Posts Tagged: 'omaha public library'

Debate ‘Fear and Loathing’ October 20

August 17, 2016   |   No Comments

The 1877 Society will host “Animus: Film vs. Book” at Aksarben Cinema on Thursday, October 20.

 

This second annual fundraiser will screen the 1998 film “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Johnny Depp.

 

Attendees are encouraged to read the book, written by Hunter S. Thompson and first published in 1971, prior to the October 20 fundraiser.

 

A spirited audience discussion will follow the movie, on which version of the story was better. This year’s panelists include Karen Pietsch of Omaha Public Library and Ryan Syrek of The Reader. Local comedian Cameron Logsdon returns as emcee.

 

“Animus” proceeds will benefit Omaha Public Library adult literacy, programs, and services this year.

 

The 1877 Society is a group of library enthusiasts and advocates in their twenties and thirties who support the Omaha Public Library Foundation. The Omaha Public Library Foundation raises funds and advocates for Omaha Public Library, its programs, patrons, services, and staff.

 

Visit http://www.aksarbencinema.com/showtimes.html to purchase tickets, selecting Thursday, October 20, 2016 from the drop down menu.

 

Tickets are $25 for 1877 Society members, and $35 for the general public. Admission includes appetizers, popcorn, cocktails, and the movie ticket.

 

Questions? Send an email to 1877society@omahalibrary.org or call (402) 444-4589.

“Animus: Film vs. Book” is October 29

September 3, 2015   |   No Comments

The 1877 Society, in association with the Omaha Public Library Foundation, will launch an annual fundraiser in October, titled “Animus: Film vs. Book.”

 

The inaugural event is Thursday, October 29, at Aksarben Cinema. Attendees will gather for a lively film and book comparison.

 

Up for debate: Stephen King’s 1977 best-selling novel The Shining, versus the 1980 film of the same name starring Jack Nicholson.

 

The night will begin with a cocktail and appetizer reception at 5 p.m., a screening of the film at 6 p.m. (sponsored by Aksarben Cinema), followed by a passionate and spirited panel discussion. Enthusiastic readers and self-proclaimed film critics will constructively discuss whether the book is superior to the film (or vice versa).

 

Attendees are encouraged to first read The Shining. Books, ebooks, and audio books are available at Omaha Public Library’s twelve branches and at area bookstores.

 

Panelists include Julie Humphrey of Omaha Public Library, speaking in support of the book; and Ryan Syrek, a film critic with The Reader, speaking in support of the film. Moderating the panel and audience discussion will be Cameron Logsdon, a local slam poet and standup comedian.

 

Event Details
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Aksarben Cinema, 2110 South 67th Street
5 p.m. Cocktail and appetizer reception
6 p.m. Screening of “The Shining”
8:30 p.m. Panel discussion

 

Tickets
Available through the Aksarben Cinema Box Office
(402) 932-9858 or www.aksarbencinema.com
$20 for 1877 Society members
$30 for the general public
Includes appetizers, cocktails, small popcorn, and movie ticket

 

For More Information
(402) 444-4589 or 1877society@omahalibrary.org

 

 

Reading is the Ultimate Perk

March 28, 2015   |   No Comments

The email grabbed my attention like no coupon ever could.


“You’re eligible for a Klout Perk!” the subject line exclaimed in bold type. I immediately abandoned anything work-related. A quick, breathless scan, and I discovered my perk this time around was a book — I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. (Klout, you know me too well!)


Crunching my recent social media posts led Klout computers to the correct assumption that I am a reader. Last March I became development director of the Omaha Public Library Foundation and, admittedly, have populated my Facebook and Twitter accounts with updates about my work at the library.


(What can I say? When I’m excited about something, I talk about it. A LOT.)


My days are focused on securing private dollars for the Omaha Public Library system: its twelve branches, patrons, programs, services, and staff. For years I was an Omaha Public Library patron; today, I am one of her biggest champions. Last year our tiny, two-woman staff raised more than $1 million for the library and started a young professionals group of library supporters called the 1877 Society.


All of this activity and online chatter must have told Klout I love the library (and possibly that I could use some other topics to tweet about). Knowing very little about the thriller genre and even less about the author, I accepted Klout’s free gift and eagerly awaited the arrival of my new read.


The book landed with a thud on our front porch. I tore open the thick cardboard envelope and dropped the book near my sewing machine and knitting needles. And there, among so many other colorful pastimes, it sat. Until a few weeks later, when I grew temporarily tired of the comfy, cozy fiction by Debbie Macomber and cracked open I Am Pilgrim.


For the past several months, Pilgrim and I have become quite close. It’s a book not to take lightly, literally. The hardcover edition boasts more than 600 pages.


>> Continue reading my latest Dogeared column, “Reading is the Ultimate Perk,” at COOP, an online lifestyle publication produced by Birdhouse Interior Design.