Montclair Library One Of 50 Chosen For ‘Great American Read’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following article comes courtesy of the Montclair Public Library. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

Montclair was one of 50 libraries chosen to take part in the Great American Read, a PBS initiative that examines 100 of America's best-loved novels through a television series, online content and voting campaign.

"It's no surprise Montclair was selected, "says Library Director Peter Coyl. "We are a community of readers."

Since May, the Library has provided a variety of programs focusing on Treasure Island, and The Wizard of Oz,. "We have shown movies, hosted book clubs, held weekly readings and other activities to explore two of the Great American Read themes - Villains and Other Worlds - through these books," says Coyl. Re-maining events include "Oz-play": The Wizard of Oz Cosplay & Singalong Screening and September 22 at 2, and a Pirate Party on October 3 at 6:30. Check out our website montclairlibrary.org for details and additional events.

A key element of the Great American Read is determining America's Top 10 Novels. "Go to.pbs.org/ greatamericanread to vote for your favorites as many times as you want," says Coyl. "Because we know Montclair is a special community, we are also asking people to vote for Montclair's favorite books here. Paper ballots are also available at the Library. Winners will be announced at the finale screening and party on October 24.

Come to the library at 6:30 on the following days to enjoy the episodes exploring the 100 Great American Read books through the major themes:

• September 12: Fall Premiere
• September 18: Who Am I?
• September 25: Heroes
• October 2: Villains and Monsters
• October 6: Other Worlds
• October 9: What We Do for Love

Each episode will include authors and celebrities discussing books and themes. Our screening of the final episode - on October 24 at 6 pm - will include the announcement of America's and Montclair's choices for the Top 10 books. There will be refreshments and plenty of time for discussion after. The next Montclair Reads title will also be announced at the finale.

Programming for The Great American Read is offered as part of a grant from the American Library Associa-tion and PBS.

The Montclair Public Library serves the residents of Montclair at the Main Library at 50 South Fullerton Avenue and the Bellevue Avenue Branch at 785 Bellevue Avenue. Founded in 7893, the Library aims to change lives every day through words, ideas, and community connections. Last year, the Library had over 32,000 members and circulated more than 440,000 items.

"We are grateful to the Montclair community for their support," says Coyl, "and strive to serve them better every day."

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