Frankenstein

Bremen Public Library has been awarded a Community Read grant of $1,000 from Indiana Humanities to participate in a statewide read of the classic novel “Frankenstein.” More than 60 other communities will be reading the book as part of One State / One Story: Frankenstein.

BPL will host at least three community programs tied to the book during 2018, including a book discussion. It will also receive up to 50 books and assorted collateral (bookmarks, posters, etc.) to promote the programs. The $1,000 project funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including to book speakers through a special “Frankenstein” speakers bureau.

Written by teenage Mary Shelley in 1818, “Frankenstein” tells the story of a young scientist who created a grotesque living creature through a scientific experiment and was horrified by what he had made.

“'Frankenstein’ is a powerful book that raises big questions about right and wrong, how we treat other people and the relationship between science and society,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “That’s what makes it such an important book to read as a community and as a state. We want to catalyze those serious conversations, but we want Hoosiers to have a little fun with the book, too.”

One State / One Story: Frankenstein is an initiative designed by Indiana Humanities, in partnership with the Indiana State Library and Indiana Center for the Book, to encourage Hoosiers to read the classic novel as it turns 200 in 2018. More than a dozen programs – including a digital gaming workshop, a sci-fi and horror writing festival for teens, community reads and read-a-thons, and college and university partnerships – will bring Frankenstein to life all over the state. One State / One Story: Frankenstein has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

I'm thrilled to take part in One State / One Story as it provides an additional venue by which to connect with patrons and potential patrons alike. In a time when some debate the need for our institutions, we must continue to evolve and show relevancy.

The libraries of my youth were the whisper-quiet, shush and not be heard, variety. Today, libraries are vibrant community centers. Yes, we are still books. However, we are books and so much more! From movies to music, computer classes, hangout spaces, and programs. My goodness, the programs are essential.

Through programming personally conducted, I've come across people who had not stepped through our doors once. Not a single time. By offering something of interest, though, they adjusted their calendar and stepped beyond our four walls. In doing so, it enabled us to share the wealth of resources that exist at Bremen Public Library. To show them what they've been missing out on.

That part to me is special. Especially when they return time and again. A program did that! The goal for One State / One Story is for thousands of Hoosiers across the state to have the opportunity to participate in engaging, meaningful discussions. Our mission statement may seem rather simple, yet it's critical:  "We link our community to the world: past, present and future."

It is imperative that libraries continue to be a part of, to serve as a cornerstone of, each and every neighborhood.

Learn more at: www.IndianaHumanities.org/Frankenstein

This event highlight brought to you by Chris Scandling, YA Librarian.