.org
Tools and Links For Librarians
What Is The Horror Writers Association?
THE Horror Writers Association® is a nonprofit organization of writers and publishing professionals around the world, dedicated to promoting dark literature. The Horror Writers Association was formed in the mid 1980’s with the help of many of the field’s greats, including Dean Koontz, Robert McCammon, and Joe Lansdale. Today, with over 750 members around the globe, it is the oldest and most respected professional organization for the much-loved writers who have brought you the most enjoyable sleepless nights of your life.
Horror Authors to Visit your Library
If you are interested in having our members visit your Library for a reading, signing or educational function, please email libraries@horror.org. Some of our better known members are regularly on tour and, while we cannot guarantee they can visit individual locations, we can certainly pass on your request and interest. We can also put you in touch with ‘mid-list’ authors, authors breaking through in sales and readership, and of course horror authors from your local community (or hopefully nearby). So, don’t hesitate, just ask!
Join the Horror Writers Association
Librarians may join the Association (there are a range of other benefits), in our Associate class. Please check out the following pages for more information. We will make you welcome!