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.