Opelika library faces backlash and excitement over ‘witches’ author event

OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – The Opelika Public Library is drawing praise and criticism after announcing bestselling author Grady Hendrix will visit October 9 as part of its 2025 Author Visit Series.

Promotional language for the event asked if witches “eat children,” “dance under the moon,” or “worship Satan,” and promised a “wild flight into the blackest night” filled with “broomstick-brandishing, curse-hurling, baby-eating, world-destroying, unkillable, unstoppable witches.”

The library says the dramatic description was meant to reflect Hendrix’s satirical style, not to promote witchcraft practices.

Some residents called the event inappropriate for a taxpayer-funded library and accusing the institution of “promoting witchcraft.” In a public comment under the library’s post, Tabitha Vasilas wrote: “This is a hard NO!!! Unacceptable and unwanted. Jesus is King! There’s no room for witchcraft and compromise. This is dangerous stuff. Praying it is canceled in Jesus Name.”

Others expressed excitement. Kate Woddail commented: “Thank you for bringing one of my favorite authors! So excited!”

Library officials stress the event is strictly literary. “Grady Hendrix is a fiction writer in the horror genre,” said Anna Jones, Community Relations Specialist. “He is part of our 2025 Author Visit Series, which has also featured Mary Kay Andrews, Kiely Reid, and children’s author Mike Malbrough. This is a ticketed event for adults 18 and older.”

Tickets went on sale September 8 for $35, including a signed copy of Hendrix’s new book Witchcraft for Wayward Girls. A limited number of free admission-only tickets became available September 22.