Becky Spratford

Becky Spratford [MLIS] is a Librarian in Illinois specializing in serving patrons ages 13 and up. She trains library staff all over the world on how to match books with readers through the local public library. She runs the critically acclaimed RA training blog RA for All. She writes reviews for Booklist and a Horror review column for Library Journal. Becky is a 24 year locally elected Library Trustee, a former Board member for the Reaching Across Illinois Library System, and currently on the Executive Board of the Illinois Library Association. Known for her work with Horror readers, Becky is the author of three text books for library workers, most recently, The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Horror, Third Edition [ALA Editions, 2021] and the forthcoming Why I Love Horror [Saga Press, September, 2025]. She is on the Shirley Jackson Award Advisory Board and is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association, currently serving as the Association’s Secretary and Co-Chair of their Library Committee. You can follow Becky on Bluesky @raforall.bsky.social

raforall.blogspot.com|@Bluesky

From the Haunted Stacks: Werewolves Among Us

The transformation of the werewolf novel and how it reflects the world around us.

From the Haunted Stacks: 2024 Horror Book Highlights

A detailed look at Horror from 2024, from the “library world's horror maven.”

From the Haunted Stacks: 2023 Horror Book Highlights

A detailed look at 2023's wide range of horror fiction, from the "library world's horror maven."

A Librarian Wants You to Judge These Horror Books by Their Covers

From the haunted stacks: Six horror illustrators not to miss.

From the Haunted Stacks: Adult Readers Will Devour These Middle-Grade Horror Novels

A detailed look at the compelling nightmares in middle-grade horror, from the "library world's horror maven."

From the Haunted Stacks: 2022 Horror Book Highlights

A detailed look at the emerging horror trends of 2022, from the "library world's horror maven."

From the Haunted Stacks: These Six Horror Anthologists Are Masterful Curators of Terror

Discover a wide range of horror talent in these comprehensive anthologies.

From the Haunted Stacks: 2021 Bram Stoker AwardsⓇ Wrap Up

These phenomenal books are just the tip of the horror iceberg.

From the Haunted Stacks: 2021 Horror Book Highlights

A detailed look at the emerging horror trends of 2021, from the "library world's horror maven."