FLORENCE-October at the Library….come to the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library for history, horror, alchemy, archery and books…lots and lots of books:
Thursday Night Frights
Every Thursday in October, 7:00 pm
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Join us every Thursday night in October for films that range from creepy to unsettling to horrifying. This series is sponsored by Half Minute Horror and Pillar of Fire. For more information, call 256-764-6564, ext. 28.
Modern Tudors: Understanding Historical Figures Through 
Modern Media with Dr. Jeffrey Bibbee
Sunday, October 4, 2:00 pm
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Dr. Jeffrey Bibbee, Associate Professor of History at UNA, will present “Modern Tudors: Understanding Historical Figures Through Modern Media.” The annual Renaissance Lecture Series is presented by the Alabama Renaissance Faire Roundtable, the University of North Alabama, and FLPL. For more information, call 256-764-6564, ext. 30.
Page to Stage: Theatrical Companies in Renaissance England
Sunday, October 11, 2:00 pm
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Dr. Brenna Wardell, Assistant Professor of English at UNA, will present “Page to Stage: Theatrical Companies in Renaissance England.” The annual Renaissance Lecture Series is presented by the Alabama Renaissance Faire Lecture Series, the University of North Alabama, and FLPL. For more information, call 256-764-6564, ext. 30.
Horror Makeup Class with Half Minute Horror
Sunday, October 11, 5:00 pm
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Learn to transform yourself and your friends into ghoulish undead, just in time for Halloween. Reserve your spot for a horror makeup class, taught by three veteran film, commercial, music videos and TV makeup artists from Half Minute Horror. The instructors are Kayla Mitchell, Key Makeup Artist; Kelsey South, Makeup Artist; and England Smith, Makeup Artist. After the class, hang around for our premiere party for The Walking Dead!
The class is $12 (this fee includes all supplies), and preregistration is required. Sign up at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the library (payment is due at registration). For more information, call 256-764-6564, ext. 28.
The Walking Dead Season 6 Premiere Party
Sunday, October 11, 6:30 pm
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Watch the season 6 premiere of The Walking Dead with other fans at the library! We’ll watch the episode (which starts at 8 pm) on our big screen, and Bookmarks Coffee Shop will have plenty of creepy drinks and snacks. Walkers are welcome. Want some help getting ready? Register for our Horror Makeup workshop, which will take place right before the party! For more information, call 256-764-6564, ext. 28.
English Archery with Dr. George Makowski
Sunday, October 18, 2:00 pm
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Dr. George Makowski, Associate Professor of History at UNA, will present “English Archery.” The annual Renaissance Lecture Series is presented by the Alabama Renaissance Faire Roundtable, the University of North Alabama, and FLPL. For more information, call 256-764-6564, ext. 30.
Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine
October 24-November 21
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Just in time for the Alabama Renaissance Faire, Florence-Lauderdale Public Library is hosting an exhibit all about the Renaissance traditions in the Harry Potter series. In 1997, British Author J.K. Rowling introduced the world to Harry Potter, and a literary phenomenon was born. Millions of readers have followed Harry to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he discovers his heritage, encounters new plants and animals, and perfects his magical abilities.
Although a fantasy story, the magic in the Harry Potter books is partially based on Renaissance traditions that played an important role in the development of Western science, including alchemy, astrology, and natural philosophy. Incorporating the work of several 15th- and 16th-century thinkers, the seven-part series examines important ethical topics such as the desire for knowledge, the effects of prejudice, and the responsibility that comes with power. This exhibition, using materials from the National Library of Medicine, explores Harry Potter’s world and its roots in Renaissance magic, science, and medicine.
For more information, call 256-764-6564, ext. 28.
Inside the Alembic: The Secret Sources of J. K. Rowling’s 
Alchemy with Sean T. Schivano
Saturday, October 24, 2:00 pm
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
To the initiated, J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is a storehouse of alchemical themes and symbols. But where did these come from, and what do they mean? Using the series as our recipe book, join us as we trace the history of Harry Potter’s alchemy back to its prime in Renaissance and early modern Europe, from the workaday world of encoded books to the process of crafting the wondrous Philosophers’ Stone itself.
Sean T. Schifano is an emerging scholar in the history of science and philosophy. He has researched at this intersection for six years at the University of North Alabama, Johns Hopkins University, and the Smithsonian Institution. For more information, call 256-764-6564, ext. 28.
