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World Traveler To Bring Vampire History To Life

Photo from Paul Stonebridge

Paul Stonebridge meets “Dracula” at Bran Castle in Romania, the legendary home of Vlad the Impaler.

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune Correspondent

Published: October 19, 2008

HOLIDAY - These days, librarian Paul Stonebridge is referring to himself as a vampire hunter.

No, he hasn't read one too many Anne Rice novels. The avid traveler is sharing photos and tales from his trip last year to the Romanian regions of Transylvania and Wallachia, the birthplace of the Dracula legend.

Stonebridge will present "Interview with a Vampire Hunter" Oct. 27 to teens at Centennial Park Library.

A medieval history enthusiast, Stonebridge wanted to visit Romania because he considers it the "quintessential medieval European country."

"Romania still retains that quality, that charm of the Middle Ages," said Stonebridge, who heads up teen services at the Land O' Lakes Branch Library. "It's a place to study the mythology, character and figures of that time."

Including Vlad the Impaler, a Wallachian prince in the 1400s, considered to be the historical role model for Bram Stoker's Dracula.

In October 2007, Stonebridge and wife Stephanie visited Bran Castle in Transylvania, often called Dracula's Castle and the filming location for the movie "Bram Stoker's Dracula." Stonebridge admired the castle's classic architecture but learned it wasn't really Dracula's home.

"Vlad didn't own the castle and only spent a couple of days there," he said.

Stonebridge also discovered that Vlad the Impaler didn't fit the cruel, bloodsucking image he has acquired in popular culture. Held at one point as a political prisoner by the Turks, Vlad did impale many Turkish enemies, Stonebridge said. But he is revered in his homeland for building the Romanian infrastructure.

"He loved his people and his people loved him," said Stonebridge.

Stonebridge visited Vlad's gravesite at Snagov Monastery, along with various castles, churches and landmarks. He also met television food critic Anthony Bourdain and briefly appears in Bourdain's television special about his Romanian travels.

Stonebridge program will include stories and pictures from his trip, as well as food - including preserved plums and dark breads - native to Romania. He's hoping his stories inspire children to learn more about Romania.

"Interview with the Vampire Hunter" is among a series of presentations Stonebridge delivers at area libraries and schools about foreign countries. In December, he plans to deliver a presentation about Scandinavia at the New River Branch Library and will lead a AAA-sponsored youth tour of Japan next summer.

"I want to introduce kids to other countries, people and places and to open their minds about other cultures," said Stonebridge, who has visited more than 20 countries. "I'm hoping this will make them want to discover the joys of travel, helping them to become well-rounded, accepting adults."

The program is set for 6 p.m. For information, call (727) 834-3204.

HALLOWEEN EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY

CENTENNIAL PARK, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday: Elementary students are invited to the Oct. 25 Halloween Magic show, featuring magician Caesar Domico at 2 p.m. Halloween Storytime for Toddlers and Preschoolers will be at 10:15 a.m. Oct. 29.

HUDSON REGIONAL, 8012 Library Road: There will be crafts and activities for elementary school-age children at 6 p.m. Oct. 24. The Monster Mash costume parade and craft activity, 5 and younger, will be at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 30. For information, call (727) 861-3040.

LAND O' LAKES, 2818 Collier Parkway: The Halloween Spooktacular haunted house and craft activity will be at 6 p.m., Oct. 31. There will be a masquerade ball and costume contest for teens at 7 p.m. Oct. 24. For information, call (813) 929-1214.

NEW PORT RICHEY, 5939 Main St.: The children's Halloween costume parade will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 31. For information, call (727) 853-1279.

NEW RIVER, 34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills: There will be a costume contest from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 for elementary students and from 8 to 10 p.m. for teens. Age-appropriate adventure movies will be shown. For information, call (813) 788-6375.

REGENCY PARK, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey: There will be crafts and treats for elementary-aged kids at 6 p.m. Oct. 27. A Halloween-themed story time will be at 10:15 a.m. Oct. 29 for ages 1-2 and at 11 a.m. for ages 3-5. The library will show a scary movie and serve popcorn for teens at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 20. For information, call (727) 861-3049.

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