Author and her walking dead to shuffle into library

Author A.J. Coleman (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – An author of zombie books will share her macabre inclinations at Madison Public Library.

Alabama resident A.J. Coleman, author of “Undead Season” series, will visit on July 20 at 6 p.m. Due to the horror aspect, the free event is intended for teenagers and adults.

“Undead Season” follows siblings Ben and Sophia, who must leave their hometown when neighbors turn into flesh-eating zombies. Their friend Patrick now is a zombie but shows Ben and Sophie a different sort of walking dead. The trio strikes out cross-country to find Paul’s brother. (Amazon.com)

For events, Coleman normally rallies her own horde of zombies. “But my hope is that attendees will come dressed in their zombie finest,” youth services librarian Mandy Pinyan said. “I might even award prizes to the best zombies.”

“We’ll try to keep the evening ‘loose,’ but I do have a general outline of how the night will progress,” Pinyan said. After an introduction to the audience, Coleman will discuss her books, which will be available for sale and signing.

For A.J. Coleman’s visit, visiting zombies will feast on ‘flayed face.’ (CONTRIBUTED)

Teens can play a capture-the-flag version of “Unicorns vs. Zombies” in the darkened library. “‘Unicorns vs. Zombies’ is a book edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier that poses an important question for the ages: Who are the best — zombies or unicorns?” Pinyan said. Enthusiasts must decide “Team Zombie or Team Unicorn.”

For this battle, Pinyan urges teens to bring Nerf guns. “I’m building an arsenal, but they’re expensive,” she said.

In addition, the library stacks will be the stage for a zombie hunt.

For ghoulish refreshments, Pinyan will prepare a “‘flayed face,’ which has been a hit for the past two years at my teen zombie parties.” Other undead theme snacks will include scabs, baby dip, radioactive zombie punch and unicorn poop.

For more information, call 256-461-0046 or visit madison@hmcpl.org and Facebook/MPLYouthServices.