Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Park Forest Public Library’s program "One Library, One Book" began Tuesday, September 11 with Miranda Joebgen transporting the 40 plus audience members from the Ringering room in 2007 Park Forest to Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930’s. Thirteen year old Miranda of Olympia Fields dressed in overalls to read the first chapter of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird as she portrayed Scout, the six year old narrator of the Pulitzer prize winning novel.
Miranda’s excellent reading set the scene for the story in what seemed to be a slow-paced, rather innocent time and place. After a break for delicious refreshments, provided by the Friends of the Library, the audience was jolted to reality. George Manno, the library staff member who moderated the program, had acquired a recently produced BBC video about the book and Monroeville, AL, Harper Lee’s real home town. It depicted the ugly racism of the US south which continues, to some extent, today and showed that, although this book is fiction, many similar injustices actually occurred. Monroeville demonstrated pride in Harper Lee’s successful novel and even has a monument to Atticus Finch. There is no monument to Tom Robinson, however.
After the video, George led a lively discussion, largely focusing on who — if anyone — is the hero of the book. Many more opportunities to discuss the book — and to see the movie — continue through March, 2008. There will be a book discussion at the library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard, Saturday September 22 at 2 pm moderated by Judge Ray Funderburk. Film screenings will be held Tuesday September 25, 2:30 and 6:30 pm and Saturday September 29 throughout the day.
Check with the library (708-748-3731 or www.pfpl.org) for more information — and read the book!
Pictures from the program are available for viewing or purchase in the eNews Park Forest photo store :
