The Library Corner: The Big Read features tale 5 lonely souls
It's almost that time of year again - that's right, it's time for The Big Read. For those of you who aren't familiar with this program, The Big Read is a national program sponsored in part by the National Endowment of the Arts. The idea of the program is to inspire communities to come together to read and discuss a great book. This year's selection is "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers.
Set in a small Georgia mill town in the late 1930s, "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" revolves around John Singer, who rents a room in the Kelly house after his fellow deaf companion, Spiros, is sent away to an asylum. The amiable Singer is a confidant for four of the town's misfits - Mick, a teenage girl who dreams of becoming a trained musician; Benedict, the town's black doctor; Jake, an alcoholic socialist; and Biff, the owner of the local cafe. Over the course of a year, the characters encounter difficult challenges and find solace in Singer, but it's not until the novel's climax that any of these lonely souls fully appreciate Singer's importance in their lives. Whether quiet or roaring, deliberate or reckless, the five voices of "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" unite in a common cry of isolation and hope.
In addition to offering print, large print and audio copies of this classic novel, the Hope Mills Branch Library is offering several programs related to this title.
Join us for a book discussion on April 21 at 11 a.m., or at one of the following programs:
Mill Towns: Hope Mills, Fayetteville and Massey Hill: March 29, 7 p.m., Bruce Daws, historic properties manager for Fayetteville, presents a fascinating look at the mill town/village history of present day Hope Mills and Fayetteville, including the Massey Hill neighborhood.
The Big Read at the Movies: April 5, 6:30 p.m. A brilliant achievement by director Sydney Pollack and nominated for nine Academy Awards, this film stars Jane Fonda as a woman driven to seize her last best chance during the very worst of times. In Depression-era America, desperation spawned a bizarre fad: the dance marathon.
Couples competed to stay on their feet for thousands of hours, and audiences flocked to watch. But Fonda's character doesn't think of herself as a spectacle. She is a fierce, unforgiving contestant in a battle she's determined to win. At stake is much more than the $1,500 prize. The marathon is her only hope for dignity, accomplishment and salvation.
Trash Fashion show
Teens, come and show off your style at our very first Trash Fashion show and contest at 4 p.m. April 20. "Trash Fashion" refers to outfits that are made primarily from materials that would otherwise have been thrown away. Make your outfits at home prior to the event. We will have a runway-style showing of outfits, followed by a hardware jewelry making craft and will then announce the winners. Prizes will be awarded based on overall look, creativity and use of recycled materials. For complete rules and an entry form, please visit our Web site.
There are many more events going on all throughout Cumberland County in the month of April, so be sure and check out our calendar of events for a complete listing. For more information on The Big Read or information about the library, go to www.cumberland.lib.nc.us or call 425-8455.
Jennifer Carrico is a librarian at Cliffdale Branch Library.