Indianapolis Public Library Welcomes R.L. Stine for 47th Annual Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Library will host acclaimed author R.L. Stine as the featured speaker for the 47th Annual Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 7–8 p.m. at the Madam Walker Legacy Center.

Stine, the bestselling author behind the iconic Goosebumps and Fear Street series, will be joined in conversation by Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets (also known as Mychal the Librarian). Together, they will explore storytelling, reading, and the enduring impact of libraries on young readers.

The Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture Series was established through a gift to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation in honor of Marian McFadden, who served as Director of Public Libraries in Indianapolis from 1945 to 1956. The annual lecture brings nationally recognized authors to Indianapolis each spring.

This year’s event has reached capacity, with tickets claimed faster than usual, reflecting strong community enthusiasm for Library programming. An extremely limited number of additional seats will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis for attendees who arrive at the venue. Those who were randomly selected for a book signing after the lecture have already been notified via email.

In celebration of Stine’s visit, readers can access the original Goosebumps series and much of the Fear Street relaunch collection instantly through OverDrive/Libby with no wait through March 31 using a valid Indianapolis Public Library card.

R.L. Stine has authored hundreds of books over a decades-long career, with more than 400 million copies of his works sold worldwide. His Goosebumps series became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of the best-selling children’s series of all time.

Mychal Threets, a librarian and literacy advocate, is widely recognized for his work promoting “library joy” and expanding access to reading. He currently serves as a supervising librarian in California and is the new host of Reading Rainbow.

The Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture is made possible by the Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

For more information about Library programs and upcoming author events, visit indypl.org.

Contact Austin Goss at media@indypl.org for media inquiries/requests.