TCCL News & Events

When tragedy strikes, some people collapse while others are strengthened; some communities thrive while others fall apart. Discover what makes the difference as “Novel Talk: Smart Conversations for Serious Readers” examines Geraldine Brooks’ international best-seller “Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague” in November to complement the Tulsa Library Trust’s 2009 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award.

A distinguished panel will confront the different ways people handle tragic events and explore the gifts of tragedy as a part of Tulsa City-County Library’s popular “Novel Talk” series on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at Central Library, Aaronson Auditorium, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue.

Erin Christy, anchor, KJRH Channel 2 News, will moderate as panelists discuss these issues as they are reflected in “Year of Wonders,” a novel in which a 17th-century British village grapples with the horrors of the bubonic plague. Panelists are: Dr. Tom Dafforn, clinical psychologist; the Rev. Todd Freeman, College Hill Presbyterian Church; and Dr. Elizabeth Williams, history professor, OSU-Stillwater.

As a bonus, the program also will feature “Plagues, Pilgrimages and Physicians: Europe, 1300-1700,” an original exhibit of words and images exploring the medical practices and challenges of Europe from 1300-1700.

BookSmart Tulsa, Circle Cinema and Urban Furnishings are co-sponsoring the free program, which is coordinated by Central Library’s Readers’ Library.

After participating in the enlightening “Novel Talk” discussion, make plans to meet Brooks, winner of the 2009 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award, at a free public presentation and book signing at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 5 at Central Library.

Call 596-7977 or visit the library’s Web site at www.tulsalibrary.org for more details about “Novel Talk” or the Helmerich award.

If you live outside the boundaries of convention, are you eccentric or mentally ill? Conversely, when is stability actually a stultifying sameness, an inability to grow? There are no easy answers, and the truth probably lies somewhere in the murky shadowlands where most people live.

Join Central Library’s Readers’ Library for “Novel Talk: Shadowlands of the Mind” at 7 p.m. on July 21 at Central Library, Aaronson Auditorium, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue. A poet, a philosopher, a family therapist and a judge will discuss issues of family relationships and mental illness using Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson’s 1980 novel “Housekeeping.”

Judge William Kellough will moderate as panelists examine this topic and other relevant issues related to the novel. Panelists are Francine Ringold, former Oklahoma poet laureate; Marty Heitz, assistant professor of philosophy, OSU-Tulsa; and Claudia Arthrell, licensed social worker, Family & Children’s Services.

“The Novel Talk format, using fiction as a means to examine an important social issue, is perfectly suited to the important topic of mental illness and how it affects families,” said Cindy Hulsey, manager of Central Library’s Readers’ Library. “This program will appeal to mental health professionals and students, families dealing with these issues, and lovers of quality fiction who would like to hear or participate in a meaty discussion. The Novel Talk motto is ‘smart is good,’ and this program gives adults an opportunity to satisfy their cravings for intellectual stimulation while also offering social contact with others who want the same.”

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Book Smart Tulsa, Garden Deva, LaDonna’s Fancy Foods, Jeff Martin and Urban Furnishings are co-sponsoring the free program.

Attendees do not need to read the novel prior to attending, though it would be helpful if you do. The program also features a drawing for door prizes.

Call 596-7977 or visit the library’s Web site at www.tulsalibrary.org for more details about “Novel Talk.”