We hosted Kara for a talk on the legend of "Abigail's Ghost" and it was fantastic. Her presentation was clearly well-researched and our group was spellbound. Many stayed well after the program to ask her questions, learn more about the topic at hand and purchase her very well written books. Kara was extremely friendly, dynamic, timely and a true professional. Highly recommend that you book her to speak and you read her books! I would provide a rating higher than 5/5 if I could.| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
Having read Abigail's Ghost and enjoying it enormously, I was thrilled to attend Kara's discussion on the 25th of September at the Simsbury Free Library. Kara is a wonderful storyteller. Her talk was well-presented and evenly paced. She engaged with the audience and brought them into Abigail's world. She delivered a truly enjoyable program and I highly recommend it if you have the chance.| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
We had the pleasure of hosting Kara Labella at the Groton Public Library for her presentation: The History of Witches: From Olde England to New England. One patron remarked that the program was "well-paced, informative, and interesting." Another patron said she was engaged by Kara from start to finish. The author enhanced her presentation with props and theater. She very graciously donated one of her books for our Library collection. We will definitely have Kara back to GPL in the future for ...| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
Kara presented last October at the Manchester Public Library with her "Headless Horseman" program and it was a well attended and well received program- and perfect for spooky season! Kara is well spoken, well researched, and well prepared for her program and gracious with questions as well. I've booked her again for this October for her Simsbury Witches presentation. She is easy to work with, prompt with items you need, and a delight to work with.| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
Kara LaBella's latest book, The French Paymaster: Canton's Headless Horseman, explores the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a French Paymaster in the late 1700's, in Canton, CT. Kara captivated faculty and students on October 31 (Halloween!) telling the tale of a French Paymaster who, along with his horse and gold, disappeared between New York and Connecticut. If you love history, folklore, mystery and the paranormal, you will love Kara's lecture as she combines all and takes you ...| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
WOW - Kara has a wonderful knack as a storyteller! She captivated an audience of fifty women from Encore of Avon recently at the Avon Public Library with her enthusiastic presentation. The audience was enthralled with her stories from her most recent book, "The French Paymaster, Canton's Headless Horseman", which intertwined both local history and lore.| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
Local Ct. author and folklorist Kara LaBella spoke about her most recent book The French Paymaster at the Marion Schoolhouse this past October.The Marion Community speaker evaluations were all in agreement that Kara’s presentation was really mesmerizing and kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Like Kara’s previous novella The Symsbury Witches Kara combines local myth with historical research, bringing the Connecticut early settlers to life.As the subject matter of her cur...| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
Kara has led a variety of lectures at The Bell and Raven, a metaphysical shop and learning center in Simsbury, on topics including the Connecticut witch trials, traditions and practices magical workings in early America, mystical legends from Connecticut and beyond, and of course her two books: The Symsbury Witches and The French Paymaster. With each presentation, Kara succeeds in engaging her audience members by succinctly weaving together highly-researched facts and lore, incorporating capt...| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
Kara took a local Simsbury legend, examined the story for any basis in fact or tradition, and presented a compelling explanation for witchcraft accusations and the outcomes for the two women involved in the story. She is a meticulous researcher, and a well-prepared lecturer who enjoys her subjects and interaction with the audience. We have had very good feedback from people who heard her in person as well as those who watched the video, "The Symsbury Witches" on our website.I would recommen...| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
Kaarina LaBella (Kara), is a writer, lecturer, and is an Emeritus Professor of English from Manchester Community College (now CT State Manchester) where she taught for many years and where she received an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014. We were thrilled to have Kara back at the college in October 2022 to talk about her book The Symsbury Witches, the true tale of local "witches" Deborah Griffen and Mercy Moses. Her meticulous research and her lively presentation captivated the audien...| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
We hosted Kara for her talk on the local origins of the "Headless Horseman" legend and its connections to the Revolutionary War and it was superb. Her presentation was fascinating, artistically rendered, and meticulously well-researched and our audience response was fantastic. Many stayed well after the program was over to ask her questions and learn more both about the topic at hand and her other areas of expertise, all of which were intriguing. Moreover, she was extremely knowledgeable, com...| Connecticut Library Consortium Program Directory
