Planning a Promising Panel Discussion Around Mockingbird Anniversary

Every once in a while, an event just drops into place and such was the case with the plans for our celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird, the immortal book by Harper Lee. As part of the celebration, HarperCollins has published a new book entitled, Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a Mockingbird, by journalist and filmmaker Mary McDonagh Murphy, featuring a collection of interviews with famous Americans as they reflect on how Harper Lee’s masterpiece influenced them in all aspects of their lives.

So as part of that celebration, we have scheduled a free showing of the Academy Award-winning movie, staring Gregory Peck--set for Tuesday, September 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Central Library. This program is being offered as part of the popular "Literacy in a Different Way series" hosted by librarian Laura Walth.

Next, the folks at Franklin Avenue Library are including the book in two of their monthly book discussions:
Thursday, August 5, 1:00 PM
Tuesday, September 14, 6:30 PM

Our friends at HarperCollins Publishers are donating six free copies of To Kill A Mockingbird to use as prizes for a contest during the month of September. One winner will be drawn at each of our six library locations.

And we are all set to host a MEMORABLE PANEL DISCUSSION at the Central Library on Wednesday, September 15 at 6:30 PM! Carol Spaulding-Kruse, assocate professor of English at Drake University has agreed to act as moderator for our most distinquished panel, which includes:
Retired Meredith executive, author, and poet James Autry
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines CEO J. Barry Griswell
Polk County Judge Odell McGhee
Retired DMPS Principal Kittie Westin-Knauer
and National Teacher of the Year Sarah Brown Wessling.

So, you have plenty of time to read the book, for the first time or perhaps the second or third. Enter our contest during the month of September! Encourage your kids to read the book, or better yet, read it with them, then watch the movie together.

It's an American classic! The perfect thing to read in Des Moines- just named as an All American City for 2010.