National Endowment of the Arts - The Big Read

Oak Park Public Library

Contact Info

834 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL 60301

Tel: 708/383-8200
Fax: 708/697-6917
http://www.oppl.org/

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The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe

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Events

Feeding Poe's Muse: The Secret Obsessions of Edgar Allan Poe"

Michael Largo, author of "Genius & Heroin: The Illustrated Catalogue of Creativity, Osession and Reckless Abandon through the Ages," will open The Big Read with this illustrated lecture about "The Secret Obsessions of Edgar Allan Poe." Free and open to the public. 7 p.m. Oak Park Public Library.

Event Location: 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Tween/Teen Poe Party, River Forest Public Library

Games, stories, snacks and more for gardes 6 and up. Call (708) 366-5205, Ext. 316, to sign up for this special Tween/Teen Poe Party at River Forest Public Library.

Event Location: 735 Lathrop, River Forest, IL 60305

Date: Fri, Oct 2, 2009
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Reception for "Nevermore 2009" Artists

Celebrate with the 21 local artists who have created special art work inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. See a raven munching on a "quote," a photo of "The Masque of the Red Death," froghtening images of Poe himself, Poe as a puppet and much more.

Event Location: 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Date: Sat, Oct 3, 2009
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Film Screening: "Tales of Terror"

See some of Edgar Allan Poe's work adapted for the screen in some of the most unusual incarnations ever. Bring your own popcorn.

Event Location: Maze Branch Library, 845 Gunderson, Oak Park, IL 60304

Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2009
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Short Story Discussion: "The Fall of the House of Usher."

Join the staff of the Forest Park Public Library for a discussion of Poe's short story, "The Fall of the House of Usher."

Event Location: 7555 W. Jackson, Forest Park, IL 60130

Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Janice De Negro Dramatic Reading of "The Tell-Tale Heart"

Nationally known storyteller Janice Del Negro will present a dramatic reading of Poe's classic, "The Tell-Tale Heart" in the perfect setting -- Dominican University's anatomy lab. Following the performance, Dr. Louis Scannicchio, Dominican's clinical professor of biology, will discuss how the use of cadavers is enhancing the universeity's anatomy program. Janice Del Negro is an assistant professor in Dominican University's Graduate School of Library and Information Science. She has been a featured storyteller at storytelling festivals throughout the country.

Event Location: 7900 Division, River Forest, IL 60305

Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Fireside Chat: "The Black Cat"

Join Sarah Yu at the River Forest Public Library for a Fireside Chat about Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat." Pick up a copy of the short story from the Reference Desk starting Sept. 7.

Event Location: 735 Lathrop, River Forest, IL 60305

Date: Thu, Oct 8, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

CSI River Forest for Teens

Did you know Edgar Allan Poe was the father of modern mysteries? Teens are invited to come learn forensics and crime solving techniques to see how modern detectives solve real mysteries. Space is limited; call (708) 366-5205, Ext. 316, to sign up at River Forest Public Library.

Event Location: 735 Lathrop, River Forest, IL 60305

Date: Fri, Oct 9, 2009
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Film Screening: "The Raven"

See this 1935 film version of "The Raven" which stars Bela Pugosi as an obsessed plastic surgeon assisted by criminal Boris Karloff. Film screening begins at 2 p.m.; film historian Doug Deucher leads a discussion following the film.

Event Location: 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Date: Mon, Oct 12, 2009
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Book Discussion: Poe + Poetry

Join the regular afternoon book group at River Forest Public Library to discuss selected poetry and stories from Edgar Allan Poe. Readings will be available at the Circulation Desk after Sept. 9.

Event Location: 735 Lathrop, River Forest, IL 60305

Date: Wed, Oct 14, 2009
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Film Screening "The Pit and the Pendulum"

Enjoy this film screening of "The Pit and the Pendulum" at the Forest Park Public Library.

Event Location: 7555 Jackson, Forest Park, IL 60130

Date: Thu, Oct 15, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Book Discussion: "The Man Who Was Poe" by Avi

Students in grades 4 through 6 are invited to join in the discussion of this Edgar Allan Poe companion book for younger readers. Call (708) 366-5205, Ext. 312, to sign up.

Event Location: 735 Lathrop, River Forest, IL 60305

Date: Fri, Oct 16, 2009
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Young Adult Coffeehouse

This monthly event takes on a spooky theme. Perform Poe-inspired stories, poems, songs and more. Costumes welcome. MC will be Marcellis Wyatt.

Event Location: 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Date: Fri, Oct 16, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Poe After Dark, River Forest Public Library

Hear local authors and performers including Paulette Cary, Michael Meyer, Charlie Rossiter and Michele Weldon perform Poe short stories and poems around the fireplace. Space is limited; registration is encouraged. Call (708) 366-5202, Ext. 316, to sign up.

Event Location: 735 Lathrop, River Forest, IL 60305

Date: Fri, Oct 16, 2009
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

"Strangers Among Us"- Tour at Forest Home Cemetery

Druids, Gypsies, Chicago cigar rollers and a labor troubadour are just a few of these "strangers" you'll meet through costumed interpreters during this two-hour walking tour at Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park. Admission is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Tours begin at 1 p.m. Last tour departs at 2 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 25. This is the 18th Annual "Tale of the Tombstones" cemetery walk presented by the Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest.

Event Location: 863 DesPlaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130

Date: Sun, Oct 18, 2009
Time: 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Film Screening: The Fall of the House of Usher

In the 1960 film, Vincent Price is a man set on stopping his family's heritage of insanity. Film screeneing begins at 2 p.m. Discussion by film historian Doug Deuchler follows after the film.

Event Location: 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Date: Mon, Oct 19, 2009
Time: 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Film Screening: "War Gods of the Deep"

Another unusual adaptation of Poe. Jacques Tourneur directed this 1965 film. Bring your own popcorn.

Event Location: Maze Branch Library, 845 Gunderson, Oak Park, IL 60304

Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Poe on the Road

Celebrate the man who made mystery, terror and horror in fiction what it is today! Owner August Aleksy leads a discussion with mystery authors Robert Goldsborough ("A President in Peril"), Luisa Buehler ("the Innkeeper"), Michael Black ("Hostile Takeover") and Mary Welk ("Rune Stone Murders.") Costumes are encouraged! You may even get a taste of Amontillado from Forest Park's House Red.

Event Location: Centuries & Sleuths Book Store, 7419 W. Madison, Forest Park, IL 60304

Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Youth Services Theatre presents "The Tell-Tale Heart."

See young readers present one of Poe's scariest tales.

Event Location: Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson, Forest Park, IL 60304

Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

"Poe in Person" presented by David Keltz

Baltimore actor David Keltz presents "Poe in Person" in Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2009.

Event Location: Unity Temple, 875 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2009
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Children's Poe-try Slam

Bring a favorite poem to recite or read in this celebration of poetry and Edgar Allan Poe. Scary poems are great, but all types arewelcome. Prizes awarded for the best performances. Refreshments provided. Best for children 5 to 11 years old.

Event Location: 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Date: Fri, Oct 23, 2009
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe in His Time presented by Dr. Daniel Anderson

Many readers think of Poe as bizarre, otherworldly, even freakish. However, while Poe was certainly unique, he was also very much a man of his time. Dr. Anderson will examine some of the overlooked aspects of Poe: his politics, his interest in creating and defining distinctly American literature, and his Southern sensibilities. He will look at some of Poe's widely read works, such as "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Gold Bug," along with some lesser-known stories and published letters.

Event Location: Donimican University, 7900 Division, Parmer Hall 108, River Forest, IL 60305

Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Oak Park Police Chief Rick Tanksley leads discussion of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue"

Oak Park Police Chief Rick Tanksley will lead a discussion of "The Murderes in the Rue Morgue. An experienced police officer, Chief Tanksley will then compare the detective work seen in the Poe short story and contrast that to real-life detective work today.

Event Location: Oak Park Village Hall, Madison & Lombard, Room 101, Oak Park, IL 60304

Date: Tue, Oct 27, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Oak Park Police Chief Rick Tanksley leads discussion of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue"

Oak Park Police Chief Rick Tanksley will lead a discussion of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue." An experienced police officer, Chief Tanksley will then compare the detective work seen in the Poe short story and contrast that to real-life detective work today.

Event Location: Oak Park Village Hall, Madison & Lombard, Room 101, Oak Park, IL 60304

Date: Tue, Oct 27, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Film Screening: "Spirits of the Dead"

One more unusual Poe adaptation -- Roger Vadim, Louis Malle and Federico Fellini collaborated on this 1969 film. Bring your own popcorn.

Event Location: Maze Branch Library, 845 Gunderson, Oak Park, IL 60304

Date: Wed, Oct 28, 2009
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Alfred Hitchcock- Master of Suspence

Did you know that Alred Hitchcock was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe? Learn about the career of this famed director from Film Historian and Author Raymond Benson.

Event Location: River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop, River Forest, IL 60305

Date: Wed, Oct 28, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Monster Mash Preschool Dance Party

Dress up in a scary, super or silly costume to get down on the dance floor in this high-energy program for kids 2 to 5 years old and their caregivers.

Event Location: 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Date: Fri, Oct 30, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Poe-inspired Spirits: Spanish Wine and Sherry Tasting

Sip a taste of Amontillado and listen to the jazz piano music by Boise Queen. Listen to music for free; $10 for tastings.

Event Location: House Red, 7403 W. Madison, Forest Park, IL 60130

Date: Fri, Oct 30, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

Short Story Discussion, "The Pit and the Pendulum"

Discuss "The Pit and the Pendulum" among the gravestones with Susan Ruffolo of the Oak Park Public Library. Bring flashlight and lawn chair. Meet at the front gate. In case of rain, we can move inside the chapel. Copies available from the ATS desk on the second floor of the Oak Park Public Library.

Event Location: Forest Home Cemetery, 863 DesPlaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130

Date: Sat, Oct 31, 2009
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Book: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe



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