Saratoga Springs Public Library Hosts “Summer Scares Saratoga: Hell, Hysteria, and Horror!”

The Saratoga Springs Public Library (SSPL) invites horror enthusiasts and community members to an afternoon of literary chills with Summer Scares Saratoga: Hell, Hysteria, and Horror! on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. As with all library programs, the event is completely free and open to the public.

The event will take place outdoors on the porch of Bailey’s Saratoga (37 Phila Street), located right next door to the library, and features an adult panel of touring horror authors gathering to discuss their work and celebrate new book releases. Guests can enjoy a dark afternoon of dread and drinks, followed by a book signing where attendees can purchase featured titles from the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, who will be on hand throughout the event.

The discussion will be moderated by SSPL’s own Head of Access and Outreach—and resident horror enthusiast—Trevor Oakley.

“As someone who is passionate about reading horror all year, not just in October, I’m thankful for the Horror Writers Association’s Summer Scare’s program, its sponsors, and the participating authors who are taking time away from their keyboards to share their craft with us,” said Oakley.

The featured author lineup includes C.J. Leede (Maeve Fly, Headlights), Kyle Kouri (The Problem Drinker), Michael J. Seidlinger (Brokeula, Anybody Home), and Christoph Paul (The Last House on Earth, Death Walks South Boston).

This special event is sponsored by Bailey’s Saratoga and the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Saratoga Book Festival. It is presented as part of the Horror Writers Association’s (HWA) Summer Scares program—a nationwide library reading initiative in partnership with Book Riot, Booklist, NoveList, and iREAD, designed to highlight horror fiction for readers across the country.

While admission is free, attendees are asked to register online in advance. For more information or to register for the event, visit the library’s Events Calendar at www.sspl.org.