Discussions - 2009

THE DOWNTOWN BOOK CLUB

To Kill a Mockingbird
Guest facilitator David Holdt, who recently retired after 30 years as Writer-in-Residence at Watkinson School, will guide participants’ discussion of Harper Lee’s potent novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

Downtown Library, Reading Place, 2nd Floor
Saturday, January 31, 2:00–3:30 p.m.

ON BECOMING AN AMERICAN

Melting Pot or Salad Bowl?
A showing of the film To Kill a Mockingbird will serve as a starting point for ABE and ESOL students to understand how the Constitution was designed to protect the rights of all citizens, but also has limitations because of historical and current prejudices. Students will read from a list of literary classics designed for emergent readers that closely ties in with the themes of discrimination and civil rights, and discuss whether “Becoming an American” brings us together or apart. To participate, please call (860) 695-6334.

Downtown Library
February through April.

IMMIGRATION LAWS

Rule of Law or Racism?
To Kill a Mockingbird serves as a springboard for examining U.S. immigration laws. For example, according to a recent report by the Pew Hispanic Center,most children in unauthorized families are American citizens. “When parents are deported, their U.S.-born children can leave with their parents or stay in foster care to continue availing of educational opportunities here.” Are these children modern-day “mockingbirds”–innocent, harmless creatures victimized by an uncaring political system, or are their parents’ poor decisions to blame?

Downtown Library, Seminar Room, X room
Tuesday, April 14, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Four Decades of Reading
To Kill a Mockingbird
A bestseller and critical success when first published in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird has inspired and challenged readers for nearly 50 years. Come hear teachers, students, and others of all ages speak about what this important book has meant to them personally, professionally and socially at different times and places in their lives. Date and panelists to be announced.

TUNE IN ON THURSDAYS

Join us on Thursday mornings for a Big Read gathering. Hear live readings and recorded excerpts from the book. Light refreshments.

Downtown Library, Seminar Room, 2nd Floor
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29, and
February 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.