WVU Libraries

Downtown Campus Library is calling for a zombie horde to descend on its building. As part of the 9th Annual Morgantown Zombie Walk, the Downtown Campus Library will host a one-hour cosplay and live reading performance of “World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War,” the 2015 WVU Common Read, on Saturday.

Zombies can enter the Downtown Campus Library at 5 p.m., and the reading will run from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Robinson Reading Room.

Although zombies usually mindlessly lumber their way across the screen in movies and on television, this group of the undead will be more organized.

“All zombies in attendance will be given written stage and live directions to play the role of the zombie horde,” said Beth Toren, event coordinator and Research Services librarian for WVU Libraries. “Several characters will be cast, and everyone in costume will be part of the zombie chorus.”

Rather than the typical zombie incentive, the first 50 people in zombie makeup will receive a free copy of “World War Z” by Max Brooks.

After the reading, participants can walk, or lurch, to the parking lot behind Panera at the top of High Street to register for the Zombie Walk. Registration begins at 7 p.m., and the Zombie Walk starts promptly at 8 p.m. The walk is sponsored by Four Horseman Comics and Gaming, and The Illusive Skull Costume Castle. There will also be a zombie Twinkie eating contest and a zombie dance contest. All participants are asked to bring canned food for downtown Morgantown food pantries.

Multiple volunteer opportunities exist. Spots are available for readers and individuals to assist with casting, directing, promotions, event assessment, photography and videography. If you are interested in a speaking part or are looking to volunteer, go to iServe and search by organization for WVU Libraries. To make arrangements or ask questions, please contact Toren at beth.toren@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-0336.