About The Library: The Big ReadThe Big Read
Fahrenheit 451
In one of literature's most haunting denunciations of censorship, Ray Bradbury uses the materials of science fiction to tell the story of a fireman forced to burn books.
Join your friends and neighbors as we read Ray Bradbury's classic novel, "Fahrenheit 451," together in February 2010. The Iowa City Public Library is participating in The Big Read with many community organizations including Summer of the Arts and the Public Libraries of Johnson County.
"Fahrenheit 451" focuses on fireman Guy Montag. In this book, a fireman is a professional bookburner, expected to start fires instead of putting them out. For years Montag has done his job obediently and well. Then one day, he is called upon to burn the books of a Mrs. Hudson, who prefers to die rather than leave her library. Furtively, Montag pockets some of her books, haunted by the idea that a life without books may not be worth living after all.
The Big Read kicks off Jan 31!
What better way to spend a cold winter day or night than curled up with a good book?
The Big Read will kick off at Coralville's Winterfest on January 31. Come find out about the program and pick up a free copy of Fahrenheit 451. There will be events and activities throughout Johnson County running through the beginning of March.
The Big Read kickoff: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31; Coralville Winterfest, Coralville Marriott
What would you choose?
Towards the end of Fahrenheit 451, the main character Montag, who has been a "Fireman" in the book (someone who burns books), realizes a life without books may not be worth living. He escapes from the City and is "rescued" by other like-minded people who could not imagine a world without books. Each has memorized a book in order to preserve it for future generations. They ask Montag, "What have you to offer?"
If you were faced with the decision to take one book and preserve it for the future, which book would you choose? Visit the Newsroom and share your choice. Below you can read how some of the staff from the Iowa City Public Library answered this question. Head to the Library's second floor display in January 2010 to see more of the books Iowa City Public Library Staff would choose and to include your book in our display.
Watch the Video Guide
Short Version (7:30) | Long Version (22:50)Click the video to stop the autoplay. Click either of the version links below the movie to open it in a new window.
Listen to the Radio Show
Introduction to Fahrenheit 451 Radio Program, part 1 (16:45) Introduction to Fahrenheit 451 Radio Program, part 2 (12:22) Ray Bradbury on his favorite book (1:23) Orson Scott Card on the power of storytelling (1:48) Luis Alberto Urrea on his family's relationship to Fahrenheit 451 (2:03) Sam Weller on Bradbury's office (0:45) Sam Weller on the rejection of Fahrenheit 451 (0:55) Hector Elizondo reads from Fahrenheit 451 (2:01) Hector Elizondo reads from the concluding pages of Fahrenheit 451 (1:05)Which book would the staff at ICPL choose?
Beth ~ "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
"I can tell you the story in all its complexity and throw in a few quotes. In P & P, we are asked to look at "love at first sight" as opposed to "love after mature consideration." "There is only so much merit in them as to make one good man, and lately it has been shifting about." - Beth
Ardis ~ "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
"Actually, I think 'Fahrenheit 451' would be high on my list of books to preserve, but at the top of my list would be 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole. - Ardis
"Fiction is important, but I think we can always come up with new stories. Instead I'd want to make sure that we've properly catalogued the birdlife of North America (actually I'd want to save all the regional field guides!)." - Jason
Meghan ~ "Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl"
"Ridding ourselves of books can mean erasing history, in this case World War II. Sure, we can share stories of what happened, but it isn't the same as hearing it from someone who experienced it. To me, nothing is quite like the document of the daily lives of Anne Frank and those around her, told from her point of view." - Meghan
Anne ~ "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
"I selected this book because Betty Smith made me a life-long reader. My mother bought this book for me when I was in middle school. This book made Brooklyn at the turn-of-the-century come alive for me and spurred my interest in other classic titles." - Anne
Brian ~ "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
About The Big Read
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Summer of the Arts
Iowa City Public Library
Coralville Public Library
Public Libraries of Johnson County
Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
Iowa City Community School District
Kirkwood Community College
City Circle Acting Company
Oakdale Department of Corrections
Funded in part by the Burford/Schwab fund at the Community Foundation of Johnson County.