2025-2026 Book Club
1984 by George Orwell, September 19
Come join us to discuss or just to listen and learn about George Orwell's 1984, one of the most referenced and influential novels of the 20th century. This exciting book is a fascinating story but also brings up difficult issues such as government power in modern societies, the importance of freedom and privacy to being human, and whether the human mind is strong enough to stand up for truth. Books, e-books, and audiobooks are available in the Book Club Reading List.
Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare, December 5
Come join us to discuss one of Shakespeare's most mysterious plays, its controversies, and what we can learn from it for today. This discussion will be held in the beautiful Special Collections room on the second floor of the library lobby. You can come to listen if you have not read the play. Books of the play, films, e-books, and audiobooks are available in the Book Club Reading List.
Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis: Book Club February 7, 2025
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Frankenstein Book ClubFriday, April 25, 2025 online or in the Special Collections room, library 2nd floor in the lobby
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Till We Have Faces byLewis and many others regard this as his best novel. Lewis brilliantly reimagines the story of Cupid and Psyche. Told from the viewpoint of Psyche's sister, Orual, Till We Have Faces is an examination of envy, betrayal, loss, blame, grief, guilt, and conversion. In this, his final--and most mature and masterful--novel, Lewis reminds us of our own fallibility and the role of a higher power in our lives.
Why is love so confusing? Join us to learn about Shakespeare's fantasy play A Midsummer Night's Dream, a tale of mischievous fairies, quarrelsome lovers, & foolish actors. If you read the book, please bring it along and join the discussion in the library's Special Collections room, on the 2nd floor of the lobby.
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The Last Days of Socrates (Trial & Death of Socrates)
ISBN: 0140449280Come discuss or just listen & learn about four of Plato's most famous dialogues, all dealing with the trial and death of his teacher, Socrates, and how Socrates handled these situations with wisdom and his trademark questioning & irony: 1) "Euthyphro" finds Socrates outside the court-house, questioning some questionable charges, while 2) the "Apology" is his rebuttal of the charges of impiety and a defense of philosophy. 3) In the "Crito," while awaiting execution in prison, Socrates counters the arguments of friends urging him to escape. 4) Finally, in the "Phaedo," he is shown calmly confident in the face of death, skilfully arguing the case for the immortality of the soul.