Who Killed Edgar Allan Poe? A True Crime Event will be held Friday, Jan. 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Modesto Library. At this special after-hours event, the mysterious circumstances surrounding Poe’s death will be discussed, as will multiple theories. Was it foul play? An accident? Natural causes? Event participants will vote for the theory they think explains the death of the Master of the Macabre, Edgar Allan Poe.

This event, presented in partnership with Opera Modesto, is offered as a teaser to Modesto Poe Con and opera performances of Tell Tale Heart and Annabel taking place Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, as part of the Story Into Song Literacy Initiative. Opera Modesto performers will make a special appearance at the true crime event, and there will be a free prize drawing.

Advance registration is required. Interested parties should go to the library calendar at www.stanislauslibrary.org (under the Events and Classes tab) for the link to register.

“This partnership has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase classic works of literature as material that is accessible and engaging for all audiences,” said Laura Ferrell, library assistant and event organizer. “Participants who have never read Poe and know nothing about his life can still enjoy this program since it focuses on the real-life mystery surrounding Poe’s own death.”

The audience will be polled about what they think happened to Poe, using the Kahoot! app. Participants are asked to download the free app on their smart devices prior to the event.

Who Killed Edgar Allan Poe? A True Crime Event is sponsored by Opera Modesto’s Story Into Song Initiative and the Friends of the Modesto Library. For more information, call 209-558-7814.