Oberlin College students and staff book discussion

Last week a group of Oberlin students got together to talk about Fahrenheit 451 over lunch. Discussion topics ranged from the book's Cold War context to the way some of the future technology Bradbury predicted in the 1950s has actually come into being. 

Many other discussion groups have been forming all over Oberlin.   There have been several public groups held at the Oberlin Public Library and a number of book clubs that have chosen to read and discuss the book.

OPL has book group kits that you can check out with copies of the book and reading guides, so if you'd like to host your own discussion group, pick up a kit and let us know how it goes.

Wag the Dog! Last film in our film series

Join us for the last showing in our F451 film series!

Wag the Dog

Wednesday, Jan 26, 2011

7 pm

Oberlin Public Library

Before elections, a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer join efforts to "fabricate" a war in order to cover-up a presidential sex scandal.

Director: Barry Levinson
Writers: Larry Beinhart, Hilary Henkin
Staring: Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro and Anne Heche

Good Night and Good Luck

Prior to the January 12 film showing at Oberlin Public Library, Alison Ricker read from the introduction to Readings on Fahrenheit 451, to provide the historical context of McCarthyism and Ray Bradbury's response to that era through his writing. Good Night and Good Luck, our second film in the F451 Film Series, explores the persecution by Senator McCarthy of suspected communists and communists sympathizers. The similar themes in the stories of the celebrated 1950s journalist Edward R. Murrow and Bradbury's futurist fiction gave the audience much to ponder.

Food for Thought: F451 reading groups in Oberlin restaurants

We have partnered with selected restaurants in town to sponsor Food for Thought, a program designed with small book discussion groups in mind.  Any group of three of more can be a book discussion group, and participating restaurants will offer an incentive to groups who read and discuss Fahrenheit 451 over a meal in the restaurant.  Some establishments are offering a ten-percent discount on the food portion of each meal; others are offering a free or discounted beverage or dessert when purchased with a meal.  The program extends through January.   

Take advantage of this opportunity to share a meal and discuss the book with friends or family! Just get a free copy of the book from the Oberlin Public Library and start reading.  Take the book and two or more reading pals to one of the participating restaurants, show the book to your server when ordering, and ask for the Food for Thought discount or promotion. Enjoy!

Participating restaurants include:   

• Beethoven's Bagels 774-7777
• The Feve 774-1978
• Fresh Start Diner  774-2841 
• Pizza Shack 774-3700
• The Slow Train Cafe  774-7570
• Yesterdays Ice Cream Shop 775-1410

Reading Between the Lines: Oberlin College

Take a look at the NEA Big Read blog, for an interview about the Oberlin Big Read:
Reading Between the Lines: Oberlin College

Pleasantville draws an appreciative audience

Young and old alike look forward to watching the movie.

Audience members settle in with fresh, hot buttered popcorn (courtesy of Oberlin Public Library reference librarian Marleen Watling) and listen to opening remarks from Oberlin College professor of English Nick Jones (below) before viewing Pleasantville on Wednesday, Jan. 5.  The public library was a great venue for the film - thank you to OPL library director Darren McDonough for preparing the space!

Nick Jones addresses the audience prior to the film showing.

Pleasantville resonated with themes in Fahrenheit 451 on several levels, from the disturbing book burning scene to mob mentality censoring freedom of expression.  My favorite scene has to be when Reese Witherspoon's character (Mary Sue, at that moment) chooses to put on reading glasses and focus on D. H. Lawrence, rather than head out for yet another joy ride to Lovers' Lane.  Her awakening to a deeper emotional state through reading excellent literature is not unlike Montag's development by reading forbidden texts.

We hope to see such a pleasant crowd again at the next three films during our Big Read Film Fest.  See you Wednesdays at 7pm in January - come early and enjoy the popcorn!  Oberlin Public Library community room.