Online resources dedicated to folklore and mythology can also be a great place. There are websites that compile and explain the origin of various mythological creatures, including the first vampire - like stories from different cultures. Just make sure to use reliable sources.
Another option is to visit museums that have exhibits on ancient cultures. Sometimes they have descriptions or interpretations of these early vampiric tales as part of their displays related to superstitions and beliefs of the past.
One of the earliest vampire stories is from ancient Mesopotamia. The 'Ekimmu' were considered restless spirits that could be somewhat vampiric in nature. They were the spirits of the unburied dead who might return to haunt and cause harm to the living.
You could try looking in some old - fashioned independent bookstores. They sometimes have rare first editions in their collections. Another option is to check online marketplaces dedicated to rare books, but be careful of fakes.
One of the earliest known vampire stories is from ancient Mesopotamia. The 'Ekimmu' were considered undead spirits that could be somewhat similar to early vampire concepts. They were malevolent spirits of the dead that could cause harm to the living.
As mentioned before, John Polidori wrote 'The Vampyre' in 1819, which is often regarded as one of the first original vampire stories in a more modern literary sense.
If it's a very specific local or family story, you might try asking the elders in the community or family members. They could be the ones who know where to find it.
You can try some old - school horror forums. Some of the early ones might still have archived versions of what could be considered the 'first creepypasta story'. There are also some horror - themed websites that collect and preserve these types of stories from the early days of the internet.
You can try looking for it in local bookstores. They often have a section for children's books where 'baby first story' might be available.
You can try websites like Project Gutenberg. It has a large collection of free e - books, including some vampire novels. Another option is to check your local library's e - book lending service. They often have a variety of free e - books available for borrowing.
Some independent author platforms also provide free vampire novels. For example, Wattpad. Writers on Wattpad often share their works for free, and there are numerous vampire - themed stories. Additionally, Goodreads has groups and lists dedicated to free e - books. You can search for vampire novels in those resources.
Archive of Our Own (AO3) is also a great place. It has a well - organized tagging system. Look for the 'sasunaru' and 'vampire' tags, and you'll be presented with a bunch of relevant fanfictions. The site also has some quality control, so you're more likely to find well - written stories.