R.L. Stine recently made a trip to his Ohio hometown to commemorate a month-long “Get Goosebumps in Columbus” celebration of the author’s work. On October 23 and 24, Stine made several appearances across town to speak with readers about his long-lasting career of crafting haunting stories for young readers. “It was thrilling and gratifying to be honored so wonderfully by my hometown,” Stine said. “I’ve been lucky enough to receive a lot of honors, but this was very special to me.” We’ve gathered photo highlights from the events; all photos courtesy of TvS Media Group except where noted.


The Central Ohio Transit Authority welcomed Stine home with 300 city buses displaying “WELCOME R.L. STINE” on their destination signs.


On October 23, Stine returned to his childhood home in Bexley, where he lived for more than two decades. He met the current resident, who has lived there for 30 years and had no idea he grew up in that house. She was also a teacher, and was very excited to meet him.


Stine made an appearance at the Bexley Public Library, where he was given a permanent “R.L. Stine Wall of Fame” in the children’s department. Here (from l.), Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler honors Stine with a proclamation, alongside Ben Heckman, the library’s director.


Local bookstore Gramercy Books honored Stine all month long with special bookmarks for guests. Stine dropped by the store on October 23 and greeted bookstore staff.


Stine paid a visit to Rubino’s, his favorite pizzeria in Bexley, from which he still has pizzas shipped to him in New York City.


The Drexel Theater gave Stine a warm welcome home on their marquee.


Stine delivered a keynote at the Columbus Main Library on October 23 to an audience of more than 1,000 guests.


Ohio governor Mike DeWine (l.) and his wife Fran DeWine (r.) attended a reception for Stine before his library speech.


A temporary street sign titled “R.L. Stine Way” was unveiled outside the library.


Stine was invited to tour the Columbus Crew professional men’s soccer team’s practice facility. He was given one of the Goosebumps-inspired jerseys the team is wearing this season, signed by the players, and a pair of custom Adidas Goosebumps Sambas.


Stine made a presentation to 700 elementary school students at the library on October 24. The conversation with Stine was moderated by YA author Mar Romasco-Moore (l.).