All Pueblo Reads Kickoff
Creatures of the night crawled to the Rawlings Library on Saturday, Oct. 3 to kick off All Pueblo Reads. This year’s program centers on Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula, paired with its modern prequel, Dracul, co‑written by Dacre Stoker, Bram Stoker’s great‑grandnephew. Together, these two works bridge past and present, offering readers a rich blend of gothic storytelling, mystery, and imagination.
The day was filled with book giveaways of “Dracul” and “Dracula”, interactive booths, community partners, exhibits, including books from the Stoker estate, and a presentation from the Rocky Mountain Paranormal Society.
“We couldn't have dreamed up a more bewitching kickoff! Our library branches rose to the occasion with creative, community-driven activities, and the Rocky Mountain Paranormal Society cast a spell on the crowd with their fascinating presentation on Colorado Supernatural Tales and Lore. All Pueblo Reads is always a community celebration, but this year? It was a fang-tastic success we won't soon forget!” said Amanda Daile, PCCLD's program and events manager.
Dacre Stoker will be in Pueblo for the annual Booklovers Ball, Pueblo Author Talk and a Dramatic Reading, appearing as Bram Stoker. Don’t let this opportunity disappear; get more information at www.pueblolibrary.org/allpuebloreads
APR School Visits
All Pueblo Reads generates discussion that crosses cultural, generational, and socioeconomic lines by featuring selected books to read in the community. This year's selections include “Dracul” by Dacre Stoker for adult readers, “The Book of Blood” by H.P. Newquist for middle schoolers and “Ham Helsing: Vampire Hunter” by Rich Moyer for the youth selection.
Newquist and Moyer visited Pueblo to share their knowledge and skills to encourage the next generation of readers in both Pueblo School District 60 and Pueblo County School District 70.
"All Pueblo Reads is our invitation for the whole community to learn, imagine, and connect through stories. Whether it’s science that sparks curiosity, adventures that inspire bravery, or characters who make us laugh, we choose books that speak to readers of every age and background. When authors visit our schools and neighborhoods, they help us celebrate the joy of reading and remind us that lifelong learning belongs to all of Pueblo,” said Nick Potter, PCCLD’s executive director of library foundation and strategic initiatives
Newquist’s "The Book of Blood" is a fascinating blend of STEAM and fiction that takes young readers on an engaging journey through blood, from ancient history to modern science, with some delightfully strange stops along the way.
Moyer’s "Ham Helsing: Vampire Hunter" comes from a long line of monster-hunting descendants, but Ham prefers a cozy, relaxed approach to life. When tragedy strikes, it’s up to Ham to continue the family legacy. His first task? Hunting a vampire. A tale full of laughs and bravery, this story shows the power of believing in yourself and others.
Sink your teeth into All Pueblo Reads and discover your next great read: www.pueblolibrary.org/allpuebloreads