High Hallack Genre Writers' Research and Reference Library is a unique facility which is the result of more than half a century of labor. A tax-exempt foundation, it is intended to provide writers and scholars of "popular" literature - that is, those whose work deals with the genres of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, western, romance, gothic, or horror - a peaceful place for research and reference study.

   The Library's books have been carefully selected for this purpose and include outstanding examples, both early and contemporary, of every genre, as well as relevant non-fiction studies and handbooks for writing in that field. Foreign material is represented, too, as are publications which have long been out of print.

     

Sign for High Hallack created by Paul Goode

 

Why was High Hallack created?

High Hallack is a working research library and retreat for individuals interested in popular fiction. Such writing, by the definition of its founder, includes the fields of science fiction, fantasy, horror, gothic, mystery, romance, and western.

Nearly seventy-five percent of modern fiction falls into the categories listed above; however, in the past, no library has ever existed which has been dedicated exclusively to preserving and promoting the said genres. High Hallack has been created to answer to this need, as well as to provide research resources for both authors of fiction working in the designated fields and for writers of non-fiction preparing articles, papers, or lectures in the areas. A third important future goal is for the facility to serve as a "lecture hall" wherein seminars, talks by visiting authors, and discussions for writers and students of genre-related topics may be held.

 

     

 

Who may use High Hallack?

To employ the resources of High Hallack, it is necessary to be either a working writer or a student currently enrolled at college level or higher. Equally with the writing of fiction, the production of scholarly papers or articles constitutes an acceptable usage of its offerings. The Library encourages authors and scholars in both the juvenile and adult fields of its represented genres to labor here, as it contains notable works for both age levels. As many as four researchers are welcome at a time.

Individuals who wish to utilize the library or guest accommodations of High Hallack must be currently engaged on a piece of genre-related writing, whether fiction or non-fiction. These applying for work time must do so at least one month in advance. Fiction authors must be approved by the Board of Directors, and researchers must present recommendations from two professors or instructors in related areas of academic specialization.

 

What rules/restrictions apply to the use of the library?

• Due to the rarity of many of the works it contains, no book may be removed from the library building.

• Because the aim of High Hallack is to foster an environment conducive to the production of well-written works of fiction and non-fiction in genre fields, no uninvited guests - whether children or adults - are permitted to accompany visitors to either the house or the library.

• No smoking, drinking, or recreational drug use is permitted on the premises.

• No food or drink is allowed in the library.

• Housing is available for one week, with extensions negotiable under acceptable circumstances. No fee will be assessed for the room; however, guests may make a donation to the library, which is a tax-exempt institution.

• Visitors staying for longer that one night are expected to provide their own food, which they may prepare themselves in the kitchen of the house.

• Use of the "house" fax and copying machine is provided. No guest-accessible computer is available; however, desk space for accommodation of laptops brought by visitors will be supplied.

• Persons considering the use of guest facilities are advised that a number of cats reside in the house, although none are allowed in the library building. The pets have their own area but roam freely through the rest of the rooms, as well; thus, writers or researchers with an allergy to, or a dislike of, these animals are encouraged to seek accommodations at a local motel/hotel.

 

     

 

High Hallack as it was meant to be.

High Hallack, which takes its name from the one of the great continents in Andre Norton's Witch World, is a working research library and retreat for individuals interested in popular fiction. Such writing, by the definition of its founder, includes the fields of science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, and Western stories. This facility contains an extensive selection of the finest works - many of them extremely rare - in each genre from its inception to the present day.

At present, High Hallack consists of the following:

• a collection of approximately ten thousand volumes - a number which is constantly increasing, due to the ongoing purchase of works of both fiction and scholarly writing on genre-related topics, as well as to the acquisition, by bequest, of private libraries. Two such collections have already been donated: from the estate of Robert Adams, a large group of works on military subjects, and from the estate of Frederick Adler, a priceless selection of writings on Wican practice and Welsh history and lore.

• a sizeable group of videos, which offer an overview of important themes and treatments of genre subjects and which are intended to be used as an adjunct to the literature housed in the library. High Hallack's tape collection, too, is an on-"growing" project.

• a mini-museum of paintings, prints, and collectibles relating to genre literature. Not a few pieces of art are limited-edition works signed by their creators, and several are originals. Among the latter, High Hallack is proud to possess the two finest fantasy paintings of Miss Renee Damone and two montages of preliminary sketches for Andre Norton's Here Abide Monsters by the late Jack Gauguin. This grouping of art and artifacts will be on permanent display in both the library and the house.

• a house measuring 2,500 square feet, which contains three guest bedrooms outfitted for the use of persons engaged in research or writing for an extended period. The front and back entrances to the house, as well as one bathroom, have been made accessible for the disabled.

• the library building itself - a three-car garage, enlarged and remodeled to meet the appropriate needs.

 

     

 

 

High Hallack's Books