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Participate with us in
NEA Big Read: Wichita

The Derby Public Library is pleased to partner with Wichita Public Library for NEA Big Read: Wichita. The title for this year's Big Read is Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast

Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant is Roz Chast's first memoir and brings her signature wit to the topic of aging parents. Spanning the last several years of their lives and told through four-color cartoons, family photos, and documents, and a narrative as rife with laughs as it is with tears, Chast's memoir is both comfort and comic relief for anyone experiencing the life-altering loss of elderly parents.

Pick up a free copy of the book at Derby Public Library beginning March 11. Read the book and make plans to attend one of the many Big Read scheduled events here in Derby, or explore the Big Read Wichita website to find events throughout the area.

The Big Read will run from March 11 - April 30

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Big Read Events for Adults

Caring for Caregivers: It's Not a Burden

Saturday, March 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Community Room

As a part of this year's Big Read, join us for a free screening of the 2021 documentary, It's Not a Burden: The Humor and Heartache of Raising Elderly Parents with a brief discussion to follow. Attendants will also be provided with self-care techniques and ways to combat compassion fatigue and burnout as a caregiver. Feel free to bring pillows or blankets for extra comfort during the film. Refreshments will be provided.

Murder Mystery Night: The Shadow at Shady Oaks

Friday, April 14 at 7PM in the Community Room - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Shady Oaks Assisted Living is a comforting and holistic residency for a colorful cast of senior citizens, but when a string of nurses are found dead, all of whom claimed to have seen a shadow haunting the halls, the residents are left alone and must uncover what happened before the killer strikes again. Will you check in to Shady Oaks and solve the crime before time runs out? Dinner and prizes provided.

Registration opens on Monday, March 20 at 9 a.m.

Call the library at (316) 788-0760 or click the link below to register!

Guest Speaker Presentation

These presentations are made possible by the generous grant provided by Humanities Kansas

A Creative Guide to Writing Your Family's Stories by Kim Stanley

Saturday, April 15 at 3 p.m. in Community Room

We all love discovering a fantastic tale of our family’s past—whether it be the distant relative who journeyed on the Mayflower or the grandmother who riveted airplanes at a World War II factory. But how do we share these stories in engaging ways? This workshop provides the tools to enrich genealogical research with story and memory so that readers will feel what it was like to be in that moment. Exercises include developing characters, describing places and events of importance, and finding the heart of a story with the goal of creating an irresistible read.

The Library Lounge Classics Film Series

Roman Holiday on Tuesday, April 18 at 6 PM in Community Room

Join us for a free screening of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday. We'll have crafts, refreshments, and a grand prize drawing. Feel free to bring pillow and blankets for extra comfort as well as any personal craft projects or to-do list items to work on during the movie.

 

Rear Window on Tuesday, April 25 at 6 PM in Community Room

Join us for a free screening of James Stewart and Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. We'll have crafts, refreshments, and a grand prize drawing. Feel free to bring pillow and blankets for extra comfort as well as any personal craft projects or to-do list items to work on during the movie.

Big Read Events for Kids

Family Night: Inside Neighbors

Monday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. in Early Literacy Area

Ages 3 - 7 are invited to join Miss Grace in the Early Literacy Area for stories, songs, and crafts all about family.

Preschool Storytime: Home and Family

Tuesday, April 4 at 10AM and Wednesday, April 5 at 10AM in the Early Literacy Area

Join us for this preschool storytime presented by storytime librarian Hannah Adamson. Miss Hannah will read books in about home, family, and grandparents, play games, dance, sing, and incorporate interactive apps all to teach and engage little ones!

Teen Tuesday: Old Folks

Tuesday, April 4 at 4PM in the Community Room

6th-12th Graders are invited to join us for this afterschool program to celebrate the old folks with pudding and applesauce, a DIY hankerchief craft, a crossword puzzle, and games of Bingo!

Tween Zone:

The Mysterious Library Society and the Big Read

Wednesday, April 5 at 4PM in the Frank Fanning Room

3rd-5th Graders are invited to this Big Read-themed Tween Zone program complete with brain teasers, puzzles, decoders, crafts, games, and snacks all inspired by graphic novels!

Adventures @ the Library:

Families of Madagascar

Thursday, April 6 at 4PM in the Frank Fanning Room

K-2nd Graders are invited to explore and celebrate the animal families of Madagascar! Snacks, games, and crafts included.

 

 

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