938 Lafayette St.
New Orleans, LA 70113-1024
Tel: 504/523-4352
Fax: 504/529-2358
http://www.leh.org
St. Tammany Parish Library will launch its Big Read celebration of THE THINGS THEY CARRIED by Tim O’Brien with an Opening Celebration at Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Blvd., on Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Big Read in St. Tammany Parish Library is presented in partnership with Barnes and Noble, Friends of the Slidell Library, West St. Tammany Friends of the Library, and local high schools. The Kick-Off event will feature an Opening Celebration at Slidell Branch Library, which will include the following event activities: • Welcome and opening remarks by library director, Donald Westmoreland • Keynote address by Lane Carson, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs • Videos of Vietnam veteran’s oral histories filmed and compiled by Neil Guilbeau, Assistant Archivist, NSU “O’Brien’s stories were published in 1990 but are anything but irrelevant to us today, and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities is honored to be a part of this Big Read with St. Tammany Parish Library”, said James Segreto, Director of the state wide activities for the LEH. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The Big Read is managed by Arts Midwest. St. Tammany Parish Library is one of 78 communities nationwide participating in The Big Read from September 2012 to June 2013. From September 6, through October 2, 2012, our community will celebrate THE THINGS THEY CARRIED with a full calendar of events for adults and teens including the following: 1. Book discussions of The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, led by Dr. Susan Blalock Dr. Blalock, an emeritus professor who has taught literature at St. Joseph Seminary College, the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, and Virginia Tech, will conduct a series of lively book discussion meetings, inviting participation from group members. Two activities will be held at the Slidell and Causeway branch libraries. Each location’s activities will address different aspects of the novel, with a concluding session for final comments in each location. Slidell and Causeway Branch Library seating is limited to 25 adults. See schedule below: Slidell Branch Meeting Room 555 Robert Blvd. Slidell 985-646-6470 Wed. Sept 12 Wed. Sept 19 Wed. Sept 26 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Causeway Branch Meeting Room 3457 Hwy 190 Mandeville 985-626-9779 Tues. Sept 18 Tues. Sept 25 Tues. Oct 2 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. 2. “Military Leadership and the Vietnam War” lecture with Professor Harry Laver Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Blvd. 985-646-6470 Friday, September 14, 2012 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. 3. Film Series – Three war films featuring World War II, Vietnam, and Iraq (Consult the library below for more information about the films.) Causeway Branch Library, 3457 Hwy 190, Mandeville 985-626-9779 Monday, September 10, 17, and 24 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. 4. Six programs for teens at various libraries related to The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Monday, September 10 at 6 pm • iCook – Vietnamese Spring Rolls SLIDELL You will learn how to make delish snacks in this teen cuisine cooking club. Tonight we will discuss the culture of Vietnam and make Spring Rolls. YUM! • Manga Meet-up – Vietnamese Manga – MANDEVILLE Tonight’s discussion will be on Manga and Graphic Novels in Vietnam, including the Vietnam War-based Manga Apocalypse Meow by Motofumi Kobayashi Thursday, September 13 at 6 pm • iCook Vietnamese Spring Rolls - COVINGTON You will learn how to make delish snacks in this teen cuisine cooking club. Tonight we will discuss the culture of Vietnam and make Spring Rolls. YUM! Saturday, September 15 at 2 pm • Movie Matinee – Forrest Gump (PG 13) – SLIDELL Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is a kind simpleton who unwittingly finds himself in the middle of major milestones in American history. His involvement in Watergate and Vietnam and friendships with John Lennon and President Johnson are chronicled in a one-of-a-kind film that combines humor, heart-stopping emotion, and clever effects. Monday, September 17 at 6 pm • Pizza and Pages Teen Book Club – SLIDELL Come ready to discuss the chosen title over pizza. Tonight’s title: Everybody Sees the Ants by A. S. King Lucky Linderman didn't ask for his life. He didn't ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn't ask for a father who never got over it. He didn't ask for a mother who keeps pretending their dysfunctional family is fine. And he didn't ask to be the target of Nader McMillan's relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far. But Lucky has a secret--one that helps him wade through the daily mundane torture of his life. In his dreams, Lucky escapes to the war-ridden jungles of Laos--the prison his grandfather couldn't escape--where Lucky can be a real man, an adventurer, and a hero. It's dangerous and wild, and it's a place where his life just might be worth living. But how long can Lucky keep hiding in his dreams before reality forces its way inside? Michael L. Printz Honor recipient A.S. King's smart, funny and boldly original writing shines in this powerful novel about learning to cope with the shrapnel life throws at you and taking a stand against it. Thursday, September 20 at 6 pm • iCraft, Vietnamese paper lanterns – COVINGTON Tonight’s Do-It-Yourself craft will have you making beautiful paper lanterns while learning the history behind them for the Annual Moon Festival that takes place every fall. Saturday, September 22 at 2 pm • Movie Matinee – Forrest Gump (PG13) –COVINGTON Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is a kind simpleton who unwittingly finds himself in the middle of major milestones in American history. His involvement in Watergate and Vietnam and friendships with John Lennon and President Johnson are chronicled in a one-of-a-kind film that combines humor, heart-stopping emotion, and clever effects. Monday, September 24 at 6 pm • iCook – Vietnamese Spring Rolls MANDEVILLE You will learn how to make delish snacks in this teen cuisine cooking club. Tonight we will discuss the culture of Vietnam and make Spring Rolls. YUM! • Writing Pics and Drawing Words - SLIDELL This new teen event where teens hone in on their writing and drawing skills will focus on the Vietnam War. Thursday, September 27 at 6 pm • Pizza and Pages Teen Book Club – COVINGTON Come ready to discuss a book of your choosing on the chosen theme over pizza. Tonight’s theme: Vietnam 5. Two high school programs featuring The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, led by secondary school teachers 6. Book Fair to benefit the library at Barnes and Noble Visit our website www.sttammanylibrary.org for more information on library sponsored adult programs or comment on St. Tammany Parish Library Adult Programs on Facebook at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/StTammanyParishLibraryAdultPrograms.
Event Location: Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458
Neil Guilbeau, Assistant Archivist, Nicholls State University has conducted oral histories of U.S. veterans' describing their experiences in the military and their lives in southeast Louisiana for the Archives and Special Collections of Nicholls State University. Aside from the collection’s value as a historical source, the intention for this project is to honor those who answered the call to defend our nation and its interests.
Event Location: Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458
St. Tammany Parish Library continues its Big Read celebration of The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien with a series of three award-winning war films on three consecutive Monday nights in September at Slidell Branch Library. The Big Read in St. Tammany Parish Library is presented in partnership with Barnes & Noble, Friends of the Slidell Library and West St. Tammany Friends of the Library. The film series will feature three different wars. Since copyright laws do not permit the movie title and studio name to be advertised through public media, call or visit the Slidell Branch Library to discover the film titles. World War II film Made in 1957 - Winner of 27 International Awards plus 7 Academy Awards® Monday, September 10 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Vietnam War film Made in 1987- Academy Award® Nomination for Best Actor—Robin Williams Monday, September 17 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Iraq War film Made in 2008 - Winner of six Academy Awards® Monday September 24 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. The films will be shown at Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Blvd. at the times and dates listed above. Call 985-646-6470 to register. The films are free and open to the public, and limited to 50 adults. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in cooperation with Arts Midwest. St. Tammany Parish Library is one of 76 communities nationwide participating in The Big Read The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has been selected to receive a $15,000.00 grant from Arts Midwest through The National Endowment for the Arts, enabling it to facilitate participation in The Big Read (http://neabigread.org/). St. Tammany Parish is one of three Louisiana library systems which are participating. For more information on this event, please contact adult program librarians, Mimi Nothacker, at 985-893-6280 X120. You also can view a full calendar of events for The Big Read in St. Tammany Parish Library at http://www.sttammanylibrary.org. Visit our website www.sttammanylibrary.org for more information on library sponsored adult programs or comment on St. Tammany Parish Library Adult Programs on Facebook at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/StTammanyParishLibraryAdultPrograms. ###
Event Location: 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458
Tonight’s discussion will be on Manga and Graphic Novels in Vietnam, including the Vietnam War-based Manga Apocalypse Meow by Motofumi Kobayashi
Event Location: 844 Girod St., Mandeville, LA 70448
Dr. Susan Blalock, an emeritus professor who has taught literature at St. Joseph Seminary College, the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, and Virginia Tech, will conduct lively book discussion meetings, inviting participation from group members. Each of the three meetings will discuss a different aspect of the novel, so plan to attend all three meetings, which will occur on consecutive Wednesday evenings. See below for detailed information: 1st Meeting At Slidell Branch on Wednesday, September 12, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Topics will include backgrounds to U.S. involvement in Vietnam, contemporary video clips, photographs and an introduction to the book and its author. “A vital, important book—a book that matters not only to the reader interested in Vietnam, but to anyone interested in the craft of writing as well” –New York Times. 2nd Meeting At Slidell Branch on Wednesday, September 19, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Topics will include Chapter 1 as a poem. Discussion of the first 11 chapters. “Between its rhythmic brilliance and its exquisite rendering of memory. . . this is prose headed for the nerve center of what was Vietnam.” Boston Globe 3rd Meeting (Conclusion) At Causeway Branch on Tuesday, October 2, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Topics will include discussion of the last 11 chapters of the book. “This is writing so powerful that it steals your breath…. It perfectly captures the moral confusion that is the legacy of the Vietnam War…” Milwaukee Journal. At the same time O’Brien moves beyond horror and fear by exploring the nature of courage and the role of the imagination in forming our versions of truth. All events are free and open to the public, and registration is required. Please stop by the Slidell Branch Library, 555 Roobert Blvd. 646-6470, to register and collect the book. Upon registration, participants will be given a free copy of the book The Things They Carried. Seating space is limited to 25 adults.
Event Location: 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458
St. Tammany Parish Library hosts The Big Read Lecture: Military Leadership in Vietnam. Professor Harry Laver will discuss Military Leadership in Vietnam as it relates to The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. Professor Harry Laver is a member of the Department of History and Political Science at Southeastern Louisiana University. He graduated from the University of Kentucky, Lexington with a Ph.D. in History. The lecture will be held at Slidell Branch Library on Friday, September 14, 2012 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and registration is recommended. Seating space is limited to adults. Please stop by the Slidell Branch, 555 Robert Blvd., call 985-646-6470 to register, or register online at the following web address: http://register.stpl.us/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp. Visit our website www.sttammanylibrary.org for more information on library sponsored adult programs or comment on St. Tammany Parish Library on Facebook at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/StTammanyParishLibrary. ###
Event Location: Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458
Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is a kind simpleton who unwittingly finds himself in the middle of major milestones in American history. His involvement in Watergate and Vietnam and friendships with John Lennon and President Johnson are chronicled in a one-of-a-kind film that combines humor, heart-stopping emotion, and clever effects. PG 13)
Event Location: 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458
Come ready to discuss the chosen title over pizza. Tonight’s title: Everybody Sees the Ants by A. S. King Lucky Linderman didn't ask for his life. He didn't ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn't ask for a father who never got over it. He didn't ask for a mother who keeps pretending their dysfunctional family is fine. And he didn't ask to be the target of Nader McMillan's relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far. But Lucky has a secret--one that helps him wade through the daily mundane torture of his life. In his dreams, Lucky escapes to the war-ridden jungles of Laos--the prison his grandfather couldn't escape--where Lucky can be a real man, an adventurer, and a hero. It's dangerous and wild, and it's a place where his life just might be worth living. But how long can Lucky keep hiding in his dreams before reality forces its way inside? Michael L. Printz Honor recipient A.S. King's smart, funny and boldly original writing shines in this powerful novel about learning to cope with the shrapnel life throws at you and taking a stand against it.
Event Location: 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458
Dr. Susan Blalock, an emeritus professor who has taught literature at St. Joseph Seminary College, the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, and Virginia Tech, will conduct lively book discussion meetings, inviting participation from group members. Each of the three meetings will discuss a different aspect of the novel, so plan to attend all three meetings, which will occur on consecutive Tuesday evenings. 1st Meeting At Causeway Branch on Tuesday, September 18, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Topics will include backgrounds to U.S. involvement in Vietnam, contemporary video clips, photographs and an introduction to the book and its author. “A vital, important book—a book that matters not only to the reader interested in Vietnam, but to anyone interested in the craft of writing as well” –New York Times. 2nd Meeting At Causeway Branch on Tuesday, September 25, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Topics will include Chapter 1 as a poem. Discussion of the first 11 chapters. “Between its rhythmic brilliance and its exquisite rendering of memory. . . this is prose headed for the nerve center of what was Vietnam.” Boston Globe 3rd Meeting (Conclusion) At Causeway Branch on Tuesday, October 2, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Topics will include discussion of the last 11 chapters of the book. “This is writing so powerful that it steals your breath…. It perfectly captures the moral confusion that is the legacy of the Vietnam War…” Milwaukee Journal. At the same time O’Brien moves beyond horror and fear by exploring the nature of courage and the role of the imagination in forming our versions of truth. Book discussions will be held at the Causeway Branch Meeting Room, 3457 Hwy 190, Mandeville. All events are free and open to the public, and registration is required. Please stop by the branch library hosting the event to register and collect the book. Upon registration, participants will be given a free copy of the book The Things They Carried. Seating space is limited to 25 adults. For more information on this event, please contact Mimi Nothacker at mimi@stpl.us or 985-893-6280 X120. Visit our website www.sttammanylibrary.org for more information on library sponsored adult programs or comment on St. Tammany Parish Library Adult Programs on Facebook at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/StTammanyParishLibraryAdultPrograms.
Event Location: 3457 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, LA 70471
iCraft, Vietnamese paper lanterns – COVINGTON Tonight’s Do-It-Yourself craft will have you making beautiful paper lanterns while learning the history behind them for the Annual Moon Festival that takes place every fall.
Event Location: 310 West 21st Ave., Covington, LA, LA 70433
Rapides Parish Library will kick-off their 4th Big Read event on Saturday, September 22, 2012. This year's book selection is Tim o'Brien's novel "The Things They Carried" about the Viet Nam War and those who fought it. There will be food and music from the 60's. There will be a Veteran's Ride to the event. Local non-profits will be on hand to offer information about services available to veterans and their families.
Event Location: Renegade Harley Davidson, 2030 North Mall Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303
Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is a kind simpleton who unwittingly finds himself in the middle of major milestones in American history. His involvement in Watergate and Vietnam and friendships with John Lennon and President Johnson are chronicled in a one-of-a-kind film that combines humor, heart-stopping emotion, and clever effects. PG 13)
Event Location: 310 West 21st Ave., Covington, LA 70433
You will learn how to make delish snacks in this teen cuisine cooking club. Tonight we will discuss the culture of Vietnam and make Spring Rolls. YUM!
Event Location: 844 Girod St., Mandeville, La
This new teen event where teens hone in on their writing and drawing skills will focus on the Vietnam War.
Event Location: 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 770433
Come ready to discuss the chosen title over pizza. Tonight’s title: Everybody Sees the Ants by A. S. King Lucky Linderman didn't ask for his life. He didn't ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn't ask for a father who never got over it. He didn't ask for a mother who keeps pretending their dysfunctional family is fine. And he didn't ask to be the target of Nader McMillan's relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far. But Lucky has a secret--one that helps him wade through the daily mundane torture of his life. In his dreams, Lucky escapes to the war-ridden jungles of Laos--the prison his grandfather couldn't escape--where Lucky can be a real man, an adventurer, and a hero. It's dangerous and wild, and it's a place where his life just might be worth living. But how long can Lucky keep hiding in his dreams before reality forces its way inside? Michael L. Printz Honor recipient A.S. King's smart, funny and boldly original writing shines in this powerful novel about learning to cope with the shrapnel life throws at you and taking a stand against it.
Event Location: 310 West 21st Ave., Covington, LA 70433
Caddo Parish will launch its Big Read campaign of THE THINGS THEY CARRIED by Tim O’Brien with an Opening Celebration at Shreve Memorial Library Broadmoor Branch Resource Center, 1212 Captain Shreve Dr. on Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 p.m. Liz Swaine, director of Shreveport's Downtown Development Authority, and a former media personality and associate with the Mayor's Office, will usher in the festivities. Our guest scholars and presenters for the O'Brien's book and for the discussion series, "War and Rumors of War" (Kathleen Smith, Dr. Laura McLemore, Dr. John Vassar and Rev. Barbara Jarrell), the high school symposium teams, and our story-telling workshop presenters will offer an overview of the upcoming events and activities to be featured throughout October and November. Representatives from local veterans associations, Friends of the Library, Shreve GED Academy, the BIG READ, local dignitaries, and partner businesses will be recognized in their support of THE BIG READ project. The event is free and open to the public. The celebration will be immediately followed by the first session of the discussion series at the same location.
Event Location: Shreve Memorial Library, Broadmoor Branch Resource Center, 1212 Captain Shreve Dr. , Shreveport, LA 71105
The 1st of a four-part series, "Wars and Rumors of War: Why We Fight" will feature a 12 minute multimedia presentation depicting three themes of war--as a social institution, as a human pathology and as an ecological/evolutionary response by nature in conjunction with a rotating collection of war and war related memorabilia. Following the presentation, Kathleen Smith, English Instructor at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, will lead the participants in a lively discussion of Tim O'Brien's book "The Things They Carried," highlighting those selections of the book which parallel one or more themes offered in the presentation. The event is free and open to the public.
Event Location: Shreve Memorial Library, Broadmoor Branch Resource Center, 1212 Captain Shreve Dr., Shreveport, LA 71105
This workshop series will help teens explore their personal/generational stories through digital media! The project will culminate in a finished product to be shared by other area teens. Facilitated by Anika Parsons and Jacqueline Sudds.
Event Location: Shreve Memorial Library Atkins Branch, 3704 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, LA 71109
The 2nd of a four-part series, "Wars and Rumors of War: Why We Fight" will feature a 12 minute multimedia presentation depicting three themes of war--as a social institution, as a human pathology and as an ecological/evolutionary response by nature in conjunction with a rotating collection of war and war related memorabilia. Following the presentation, Dr.Laura McLemore, Associate Curator and Archivist at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, will lead the participants in a lively discussion of Tim O'Brien's book "The Things They Carried," highlighting those selections of the book which parallel one or more themes offered in the presentation. The event is free and open to the public.
Event Location: Shreve Memorial Library, Cedar Grove-Line Ave. Branch, 8303 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106
The keynote address for this year's Big Read selection "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien will be given by Dr. Ginger Jones. To RSVP or for more information contact Tammy DiBartolo at (318)442-2483x1906.
Event Location: Rapides - Westside Regional , 5416 Provine , Alexandria, LA 71303
The goal of the workshop is to demonstrate how to tell stories using time-honored storytelling techniques! After a demonstration and related activities, each family will select a book and will develop and PRESENT their stories to the other families. The purpose is to encourage family reading, storytelling and family time. Facilitated by Shirley Kelley.
Event Location: Shreve Memorial Library Mooretown Branch, 4360 Hollywood, Shreveport, LA 71109
This workshop series will help teens explore their personal/generational stories through digital media! The project will culminate in a finished product to be shared by other area teens. Facilitated by Anika Parsons and Jacqueline Sudds.
Event Location: Shreve Memorial Library Atkins Branch, 3704 Greenwood Road , Shreveport, LA 71109
Please join us for a Big Read book discussion led by Dr. Kevin Ells from LSUA. For more information or to reserve a seat, please contact Tammy DiBartolo at (318) 442-2483 x1906 or email at youthservices@rpl.org.
Event Location: Westside Regional Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria, LA 71303
The 3rd of a four-part series, "Wars and Rumors of War: Why We Fight" will feature a 12 minute multimedia presentation depicting three themes of war--as a social institution, as a human pathology and as an ecological/evolutionary response by nature in conjunction with a rotating collection of war and war related memorabilia. Following the presentation, Dr. John Vassar, Associate Professor & Chair, Fine Arts and Foreign Languages at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, will lead the participants in a lively discussion of Tim O'Brien's book "The Things They Carried," highlighting those selections of the book which parallel one or more themes offered in the presentation. The event is free and open to the public.
Event Location: Shreve Memorial Library, North Shreveport Branch, 4844 North Market Street, Shreveport, LA 71107
In conjunction with the State Library of Louisiana, a special panel discussion event will be held at the 2012 Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge on October 27. The panel event is "Tim O'Brien's 'The Things They Carried' and Its Place in the Tradition of American War Literature." Dr. Harry Laver of the Department of History and Political Science at Southeastern Louisiana University will moderate with two discussants, Dr. Mary McCay of the Department of English at Loyola University, and Dr. Charles Elliott of the Department of History and Political Science at Southeastern Louisiana University. For information on this panel, contact Jim Davis at the State Library of Louisiana, 225-342-9714/jdavis@slol.lib.la.us.
Event Location: 701 North 4th Street., Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5232
Please join us for a Big Read book discussion led by Dr. Kevin Ells of LSUA. The discussion will be held in the LSUA Multipurpose Academic Center in Room 302. To reserve a seat or for more information, please contact Tammy DiBartolo at (318)442-2483 x1906.
Event Location: Lousiana State University at Alexandria, Middleton Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303
Please join the Rapides Friends of the Library as the celebrate another Big Read selection. This year's book is The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. Music from the Viet Nam war era will be provided by Judy Caplan Ginsburg and David Marler. For more information, please contact Tammy DiBartolo at (318)442-2483 x1906 or email at youthservices@rpl.org.
Event Location: Westside Regional Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria, LA 71303
The final event for the "War and Rumors of War: Why We Fight" series will host a high school symposium comprised of three inter-school teams moderated by Reverend Barbara Jarrell, Pastor of the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Shreveport. Each team member will offer a succinct, cogent 5-7 minute statement supporting one aspect of his/her team’s position. At least one member of the team will include a specific tie-in to Mr. O’Brien’s story collection. After all team members have presented,teams will entertain from the audience. A panel of local educators will select a winning team based upon the evaluation of each team's preparation, content-knowledge, delivery and audience response. The event is free and open to the public.
Event Location: Shreve Memorial Library, Hamilton/South Caddo Branch Resource Center, 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreve , LA 71118
