Deschutes Public Library presents the 14th annual celebration of A Novel Idea…Read Together, the largest community read program in Oregon. A Novel Idea brings together thousands of Deschutes County residents to read, discuss and attend a variety of free cultural and author events at the Library’s six branches and at partnering businesses. With this year’s selection of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, the Library anticipates the highly successful program’s continued growth.
“The free programs are designed to enhance the readers’ experience by providing a common forum in which they can discuss ideas, discover culture, create art and explore similarities and differences in a safe and neutral environment,” says Liz Goodrich, lead project coordinator for “A Novel Idea.”
The New York Times bestselling novel Homegoing begins with the story of two half-sisters, separated by forces beyond their control: one sold into slavery, the other married to a British slaver. Homegoing traces the generations of family who follow, as their destinies lead them through two continents and three hundred years of history, each life indelibly drawn, as the legacy of slavery is fully revealed in light of the present day.
Screen Birth of a Movement
Based on Dick Lehr’s book The Birth of a Movement: How ‘Birth of a Nation’ Ignited the Battle for Civil Rights, the documentary tells the story of William M. Trotter, Boston-based African American newspaper editor and activist. In 1915 Trotter waged a crusade against D.W. Griffith’s technically groundbreaking but notoriously Ku Klux Klan-friendly The Birth of a Nation, igniting a battle still raging today about race relations, media representation, and the power and influence of Hollywood. Sponsored by COCC
Multicultural Activities.
Wednesday, May 3, 4pm | Willie Hall, COCC, Bend
Screen Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North
The documentary follows the descendants of their slaveholding family as they retrace the steps of the Triangle Slave Trade. Long-time Central Oregon resident Tom DeWolf is featured in the film and facilitates the post-screening discussion.
Saturday, May 6, 2pm | Sisters Library
Community Art Display: Homegoing Inspired Art Exhibit
April 12-July 11 | Downtown Bend Library
Main Event: Author Yaa Gyasi*
Deschutes Public Library welcomes Yaa Gyasi, author of Homegoing, to Central Oregon for the final event of A Novel Idea …Read Together. Sunday, May 7, 4pm | Bend High Auditorium
* Tickets required; free tickets available at www.dplfoundation.org and at all Deschutes Public Libraries.