A Celebration for Adult Readers
The end of September will mark the fifth year of Booktoberfest, opens a new window, Lawrence Public Library's biggest event of the year for adult readers. Booktoberfest aims to bring the community together through a love of reading and bookish events. The month-long celebration will kick off with a free screening of the documentary , opens a new windowRebel with a Clause, followed by a lively conversation with the film’s star, Grammarian Ellen Jovin.
In Rebel with a Clause, Jovin sets up her Grammar Table in every state in the union, where she stops passersby to ask and answer questions about the English language. The conversations that follow reveal how the rules of grammar can be funny, personal, and powerful.
“Jovin's book and the accompanying documentary are about grammar, sure, but they are also about the way language connects us — our shared understandings and misunderstandings, the vulnerability to strike up conversations during times of division, and the ability to find commonalities,” said Polli Kenn, Readers’ Service Supervisor. “Rebel with a Clause is a wise, hilarious road trip around our 50 states that teaches a lot about our language and even more about our humanity. “
Enjoy the film and the following conversation with Ellen Jovin at Liberty Hall on Sunday, September 28. And ahead of the screening, you can stop by the library’s own Grammar Table to share your burning linguistic questions and hot takes. Registration for the event is encouraged but not required.
October is for the Book Nerds
Throughout October, adult readers are invited to attend a variety of events that celebrate the joy of reading and the community it creates. “Booktoberfest is for adults who are looking for some bookish fun as the weather turns to cozy reading season,” Kenn explained. “We’ll have author visits, trivia, scavenger hunts, films, and more.”
The library will host conversations with two Lawrence-based authors: environmental writer George Frazier, known for The Last Wild Places of Kansas, and Rachel McCarthy James, award-winning co-author of The Man From the Train.
In his talk, George Frazier will discuss his new book, RIVERINE DREAMS: AWAY TO THE GLORIOUS AND FORGOTTEN GRASSLAND RIVERS OF AMERICA. The book explores the rivers of the North American grasslands and the diverse ecosystems that encompass them. Sit in on the conversation on Sunday, October 5, at Lawrence Arts Center, opens a new window.
Join us in the library auditorium on Sunday, October 19, for an author talk with Rachel McCarthy James, opens a new window. Her latest book, Whack Job, examines the complicated role axe violence has played throughout human history. For either event, registration is appreciated but not required.
Other events to look forward to in October include a screening of The Witch (2015) at Feminist Fright Fest, opens a new window on Thursday, October 2, some lively bookish competition on Tuesday, October 7, at the Book Nerd Trivia Party, opens a new window, and an after-hours celebration with books and booze at the Haunted Stacks, opens a new window event on Saturday, October 25.
“Booktoberfest is a month-long celebration of books, reading, and the community we build when we value and celebrate our stories,” Kenn said. Join us in connecting with other book lovers and valuing the stories we share. You can explore all these bookish events and more on the library website, opens a new window.
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