"The Book Thief" Community Read Events

Boston-area speaker and child Holocaust survivor Janet Singer Applefield headlines the series of programs and discussions inspired by 2014 Arlington Reads Together selection The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Each year, representatives from Arlington's libraries and community leaders select a book with a strong message that will touch a variety of community members. Anyone can participate and copies of The Book Thief can be borrowed or reserved through the library. A number of e-books have also been licensed for Arlington patrons only, so check the digital library if that's your preference (remember to sign in for access). Contact anicolay@minlib.net with questions, and mark your calendars for events and discussions. No registration necessary, and all are free (as usual). Here's the rundown:

Special Events:

Vision 2020 Diversity Task Group Conversation
Monday, March 10, 7 p.m., Robbins Library Community Room 
Discuss themes of diversity and community, inspired by the Community Read.

Arlington Reads Together Main Event: An Afternoon with Child Holocaust Survivor JANET SINGER APPLEFIELD
Saturday, March 15, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Robbins Library Community Room 
Co-sponsored by the Friends of Robbins Library and the Robbins Library Board of Trustees, reception to follow.

The Diary of Herman Kruk: A Librarian in the Vilna Ghetto, presented by Geoffrey Brahmer, M.Div.
Monday, March 24, 7 p.m., Robbins Library Community Room
Librarian and socialist Herman Kruk kept his diary from the beginning of World War II to the day before he was murdered in Lagedi, Estonia on September 18, 1944. Scholar Geoffrey Brahmer will discuss this fascinating book-lover and his legacy.

True Story Theater performance: “What sustains us in very difficult times?”
Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m., Robbins Library Community Room
The characters in “The Book Thief” find solace and strength in literature and art.  The talented improvisational actors of True Story Theater will explore and expand upon these themes in a one-of-a-kind show.

"The Book Thief" Discussions:

Guys Book Group
Wednesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m., Fox Branch Library
Moderated by Library Director Ryan Livergood.

Teens Only Book Discussion
Wednesday, March 19, 3 p.m., Robbins Library Teen Space
Moderated by Teen Librarian Aimee Villet

Staff Picks Book Group
Wednesday, March 19, 7 p.m., Fox Library
Moderated by library Assistant Director Andrea Nicolay.

Brown Bag Lunch Discussion 
Friday, March 21, 12-1 p.m., Robbins Library Conference Room
Attendees are encouraged to bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy during this discussion, which will be moderated by library Assistant Director Andrea Nicolay.