Past Events

These events have already occured, but this provides an look at the range and partners involved in The Big Read - Wichita effort. Visit our Facebook page for photos from select events.

What Have You Read Lately? (Poe Topics)
Learn more about the life, tales and poems of Poe, as well as his influences and influencers, in these four different sessions offered as part of the Adventures in Learning series that provides education for senior citizens. Learn more at ewshepherdscenter.org. Fee.
1:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, East Wichita Shepherd's Center, 4407 E. Douglas, 316-682-0504, Wichita
1:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, East Wichita Shepherd's Center, 4407 E. Douglas, 316-682-0504, Wichita
1:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, East Wichita Shepherd's Center, 4407 E. Douglas, 316-682-0504, Wichita
1:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, East Wichita Shepherd's Center, 4407 E. Douglas, 316-682-0504, Wichita
1:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13, East Wichita Shepherd's Center, 4407 E. Douglas, 316-682-0504, Wichita

Senior Wednesday: Ghosts @ Old Cowtown Museum
Includes readings from Poe's works. Offered in cooperation with nine other cultural institutions in Wichita, Senior Wednesdays are designed for active seniors and made possible by the Kansas Health Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. See all Senior Wednesday listings at seniorwednesday.org. $2 programming fee.
1:30-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 Museum Blvd., 316-350-3321, Wichita

Edgar Allan Poe: A Visual Tribute
Poe's words come to life through the works of art from the Museum's permanent collection. Each chilling work of art is accompanied by a quote from one of Edgar Allan Poe's many memorable stories. Beware! This exhibition will take you a walk through the darker side of WAM's art and Poe's prose.
Through Sunday, Nov. 15, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., 316-268-4921, Wichita

Exhibit from the Spaulding Collection 
Exhibit of selected works by and about Edgar Allan Poe from the Graydon E. Spaulding Collection will be displayed in the reading room of Special Collections and University Archives, Wichita State University Libraries
October-November, Wichita State University - Special Collections and University Archives, 1845 Fairmount, 316-978-3481 

The Big Read Kickoff
We'll start The Big Read off right with book giveaways, readings, an art exhibit, and a special presentation by Ballet Wichita. Free.
2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., 316-268-4921, Wichita

Sundays @ Alford: Poe’s Literary Legacy
Edgar Allan Poe’s masterful tales of the macabre have inspired a long legacy of writers in the crafting of horror and suspense stories. Join us for a look back at how a literature of fear has evolved from the work of Poe to modern day masters like Stephen King.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4, Wichita Public Library - Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 316-377-9119, Wichita

The Big Read - Week 1 Activities
Take part in a Poe crossword puzzle contest. All entries will go into a drawing for free books and prizes.
Oct. 5-10, Andover Public Library, 1511 E Central Ave, 316-558-3500, Andover

Art Start: Spooky Scenes 
Program for preschoolers in conjunction with The Big Read - Wichita.  For 3-5 year olds and their parents. Free, but reservations required. Call 316-268-4929.
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., 316-268-4921, Wichita
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., 316-268-4921, Wichita
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., 316-268-4921, Wichita
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., 316-268-4921, Wichita

The Big Read Book Discussions
While The Big Read covers multiple short stories and poems, pick and choose from these targeted discussions to match your interests. Because of the nature of book discussions, no two are the same! (60 minutes)

Madness and Murder: "The Black Cat," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Cask of Amontillado" and "William Wilson"
7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, Wichita Public Library - Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 316-337-9456, Wichita
11 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, Wichita Public Library - Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 316-377-9119, Wichita

Mystery and Detection: "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "The Purloined Letter" and "The Gold Bug"
2:30-3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, Wichita Public Library - Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 316-688-9361, Wichita
7-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26, Wichita Public Library - Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 316-303-8181, Wichita

Supernatural Stories: "The Fall of the House of Usher," "Ligeia" and "The Masque of the Red Death"
2:30-3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita
2:30-3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, Wichita Public Library - Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th, 316-337-9084, Wichita

The Short Stories of Edgar Allan Poe
7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita

Entrapment and Catastrophe: "The Pit and the Pendulum," "Ms. in a Bottle" and "Descent into the Maelstrom"
2:30-3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, Wichita Public Library - Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas, 316-337-9125, Wichita

Poe Favorites: "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Raven," "The Bells" and "Annabel Lee"
7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, Wichita Public Library - Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st St, 316-688-9580, Wichita

The Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
7-8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita

Senior Wednesday: The Macabre in Art and Literature
Join a discussion of some of Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling stories and view WAM’s exhibition of artworks with an unsettling theme. Senior Wednesdays are designed for active seniors and made possible by the Kansas Health Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. See all Senior Wednesday listings at seniorwednesday.org. $2 admission.
10 a.m. doors open, 10:30 a.m. program begins, Wednesday, Oct. 7, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., 316-268-4921, Wichita

Poe Memorial and Vigil
Come celebrate and mourn the death of Edgar Allan Poe at the Poe Memorial and Vigil. Witness a memorial program including dedications, readings of his poems and personal letters, featuring special guests and performances.
7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

A Poe-purri of Poe Book Discussions
Join the English Composition classes and other Poe buffs for these book discussions. Also come to check out our Poe display in the foyer and drink from the “blood” chocolate fountain and enjoy other treats. Call 554-2794 for information.
12:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, Wichita Area Technical College Library, 4501 E. 47th St. South, 316-554-2794, Wichita
12:00 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26, Wichita Area Technical College Library, 4501 E. 47th St. South, 316-554-2794, Wichita

Wishbone: The Pawloined Paper
Based on Poe's short story "The Purloined Letter." Teachers or librarians wishing to use this show for educational purposes should contact Jesse Huxman (316-838-3090 or jhuxman@kpts.org).
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, airs on KPTS

Twisted Tales of Poe
1940s-style radio drama featuring two of Poe's stories and his most famous poem: "The Tale-Tell Heart," "The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Raven."
8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, airs on KPTS
5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11, airs on KPTS

Poe Out Loud - A Five Part Book Reading and Discussion Series
Come experience dramatic readings from "Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe" as well as participate in passionate book discussions as performed and lead by local actor Brad Purkey. Each session will last about one hour. Free.

Poe Out Loud - Supernatural Stories
Readings and discussion of "The Fall of the House of Usher," Ligeia" and "The Masque of Red Death"
7-8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

Poe Out Loud - Stories of Entrapment & Catastrophe
Readings and discussion of "The Pit and the Pendulum," "Ms. Found in a Bottle" and "Descent into the Maelstrom"
7-8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

Poe Out Loud - Stories of Madness & Murder
Readings and discussion of "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Black Cat," "The Cask of Amontillado" and "William Wilson"
7-8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

Poe-etry Out Loud - The Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
Readings and discussion of his poetry, including favorites such as "The Raven," "Lenore," "The Bells," "Annabel Lee," "A Dream Within a Dream," "The Conqueror Worm," "The Haunted Palace," "Alone," "Spirits of the Dead" and "Ulalume"
7-8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

Poe Out Loud - Stories of Mystery & Detection
Readings and discussion of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "The Purloined Letter" and "The Gold Bug"
7-8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

Monster Activities @ Exploration Place
Learn How to Make a Monster at Exploration Place! Kids can take part in monster activities, join in a monster storytime and thrill to a Poe presentation and reading.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd., 316-660-0600, Wichita
6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd., 316-660-0600, Wichita
6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd., 316-660-0600, Wichita
6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd., 316-660-0600, Wichita

Poe into Film: A Talk and Film Showing of “Fall of the House of Usher”
Jim Erickson will discuss the difficulties filmmakers face in trying to recreate Poe for the silver screen.  Following the talk, the film "The Fall of the House of Usher" will be shown to illustrate the points made by the speaker.
2-4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita 

"The Poe Shadow" Book Discussion
We will discuss Matthew Pearl's historical mystery "The Poe Shadow" and the different theories surrounding Poe's death. What do you think? The novel is about a young Baltimore lawyer in 1849 who tries to piece together the mystery surrounding the strange death of Edgar Allan Poe by trying to find the real life model of C. Auguste Dupin, the hero of Poe's tales of crime and detection. Free.
5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

Make Your Own Poe Video! A Teen Event
Come record your own version of any one of Edgar Allan Poe’s poems. For example, you could recite "Annabel Lee" as a rap, dress up in costume for "The Bells" or do a dramatic reading of "Lenore" complete with props. You may record your own version of the poem and e-mail it to bigreadwichita@gmail.com or come to the Central Library and use our equipment to record it. All entries will be screened for appropriateness and require consent forms for all applicants. Entries will be uploaded to YouTube and Facebook, then played during the Teen Masquerade Party (Saturday, Oct. 24) where you will get a chance to vote for your favorites and the top three will win a prize! For ages 12-17.
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita

Women's Literary Guild Meeting
10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, Park City Public Library, 1530 E. 61st St. N., 316-744-6318, Park City

Senior Wednesday: A Trio of Poe - Reader’s Theatre
Enjoy three works from Edgar Allan Poe. "The Masque of the Red Death" is a fantastic tale of how, after half the people of his country have died, Prince Prospero gathers knights and ladies to his castle and locks the doors to avoid the devastating "red death" disease. In "The Cask of Amontillado," we find that if a man seeks revenge, there are many ways to do it. In "Lionizing," Poe mocks authors who get recognition when they write nothing but trivia and nonsense in flowery and literary styles. Offered in cooperation with nine other cultural institutions in Wichita, Senior Wednesdays are designed for active seniors and made possible by the Kansas Health Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. See all Senior Wednesday listings at seniorwednesday.org.
1:30-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita

Watermark’s Poe Challenge: A Series of Discussions and Lively Book Talks
The Watermark Challenge is a seasonal book discussion series focused on reading, learning about, and savoring great works of literature. Free and open to everyone.

Biography Talk & Discussion
This session features a talk on Poe's trying and tumultuous life given by Mark David Bradshaw, bookseller and M.A. in comparative literature, followed by a group discussion. Ending time approximate.
5-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, Watermark Books & Cafe, 4701 E. Douglas, 316-682-1181, Wichita

Poetry Talk & Discussion
This session features a talk on Poe's incredibly rhythmic poetry given by Shelly Walston, bookseller and English instructor, followed by a group discussion. Ending time approximate.
5-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, Watermark Books & Cafe, 4701 E. Douglas, 316-682-1181, Wichita

Fiction Talk & Discussion
This session features a talk on Poe's short stories, detective tales, and characteristic themes given by Mark David Bradshaw, bookseller and M.A. in comparative literature, followed by a rousing group discussion. Ending time approximate.
5-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, Watermark Books & Cafe, 4701 E. Douglas, 316-682-1181, Wichita

Monthly Book Discussion Groups
Several of the Wichita Public Library's regular book discussion groups will be talking about "Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe" by Edgar Allan Poe. There's no time like The Big Read to make the plunge and join a book discussion group! Registration is not required. Visit the Library's web site for more information about these book discussions' other titles.

Evergreen Branch Library - 3rd Thursdays
Regularly meets third Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
1-2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, Wichita Public Library - Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 316-303-8181, Wichita

Central Library - 3rd Tuesdays
Regularly meets third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita

Alford Branch Library - Masters of Mystery
Regularly meets fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Will be discussing Poe and "Saving Faith" by David Baldacci
7-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, Wichita Public Library - Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 316-377-9119, Wichita

Evergreen Branch Library - 1st Tuesdays
Regularly meets every first Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
1-2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, Wichita Public Library - Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 316-303-8181, Wichita

Evergreen Branch Library - 1st Thursdays
Regularly meets first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
7-8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, Wichita Public Library - Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 316-303-8181, Wichita

Orchard Park Branch Library - 1st Fridays
Regularly meets first Friday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
1-2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, Wichita Public Library - Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th, 316-337-9084, Wichita

Westlink Branch Library - 3rd Tuesdays
Regularly meets third Tuesday of each month at 12:45 p.m.
12:45-1:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17, Wichita Public Library - Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 316-337-9456, Wichita

The Big Read - Week 2 Activities
Take part in a Poe wordsearch puzzle contest. All entries will go into a drawing for free books and prizes.
Oct. 12-17, Andover Public Library, 1511 E Central Ave, 316-558-3500, Andover

Finding Adoptive Parents and Documenting Family Health History
Raised by a foster family after his mother's death from tuberculosis, Poe's family history is a complicated tale all on its own. What records can help family researchers with a case like his? Although the Federal government does not accession vital statistics, it holds records that contain information about health and death. Depending on the time and place, varying amounts of information are available. This presentation will look at types of records that include information on health, death and adoptions. Sponsored by the Wichita Genealogical Society. Free.
1-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, Wichita Public Library - Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 316-377-9119, Wichita

Edgar Allan Poe Readings
Part of the special events at the Wichita Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Wichita Public Library Barnes & Noble Bookfair. The Barnes & Noble Bradley Fair (1920 N. Rock Rd) will help the Wichita Public Library add new items to its collection by giving a portion of the day's sales to the Foundation and Friends. A portion of every purchase made that day, including books, cafe items, CDs, DVDs and gift items, will benefit the Wichita Public Library via the Friends of the Wichita Public Library and Wichita Public Library Foundation. You must show your voucher or say you are with the bookfair at the registers for your sale to count. You may print a voucher online [PDF] or pick up one at any Wichita Public Library location. Lael Ewy reads poetry at 3:30 p.m.; Dick Welsbacher reads a short story at 4 p.m.
3:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

The Big Read - Week 3 Activities
Take part in the Poe Raven Hunt. Eight evil ravens will be hidden in the library. If you can find them all, you may enter a drawing for free books and prizes.
Oct. 19-24, Andover Public Library, 1511 E Central Ave, 316-558-3500, Andover

Toddler Storytime
10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, Park City Public Library, 1530 E. 61st St. N., 316-744-6318, Park City

Preschool Storytime
11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, Park City Public Library, 1530 E. 61st St. N., 316-744-6318, Park City

Schoolage Book Club
Join a discussion about “Frankenstein Takes the Cake,” written and illustrated by Adam Rex.
5:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, McConnell Library, 53476 Wichita St., Bldg. 412, 316-749-4191, McConnell AFB

Family Artventure: Spooky Edgar Allan Poe
The Big Read is back in Wichita, so brush up on your Poe mysteries and come see the Museum’s exhibition of spooky paintings.
11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., 316-268-4921, Wichita

Masquerade Party: A Teen Event
Enter the gothic world of Edgar Allan Poe at "The Masque of the Red Death" Masquerade Party. Come dressed in Poe-esque costume. Help solve the mystery of the Masque and enjoy black raven and tell-tale hearts. Then watch and vote for your favorite Poe recitation. The top three favorites will win a prize. (See Make Your Own Poe Video program on Oct. 17 for instructions to enter contest.) Registration required and starts Thursday, Oct. 1; contact the Wichita Public Library to register. For ages 12-17.
12:30-2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita

Spine Ticklers: Gently Scary Stories
Judy Nichols will share storytelling in the Victorian cottage. For children aged 5-9 years old; adults are welcome to join in the fun.
2-2:45 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main, 316-265-9314, Wichita

The Bells
Judy Nichols will begin with remarks about "The Bells," then introduce J.R. Hurst who may have a few remarks of his own before delivering a dramatic rendition of the poem. The program will be augmented by the carillon and followed with a carillon concert by Dr. Robert Town. For children aged 10 through adult.
3-3:45 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main, 316-265-9314, Wichita

Edgar Allan Poe Book Discussion and Video Screening For Teens and Adults
Pick up free book at the time of signup at McConnell Library.
6-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, Room 154, Dole Center Education Wing, McConnell AFB 

Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher": How to Think About Tearing Down the House of Disregard for Mental Health
Lecture by Aimee Siebert, Bethel College senior from Topeka. Free.
3:30-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, Kauffman Museum, 27th and North Main Streets, 316-283-1612, North Newton

The Big Read - Week 4 Activities
Decorate (no carved pumpkins, please) a pumpkin with a Poe theme and enter to win free books and prizes.
Oct. 26-30, Andover Public Library, 1511 E Central Ave, 316-558-3500, Andover

Preschool Story Time
Stories include “Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody,” written and illustrated by Michael Rex and “The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree,” written and illustrated by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
10-11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, McConnell Library, 53476 Wichita St., Bldg. 412, 316-749-4191, McConnell AFB

Video Break - Edgar Allan Poe: Tales of Mystery & Imagination
Free with paid admission.
12:30-1:20 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., 316-268-4921, Wichita

Monster Activities @ Exploration Place
Learn How to Make a Monster at Exploration Place! Kids can take part in monster activities and a storytime as well as a Poe presentation and reading. Part of Exploration Place's "Wicked" Day events -- specific times TBA.
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd., 316-660-0600, Wichita

I Love Boo-oks
Children's storytimes using the companion books. The 10:15 a.m. program for 3-6 year olds will feature "Goodnight Goon" and the 11:15 a.m. event for 7-10 years olds will use "The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Tree" and "Frankenstein Takes the Cake."
10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, Pratt Public Library, 401 S. Jackson, 620-672-3041, Pratt

"The Not So Scary Halloween!" with Storyteller Dino O’Dell
Join us as storyteller extraordinaire Dino O'Dell presents his fun, musical, interactive storytime that engages children through singing, dancing, finger-plays and counting songs. 
11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita
2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

Spooky Kid’s Costume Party with the Wild Thing
Join Max and the Wild Thing for spooktacular stories like "Where the Wild Things Are," "Goodnight Goon," and "The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree." There will be ghoulish games, amazing activities, terrorific treats and ghostly giveaways. For kids 3-10. Please RSVP.
1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd., 316-315-0421, Wichita

Poe Discussion & Craft
This program is for young adults (ages 12-18). There will be a discussion regarding Poe's work and a craft. We'll create a headstone related to theme(s) in one of Poe's works. Free.
1-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, Mulvane Public Library, 101 E. Main St., 316-777-1211, Mulvane

Poe in Person: David Keltz
An internationally known Poe interpreter, David Keltz will offer a glimpse into the personal and professional life of Poe.  Mr. Keltz has performed at the International Poe Festival in Prague, Czech Republic, at the Poe Studies International Association Conference, at Poe Museums in Baltimore, Richmond and Philadelphia, as well as the National Theatre and the Smithsonian Institution. His portrayal of Poe has been filmed for productions for the BBC, the History Channel and NFL! Experience Poe and tales such as "The Tell-Tale Heart" like never before!
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, Orpheum Performing Arts Centre, 200 N. Broadway, 316-263-0884, Wichita

Consciousness, Living Art and Taxidermy in "The Raven"
Lecture and discussion by Ami Regier, Bethel College English professor. Free.
3:30-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 8, Kauffman Museum, 27th and North Main Streets, 316-283-1612, North Newton

"Time for Andrew" Tween Book Talk
Join a discussion about “Time for Andrew” by Mary Downing Hahn. Books available for checkout at the time of sign-up at the McConnell Library, located in the Dole Community Center Education Wing, 53476 Wichita St., Bldg 412, 316-759-4207, McConnell AFB.
4-5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, McConnell Youth Center, 3015 Arnold Drive, 316-759-4070, McConnell AFB Military Housing Area

Teen Event TBA
6:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19, Park City Public Library, 1530 E. 61st St. N., 316-744-6318, Park City

Poe in Context: A Lecture by Dr. Stuart Levine
People say that Poe is our most influential critic, the American author with the greatest impact on world literature. His poems have served to introduce generations of school kids to the elements of poetry. But Poe is not the mad genius of the popular imagination. Since 1941 we have known that many of the wild things we used to think were true were invented by a rival who did not like him. Poe in Context will review what we now know about Poe’s output -- his stories, his poems, his one and a half novels, his literary thinking, "Eureka" (his shot at cosmology), his editorial work -- and what we don’t know about his life. Levine, Professor Emeritus in English at the University of Kansas, has written widely on Poe. He is co-author and editor with Susan F. Levine of "Edgar Allan Poe: Thirty-Two Stories" (Hackett Publishing Co., 2000), "The Short Fiction of Edgar Allan Poe" (Univ. of Illinois Press, 1990), and "Poe’s Critical Theory: The Major Documents" (Univ. of Illinois Press, 2009). Books will be available for purchase and booksigning after the program.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 22, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, 316-261-8500, Wichita

In the Startled Ear of Night
"In the icy air of night" the works of Edgar Allan Poe come alive in this evening of original adaptations. Works included are "The Bells," "The Cask of Amontillado," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Raven" and "The Masque of the Red Death." Visit http://poe-startles-tis.wikispaces.com for more information.
7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9, The Independent School Middle School Commons, 8333 E. Douglas, 316-686-0152 x. 242, Wichita
7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, The Independent School Middle School Commons, 8333 E. Douglas, 316-686-0152 x. 242, Wichita
7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, The Independent School Middle School Commons, 8333 E. Douglas, 316-686-0152 x. 242, Wichita