The Big Read Events Listing
Ongoing community events can be found at the end of this list.
Community Events—September and October 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Book Discussion
Join us for an engaging discussion of The Things They Carried and the impact of war on society, soldiers, and civilians.
6:30-8:00 p.m., Garrettsville Library
Friday, October 1—Saturday October 2, 2010
Family Poster Display
Families may create a poster reflecting their ideas about war and peace and the ways they have been affected by war. Supplies will be provided, and posters will be displayed through October. All ages; each family must have at least one child and one adult to participate.
10:30-5:30 p.m., Dubois Children’s Reading Room, Kent Free Library
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Big Read Kickoff
Join us as we celebrate the Big Read with games, snacks, displays, and prizes for the whole family! Hiram College theater students will present a short dramatic performance, Vietnamese finger foods will whet your appetite, and a scavenger hunt will give you the opportunity to win door prizes. The Hiram Library will launch its postcards for service members project. Stop in at our booths to learn about the many Big Read activities for both adults and kids. The first 100 people will receive a free copy of our Big Read novel, The Things They Carried.
Note: Because of anticipated inclement weather, we've elected to use the rain location: Alumni-Heritage Room, Teachout Price Building, Hiram College
Sunday, October 3, 2010
May 4th Site Walking Tour
Kent State University Professor Laura Davis will lead a walking tour of the site of the protests and shootings at Kent State on May 4, 1970. This tragic event proved a turning point in the debate about American involvement in the Vietnam War, and the site has been contested ever since.
Contact Laura Davis: LDavis1@Kent.edu
11:30 a.m., Room 101, Taylor Hall, Kent State University
Monday, October 4, 2010
Book Discussion
Join us as we discuss Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried.
Contact Sonja Melton: smelton@portagelibrary.org
6:00 p.m., Randolph Library
Wednesday October 6, 2010
Hands Around the World
Children can enjoy stories, games, and activities as they learn about cultural diversity. For students entering grades K, 1 and 2. Registration is required and begins September 29, 2010.
4:00- 5:00 p.m., Dubois Children’s Reading Room, Kent Free Library
Hiram College welcomes Tim O'Brien, author of
The Things They Carried
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Convocation with Tim O’Brien, Author of The Things They Carried
Author of novels, short stories, memoirs, and essays, Tim O’Brien will talk about the joys and challenges of the writing process, drawing on his years of firsthand experience. He will focus in particular on the process of writing fiction. O’Brien will sign copies of his books after the presentation.
12:00 p.m., Hayden Auditorium, Hiram College
Please note: Seating in the auditorium will be on a first come basis. Please plan to arrive early. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Convocation with Tim O’Brien, Author of The Things They Carried
Tim O’Brien will discuss The Things They Carried, including how he came to write it and how it relates to his memories of the Vietnam War. These issues lead O’Brien to examine the idea of “truth” and how—especially in the midst of a war—“truth” becomes suspect. The first 100 people will receive copies of The Things They Carried. O’Brien will sign copies of the book after his presentation.
7:00 p.m., Hayden Auditorium, Hiram College
Please note: Seating in the auditorium will be on a first come basis. Please plan to arrive early. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Children’s Program
Join us for a reading of The Marshmallow Incident by Judi Barrett, a wonderful children’s tale about war and peace, enemies and friends. There will be food, games, and fun at this Big Read event.
4:00 p.m., Reed Memorial Library
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Reading by Naomi Shihab Nye and Chana Bloch: A Conversation through Poetry between Israel and Palestine
Naomi Shihab Nye is a Palestinian-American poet, novelist, and songwriter. Chana Bloch is a Jewish-American poet, translator, and scholar. This evening, as part of the Wick Poetry Reading Series, we will hear how they and their poetry can speak fruitfully to one another and us.
Contact David Hassler: DHassle1@Kent.edu
8:00 p.m., Kiva Auditorium, Student Center, Kent State University
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Vietnam War Experience and Peacemaking: An Evening of Discussion of The Things They Carried.
The evening will begin with reading aloud from The Things They Carried followed by discussion of those readings. We hope to read from few chapters and discuss the implications of the theme or central points of the story for peacemaking.
Contact Vivien Sandlund: Sandlundve@hiram.edu.
7:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, 228 Gougler Ave, Kent
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Hands Around the World—Participatory storytelling with KULTURE KIDS!
Engage in words, songs, dance, and games to discover cool lessons about getting along and making friends while exploring other cultures in a theatrical way. Families and children of all ages are welcome.
1:00-2:30 p.m., Downstairs Gallery Room, Aurora Memorial Library
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Film Showing of Oh, Saigon
Join us as we view the documentary Oh, Saigon. Airlifted out of Vietnam on April 30, 1975, Doan Hoàng’s family was on the last civilian helicopter out of the country at the end of the war. Twenty-five years later, she sets out to uncover the story of her family as they return to Vietnam after decades of exile. The first 50 people will receive copies of The Things They Carried.
7:00 p.m., Pritchard Room, Hiram College Library
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Book Discussion
Hiram College Professor Renee Gutierrez will lead an open discussion of Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried.
12:00 p.m., Garfield Meeting House, Hiram College
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Movie and Discussion Night
Enjoy some popcorn and watch Robin Williams as a DJ during the Vietnam War. This is an R- rated film. Free copies of the book The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien will be available to the first 25 people at the film showing. Stay and discuss the film with each other.
6:30 p.m., Reed Memorial Library
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Simulated Killing: War-themed Video Games and Other images of Warfare in Popular Culture
A panel of students and professors will discuss and debate the effects of representations of war in popular culture, with an emphasis on video games. Samples of video games and films will be a part of the introduction of the moderated discussion.
7:00 p.m., Pritchard Room, Hiram College Library
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Book Discussion and Poetry Reading by Kent State University Students
Poet Katherine Blackbird will lead a discussion, and Kent State University students will read their poems related to The Things They Carried.
Contact Katherine Blackbird: KBlackbird@sbcglobal.net
2:15 p.m., Wick Poetry Corner, 2nd Floor, Kent State University Library
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Children’s Movie
Join us as we watch Woody and Buzz Lightyear learn about overcoming differences and establishing friendship in their first adventure together. Refreshments will be served.
2:00 p.m., Reed Memorial Library
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Surviving World War II
Kent State University Professor Sydney J. Krause will read passages from his memoir describing experiences as a combat infantryman in the Second World War, an unrestrained account of what war is really like.
2:00 p.m., Pierce Streetsboro Library
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Vietnam Travelogue
Join Dr. Alyson Shirk, Director of Music and Choirs at the Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, as she discusses traveling to Vietnam to teach and perform music at Ho Chi Minh Conservatory. She will discuss teaching music in post-war Saigon, describe the culture, and show photos from her recent trip.
3:00-4:30 p.m., Meeting Room, Kent Free Library
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Love You More Than You Know
Authors Janie Reinart and Mary Anne Mayer will discuss their locally edited and published book, Love You More Than You Know, containing a series of 45 autobiographical essays from Ohio mothers who have sent their sons and daughters off to war.
6:30 p.m., Downstairs Gallery Room, Aurora Memorial Library
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Book Discussion
Join the adult book group to discuss The Things They Carried. All ages are
welcome; participants will receive a free copy of the book. Contact the Reference Department at 330.673.4414 for more information and to register.
6:30–7:45 p.m., Meeting Room, Kent Free Library
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Book Discussion
Hiram College Professor Jeff Swenson will lead an open discussion of Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried.
7:00 p.m., Garfield Meeting House, Hiram College
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Discussion of the Vietnam War
This moderated discussion will be open to any aspect of the American involvement in Vietnam, from its origins in French Indo-China to its lasting repercussions both here and in Vietnam.
7:00 p.m., Downstairs Gallery Room, Aurora Memorial Library
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Book Discussion
Join us as we explore discuss Tim O’Brien’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel The Things They Carried.
Contact: Patty Harrington, 330.562.4333
2:30 p.m., Walker Building/Senior Center at the Parks & Recreation Building, 129 West Pioneer Trail, Aurora
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A Reading by Author Peter Scott
Local writer Peter Scott has published non-fiction about his experiences as a soldier in Cambodia in the late 1960s (Lost Crusade: America’s Secret Cambodian Mercenaries) and the effects on Americans of World War I (The Boy Who Came Walking Home), World War II (Something in the Water), and the Vietnam War (Barter Island).
12:00 p.m., Garfield Meeting House, Hiram College
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Time It Was: May 4, 1970, and the Culture of the Sixties
Carole Barbato and Laura Davis of Kent State University revisit the day of the 1970 Kent State shootings, telling its story against the backdrop of the Sixties and the war in Vietnam, and reflecting upon its meaning for today. Free copies of the book The Things They Carried will be available to the first 10 people at the program.
6:00 p.m., Reed Memorial Library
Saturday October 23, 2010
History of Vietnam Era Folk Music with the Galgozy/Zeleny Duo
Folk guitarists Dale Galgozy and Adreanne Zeleny present a history of American folk music popular during the Vietnam war and perform selections.
All ages are welcome; no registration required.
3:00-4:30 p.m., 2nd Floor, Kent Free Library
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Intergenerational Poetry Reading: Poems of Peace and War
Poems of Peace of War features area students,
senior adults, and veterans reading original poems, as part of the week-long International Peace & War Summit, in partnership with the Wick Poetry Center.
To view the complete schedule of events for the summit, visit: www.case.edu/provost/inamori/peacesummit or call 216.368.2579.
7:30 p.m., Dively Building, First Floor Pavilion, Case Western Reserve University
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Book Discussion
An engaging discussion of Tim O’Brien’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel will be hosted at the library by the fireplace on the main floor.
2:00 p.m., Aurora Memorial Library
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Book Discussion
Hiram College Professor Kirsten Parkinson will lead an open discussion of Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried.
5:00 p.m., Freedom House, 1213 Anita Drive, Kent
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Book Discussion
Join us for a lively discussion of the novel Tim O’Brien wrote about the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried.
6:30 p.m., Reed Memorial Library
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Children’s Program
Join the Talk It Up! book discussion group for All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg. Participants will receive a free copy of the book. For students entering grades 3 and up with their favorite adult. Contact the Children’s Department at 330.673.4414 for more information and to register.
7:00-7:45 p.m., Dubois Children’s Reading Room, Kent Free Library
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Vietnam Today: A School-Aged Program
Hiram College History Professor Christopher Dewell will present an introduction to contemporary Vietnam in a program designed for school-aged children.
12:00 p.m., Pierce Streetsboro Library
Ongoing Events—September and October 2010
September 8-November 10
Veterans’ Writing Group & Healing Circle
Sponsored by Warrior’s Journey Home and Kent State University’s Wick Poetry Center
Directed by Maj Ragain and Willie Berry
Meetings will be held on Wednesdays from
7:00 – 9:00 p.m., on September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 13, 20, November 3, 10.
All meetings are free and open to the public.
For more information please contact:
Maj Ragain, mragain@kent.edu;
330.678.7473 or 330.221.8669
Kent United Church of Christ,
Room 124, 1400 E Main St, Kent
October 4-October 9, 2010
Children’s Craft Project
Drop by the library to create cards, bookmarks, and other crafts for the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky and the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland.
Garrettsville and Windham Libraries
September 1-25 & October 4-30, 2010
The “Speak Peace” Art Exhibit
Speak Peace: American Voices Respond to Vietnamese Children’s Paintings will debut its national exhibit tour at Kent State University School of Art Downtown Gallery, Sept 1-25. A collaborative, international project between the Wick Poetry Center, School of Art Galleries, and Soldier’s Heart, “Speak Peace” features original poems written by American children, veterans, and established poets in response to Vietnamese children’s paintings of peace and war collected by the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It will travel to Case Western Reserve University’s Kelvin Smith Library October 4-30.
A free reception will take place on Thursday, Sept. 16, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m at the Kent Downtown Gallery, 141 East Main Street, Kent.
September 20, 27, & October 4, 11, 18, 2010
Tiny Tot Story Time: Making Friends Around
the World
Mondays at 11 a.m. – infant to 2 ½ year olds
Aurora Memorial Library
September 21, 28, & October 5, 12, 19, 2010
Toddler Story Time: Making Friends Around the World
Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. – 2 ½ to 3 ½ year olds
Aurora Memorial Library
September 22, 29, & October 6, 13, 20, 2010
Preschool Story Time: Making Friends Around
the World
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. – 3 ½ to 5 years old
Aurora Memorial Library
Month of October
Donate items for veterans at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky and at the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland. Requested items include personal hygiene products, games, books, phone cards.
Garrettsville and Windham Libraries
The Aurora Memorial Library will be a collection point for donations of commercially manufactured and sealed cookies and snack bars. These items will be delivered to Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland.
Please no homemade cookies or snack bars.
Aurora Memorial Library
For Locations on Hiram College Campus, click on the link below:
