Events - SNOB Film Festival

The 6th annual SNOB (Somewhat North of Boston) Film Festival begins on Friday, November 9th at 7pm and wraps up with a party and awards presentation at 8:15 on Sunday, November 11th at the Red River Theater in Concord. As a partner in the Big Read: NH Reads Fahrenheit 451, The SNOB Festival has issued the 451° Filmmaker Challenge: create a film, no more than 4 minutes in length that is based on any of the themes, concepts or ideas in Fahrenheit 451 and do it in no more than 5 days. The results of this challenge will be screened on Saturday at 6:15pm in the Jaclyn Simchik Memorial Cinema at Red River Theater.

Events - November 8, 2007

Bill Stroup of Keene State College will lead a discussion of Fahrenheit 451 in the Library Trustees' Room of the Keene Public Library at 7pm

Pillsbury Free Library (Warner) will host "Civil Liberties Vs. Security in a post-9/11 America" beginning at 7pm
As the federal government continues to address new national security issues in the wake of September 11, 2001, the uneasy balance between security and civil liberties is receiving renewed attention. This lecture by Richard Hesse, Franklin Pierce Law Center, explores the important trade-offs and considerations facing citizens and non-citizens alike.

Events - November 7, 2007

At 6pm the Frost Free Library (Marlborough) will show the film version of this classic novel as part of their Big Read programming. The Frost Free Library will also be holding a drawing for a $25 gift certificate from Toadstool Bookshops from the titles selected by their patrons for the book they would save from the flames. Visit the Frost Free Library for more details.

The Plaistow Public Library's Adult Book Club will discuss Fahrenheit 451 beginning at 7:15pm

Profile - Aaron Cutler Memorial Library

Aaron Cutler Memorial Library serves the town of Litchfield, New Hampshire. "All Booked Up” is a library sponsored book group, started in June 2002. Adult Services Librarian Ann McKillop, who has led the group since July 2005, explained "Our discussion group varies from about 6 to 12 people, but we usually have about 15 people check out the book each month. We wanted to get involved with the Big Read because we thought it would be interesting to take part in a state wide read. Litchfield is a small town and we don’t have much opportunity to be part of something this big."

Events - November 1, 2007

As part of their Big Read: NH Reads Fahrenheit 451 programming the Plaistow Public Library will be showing the film version of this classic novel at the Vic Geary Senior Center with an intermission for a short discussion and another short discussion at the end. The film will begin at 9am. The Vic Geary Drop-in Center is located on Greenough Road in Plaistow.

Events - October 30, 2007

As part of their Big Read programming the Kelley Library (Salem) will host a screening of the film version of this classic novel beginning at 6pm with a discussion to follow

Free Speech in a Free Society at Sandown Public Library at 6:30pm

Media and the Soul of the Citizen begins at 7pm at the Portsmouth Public Library

Events - October 25, 2007

Discussions of Fahrenheit 451 will begin at 6:30 at Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham (led by Christina Healey) and at Barrington Public Library (led by James Weber).


The Colonial Theater in Keene will show Fahrenheit 451 starring Oskar Werner and Julie Christie at 7pm. This event is in cooperation with the Keene Public Library.


Discussions of Fahrenheit 451 will begin at 7pm at Lincoln Public Library (led by Mark Brien); at Nesmith Library in Windham; at Pillsbury Free Library in Warner (led by Mark Cronin); at East Kingston Public Library; and at Orford Social Library, 573 Main Street, Orford (603-353-9756)

Events - October 24, 2007

As part of their Big Read NH Reads Fahrenheit 451 programming Rye Public Library will show the film version of this classic novel beginning at 1pm.

Discussions of Fahrenheit 451 will begin at 7pm at Derry Public Library, Kelley Library in Salem (led by Joan Fardella), Weare Public Library, Durham Public Library (led by James Webber), Canaan Town Library, and at the Masonic Hall at 18 Pleasant Street, Bristol (discussion will be led by Elizabethada Wright and hosted by the Minot-Sleeper Library which is next door).

"Civil Liberties vs. Security in Post 9/11 America" at Weeks Public Library in Greenland at 7pm As the federal government continues to address new national security issues in the wake of September 11, 2001, the uneasy balance between security and civil liberties is receiving renewed attention. This lecture by Richard Hesse, Franklin Pierce Law Center, explores the important trade-offs and considerations facing citizens and non-citizens alike.

Events - October 23, 2007

The Dunbarton Library will host a discusssion of Fahrenheit 451 at 6:30pm.

The Frost Free Library in Marlborough will host a discussion of Fahrenheit 451 led by Dr. Marianne Salcetti of Keene State College at 6:30pm.

Michael Brien will lead a discussion of Fahrenheit 451 at Barnes & Noble in Manchester at 7pm.

Discussions of Fahrenheit 451 will also begin at 7pm at Pease Public Library in Plymouth; at the Hills Memorial Library in Hudson; and at the Howe Library in Hanover where Laura Rubenis will lead the discussion.

"Civil Liberties vs. Security in Post 9/11 America" at Tracy Memorial Library at 7pm
As the federal government continues to address new national security issues in the wake of September 11, 2001, the uneasy balance between security and civil liberties is receiving renewed attention. This lecture by Richard Hesse, Franklin Pierce Law Center, explores the important trade-offs and considerations facing citizens and non-citizens alike.

Events - October 18, 2007

Join the staff of the Barnes & Noble in Newington at 3pm to discuss “What book would you save?”

Beginning at 7pm there will be discussions of Fahrenheit 451 at Barnes & Noble in Salem, at the Gilford Public Library, at the Exeter Public Library, at the Colby Memorial Library in Danville, and at the Leach Library in Londonderry. James Webber will lead the discussion in Exeter and Mark Cronin will lead the Londonderry discussion.

At 7pm the Mill Pond Center for the Arts in Durham will host a screening of the original 1966 movie version of Fahrenheit 451 starring Oskar Werner and Julie Christie and directed by Francois Truffaut. This program is presented in partnership with the Durham Public Library, the Madbury Library, and the Lee Public Library.

Imaginate That! in the Youth Program Room at the Keene Public Library 3:30 to 5:00pm
Share your favorite science fiction stories. Create your own alternate universe and populate it with the people and animals you design. Make extraordinary other worldly crafts. Discover strange and unusual science “facts.” This program is for children in grades 4-8.

Events - October 16, 2007

James Webber will lead a discussion of Fahrenheit 451 at Exeter Public Library beginning at 10am


Beginning at 1pm there will be a discussion of Fahrenheit 451 in the meeting room at Wolfeboro Public Library and at Portsmouth Public Library

Hills Memorial Library in Hudson will begin their discussion of Fahrenheit 451 and "What book Would You Save?" at 1:30pm

Sandown Public Library will host a discussion of Fahrenheit 451 at 6:30pm


As part of their Big Read NH programming Manchester City Library will show the film version of this classic novel beginning at 6pm


Richard Hesse on "Civil Liberties in a Fahrenheit 451 World" at the Richards Free Library in Newport at 7pm
Ray Bradbury’s remarkable account of life in a thoroughly repressive society was written in the midst of the "McCarthy Era" in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Many government officials and agents regarded communism as a sufficient threat to justify the suspension of civil liberties. To accomplish that objective society had to be persuaded to suppress those who spoke and acted to protect those liberties.
Bradbury’s account relies on that pattern to construct a society which accepts the destruction of books (and one assumes, all other forms of art and literature) as an appropriate and necessary means of assuring "happiness." Those who do not accept that formula suffer a cruel fate.
Are we living through a contemporary version of Fahrenheit 451 or have we insulated ourselves from that form of oppression? We will examine the trends in our society following 9/11 to take our temperature and determine how close we are to Fahrenheit 451.

Disussion led by library staff and local teachers of "What Book Would You Save?" at the Chesley Memorial Library at 7pm

Adult and YAttitudes Book Discussion Group will talk about Fahrenheit 451 at the Rye Public Library at 7pm

"Surveillance in the Post 9-11 World" at Tilton School beginning at 7:30pm

Events - October 11, 2007

Surveillance in Post 9-11 World at Dunbarton Library at 6:30pm

Manchester City Library will host a Book Discussion on Fahrenheit 451 at 7pm

As part of their NH Reads Fahrenheit 451 programming Nesmith Library (Windham) will show the movie version of this classic Bradbury novel beginning at 7pm.

Memories Scrapbook Program at 6:30pm at the Weeks Library (Greenland)

As part of the New Hampshire Big Read Grace Murphy Forrest of Stampin' Up! will help us create a trendy paper bag scrapbook. The cost for supplies is $10. Class is open to teens and adults. Call 603-436-8548 to register. Space is limited.

Free Speech and a Free Society

One way to understand the clash between individual expression and social concerns is to consider local examples. They can range from the attempt to prohibit the "adult" bookstore in the local mall to efforts to control program content on television or information on the Internet. How do other cultures resolve these tensions? It’s more important than ever to know as the world grows smaller. This event is part of the NH Humanities Council's Humanities-To-Go program.


Richard Hesse will present this program at two locations during our Big Read:

• Derry Public Library, 10/10/2007 (7:00pm)
  
• Sandown Public Library, 10/30/2007 (6:30pm)

This program is part of the NH Humanities Council's Humanities-To-Go catalog.

Movies

As part of their Big Read: NH Reads Fahrenheit 451 programming, many libraries around the state are showing film versions of this classic novel. View a video clip from this film here.

10/4 (2pm) Tracy Memorial Library

10/4 (7pm) Portsmouth Public Library as part of Cinema Science Fiction.

10/9 (7pm) Howe Library
This is part of the Dystopian Worlds: The Future Viewed from the Past film series.

10/11 (7pm) Nesmith Library

10/13 (1:30pm) Derry Public Library

10/15 (7pm) Mill Pond Center for the Arts in Durham, in partnership with the Durham Public Library.

10/16 (6pm) Manchester City Library

10/18 (7pm) Mill Pond Center for the Arts in Durham, in partnership with the Durham Public Library.

10/20 (1pm) Silsby Free Public Library in Charlestown
This film is being presented by the CHAOS (Culture, History, and Other Stuff) Book group and will be followed by a community discussion on "What Book Would You Save?" Call 603-826-7793 for more information.

10/24 (1pm) Rye Public Library

10/25 (7pm) The Colonial Theater in Keene in partnership with the Keene Public Library

10/30 (6pm) Kelley Library

11/7 (6pm) Frost Free Library

QUESTION: How do you think the film version compares to the novel?
Click on the comment link below (you don't need an account of any kind to leave a comment, but please sign your comment) and share your thoughts.

Events - October 10, 2007

Fahrenheit 451 on NH Public Radio's The Exchange taping with a live audience at the NH State Library at 2pm.

Free Speech and a Free Society at Derry Public Library at 7pm

Events - October 9, 2007

The Kearsarge Area Council on Aging Breakfast Book Club meets at 9:30am to discuss Fahrenheit 451. This group is sponsored by the Tracy Memorial Library (New London).

Baker Free Library (Bow) will be hosting discussions of Fahrenheit 451 at 12:30pm AND 6:30pm.

The Howe Library’s Dystopian Worlds film series continues with a showing of the film version of our Big Read book at 7pm.

One Mother, Two Fathers with Jeanne Cavelos at Keene Public Library at 7pm.

Discussions -- What Book Would You Save?

In his classic novel Fahrenheit 451, author Ray Bradbury created a futuristic society that burned books. The main character, Guy Montag, finds a group of men who have formed a loosely organized rebellion to save books. Their plan is to “keep the knowledge we think we will need.” The group saves books that represented “bits and pieces of history and literature and international law. Each man had a book he wanted to remember, and did.” Which book do you remember best? Which book touched your soul, opened your mind, and changed the way you see the world? If you lived in a society that burned books, what is an important book that you would want to save from the fire?

There will be several discussions on this Big Read NH theme:

• 10/6/07 (2pm) at Toadstool Bookshop, Keene in partnership with Keene Public Library
• 10/13/07 (1:30pm) at the Derry Public Library following their film screening
• 10/16/07 (7pm) at Chesley Memorial Library (Northwood)
• 10/18/07 (3pm) at Barnes & Noble, Newington
• 10/18/07 (6:30pm) Dunbar Free Library will host a potluck and discussion at Grantham Town Hall
• 10/20/07 (1pm) at Silsby Free Public Library following their film screening - the library is located at 226 Main Street, Charlestown, NH. Call (603) 826-7793 for more information

There will also be other activities related to this Big Read NH theme:

• Frost Free Library (Marlborough) is inviting their patrons to enter a drawing for a $25 gift certificate from Toadstool Bookshops by contributing their book to save title when they visit the library. Visit the Frost Free Library for more details
• During October the Weeks Public Library (Greenland) will have a Books to Save display in the library
• The Center for the Book at the NH State Library has a Books to Save display in the NH Author's Room

One Mother, Two Fathers: The History of Science Fiction

Author Jeanne Cavelos will discuss how the genre has grown through the work of its founders Mary Shelley, H.G. Wells and Jules Verne through today's groundbreaking masters of science fiction.

This Big Read program will be presented twice:

10/5/2007 (7pm) at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium, as part of their Super Stellar Fridays series. The evening will begin with a presentation of the planetarium program, The Night Sky. This event is open to the public free of charge, however reservations are required. Reserve your seats by calling 271-STAR or 271-7831.

10/9/2007 (7pm) at the Keene Public Library, Heberton Hall. This program is supported, in part, by The Keene Sentinel.

Events - October 3, 2007

Keene Public Library will host “Feed Your Mind: Read Books About Utopias and Dystopias,” at 3pm in the Youth Program Room.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines Utopia as “An ideally perfect place, especially in its social, political, and moral aspects.” Dystopia is often defined simply as the opposite of that. In Utopian Literature, it is often thought of as place that seems ideally perfect, but is actually far from it. There are many books set in this kind of world, here are some of the most popular ones for teens: 'The Giver,' 'Feed,' and 'Uglies.' During this meeting, the group will share information about their favorite titles. Librarian Gail Zachariah will booktalk some new books about utopias.

The “All Booked Up" discussion group will meet tonight at 6:30pm at Aaron Cutler Memorial Library (Litchfield) to discuss Fahrenheit 451.

Surveillance in the Post 9-11 World

In Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury imagines a world where the government protects us by burning books. In 1984, George Orwell imagined a totalitarian world where even thought was controlled; hero Winston Smith did not triumph. Is Big Brother watching us now, or are we simply taking wise precautions against real threats?


David Mackey of Plymouth State University will present this program at several locations during our Big Read:

• Barrington Public Library, 10/4/2007 (6:30pm)


• Dunbarton Library, 10/11/2007 (6:30pm)


• Tilton School, 10/16/2007 (7:30pm)


• Madbury Library, 10/29/2007 (7pm)

This program is part of the NH Humanities Council's Humanities-To-Go catalog.